Murdaugh family has been in deep shit for so long, this book did a great job at teaching us just how deep. Full of privilege, power, and this dynasty was never going to stop. This is a true story of Alex’s downfall, and I loved every second of it. It’s insane how this family didn’t go down sooner. Great book!

Ok, so we have all heard about the Murdaugh Murders and the fall of the family that was a staple in law in South Carolina for generations. Alex Murdaugh is at the center of so much, that I think the media missed pieces of what he did and the horror that he wrought on the town and the county. Granted, the media wants to put out the most sensational parts of a story to get ratings, but they missed SO MUCH! Valerie Bauerlein puts all of the pieces together and makes this read like a fictional murder mystery. How I only wish it was a fictional story given all of the lives that he affected. You should definitely read this one!

The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty impeccably detailed all of the corruption and crime caused by the Murdaugh family. I thought I knew the story of this horrendous family, but this book provided so much more information. I also thought Alex Murdaugh was a singular bad seed, but little did I know, the whole family tree was depraved.

Typically, I prefer fiction because I feel like nonfiction tends to have an enormous amount of unnecessary detail, but Valerie Bauerlein did a wonderful job making all of the “extra” details relevant to this horrific story.

I highly recommend this book. This book was sent to me by NetGalley, and I’m so happy it was. It will be available on August 20, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Group and Valerie Bauerlein for this ARC.

“Devil at His Elbow” explores human nature, morality, and temptation in people with power. From its first page, I was drawn in by the suspense and thought-provoking narrative.

The book’s protagonist Alex Murdaugh is complex and compelling. The author’s ability to take a true crime case and make it read like a thriller while also delving into profound themes is admirable.

The character development is a highlight of this book. Murdaugh's inner turmoil and the relationships he navigates are depicted with an understanding of human psychology and really shows how evil he truly is. This book raises questions about the nature of evil, the struggle for redemption, and the choices that define us.

Overall, “Devil at His Elbow” is a captivating read. I followed this case from the beginning and still learned details that I never knew. For anyone who enjoys true crime this book is a must-read.

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I live in coastal South Carolina, not too far from where these events occurred. The Murdaugh case has been thoroughly covered by my local TV news and social media. I watched the documentaries and the trial. I thought I knew everything about this case. I was wrong. The Devil at his Elbow has so much more information. I didn’t know how soon Alex Murdaugh’s lawyers became involved after the boat crash, how Paul became Pau Pau, how the family looked away from their children’s heavy drinking and I didn’t know that the 911 operator sent the police and EMTs to the wrong location, wasting more than a half hour. It will always be almost impossible to believe that Alex Murdaugh, a man born to such wealth and privilege, could shoot his wife and son in cold blood, shooting them as he looked in their faces. It is easier to believe when you read how generations of Murdaughs flaunted rules, cheated friends and put themselves above the laws that they swore to obey. Alex was the result of this long line of criminal behavior. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Valerie Bauerlein for this ARC.

Wow, now this is true crime done right! I am always wary about starting a true crime book about crimes I already know a good deal about, and I have also never read one based on events in such recent history. I am so glad I took the risk on this book!

The Devil at His Elbow is a meticulous account of the rise and fall of the Murdaugh family, from the corrupt role the family came to play in the town all the way to Alex Murdaugh’s now infamous conviction for the murders of his wife and son.

If you follow true crime and even just the news in general, you are probably familiar with this story, but Bauerlein’s investigative journalism brings us an in-depth, fresh take. What sets this book apart is the personalized nature of her work. We aren’t just given the facts of the case; we are taken along for the ride and given a realistic, almost psychological insight into what it meant to be a Murdaugh. It is easy for me to get bored of details leading up to/following the crimes themselves, but this book was riveting from beginning to end. Even the play-by-play of Alex Murdaugh’s trial had me on the edge of my seat!

For me, the mark of a great true crime book is it feeling unputdownable even when I already know what’s going to happen. The Devil at His Elbow was all that and more. If you’re a true crime junkie like me, this is a must-read, and if you’re considering dabbling in nonfiction and/or true crime, this is the book to pick up!

Pay close attention to the trigger warnings, as nothing is held back in this book, including descriptions of graphic, gory crime scenes and how they came to be.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the gifted ARC!

The Devil at His Elbow is a complete retelling of the Alex Murdaugh case, which has been incredible as it has unfolded recently. A South Carolina law firm dynasty with wealth and privileges galore, not to be trifled with, commanding respect. Alex had a beautiful family, thriving career, and unfortunately, an opioid addiction that he could no longer keep hidden from his family and law firm. Despite winning multiple million-dollar injury cases, Alex was having a financial crisis. The lure of his clients’ money was too great, and so began the fall of the house of Murdaugh. Fact is stranger than fiction in this case as the years and incidents go by. This book is actually the study of a narcissist at the very least, and how power corrupts and ultimate power corrupts ultimately.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In “The Devil at His Elbow,” Valerie Bauerlein masterfully unravels the chilling saga of Alex Murdaugh, a man whose name once commanded respect and fear across South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

This book is a deep dive into the dark heart of a Southern dynasty, exposing the layers of power, privilege, and corruption that led to its downfall.

Bauerlein, a seasoned journalist, brings her investigative prowess to the forefront, painting a vivid picture of the Murdaugh family’s rise and fall. The narrative is gripping, almost cinematic, as it takes readers through the labyrinthine corridors of the Murdaughs’ influence, from their law firm to their sprawling 1,700-acre estate.

What sets this book apart is Bauerlein’s ability to humanize the story. She delves into the psychological and emotional underpinnings of the characters involved. The portrayal of Alex Murdaugh is particularly compelling—he is depicted as a complex figure, a benevolent dictator whose charm and generosity masked a darkly sinister side.

The pacing of the book is impeccable. Bauerlein skillfully balances the detailed historical context with the fast-paced narrative of the investigation and trial. The courtroom scenes are particularly riveting, capturing the tension and drama that held the nation spellbound.

“The Devil at His Elbow” is both a true crime story and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of human morality. Bauerlein’s writing is evocative and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of justice.

Valerie Bauerlein has crafted a compelling and unforgettable account of one of the most shocking crime stories of our time. “The Devil at His Elbow” is a testament to her skill as a journalist and storyteller, offering readers a profound and haunting exploration of a Southern dynasty’s fall from grace.

On June 7, 2021, citizens of the lowcountry of South Carolina woke up to the shocking news that Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, wife and son of prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh (pronounced Alec Murdock), had been murdered on the grounds of the family’s estate. Paul Murdaugh, age 22, had been embroiled in controversy following the death of one of his friends in a drunken boating accident while out on the family’s boat. When the first law enforcement officer pulled up to the dog kennels at Moselle, the Murdaugh home, some of the first words out of Alex’s mouth were about how the deaths may be connected to the boat crash.

Thus began the whole sorry saga of the unraveling of the Murdaugh family, the subject of “The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty,” by Valerie Bauerlein. She details the rise of the family, four powerful generations of attorneys who, over the course of a century, dominated local law enforcement through their elections as solicitors, or local district attorneys, in their coastal judicial circuit. The Murdaugh law firm made millions not through prosecuting criminal cases but through their work on civil cases resulting in large judgments against defendants with deep pockets.

Bauerlein does a thorough job of explaining the incredible sequence of events leading up to the murders: Alex’s addiction to prescription painkillers; the rumored links between the Murdaughs and the mysterious deaths of their housekeeper Gloria Satterfield and Stephen Smith, an openly gay nursing student rumored to have been involved with a Murdaugh; Alex’s theft of millions in settlement money intended for his vulnerable civil clients; the impending death of Alex’s father; and finally, on the day of the murders, an uncomfortable meeting with his firm’s financial controller who had realized at last that significant sums of money were missing from their accounts.

I followed the murder case fairly closely as events unfolded. Even so, I learned much I did not know, even after reading articles and listening to podcasts about the case. Bauerlein spent significant time interviewing attorneys for the prosecution as well as Mark Tinsley, the attorney for the family of the boat crash victim, Mallory Beach. She also The picture she paints of Alex Murdaugh is a chilling one of a desperate sociopath whose one goal is to keep his financial crimes under wraps, even if it means murdering his family to gain sympathy and stave off inquiries.

Bauerlein’s account of this twisted tale is detailed and comprehensive. Readers familiar with the case will still discover new information in its pages. Those who did not follow its ins and outs over time will find “The Devil at the Elbow” a chilling account of a powerful man who was revealed to have a deep dark hole where his soul should have been.

“The Devil at His Elbow” will be published August 20, 2024 and will be available for check out at Moon Lake Library. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, what an insane story. It almost reads like fiction to imagine someone as messed up and heartless like Alec. It’s even wilder to think that is all true. The writing was well-paced and unflinchingly honest

C'mere, Bubba. C'mere. CHILLS!

I only watched the Murdaugh documentary on Netflix about a month ago, but I binged those episodes in one night. The following day, I received a copy of this story, so thank you to my publishing partners and perfect timing! Written by Wall Street Journal award-winning journalist Valerie Bauerliein dissects the Murdaugh family, unearthing deceitful doings that went on generations before Alex Murdaugh stole $10M from his clients and firm. The Murdaughs ruled the town and they got away with so much for too long and it was fascinating to read all that led up to the horrific murders of Alex's wife and son.

The Murdaughs were tied to several tragedies and unresolved deaths in the town, including that of Mallory Beach, Gloria Satterfield and Stephen Smith. It was astonishing to read that the family swept deaths under the table like it was nothing with high ranking officials turning a blind eye too. Between this and stealing money from his clients and firm, it was hard to try to sympathize with Alex Murdaugh at all because he held zero remorse, and used his family name as a constant crutch for getting him and his family out of trouble.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave. This story reads like fiction. It is astonishing that this all happened to one family. I was hooked from the get go and even though I watched the documentary and knew the outcomes, I was still riveted to the page, which included a deeper look and provided additional background into the shady doings of the Murdaugh family with testimonies from the people who worked for them, were friends with their sons, and whose tragedies were taken advantage of by Alex.

Good read. Well paced and held my attention throughout. This story has over saturated coverage but the author found a fresh take on the tale. I would read this author again.

I am a huge fan of true crime, but I don't usually read true crime books. I'm glad I read this one! Although I watched the documentaries and followed the trial, I was still interested in this case and learning more information that wasn't covered or that I missed. This book was so well researched and provided so much insight to the trial and the background of the family that I had not previously learned about. This case truly felt like fiction and it was like watching a train wreck in real time. The downfall of the Murdaughs and the history of how far their reach went was truly interesting. I really enjoyed the insight from the detectives, jury members, lawyers, and even the judge as to how they felt during this case. Even if you think you know everything there is about this family, I bet you still will learn more from this book. True crime enthusiasts and thriller fans alike will be thoroughly entertained by this book and disgusted by Alex Murdaugh.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

For true crime enthusiasts, this is an absolute must-read. The Murdaugh family saga, filled with scandal, murder, and greed, has captivated us all. Thoroughly researched and rich in detail, this book sheds light on a national story that remains perplexing. Valerie has skillfully woven together the facts of this case, offering deep insights into the family and the unraveling of their dynasty. If you're fascinated by true crime thrillers, this book is essential reading, complete with hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to review this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Wow. I'd give this book all the stars possible. This books was so well written - engaging, well laid out, everything I want from a non-fiction book. I haven't been this gripped by a non-fiction book since I read Bad Blood by John Carreyrou in one day. Because I had to go to work, it took be 1.5 days to read these 480 pages and the lost sleep was worth it. Many biographies lose my attention by telling the story purely chronologically. This author's choice to go back and forth in time during the first half really helps keep the reader engaged and lay foundation for the whys of what happened in the Murdaugh family. I am a career prosecutor handling compex cases from investigation through trial and I felt for the attorneys and law enforcement officers working to expose wrongdoing to their own emotional and physical expense, many of whom earning only modest compensation for those long hours. Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, what a wild ride this book was! This novel is filled with so much greed, deceit, trauma, and heartbreak. As a paralegal and North Carolina native, I have been chasing this case since the start.

Personally, it was very intriguing to find a book that disclosed the true history of this family dating all the way back to the 1800s. Just when you think you have heard it all, there is so much more than you could ever imagine.

This novel depicts the true story of the Murdaugh family: a family that made a impact in a small South Carolina town. So, ask yourself this, do you really know what happens when the good ole' boys turn bad?

The Murdaugh family was known all across the state of South Carolina. People either loved them, hated them, or feared them. I thought that the author, Valerie Baurelein did a wonderful job disclosing the family history that spanned the course of four generations. Every decade and generation had some sort of greed, deceit, murder, suicide, and embezzlement. It is truly unreal and unfathomable how much this "dynasty" was able to get away with before the truth was uncovered.

4/5 Stars: I really enjoyed this book! You can certainly tell that the author spent a lot of time and energy researching this family. The amount of information in this novel provides more of a backbone to the story that we all think we know all too well. Overall, I was impressed at how the author was able to pack so much information into this book without making me as a reader feel overwhelmed. If you are a true crime junkie like me, and are looking to learn more about the Murdaugh family and the history along with it, I would highly recommend this novel to be your next read.

I was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity.

I’ve read an ample amount of true crime novels, but this one is at the top of my list and if I could give this book a thousand stars, I would. The layers upon layers of research that went into this book is astounding, and at times, I would often forget that I was reading a true crime about a monster named Alex Murdaugh.

This powerful novel takes us through the Murdaugh family, not just Alex’s family, but way back to 1940 to Alex’s great grandfather who took his own life because of his own demons. The Murdaugh family is known to sweep trouble under the rug for years, but after the night that Alex killed Maggie and Paul, his world and everything that he’d built came crashing down.

If you’re like me who devoured the documentaries on Netflix and wanted so much more, come down this rabbit hole with me. This book isn’t for the light hearted though, Valerie goes in depth into the harrowing details about the crime scene down at the kennels that fateful night. It breaks my heart to see this monster get away with so much in life that he would stoop so low as to kill his own family to keep his secrets tucked away. The only person Alex loves is himself and he deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life.

I received a free copy of, The Devil at His Elbow, by Valerie Bauerlein, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Alex Murdaugh had it all, until he lost it all. Alex murdered his wife and one of his sons, his family has a history of crime. Alex Murdaugh was untouchable for so long, he thought he could get away from murder of his family, but he could not. This is a good read about the rise and fall of Alex Murdagh.

Thank you to the publisher Ballantine and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

This true crime book was rather interesting. I, unlike so many, had not heard of Alex Murdaugh so learning about this terrifying family was truly horrifying. I know, this was all over the news, so how could I not know about it? I don’t watch a lot of news. The Murdaugh family is like the villain type family you read about in fiction novels. Alex Murdaugh was so horrific, and he committed so many crimes that I really didn’t think that he was real half of the time. I just couldn’t believe that someone could get away with so many crimes for so long, but he did because of the family he came from.

This book was long, at almost 500 pages, and for me I felt that it really could have been condensed. I found myself tuning out a lot of the details and wanting to skip over them but because I was unsure where everything was going, I kept reading. I do think that the author wove an interesting story, but there were too many details on certain parts of the story, and not enough on the others. I wish I could have learned more about the court case and what went into that aspect. The piece about Alex Murdaugh’s falling apart on the stand was a real treat though.

Overall, I Learned a lot about the Murdaugh’s and the corruption of Alex Murdaugh. Alex Murdaugh was not a good man, not a nice man, he was by all accounts a lowly criminal and the only reason everyone didn’t think so was because of his family.

I liked reading that Alex still will serve a lengthy sentence even if somehow, he manages to overturn his convictions for the crimes he committed against his wife and son. While it isn’t enough, it’s something.

This was a well don’t true crime book and shared a lot of very valid information about the case. I would most definitely recommend this to others looking to learn more about the family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, this is by far the best true crime novel I've read in a long time! Most people know the gist of the Alex Murdaugh case, so I won't bore you with a play by play. Some of the family history was new and interesting information, though. Valerie Bauerline had me so entirely engrossed in this story from page 1 that I didn't even come up for air until 160 pages in. There was no waiting for this one to get good! This is her debut book, but she was previously a journalist. She was in the courtroom for the trial and relied heavily on the witnesses and evidence presented. The Murdaugh's gave her plenty of material to work with, and it's very clear this was a dynasty that needed to fall. I often say that truth is stranger than fiction, and this is an epic example of that. The lengths some people will go to to simply avoid saying they were wrong or just asking for help is incomprehensible to me. And the greed. Addiction to money can be as devastating as any addiction, and money moves morals. Attorney Mark Tinsley predicted that prison will just be another hustle for Alex Murdaugh. Unfortunately, I'd have to agree.

Bravo to Valerie Bauerline for a fabulous debut 👏👏👏 Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine to the opportunity to read an early copy of this in exchange for my honest review. If you love true crime, check out The Devil at His Elbow coming out August 20, 2024!