Claire St. Amant’s Killer Story is The Devil Wears Prada meets Dateline, packed with dark humor and newsroom chaos. From schmoozing skeptical cops to competing for “exclusive” interviews, she hilariously exposes the wild world of true crime TV. But beyond the absurdity, she explores the emotional toll of covering real-life tragedies. A bit jargon-heavy at times, but if you love true crime with a behind-the-scenes twist, this is a wickedly fun read!

In this book, you feel like you are working right alongside the author, writing true crime stories! This behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to land a big interview, cover a popular trial, or write for television is a fascinating read. A new perspective on the true-crime genre!

As a journalist and an avid true crime fan, this book was such a fascinating read! I loved watching the career progression unfold as the main through line of the book, undercut by the individual stories that made up her career. Super interesting and informative, and excellent storytelling!

This book caught my eye because of my interest in true crime. I watch the ID channel all the time and am fascinated by the stories. I thought this book would be an interesting read because it is from the reporters perspective and experience. After reading my thoughts on this book is that I liked how it told about the cases that she covered along with little background information on how production worked with telling the story. The courtroom and interview stories were interesting. I liked how she told how she got the interviews. Loved the story about getting her first business cards from Kinkos, that was fun.

I grew up on shows like 48 Hours, Dateline, and 20/20, so when I found out that Claire St. Amant wrote a memoir about her time with 48 Hours and 60 Minutes I knew I had to get my hands on it.

This book is SO ridiculously good, I could not put it down. Not only does St. Amant share about how she got to be where she is professionally, she discusses some of the huge cases she worked on during her time on both shows.

I never really gave a second thought to what a producer does on a show like 48 hours and now I have a newfound respect for the absolute hustle. Not everyone is cut out for this type of job, but reading about Claire's work really opened my eyes.

If you love true crime, you'll want to get your hands on this book. Run, don't walk!

If you're a fan of true crime and enjoy watching shows like 48 Hours and 60 Minutes, this is the book for you. St. Amant started as a small town journalist covering crimes in Texas. Over time she worked her way into producing for 48 hours and 60 minutes. Her pathway to get there was quite the hustle and she had to see and hear a lot about unsavory crimes in Texas.

Each chapter seems to focus on a certain story that she covers. There was only one case that I was familiar with that she covered, but I wonder if I was a Texas local if I'd be familiar with more?

Good comparisons to this book would be I'll Be Gone in the Dark and Unmasked, but what we see is that St. Amant got out before her work succumbed her life fully. None of what she shares about the cases are too graphic. Listening to her read her book almost comes off cheery? Which I was okay with but, considering the subject matter it didn't seem to align well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio and BenBella Books for the gifted e-ARC and ALC. Tag teaming the audio (that the narrator reads) and the print was a great way to go.

Thank you Net Galley and BenBella Books for an advanced copy!

As a crime junkie this book is captivating. Gives you a great insight. Quick read and keeps your attention.

Great for anyone who loves true crime

KILLER STORY is a true exposé that takes readers deep into the sometimes shady underside of True Crime television.

KILLER STORY: The Truth Behind True Crime Television by Claire St. Amant is an Utterly Fascinating and Completely Unforgettable 5 Star Read.

I forgot to mention earlier how genius I think this book cover is. Using a photo of a remote control as the handle of a knife is exceptionally clever. The bright pink cover also draws potential readers’ attention to the book. A+++

In the ‘Acknowledgements‘ section of this memoir, Claire says:

“It is a privilege to tell stories for a living, and I’m still pinching myself that I get to do it.”

Love True Crime?
You MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!
Claire St. Amant has delved deeply into the world of true crime TV in a way that NO ONE HAS EVER DONE BEFORE.

Claire has deftly written about her decades of working for CBS, including producing over 20 episodes of “The First 48” and moonlighting productions for the highly esteemed “60 Minutes” franchise. But those tantalizing stories are only the tip of the True Crime iceberg.

Claire St. Amant proves that not only can she write for news magazines, produce multiple true crime documentaries in a single year, parent a small child, nurture a marriage, and host multiple podcasts, she is also an extraordinary book author.

Her writing is so engaging that even though the cases she writes about are in the past, she has the singular ability to grasp the reader’s attention and make them feel as if they are experiencing the action while it is happening.

I knew that as soon as I finished reading KILLER STORY, I would, through the power of on-demand television, be re-watching the 48 Hours episodes that Claire produced with newly opened eyes and a much greater appreciation of how much time and effort went into creating those single, hour long episodes of the storied True Crime powerhouse that is 48 Hours.

I think it is important, as a True Crime fan, reader, and book reviewer to point out that KILLER STORY doesn’t just recap the crimes and the reporting of each. It is Clair’s humanity that makes this book so engaging. It is her raw, unfiltered and honest portrayal of the toll it takes on those who are repeatedly subjected to viewing the worst of humanity that drew me into her story.

In her writing, Claire pulls no punches and opens reader’s eyes to the truth, whether they want it or not.

Will this book make some of Claire’s colleagues angry? Undoubtedly. However, though they may not like how they are portrayed, it is my humble opinion that if they don’t like what they read about themselves, they should think deeply about whether or not Claire’s portrayal of them is honest. If they don’t like reading certain things about themselves, maybe, just maybe, they should try to change their ways now that their eyes have been opened as to how they are perceived by colleagues. The smart ones will recognize the need for change and acknowledge the honesty of Claire’s portrayal of them. The others? They will act hurt and deny the truth. Hopefully, most of them will use this assessment of their behaviors as a wake-up call. I also believe (and I have no proof of this, not even a hint) that Claire could easily have sunk to the level of other memoirists and could have detailed even more shenanigans than she has written about. Instead, she chose to return to the crime stories, allowing readers unfettered access to how each case affected her in both the short and long-term.

KILLER STORY is peppered throughout with fascinating detail about the ins and outs of this popular genre.

I rate KILLER STORY: The Truth Behind True Crime Television as 5 out of 5 stars and if you are fan of True Crime TV, this is a book you will want in your home library.

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free review copy of this fabulous book.

“The devil you can’t see is always more menacing than someone right in front of you.” Can you imagine sitting across the table from a serial killer to get a story? Are you a true crime television or podcast junkie? Killer Story by Claire St. Amant is a memoir about pulling back the curtain and showing her readers what it takes to put on a one-hour episode of true-crime television.

My Thoughts on Killer Story:
After reading Killer Story, I definitely have a new appreciation for true crime shows. I’ll never watch a true crime show the same way again. I felt like I was alongside Claire as she navigated the complex and often sensitive interactions with victims’ families and incarcerated individuals. I loved reading about her experiences with Thomas Michael Dixon, a surgeon-turned-murderer suspect, and Stuart Little, a serial killer.

My favorite part of the book was the behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get a one hour episode onto our television screens. I also loved reading about her rookie mistakes. Wardrobe mistakes, traveling mistakes, these are all things in which we can relate.

I appreciated how real St. Amant was in her telling of how far she’d go to get the story. Some reviewers put her down for her tenacity and confidence. St. Amant doesn’t shy away from depicting the less glamorous aspects of investigative journalism. She includes the difficult choices and ethical gray areas that often arise. These even included going against the wishes of her bosses. Although sometimes what she did wasn’t exactly right or lawful, at least she was honest about it. I found this refreshing. I don’t condone it, but in a world of journalism, the nice guy finishes last. St. Amant made this very clear as she worked her way to producer.

I also like how she provided footnotes at the end of each chapter, along with photographs along the way. The book took me longer to read because I wanted to watch the episode that she was discussing or read about it on the internet. (Kindle hint: If you can’t access video on your Kindle, go to your Kindle app on your phone and click on the link that way.). I kept hoping that no one was following my Google search, since I was researching the different murderers. Tonight I will be watching the 60 Minutes episode titled, “The Ranger and the Serial Killer.”

I gave this book four out of five stars. It was a unique memoir that I will think about each time I watch a true crime show.

Thank you to NetGalley, Claire St. Amant, and BenBella Books for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

This book was less true crime and more entertainment industry memoir. I think it could benefit from a different marketing strategy.

As someone who enjoys true crime content, I was really intrigued by this. Overall, I enjoyed it. It is informative and interesting. It is well written. It truly is fascinating. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys true crime content. Special Thank You to Claire St. Amant,BenBella Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

As a fan of 48 Hours, Dateline, and 20/20, plus true crime books, this inside look into the amount of research, chasing leads, and producing one hour of a TV show was surprising to me. Claire St. Amant (a graduate of my alma mater Baylor University! Sic Em Bears!!) was a 48 Hours producer and as the reader we see the incredible amount of work that goes into it but also the toll it takes going into prisons to interview serial killers and live with horrific murders in your head. Her story was so compelling - I paired it with the audio, narrated by the author. You can feel her energy, her positive spirit and her determination in her voice. I was glad I paired the audio with the book (which has photos)!

My thanks to Net Galley and BenBella Books for an advanced copy of this e-book.

I'm so sad about this! The premise and idea were awesome and the information was interesting, but it was delivered in such a boring voice that I could barely get through it.

If you’re looking for some behind the scenes information about true crime shows, you’re sure to find it here.

However.

Ms. St. Amant, from the very beginning, brags about her flagrant disregard for the rules (including the rule of law), and she would happily ruin an ongoing case if it meant getting the scoop before anyone else. She laughs about her lies of omission and ability to not get caught.

I realize that journalism often deals with these morally-questionable situations…I just personally cannot applaud this behavior. Especially given the current situation, iykwim.

I’m being generous giving it a three.

My thanks to NetGalley and BenBella Books for an e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Such a fascinating book with an impressive insight on the true crime media world. I really enjoyed this and couldn’t put it down!!

4 stars-I am a huge fan of the Friday night crime docs on the big networks, so reading about the behind the scenes was right up my alley. The author gives a very (and I mean VERY) detailed account into what goes into scouting a story, getting the victims to agree to tell their accounts, and all of the parts of production that we take for granted. A must read for true crime fans! Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

A must-read for true crime enthusiasts, offering a captivating behind-the-scenes examination of true crime television.

In Killer Story, Claire St. Amant pulls back the curtain on her time as a producer for 48 Hours, offering a firsthand look at the fast-paced, high-stakes world of true crime television—while also navigating the personal demands of being a wife and mom. If you're the type to binge entire seasons of 48 Hours in one sitting or love behind-the-scenes insights into investigative journalism, there's plenty to enjoy here. But fair warning: this book leans more memoir than exposé.

Network competition is cutthroat, but reading about the backdoor deals, last-minute scrambles, and underhanded tactics to secure exclusives was fascinating. St. Amant doesn’t gloss over the relentless grind of chasing leads, earning trust from victims’ families and authorities, and balancing it all with the unpredictability of home life.

What stands out most are the cases she covered—some well-known, others lesser-known but equally gripping. Seeing these stories from a producer’s perspective adds a fresh layer to how crime reporting is shaped for television. That said, if you're hoping for a deep dive into specific cases, you might feel a little shortchanged. The book focuses primarily on St. Amant’s career and personal experiences rather than the crimes themselves.

Killer Story is a compelling pick for true crime enthusiasts, particularly those curious about what goes on behind the scenes of investigative TV. Just know that this is, first and foremost, a biography—with true crime elements woven in rather than taking center stage.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with the right expectations. If you’re here for Claire St. Amant’s journey, you’ll be hooked. If you're looking for an in-depth breakdown of major cases, this might not fully scratch that itch. Still, it’s an engaging read that offers a glimpse into a world most of us only experience from our couches.

Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

I just wanted to say wow. I really enjoyed this book, it was so insightful and so easy to follow along with the timeliness which made it even better. I haven't really read anything like this before so as a true crime girlie it was so refreshing to read.
I would massively recommend to anyone true crime obsessed as it just scratches that itch you have to learn the behind the scenes of trials and documentaries made after the trials have ended.

I want to say a huge thankyou to Claire for writing this amazing book and also a huge thankyou to BenBella Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to recjeve this incredible arc.

I have been watching True Crime on television and the internet for a long time now and found this to be a very interesting and thought provoking read, it answered many of my questions I had.