Killer Story
The Truth Behind True Crime Television
by Claire St. Amant
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Pub Date Feb 18 2025 | Archive Date Mar 02 2025
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Description
Serial killers. Homicidal spouses. Sociopathic criminals. Claire St. Amant has met them all.
She spent nearly a decade in network television chasing the biggest true crime stories in the country, including the murder of Chris Kyle, plastic-surgeon-turned-murder-for-hire suspect Thomas Michael Dixon, the Parkland high school mass shooting, the disappearance of Christina Morris, and serial killer Samuel Little.
Bringing a true crime story to network television requires quick thinking and tenacious stamina, and in her debut memoir, Claire offers true crime fans a rare in-depth look from the other side of the yellow tape.
In Killer Story, readers will learn what it really takes to get these gripping cases on the air with insights such as:
- How it feels to share space with a dead-eyed murderer
- Which TV show has a reputation for “eating their young”
- How reporters win over skeptical cops and reluctant lawyers
- Why TV journalists are always racing against the clock—and competitor sabotage
- What happens when a district attorney decides journalists have committed a felony
- The unresolved crimes that still haunt Claire to this day
This eye-opening look behind the scenes of true crime television offers an unforgettable read—and a window into the daily reality of investigative journalism.
Advance Praise
“A bold and candid memoir from a seasoned true crime insider, Killer Story is essential reading for aspiring journalists and true crime enthusiasts alike.”
—Amanda M. Fairbanks, author of The Lost Boys of Montauk and award-winning journalist
“From the blood-stained bedrooms to the tension-filled courtrooms to ego-driven newsrooms, Claire St. Amant weaves a fascinating tale of her journey behind the scenes at one of the world’s highest profile true crime broadcasts. Fans of 48 Hours, Dateline, 20/20, or any number of other popular shows and podcasts will absolutely luxuriate in the details and discoveries she makes along the way.”
—Michael J. Mooney, New York Times bestselling author of The Life and Legend of Chris Kyle
“Whenever I would hear about a mysterious murder that had just taken place in Texas, my first thought was always, ‘I wonder if Claire is already on the story.’ And yes, there she was, hanging out in the offices of the attorneys who were involved in the case, arranging interviews with witnesses, and usually getting an exclusive interview with the murder suspect . . . Reading her memoir made me, once again, shake my head in admiration.”
—Skip Hollandsworth, New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Assassin and executive editor of Texas Monthly
“Claire St. Amant deftly takes readers through the often unbelievable, heart-pounding moments of chasing a competitive true crime story. But just as important as relaying the boots-on-the-ground experiences, with both humility and humanity, Claire gives even deeper insight into the personal challenge of covering these kinds of traumatic cases, the choices journalists—especially women—are often forced to make in order to be considered successful.”
—Maureen Maher, award-winning investigative journalist and former 48 Hours correspondent
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781637746059 |
PRICE | $28.95 (USD) |
PAGES | 360 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
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Killer Story by Claire St. Amant offers a gripping, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the cutthroat world of true crime television. With nearly a decade of experience at 48 Hours and 60 Minutes, St. Amant masterfully recounts her pursuit of high-profile cases. This memoir doesn’t just delve into the stories themselves but exposes the relentless pressure, ethical dilemmas, and unexpected dangers journalists face to bring these cases to light. Both revealing and riveting, Killer Story is a must-read for true crime fans eager to learn what happens beyond the headlines.
Many thanks to NetGalley and BenBella Books for providing an eARC of Killer Story prior to publication.
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"Killer Story" is an unforgettable read that offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a true crime television producer. The stories that St. Amant offers up are an interesting (and sometimes horrifying) look behind the curtain at shows like the one she produced for and gives her own unique insight on just what it takes to create an hour of television to fascinate viewers. I could not book this book down, instead finding myself devouring the words on the pages, looking forward to whatever insane, twisted story St. Amant would describe next. As a journalist myself, this book was particularily intriguing and inspiring as I look ahead to my own career in the media world.
"Killer Story" is out on Feb. 18! If you're a true crime fan, or just curious about the world behind television, this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you to BenBella publications, NetGalley, and Claire St. Amant for the advanced reviewer copy!
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A fascinating look at what it takes to work and succeed in the increasingly larger world of true crime television. The author takes you through her journey working for CBS on the legendary shows 48 hours and then 60 minutes. This was very well written and has lots of great behind the scenes stories. I highly recommend this for all true crime fans out there, especially fans of the referenced shows and the author's podcast. Give it a read!
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Claire St. Amant's memoir is a page-turner that rings with authenticity. As a true crime reporter, she spent years going toe to toe with murderers rapists, and violent criminals. The book is rich in details. When she is sitting across a table from a cold-eyed serial killer, we can almost feel her heart thudding. She brings high-level emotion to every scene and I read this book in two sittings. Highly recommend. With courage and talent, she opens up a dark world to us.
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As a true crime buff and a journalist this book jumped out at me when I saw the cover.
Clair St. Amant takes readers through her career in journalism, specifically true crime television, chapter by chapter. We follow her from a newspaper reporter to a producer for 48 Hours. Milestones are highlighted by the cases she's covering at that time.
It's a passionate story about telling people's stories and empowering them to tell their own. It's a behind-the-scenes treasure trove of how the sausage is made for people, not in the industry.
It's a self-help declaration of listening to your gut and following your dreams.
I found this book fascinating. An avid watcher of true crime I knew the cases mentioned and hearing how the people involved chose to come forward or why some people didn't interested me.
It's a fast and entertaining read.
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Claire St. Amant’s *Killer Story* is the kind of book that grips you from page one and doesn’t let go. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of true crime television, this memoir is your all-access pass. From newsroom rivalries to tense courtroom moments, *Killer Story* gave me an adrenaline-fueled look at what it takes to bring true crime stories to life. St. Amant’s firsthand experience covering major cases adds an undeniable authenticity and urgency to her narrative. But what makes this book truly stand out isn’t just the cases themselves, it’s the raw, behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry.
One of the most fascinating aspects of *Killer Story* is its dive into the relentless nature of investigative journalism. She took me through the exhausting process of getting there. I think, readers will find themselves on the front lines as she battles red tape, skeptical attorneys, and uncooperative witnesses, all while navigating newsroom politics and the pressure to deliver gripping content. What really makes this memoir shine is its honesty. She doesn’t sugarcoat the business of true crime reporting. She lays bare the blurred lines between justice and entertainment, between ethical storytelling and sensationalism. The book raises thought-provoking questions about what it means to tell these stories and who benefits from them.
That said, the sheer number of cases covered can sometimes feel overwhelming. A more focused narrative on fewer cases might have allowed for deeper emotional impact. But if you’re a fan of true crime and want a no-holds-barred look at how these stories make it to air, *Killer Story* is an absolute must-read. *Killer Story* is more than just a gripping true crime read but it’s an eye-opening exploration of the sacrifices journalists make to bring these cases to the public.
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Killer Story is a must have book for the true crime buffs and enthusiast. It's an amazing read filled with raw memories and it is simply fascinating. As an avid watcher of true crime documentaries, I was enthralled by this book. 5 out of 5 stars
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This book is a must read for every true crime buff! Claire takes you behind the scenes to look at what it’s like to produce a true crime tv show. From trying to find a captivating story, to being able to get the green light from studio executives to produce the show, and even getting a jailhouse interview with the accused; Killer Story truly has it all! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advanced readers copy of this book.
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Biographies & Memoirs, Nonfiction (Adult), True Crime