Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast

murdershelfbookclub
  • 4.6 (65)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

YOUR true crime book club podcast.Jill tells the true crime book stories in 3 parts. Dive deep into the criminal psyche, updates, and outcomes with the greatest respect for accuracy, victims and families!

  1. 3D AGO

    Special Episode 153: Who I Really Am - John Hinckley talks w. Jill

    On March 30, 1981, a tragic and shocking incident unfolded in Washington, D.C., when a troubled young man named John Hinckley Jr. opened fire as President Ronald Reagan exited the Hilton Hotel. The chaotic scene resulted in the shooting of four individuals, with President Reagan being the prime tarrget. Hinckley was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement, and his severe mental illness led to his commitment at St. Elizabeth's Psychiatric Hospital, where he would spend an astounding 41 years grappling with his delusions and troubled psyche. Over the decades, commentators and experts have delved into Hinckley's complex mental health struggles and the motives behind his violent actions. Now, after 45 years, he has chosen to share his side of the story through a memoir titled Who I Really Am, co-authored with Jason Norman. Today in this special episode, John Hinckley and Jason Norman engage in a candid conversation with Jill, where they will explore the intricate details of his life, his journey through mental illness, and the insights gained from his experiences. Buy Who I Really Am by John Hinckley Jr & Jason Norman on Amazon, and on Barnes and Noble.   PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS MAY 2026?  Jill will be on ON CREATORS ROW!  Use Jill's code   murdershelf    and save 10% on your badge! Happy to help! Join Jill on PATREON for $2- $4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER Case Studies! Crimecon 2026 is COMING, May 29-31, 2026!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch!   https://www.jusaskjan.com/murder-shelf-book-club Sources, photographs, and information can be found on Jill's blog: January  2026 Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram, or YouTube.

    44 min

  2. FEB 10

    Ep 152: Part 1 "Dastardly Days' on INCENDIARY: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, & the Invention of Criminal Profiling by Michael Cannell

    PART I: In 1956, a sinister figure known as the 'Mad Bomber' has been terrorizing New York City for 16 long years, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. His bombs have detonated in telephone booths, restrooms, Grand Central Terminal, and other iconic landmarks across the Big Apple. While many have suffered injuries, fortunately, no one has died—yet. In a desperate attempt to reveal the identity of this elusive criminal, the NYPD bomb squad is utilizing a forensic crime lab, the first of its kind used for crime-fighting. As chilling letters from the 'Mad Bomber' continue to pour in, newspapers compete to cover the most compelling stories, amplifying the public's rising fear and anxiety. The question lingers: where will he strike next? And who is the enigmatic 'F.P.'?   Buy Michael Cannell's INCENDIARY; The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, & the Invention of Criminal Profiling on AMAZON.  Buy on BARNES AND NOBLE. PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS MAY 2026?  Jill will be on ON CREATORS ROW!  Use Jill's code   murdershelf    and save 10% on your badge! Happy to help! Join Jill on PATREON for $2- $4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER Case Studies! Crimecon 2026 is COMING!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch! https://www.jusaskjan.com/murder-shelf-book-club Sources, photographs, and information can be found on Jill's blog: January  2026 Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.

    1h 18m

  3. FEB 3

    Ep 151: Part 4: "HE Chased Down the Zombie Hunter!"- Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter by Troy A Hillman

    Jill is thrilled to welcome retired cold case supervisor Troy A. Hillman, the leader of the elite cold case team that tirelessly pursued the killer of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas. These two young women were heartbreakingly stabbed to death in the early 1990s in Phoenix, Az. In his compelling new true crime book, Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter, Troy shares the gripping story of how the dedicated cold case detectives persevered against all odds, uncovering Phoenix's most chilling cold case and ultimately revealing the identity of a serial killer who had been cleverly hiding in plain sight. Go behind the scenes and beyond pages with Jill and Troy!   Don't miss Jill trilogy on Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter, Ep 147, 148 & 150!   PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS IN MAY 2026?  Jill will be on ON CREATORS ROW!  Use Jill's code   murdershelf    and save 10% on your badge! Happy to help! Join Jill on PATREON for $2- $4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER Case Studies! Crimecon 2026 is COMING!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch! https://www.jusaskjan.com/murder-shelf-book-club   Sources, photographs, and information can be found on Jill's blog: January  2026 Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.

    44 min

  4. JAN 21

    Ep 150: Pt 3 2ndCast: 'Still Room in Hell' on Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter by Troy A. Hillman

    Part 3: A cold case is now solved: A suspect has been apprehended in the haunting murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas, as Phoenix, Arizona rests more easily. After more than two decades, Bryan Patrick Miller's DNA has finally matched the evidence found on the victims. Who is the elusive figure who refers to himself as the "Zombie Hunter"? Join Jill as we embark on a detailed journey through the investigation into other possible victims, uncovering key witnesses and delving into the gripping eyewitness accounts that have shaped this case. Experience the dramatic clash between the prosecution and defense as the intricate path to justice unfolds, revealing unexpected twists and turns leading to a long-awaited resolution. As always, Jill remembers the victims.    Based on the new book by Troy A. Hillman, you can purchase your copy of Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter at AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, and other booksellers.   PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS MAY 2026?  Jill will be on ON CREATORS ROW!   Use Jill's code   murdershelf    and save 10% on your badge!  Join Jill on PATREON for $2- $4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER CLASS! Who will be next?  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch! https://www.jusaskjan.com/murder-shelf-book-club Sources, photographs, and information can be found on Jill's blog: January  2026 Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.

    1h 11m

  5. JAN 14

    Special Ep 149: RIDERS ON THE STORM- Based on a True Story by Sherri Kukla- who chats with Jill!

    Author Sherri Kukla joins Jill to discuss her brand new true crime book, Riders on the Storm, which reveals the chilling true story of William E. Cook, a spree killer largely forgotten by history—until now! As kidnappings escalate into murder, they send shockwaves through the nation, prompting the largest manhunt since John Dillinger was captured in 1934. Jill and Sherri delve into the haunting story, pay tribute to the victims and their families, and reflect on a nation paralyzed by fear just five years after the end of World War II. And who was Billy Cook, the Cockeyed Killer? Told with integrity and respect, Kukla ensures the victims' voices are heard. Fun Fact: This case inspired The Doors' rock and roll classic, "Riders on the Storm"! BUY Sherri Kukla's RIDERS ON THE STORM on Amazon! Sherri Kukla's page on RIDERS ON THE STORM.      SEE you at the Hampton's Whodunit 2026! PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS MAY 2026?  Jill will be on ON CREATORS ROW!  Use Jill's code   murdershelf    and save 10% on your badge! Happy to help!   Join Jill on PATREON for $2- $4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER CLASS! Crimecon 2026 is COMING!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch!  https://www.jusaskjan.com/murder-shelf-book-club   Sources, photographs, and information can be found on Jill's blog: January  2026 Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.

    54 min

  6. JAN 7

    Ep 148: Pt 2 'Pathology trumps Intellect' on Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter by Troy A. Hillman

    Part 2: Phoenix, Arizona 2014.  The elite cold case unit diligently worked through the files related to the Canal Murders, which included over 1,000 potential suspects. One by one, they cleared each suspect, confirming that their DNA did not match the samples collected from the brutal murders of Angela Brosso in 1992 and Melanie Bernas in 1993. The team traveled across the country in search of leads, but morale began to suffer as the investigation entered its third year without an arrest. Eager to gain fresh insights, they presented their case to the Vidocq Society in Philadelphia, a distinguished group of federal, state, and local law enforcement experts and renowned forensic investigators from various fields. Then, they heard from forensic genealogist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick, who offered her assistance. Would her expertise and advancements in DNA analysis lead to identifying the killer?   Based on the new book by Troy A. Hillman, you can purchase your copy of Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter at AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, and other booksellers. PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS MAY 2026?  Jill will be on ON CREATORS ROW!  Use Jill's code   murdershelf    and save 10% on your badge! Every little bit helps! Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER CLASS! Crimecon 2026 is COMING!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch! https://www.jusaskjan.com/murder-shelf-book-club Sources, photographs, recipes and drink information can be found on Jill's blog: www.murdershelfbookclub.com/2025/12   Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.

    1h 7m

  7. 12/21/2025

    Ep 147: Part I 'The Canal Murders' on Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter by Troy A. Hillman

    Part I- Phoenix, Arizona 2011: A new elite team of investigators tackles some of the most challenging homicide cases—cold cases. Led by Sgt. Troy Hillman, they are determined to solve the murders of 22-year-old Angela Brosso and 17-year-old Melanie Bernas, whose deaths in 1992 and 1993 have cast long shadows over the city for 20 years. Who is responsible for taking the lives of these young women just as they were beginning to bloom? The cold case team begins by reexamining thousands of documents, including old FBI profiles, reviewing photographs, analyzing tips, revisiting crime scenes, and interviewing new leads. Their goal is to identify the elusive clue that could finally break open the case! The suspense and frustration are real!    Based on the new book by Troy A. Hillman, you can purchase your copy of Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter at AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, and other booksellers.   PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS MAY 2026?  Jill be on ON CREATORS ROW!  Use Jill's code   murdershelf    and save 10% on your badge! Every little bit helps!   Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER CLASS!   Crimecon 2026 is COMING!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch! https://www.jusaskjan.com/murder-shelf-book-club Sources, photographs, recipes and drink information can be found on Jill's blog: www.murdershelfbookclub.com/2025/12   Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.

    1h 12m

  8. 12/10/2025

    Special Ep 146: The Las Vegas Massacre CONNECTIONS by Mark Gray with MaryJo Von Tillow

    This special episode is not the story of a twisted perpetrator and the carnage he caused. Perfect for the holiday season, this compelling conversation features Jill welcoming survivor and author Mark Gray.  October 1, 2017, Mark was a journalist covering the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert when shots rang out from the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. In Jill's review of The Las Vegas Massacre CONNECTIONS: Finding Strength Through Tragedy After America's Deadliest Mass Shooting, she noted that it "presents an inspiring portrait of survival after horrific loss, focusing on the victims, survivors, and their families and friends, as well as the connections that bind them together on a journey to recover and renew. These genuine, raw, and personal accounts reflect the resilience and healing that can emerge amidst the pain of grief when a loved one is lost. This inspiring and altruistic work showcases the best of humanity arising from the worst of circumstances. I encourage you all to read "The Las Vegas Massacre Connections." This book would make a marvelous holiday gift for anyone who enjoys true crime, memoirs, and even self-help. Buy The Las Vegas Massacre Connections by Mark Gray on Amazon. PLANNING TO GO TO CRIMECON LAS VEGAS MAY 2026? Use Jill's code   murdershelf and save 10%! Every little bit helps! The Holidays are almost here!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch! Sources and photographs can be found on Jill's blog: www.murdershelfbookclub.com/2025/12   Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.  Join Jill on PATREON for $2-4 and help pick our next book and enjoy Jill's SERIAL KILLER CLASS! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuakkah, and Good Kwanzaa!

    57 min
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4.6
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

YOUR true crime book club podcast.Jill tells the true crime book stories in 3 parts. Dive deep into the criminal psyche, updates, and outcomes with the greatest respect for accuracy, victims and families!

Information

  • Creator
    murdershelfbookclub
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast

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