The Untold Side of True Crime TV: Killer Story by Claire St. Amant [Book Review]

Go behind the scenes of 48 Hours with Claire St. Amant’s Killer Story. A gripping look at the cutthroat world of true crime TV, told through the eyes of a producer juggling career and chaos.

True crime fans, this one’s for you—well, kind of. Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television isn’t your typical deep dive into notorious cases. And it’s not a shocking exposé on the ethics of true crime media. Instead, Claire St. Amant takes us inside the high-stakes world of network news, sharing her experiences as a producer for 48 Hours and 60 Minutes while balancing the chaos of real life. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get those gripping true crime stories to air—and just how cutthroat the competition can be—this book delivers some eye-opening moments. (But fair warning: this is more about St. Amant’s journey than the cases themselves.) Pre-order now and mark your calendar for February 18th!

What is the book about?

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 on the other side of the yellow tape.

Claire’s journey into—and out of—true crime television offers an eye-opening look behind the scenes of investigative journalism and an unforgettable read for all true crime fans. [Goodreads.com]

My thoughts

Let me tell you, Claire St. Amant has led a life that reads like its own true crime series—minus getting murdered, thankfully. In Killer Story, she pulls back the curtain on her time as a producer for CBS’s 48 Hours. The blook blends the adrenaline-fueled world of true crime television with her own personal journey as a wife and mom. If you’re a sucker for a personal behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes journalism (or can’t help but binge a season of 48 Hours in one sitting), there’s a lot here to love. But, fair warning, this book leans more memoir than exposé.

It’s no surprise that competition between networks is brutal, but reading about their underhanded, last-minute antics to secure exclusives? That was fascinating. Claire St. Amant doesn’t shy away from the grit, either. She details the grind of chasing leads, building trust with families and authorities, and balancing the demands of home life.

What really stands out are the cases St. Amant covered. Some were new to me, while others were nationally known crimes. Seeing these events from a producer’s perspective added a new layer to my understanding of how these stories are crafted for television. However, if you’re hoping the book will focus heavily on the cases, you might be a little disappointed. The book is focused on St. Amant’s career and her own experiences.

Would I recommend Killer Story?

Killer Story is a good choice for true crime enthusiasts. It’s especially recommended for those curious about what goes on behind the scenes of shows like 48 Hours. Just keep in mind that you’re signing up for a biography first and foremost—one that’s fascinating in its own right but doesn’t quite satisfy the craving for an in-depth behind-the-scenes breakdown of major true crime stories.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely…but with a caveat. Go in for the compelling life of Claire St. Amant, and consider the true crime tidbits a bonus. It’s not perfect, but it’s an engaging peek into a world most of us only see from our couches.

Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for the advanced reader’s copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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