Killer Story - by Claire St Amant (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Claire St. Amant spent nearly a decade in network television chasing the biggest true crime stories in the country. 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"--

Book Synopsis

Follow a journalist and TV producer from 48 Hours and 60 Minutes as she carves out a career in the ruthless, knives-out world of true crime television . . . one killer story at a time.

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.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

Investigative journalist Claire St. Amant developed and produced crime stories for CBS News for nearly a decade. She is credited on over 20 episodes of 48 Hours, including murder-for-hire stings, cold case kidnappings, and an assassination attempt. In 2019, St. Amant began contributing to 60 Minutes with "The Ranger and the Serial Killer." She built her unconventional career one story at a time, rising up through local media to national television and her own network podcast, Final Days on Earth with Claire St. Amant. A returned Peace Corps volunteer with eclectic tastes, she is always on the hunt for her next adventure.