Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast
YOUR true crime book club podcast. Each month Jill tells the true crime author’s story in 3 parts. Dive deep into the criminal psyche, updates, and outcomes with the greatest respect for accuracy, victims, & families!
Episodes

40 minutes ago
Episode 117: A Conversation With Dr. Katherine Ramsland
40 minutes ago
40 minutes ago
In this special episode, Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a distinguished Professor of Forensic Psychology at DeSales University and a prolific author of 74 influential books in the fields of crime, forensic science, and investigative crime fiction, engages in a conversation with Jill about her remarkable career. Dr. Ramsland has investigated fascinating cases and conducted significant research, resulting in her book on Wayne Henley, "The Serial Killer's Apprentice," and Dennis Rader, the notorious BTK killer. The discussion also covers a variety of other topics, such as CrimeCon and spree killers, which will captivate anyone passionate about the true crime genre. Don't miss this in-depth conversation with an icon and trailblazer!
BUY Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman’s book, The Serial Killer’s Apprentice, Confessions of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, or any of her other 72 books here!
Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book!
Contact: jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

7 days ago
7 days ago
Part 4: The remarkable series takes an even more thrilling turn as Jill engages in a gripping conversation with acclaimed author and journalist B.R. Bates and Dr. Gerry Cliff, the esteemed commander of the Violent Crime Task Force. Together, they delve into their captivating book, The Baby Doll Serial Killer: The John Eric Armstrong Homicides. Step into the heart of the investigation and explore firsthand accounts from the key figures intricately woven into this chilling case. Don’t miss this chance to uncover the truth behind the headlines!
Subscribe so you do not miss a thing!
BUY The Baby Doll Serial Killer: The John Eric Armstrong Homicides by BR Bates with Gerald Cliff, Ph.D on Amazon!
Sources, photographs, recipes and drink information can be found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com –Feb 2025.
Contact: jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book!

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Part 3: In various ports of call throughout the East, the NCIS and the FBI investigate the alleged murders of John Eric Armstrong. Meanwhile, concerns about a rising body count are growing in Michigan and North Carolina, even as Elizabeth Walker concludes her prosecution of Armstrong. Underway is a detailed inquiry into complex psychosocial questions: Why do women engage in prostitution? What led John Eric Armstrong to commit murder? Was it merely a matter of bad luck? Did a dysfunctional childhood play a role? Interviews with Armstrong's family reveal shocking revelations, exposing disturbing possibilities regarding the factors that contributed to the making of a serial killer.
BUY The Baby Doll Serial Killer: The John Eric Armstrong Homicides by BR Bates with Gerald Cliff, Ph.D on Amazon!
The new Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast MERCH SHOP has launched! Please go explore! As always, Jill appreciates your support of her true crime book club podcast!
Sources, photographs, recipes and drink information can be found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com –Feb 2025.
Contact: jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book!

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Episode 114: ‘Savage Truths’ – Pt. 2, The Baby Doll Serial Killer: The John Eric Armstrong Homicides by BR Bates, with Gerald Cliff, Ph.D Part 2
In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, a Good Samaritan reported the discovery of a body in the Rouge River. The victim, a prostitute, had been strangled to death. Who killed the woman in the river? Meanwhile, Detroit’s Violent Crime Task Force is investigating the murders of three women whose bodies were found discarded along the railroad tracks. As these investigations intersect, a massive inquiry unfolds, extending from Norfolk, Virginia, to Hawaii, as well as Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore, involving both the FBI and NCIS. A suspect is arrested, revealing the details of what his victims suffered in their final moments, prompting the legal system to act. Will there be justice for the victims and their families?
BUY The Baby Doll Serial Killer: The John Eric Armstrong Homicides by BR Bates with Gerald Cliff, Ph.D on Amazon!
Sources, photographs, recipes and drink information can be found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com –Feb 2025.
Murder Shelf Book Club MERCH is AVAILABLE!
Contact: jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book!

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In January 2000, Detroit, Michigan, was known as the 'Murder Capital' of the USA. A calculating killer preyed on vulnerable women along infamous Michigan Avenue, where those struggling with addiction engaged in a perilous game of ‘Russian roulette’, going off alone with clients, eager to pay for sex. Eventually, the bodies of the murdered women were discovered, prompting an investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions. However, the investigation took an unexpected turn when an unlikely suspect emerged: John Eric Armstrong, a passive and seemingly sweet family man who was merely trying to help.
This episode contains references to suicide. If you need support, please reach out for help!
National Suicide Hotline
BUY The Baby Doll Serial Killer: The John Eric Armstrong Homicides by BR Bates with Gerald Cliff, Ph.D on Amazon!
Sources, photographs, recipes and drink information can be found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com –Feb 2025.
Contact: jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book!

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Investigative journalist and CrimeCon presenter George Jared, co-author of the book Silent Silhouette, sits down for an exclusive interview with Jill. George shares behind-the-scenes insights into how he and Jennifer Bucholtz investigated the now 50-year-old cold case, the murder of Deborah Sue Williamson. Comparing theories, they also delve into the gruesome murder of Rebekah Gould, that George and Jennifer also solved! He also discusses how they applied their expertise gained in the Gould investigation to the case of Deborah Sue Williamson. What is the current status of Deborah's case? How does one go about solving a murder that happened 50 years ago? Don't miss this intriguing and fun conversation filled with “OMGs”!
**TIPS: 706-775-2865 - LUBBOCK POLICE DEPARTMENT**
Buy Silent Silhouette on Amazon!
ANNOUNCEMENT- JAN 2025: Jill's new Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast MERCH SHOP has launched! Please go explore! As always, Jill appreciate you supporting her true crime book club podcast!
Sources, photographs, diagrams, recipes, and wine pairings are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com.
Share your thoughts with me at jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, on X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. OR, join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book and talk true crime developments, first Thursday of each month at 8:30 pm EST!
Music- The Pewter Elephant by Blue Dot Sessions.
Stay warm! It's freezing! OMG Snow in New Orleans! (1/22/2025)

Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
In Part 3: George Jared and Jennifer Bucholtz continue their investigation into the 1975 cold case of Deborah Sue Williamson. Deep into this investigation, new witness statements are examined, inconsistencies identified, and surprisingly, downright lies are told, as our authors ask why anyone would lie about the known facts? Now, straight out asking "why?", the responses become more mind-blowing, creating more suspicion as the situation evolves, with a critical witness mysteriously refuses to cooperate. Applying statement analysis and examining the psychological implications of behavior provides greater insight into the motivation of a killer as well as those playing critical roles in this case.
Since publication, NA testing has been done; Whose DNA will be found at the crime scene? What happened in that carport that dark night of Aug. 24, 1975, in a carport in Lubbock, Tx? Who killed Deborah Sue Williamson? It's now 50 years later! It's time to solve this cold case!
TIPS: 806-775-2865- Lubbock P.D.
In two weeks, Part 4 drops, Jill's exclusive interview with investigative journalist and author, George Jared!
Buy Silent Silhouette on Amazon!
ANNOUNCEMENT- JAN 2025: My new Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast MERCH SHOP has launched! Please go explore! I appreciate you supporting my true crime book club podcast!
Sources, photographs, diagrams, recipes and wine pairings are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com.
Share your thoughts with me at jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, on X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. OR, join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book and talk true crime developments, first Thursday of each month at 8:30 pm EST!
Music- The Pewter Elephant by Blue Dot Sessions.
Stay warm! Be Safe!

Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Ep 110: Mini-Cast- DNA UPDATE- A Harvest of Innocence by Dan Stidham and Tom McCarthy Part 5
In this mini-cast update on the West Memphis 3, Jill tells you the exciting news about the new, modern DNA testing, approved by the Arkansas Supreme Court in April 2024! Need an update on the West Memphis 3 case, who murdered 8-year old Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers back in 1993. Happy New Year 2025
Buy A Harvest of Innocence by Dan Stidham & Tom McCarthy on Amazon- (highly recommended!
ANNOUNCEMENT- JAN 2025: My new Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast MERCH SHOP has launched! Please go explore! I appreciate you supporting my true crime book club podcast!
Sources, photographs, diagrams, recipes and wine pairings are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com, Oct 2024.
Share your thoughts with me at jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, on X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. OR, join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book and talk true crime developments, first Thursday of each month at 8:30 pm EST!
Music- The Pewter Elephant by Blue Dot Sessions.
See you soon for my next Episode 111 on Silent Silhouette- Who Killed Deborah Sue Part 3

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
In Part 2, our authors, George Jared and Jennifer Bucholtz, head to the scene of the crime, the carport, where Deborah Sue Williamson was gruesomely murdered on Aug 24, 1975. There, they see the site through the eyes of the victim AND the killer. Armed with more questions, they continue interview subjects as well as possible suspects, building a case file, larger than that of the Lubbock Police Department's--who also meets with these motivated investigators, with all determined to figure out- Who Killed Deborah Sue? Don’t miss Part 2 of Silent Silhouette.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Good Kwanzaa and Happy New Year 2025 to all.
Buy Silent Silhouette on Amazon!
ANNOUNCEMENT- JAN 2025: My new Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast MERCH SHOP has launched! Please go explore! I appreciate you supporting my true crime book club podcast!
Sources, photographs, diagrams, recipes and wine pairings are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com.
Share your thoughts with me at jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, on X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. OR, join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book and talk true crime developments, first Thursday of each month at 8:30 pm EST!
Music- The Pewter Elephant by Blue Dot Sessions.

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Young newlywed Deborah Sue Williamson was living in Lubbock Texas in August 1975. While her husband was at work, Debbie was viciously murdered in the carport of their home. Many suspects were investigated- her husband, her brother, good family friends- but no one was arrested as the case went cold. Then came a break, serial killer Henry Lee Lucas confessed to the murder. The problem was: Lucas lied, and Debbie’s killer remained on the loose. Enter Investigative journalist and true crime author, George Jared, and former Army counterintelligence agent and university professor, Jennifer Bucholtz, who had previously helped to solve the Rebekah Gould homicide case, using a crowdsourcing method. Delving into the events that transpired on that dark, tragic night, examining case files, photographs, and conducting new interviews with eyewitnesses, they set out to determine - Who Killed Deborah Sue?
IF you have any information that might help solve this case, please be the hero of the story! Lubbock PD 806-775-2865.
ANNOUNCEMENT- JAN 2025: My new Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast MERCH SHOP has launched! Please go explore! I appreciate you supporting my true crime book club podcast!
Sources, photographs, diagrams, recipes and wine pairings are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com.
Share your thoughts with me at jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, on X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. OR, join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book and talk true crime developments, first Thursday of each month at 8:30 pm EST!
Music- The Pewter Elephant by Blue Dot Sessions.