Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast

Ep 81: Survivors’ Voices” Frozen in Fear- The True Story of Surviving the shadows of Death by Jane Carson-Sandler, Pt 2

In Part 2- Struggling to climb out of the dark hole in the aftermath of rape, other challenges test Jane’s resolve and faith as she finds herself in rehab. With more rapes happening, Jane recounts the lessons learned from counselling & her work with other rape victims. And more voices of other EAR rape survivors are heard, sharing the impact he had on their lives, and their decisions to live their lives fully, on their own terms. 
 
You may want to listen to Ep 1 & 2 on Michelle McNamara’s book on the Golden State Killer, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark in conjunction with this trilogy.
Donation Opportunity: Hope Haven of Lowcounty - Child Advocacy & Rape Center, Beauford, S.C.
Sources, photos, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com -January 2024.
Valentine’s Day is coming!
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!
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 in 2 weeks!
 
 

Episode 80: “Survival Mode” Frozen in Fear- The True Story of Surviving the Shadows of Death by Jane Carson-Sandler, Pt 1

Written by the 5th Victim of the East Area Rapist, Frozen in Fear tells Jane Carson-Sandler’s story of living a normal, fulfilling life in California in 1976- until the day a ski masked intruder, aka E.A.R., broke in and viciously raped her.  Surviving, Jane shares how the rape impacted her life, the shame and guilt, loss of self-esteem, and anger, all feelings shared by many of other E.A.R. rape victims.  Painful unanswered questions are asked; Who was this guy? Why is he doing this? —And Jill provides some insights into this type of rapist.
 
You may want to listen to Ep 1 & 2 on Michelle McNamara’s book on the Golden State Killer, Ill Be Gone in the Dark in conjunction with this trilogy.
 
Donation Opportunity: Hope Haven of Lowcounty - Child Advocacy & Rape Center, Beauford, S.C.
Sources, photos, snack & wine pairing information is found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com . January 2024.
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!
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 in 2 weeks!" - Jill
 

Episode 79 2ndCast- “A Sugar Coated Interview” Pt. 3, Click, Click, Click by Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie

Happy New Year 2024! 
Part 3: Franklin, Virginia was home to murder victim, Trent Whitley and the authors Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie.  These energetic, dedicated ladies are also the hosts of the Sugar-Coated Murder podcast.  Karen and Ann chat with Jill about how their book came about, their perseverance and determination to tell Trent’s story, and how they managed to get the insider information on the killers!  You won't believe whose advice they rejected and the rush to publish before disaster struck!  And, most importantly to them, how did they memorialize Trent Whitley, the 17 year old young man who had his life stolen away?  Anne and Karen also share what is next- and it’s something to behold!
Sources, show notes, photographs, news articles, recipe and wine recommendations are on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com Dec 2023.
 
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!
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.
"Trust your gut!"
 

Episode 78- “The Guilty Mind” Pt 2 - Click, Click, Click by Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie

Part 2: Trent Whitley’s family struggles with his loss and the uncertainty of what happened to their precious son. Certain someone knows something, Delores Whitley makes repeated appeals for that someone to come forward.  
Meanwhile, a killer’s life fractures under the weight of the responsibility for killing an innocent classmate. He knows only a confession can save him, but betraying his bloody partner is fraught with peril as paranoia and conspiracy theories plague him. When the truth is finally revealed, disbelief and devastation rock a town. Will there be justice for Raymond Trent Whitley, June 19, 1972 – Feb 23, 1990?
 
Winter and Christmas designs are out on Spreadshop, so make your favorite Murder Bookie SMILE! 
Sources, show notes, photographs, news articles, recipe and wine recommendations are on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com, Dec 2023.
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!
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.
Trust your gut~!
 

Episode 77 – “Hometown Murder” Pt 1 – Click, Click, Click by Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie

Part 1: Blinding flash. BANG- and the target was dead.  A missing person report was filed in Franklin, Virginia by anxious parents, searching for their precious teenager. The investigation would follow lead after lead, to no avail. Suspects would emerge, but those responsible would not fall under suspicion, as the frightened family held vigils, offered rewards, and paced with worry, night after night.  Why a conspiracy to commit murder?  How had 'The Plan' evolved?  How did was the target selected?  Why did this happen?  Join Jill as she delves into the first of the Say My Name series, Click, Click, Click, by the hosts of the Sugar-Coated Murder podcast, Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie.
Happy Hanukkah!  Enjoy the holiday season! Spread the joy!
Sources, show notes, photographs, news articles, recipe and wine recommendations are on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com, Dec 2023.
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!
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 in 2 weeks!

Episode 76 2nd Cast Pt 3: “Conscience of the King”- Dismembered by Susan Mustafa and Sue Israel

Part 3: With the families engrossed, the prosecution of Sean Vincent Gillis begins, with the Defense committed to saving his life and avoiding the death penalty. With his 40-hour confession, this should be a slam dunk, but it is far from that! Legal maneuvering calls for mistrial, and surprise rulings impact the trial’s progression. Then, the battle of the neuropsychologists begins, as they delve
into Sean’s mental illness.  WHY did Sean murder and dismember? Why are cardinal human taboos violated? And, if Sean killed 8 women, who killed the other 50?
 
Source material, show notes, photographs, maps are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com Oct 2023.
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!
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 in two weeks!

Episode 75: “Devil in the Dark”- Pt 2 Dismembered by Susan Mustafa & Sue Israel

In Part 2, They get it.  With over 60 women dead, Baton Rouge Sheriff Offices realize they have a serial killer on the loose! But they’re wrong. There are TWO; the murders of Sean Vincent Gillis are camouflaged by those of Derrick Todd Lee.  No one is looking for Sean Gillis.  As the victims’ families mourn, the investigation intensified, DNA works its magic, and finally, the police follow the tracks to Sean Gillis door. Arrested, he cannot stop talking, sharing the gruesome details of murder and dismemberment, acting like a child sent to the principal’s office instead of recognizing the gravity of his crimes.
 
Source material, show notes, photographs, maps are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com, Oct 2023.
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!
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.
"Trust your gut!"

Episode 74: “Wolf in the Fold”- Pt 1 Dismembered by Susan Mustafa and Sue Israel

Part 1: In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a gruesome murder is discovered, with the Sheriff’s office investigating, but the case goes cold. Repeat this over and over, and over as serial killer, Sean Vincent Gillis, kills and mutilates all over the area.  An elderly woman and a housewife, he mostly preys largely on sex workers. But--no woman is safe-- the fear real. And he’s NOT the only one! WHO is Sean Vincent Gillis?
 
Source material, show notes, photographs, maps are found on Jill’s blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com, Oct. 2023.
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!
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.

Episode 73: “Fell in love and lost her head” 2ndCast- The Death of Amy Robsart: An Elizabethan Mystery by Sarah-Beth Watkins, Part 3

Part 3: Now deep into the murder motive, each of the suspects are investigated and the evidence scrutinized fully.  Who had a motive and opportunity to commit murder?  Who benefitted from the death of Amy Robsart? Given the court verdict, what happened to the suspects?  And Jill shares her theory on how Lady Dudley, Amy Robsart died!
2nd cast looks ahead to 1567: Seven year later, Elizabeth I’s cousin, the King-Consort of Scotland, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley is found strangled to death.  Another cousin, Darnley’s wife, Mary, Queen of Scots, begins an inquiry, with a very, very different outcome from Elizabeth I’s court.  Intrigue, conspiracy, betrayal, corruption, and the choices of the two Queens is examined.  How did Amy Robsart-Dudley die? Who killed Lord Darnley? Jill shares her conclusions about the suspicious deaths of the 1560s!
Sources, snack recipe, suggestions, show notes plus CRIMECON 2023 PHOTOS are found on Jill’s blog www.murdershelfbookclub.com, Sept 2023.
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!
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.
 
"Trust your gut!"

CRIMECON 2023 UPDATE! & Ep 72: “Done to death by slanderous tongues”- The Death of Amy Robsart: An Elizabethan Mystery by Sarah-Beth Watkins Part 2

Part 2: Jill discusses Crimecon 2023 in Orlando!  Being on Podcast Row, meeting her Murder Bookies and meeting so many in the True Crime community! ~Then, she continues the story of Lady Amy Robsart, found dead at the bottom of the stairs.  In every royal court in Europe, and across every town and hamlet in England, the people of England wonder what to believe of their beautiful, young and unmarried Queen, Elizabeth I, whose relationship with Amy’s husband, Robert Dudley, is described widely as “most intimate.”  Was Amy’s death an accident or suicide?  Where does the 500-yr old evidence take us?  What does the 1560 autopsy report reveal? And, who had motive if a ‘murder most foul’ was committed? 
Sources, snack recipe, wine recommendation, show notes plus CRIMECON 2023 PHOTOS are found on Jill’s blog (soon!) www.murdershelfbookclub.com, Sept 2023.
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!
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 in two weeks!