How Money and Corruption Obstruct Criminal Justice | A Conversation with Vicky Ward

Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss is a gripping true crime account that explores the infamous Jeffrey MacDonald murder case. The book delves into the tragic story of MacDonald, a former Green Beret surgeon convicted of murdering his pregnant wife and two young daughters. McGinniss presents a detailed analysis of the crime scene, the investigation, and the trial, highlighting inconsistencies in MacDonald's account and the forensic evidence that contradicted his story.

In 'In Cold Blood', Truman Capote chronicles the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, on November 15, 1959. The book follows the lives of the victims, Herb Clutter, his wife Bonnie, and their children Nancy and Kenyon, as well as the perpetrators, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Capote uses a nonfiction novel approach, blending factual reporting with narrative techniques to create a deeply human and emotionally engaging story. The book explores the psychological states of the murderers, the community's reaction to the crime, and the investigative efforts led by Alvin Dewey of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. It delves into themes of innocence, evil, and the complexities of human nature, particularly through the empathetic portrayal of Perry Smith. The novel was first published serially in 'The New Yorker' in 1965 and later in book form in 1966, marking a significant contribution to the 'new journalism' genre.