We Keep the Dead Close

by Becky Cooper
We Keep the Dead Close cover
Good Books rating 4.31
True Crime
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10934
  • Added: 2026-02-09
  • Updated: 2026-02-16
  • ISBN: 9781473560260
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2020-11-17
  • Reviews: 4

In 1969, Jane Britton, a promising graduate student at Harvard, was brutally murdered in her apartment. Decades later, undergrad Becky Cooper became obsessed with the unsolved case, embarking on a meticulous investigation that would consume her for years. We Keep the Dead Close is a chilling account of Cooper's journey, filled with twists and turns that reveal the dark underbelly of academia and the enduring power of a whisper network./n/nThe book is not just a retelling of a crime but also an exploration of the cultural and societal factors that surrounded the case. Cooper's investigation is thorough, delving into the lives of those involved and the institutions that failed Jane Britton. The narrative is both haunting and seductive, drawing readers in with its intricate details and compelling storytelling.

Reviews
My Becky Blog · Becky · 2022-01-10
extraordinary 4.75

This book exceeded expectations, offering a compelling narrative that is both extraordinary and well-researched. The Kindle version is highly recommended for its added features.

Becky Cooper's 'We Keep the Dead Close' is an extraordinary book that surpasses initial expectations. The author's detailed research and compelling narrative make it a standout read. The book not only delves into the unsolved murder of Jane Britton but also explores the broader themes of misogyny and institutional violence. The Kindle version is particularly recommended for its additional features and ease of access. The author's personal reflections and investigative journey create a rich and engaging reading experience. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    So, yes, this is an extraordinary book, much better than I anticipated when I got it.

    The book not only delves into the unsolved murder of Jane Britton but also explores the broader themes of misogyny and institutional violence.

    The Kindle version is particularly recommended for its additional features and ease of access.

Coots Reviews · 2021-01-08
gripping 4.00

The book delves into the unsolved murder of Jane Britton, exploring themes of obsession and the love for a girl who aspired to rise among men. It's a gripping true-crime tale with two intertwining mysteries.

This book is a fascinating exploration of a true-crime narrative that revolves around the unsolved murder of Jane Britton. The author, Becky Cooper, does an excellent job of intertwining the personal and the investigative, making the reader feel as if they are part of the journey to uncover the truth. The book not only focuses on the brutal murder but also delves into the societal and institutional issues that surround it. It's a compelling read that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The author's writing style is evocative and powerful, making the arguments and the personal reflections resonate deeply with the reader.

Quick quotes

    In Becky Cooper's gripping true-crime tale, We Keep the Dead Close, there are two mysteries at work. Who brutally murdered Jane Britton and why?

    The book not only focuses on the brutal murder but also delves into the societal and institutional issues that surround it.

    The author's writing style is evocative and powerful, making the arguments and the personal reflections resonate deeply with the reader.

The New York Times · 2020-11-06
fascinating 4.00

The book is a fascinating journey filled with false leads and red herrings, keeping readers engaged with its intricate details and twists. The author's dedication to the case is both admirable and haunting.

The New York Times review of 'We Keep the Dead Close' emphasizes the book's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats with its numerous twists and turns. The reviewer notes that Cooper's investigation into Jane Britton's murder is filled with false leads and red herrings, making it a page-turner. They also highlight the author's personal investment in the case, which adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. The book is seen as a testament to Cooper's perseverance and her ability to weave a compelling story from a decades-old mystery.

Quick quotes

    We Keep the Dead Close swells with false leads and red herrings

    It's not much of a spoiler to reveal that the supposedly murderous professor

    Cooper's quest to learn the truth about Jane Britton's 50-year-old unsolved murder is a fascinating journey

Bookmarks Reviews · 2020-10-15
fascinating 4.50

This book is considered one of the best of 2020, highlighting Becky Cooper's quest to uncover the truth about a 50-year-old unsolved murder. It's a fascinating journey that keeps readers hooked.

Becky Cooper's 'We Keep the Dead Close' is a standout book from 2020. The author's relentless pursuit of the truth behind Jane Britton's murder is both fascinating and deeply moving. The book masterfully weaves together personal reflections, investigative journalism, and societal commentary, creating a rich tapestry that keeps the reader engaged. The author's ability to connect the past with the present, and to highlight the ongoing issues of misogyny and institutional violence, makes this book a must-read. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of seeking justice.

Quick quotes

    This was one of the best books of 2020. Author Becky Cooper's quest to learn the truth about Jane Britton's 50-year-old unsolved murder is a fascinating journey.

    The book masterfully weaves together personal reflections, investigative journalism, and societal commentary.

    The author's ability to connect the past with the present, and to highlight the ongoing issues of misogyny and institutional violence, makes this book a must-read.

Appears in Lists