The Lazarus Files

by Mathew McGough
The Lazarus Files cover
Good Books rating 2.83
True Crime
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  • ID: 2246
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2026-02-16
  • ISBN: 9780805095609
  • Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
  • Published: 2019-04-30
  • Reviews: 3

The Lazarus Files delves into the shocking murder of Sherri Rasmussen, a newlywed whose case went cold for decades until DNA evidence implicated LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus. The book reconstructs the lives of Sherri, her husband John, and Stephanie, exploring the love triangle that led to Sherri's murder and the subsequent investigation that raised questions about police protection and unanswered cold cases. Author Matthew McGough provides a visceral experience of being inside a real-life murder mystery, raising critical questions about the LAPD's handling of the case and the potential for other unsolved cases with police connections.

Reviews
BookBrowse · 2025-10-13
visceral 4.00

The book is described as delivering a visceral experience of being inside a real-life murder mystery. The reconstruction of the lives of the individuals involved is particularly praised.

This reviewer highlights the visceral experience of reading this book, as it immerses the reader in a real-life murder mystery. They particularly appreciate the detailed reconstruction of the lives of Sherri, John, and Stephanie, which adds depth to the narrative. The book's ability to bring the case to life is commended, making it a compelling read for those interested in true crime. The reviewer's positive tone suggests a high regard for the book's narrative and investigative depth.

Quick quotes

    The Lazarus Files delivers the visceral experience of being inside a real-life murder mystery.

    McGough reconstructs the lives of Sherri, John and Stephanie; ...

    This “engrossing true crime” audiobook (Publishers Weekly starred review) provides “a thorough, comprehensive, and impressive account” (Sarah Weinman, author ...

Seattle Book Mama Blog · Seattle Book Mama · 2019-05-31
atrocious 1.00

The reviewer finds the book atrocious, comparing it to a second crime committed through its poor execution. They criticize the writing and presentation of the case.

Seattle Book Mama was highly critical of this book, describing it as atrocious and likening its poor execution to a second crime. They found the writing to be lacking and the presentation of the case to be problematic. This reviewer was not impressed with the overall quality of the book and felt it did not do justice to the subject matter. Their disappointment is evident in their strong language and negative assessment.

Quick quotes

    It's almost as if two crimes are committed inside these pages: the first is the premeditated murder of Sherri Rasmussen, and the second is this atrocious book.

    The story is completely fascinating, and I hate to say it, but you can find much better takes on it on any number of crime shows, including on ...

    This Book is about the murder & egregiously ...

Goodreads · 2019-04-30
fascinating 3.50

The book is praised for its deep reporting and riveting account of a cold case murder in Los Angeles. The use of DNA evidence to implicate a surprising suspect is highlighted.

This reviewer was captivated by the thorough investigation and compelling narrative of a cold case murder. The use of DNA evidence to solve the case is particularly noteworthy, making the book a gripping read. They appreciate the detailed account and the shocking revelation of the suspect. However, they also note that the book's strength lies in its meticulous research and the way it brings the case to life.

Quick quotes

    A deeply-reported, riveting account of a cold case murder in Los Angeles, unsolved until DNA evidence implicated a shocking suspect.

    The story is completely fascinating, and I hate to say it, but you can find much better takes on it on any number of crime shows, including on ...

    Book was perfect. Told the heartbreaking story in great detail and showed the failures that led to it in an objective way.

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