We Keep the Dead Close: A Murder at Harvard and a Half Century of Silence

by Becky Cooper
We Keep the Dead Close: A Murder at Harvard and a Half Century of Silence cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2614
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-20
harrowing 4.50

The book delves into the unsolved murder of a Harvard graduate student, exploring themes of institutional power and the silencing of victims. It's a gripping and well-researched account that highlights the complexities of seeking justice.

This book is a meticulous investigation into the murder of a Harvard graduate student, uncovering layers of institutional power and the systemic silencing of victims. The author's deep research and compelling narrative make it a must-read for those interested in true crime and social justice. The story is not just about the crime but also about the broader implications of power and privilege in academic and social institutions. It's a harrowing yet essential read that leaves a lasting impact.

Quick quotes

    The truth is often buried under layers of silence and complicity.

    This book is a testament to the power of persistence in the face of institutional resistance.

    The story is as much about the victim as it is about the system that failed her.

cannonballread.com · Unknown · 2025-10-20
engaging 3.75

The book is a deeply researched account of a murder at Harvard, with the author's journalistic efforts prompting a reopening of the case. The narrative is engaging and informative, though some found the pacing slow and the ending anti-climactic.

We Keep the Dead Close is a meticulously researched book that delves into the unsolved murder of Jane Britton at Harvard in 1969. The author, Becky Cooper, spends a decade investigating the case, providing a detailed account of the events and the people involved. The book offers a fascinating look into the inner workings of Harvard and the anthropology department, as well as the pervasive sexism of the time. While the research is impressive, some readers found the pacing slow and the ending anti-climactic. The book is also noted for its exploration of themes like misogyny and white male privilege, making it a compelling read beyond just the murder mystery.

Quick quotes

    The inner workings of Harvard were interesting, but not enough to trudge on.

    Becky did such a good job characterizing all the players that the ending felt anti-climactic.

    It's very detailed and sometimes repetitive. It felt like a very long audiobook and I had to force myself to keep listening sometimes.

bookreporter.com · Unknown · 2021-09-14
brilliant 5.00

The reviewer found 'We Keep the Dead Close' incredibly well-written and engaging, highlighting the author's narrative skill and the book's exploration of a murder at Harvard. They praised its compelling storytelling and the author's ability to weave together past events, investigation, and present-day reflections, making it a standout in the true crime genre.

The reviewer was drawn to 'We Keep the Dead Close' by its intriguing true crime narrative and the author's personal connection to the case. They appreciated the book's structure, which alternates between the events of 1969, the author's investigation, and present-day reflections. The reviewer found the author's narrative style engaging and her ability to layer the story in a compelling way. They also noted the book's exploration of the sexist and corrupted culture of academia, particularly in the field of archaeology. The reviewer highly recommended the book, comparing it to other true crime classics and praising its ability to keep them engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    The best true crime books are ones that face this question head on. Becky Cooper’s We Keep the Dead Close is one of those.

    This book was incredibly well-written and engaging. I read it in two days, basically unable to put it down, and it’s a bit of a chonker.

    I’m going to have to buy my own copy after I return this one to the library. I feel like it sits happily in quality beside other genre classics like In Cold Blood and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.

Appears in Lists