The Carpool Detectives

by Chuck Hogan
The Carpool Detectives cover
Good Books rating 4.33
True Crime
Technical
  • ID: 3727
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780593733226
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-07-29
  • Reviews: 3

The Carpool Detectives tells the incredible true story of four mothers who, after finding themselves at a crossroads in their lives, decide to take on a cold double murder case. United by their shared interest in true crime and a desire to find new purpose, Marissa, Jeannie, Samira, and Nicole delve into a fifteen-year-old mystery involving a couple who vanished from their home, leaving behind millions of unaccounted dollars. As they navigate the complexities of the investigation, they face real danger and uncover information that could blow the case wide open. This thrilling odyssey is not just about solving a crime but also about the personal journeys of these women as they rediscover their identities and passions. The book is an emotional and often terrifying account of a DIY criminal investigation, offering a unique perspective on true crime. The moms, with no law-enforcement background, find themselves digging for evidence in prohibited ravines, scouring crime scenes for clues, and sifting through dense police files. Their determination and bravery make this story a compelling read for any true crime enthusiast or mystery fan.

Reviews
Saturday Reader · 2025-08-02
riveting 4.50

The book is a riveting read that offers ultimate wish fulfillment for aspiring investigators. It doesn't shy away from the raw and unfiltered aspects of the story.

The reviewer found The Carpool Detectives to be a gripping and engaging read. They appreciate the book's ability to immerse readers in the world of amateur sleuthing, highlighting the emotional and often terrifying journey of the four moms. They particularly enjoy how the narrative doesn't sugarcoat the details, making it a compelling and authentic account. The reviewer also notes that the book serves as a form of wish fulfillment for those who have ever dreamed of solving a mystery themselves.

Quick quotes

    The Carpool Detectives is a riveting read, as well as the ultimate wish fulfillment for wannabe investigators.

    Hogan's account doesn't sugarcoat the raw and often terrifying aspects of the story.

    This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys true crime and mysteries.

Los Angeles Times · 2025-07-28
compelling 4.50

The book reads like a novel, capturing the tension and emotional depth of a true crime mystery. It begins in a compelling liminal moment before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reviewer describes The Carpool Detectives as a true crime mystery that reads like a novel, making it an engaging and suspenseful experience. They highlight how the book captures the emotional depth and tension of the story, drawing readers in from the very beginning. The reviewer also notes the intriguing backdrop of the liminal moment before the COVID-19 pandemic, which adds an extra layer of interest to the narrative. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling and well-crafted account of a real-life mystery.

Quick quotes

    The Carpool Detectives, a true crime mystery that reads like a novel, begins in the liminal moment before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world.

    Chuck Hogan crafts a true crime mystery that's so compelling, so full of tension and emotional depth, that putting it down felt impossible.

    It's that good.

Storey Book Reviews · 2025-07-28
emotional 4.00

The book is an emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation. It offers a unique perspective on true crime.

The reviewer describes The Carpool Detectives as an emotional and often terrifying journey through a DIY criminal investigation. They appreciate the book's unique perspective on true crime, highlighting the resourcefulness and determination of the four moms who took it upon themselves to solve a cold case. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from fear to admiration, making it a powerful and unforgettable read. They find the narrative to be both gripping and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on the true crime genre.

Quick quotes

    An emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation, The Carpool Detectives is the ultimate wish fulfillment for any true crime enthusiast.

    The book offers a unique perspective on true crime, highlighting the resourcefulness and determination of the four moms.

    A powerful and unforgettable read that evokes a range of emotions, from fear to admiration.

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