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The Carpool Detectives: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case
The incredible true story of a group of moms who, united by a search for new purpose, attempt to solve a fifteen-year-old double murder.
“A true crime mystery that reads like a novel . . . It can be easy to forget that the underlying case is based on real, not fictional, murder.”—Los Angeles Times
A lot of us like to think we could solve a mystery. Can these four moms actually do it?
In 2020, Marissa, Jeannie, Samira, and Nicole find themselves at a familiar when motherhood takes charge of their lives, they begin grappling with their own identities. Their thriving careers seem like a lifetime ago, and as their children become more independent, they struggle to find purpose. But when they meet at a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover a shared interest in true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place in their hometown a decade A couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home and mysteriously shuttered their family business, leaving millions of dollars unaccounted for. Initially believed to have absconded with the money, they went from suspects to victims when their bodies were discovered in their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case turned cold.
But what if the moms could solve it? What if they could bring a killer to justice and give closure to a grieving family?
The four women have no connection to the case and no law-enforcement background, but the determined group find themselves in incredible and often dangerous situations–digging for evidence in prohibited ravines, scouring potential crime scenes for blood splatter, and sifting through pages and pages of dense police files. As they get more and more entangled in this complex investigation, they also find themselves in real danger—and with information that could blow the case wide open.
An emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation, The Carpool Detectives is the ultimate wish fulfillment for any true crime fanatic, an absolutely thrilling read for armchair sleuths and mystery fans alike.
“A true crime mystery that reads like a novel . . . It can be easy to forget that the underlying case is based on real, not fictional, murder.”—Los Angeles Times
A lot of us like to think we could solve a mystery. Can these four moms actually do it?
In 2020, Marissa, Jeannie, Samira, and Nicole find themselves at a familiar when motherhood takes charge of their lives, they begin grappling with their own identities. Their thriving careers seem like a lifetime ago, and as their children become more independent, they struggle to find purpose. But when they meet at a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover a shared interest in true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place in their hometown a decade A couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home and mysteriously shuttered their family business, leaving millions of dollars unaccounted for. Initially believed to have absconded with the money, they went from suspects to victims when their bodies were discovered in their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case turned cold.
But what if the moms could solve it? What if they could bring a killer to justice and give closure to a grieving family?
The four women have no connection to the case and no law-enforcement background, but the determined group find themselves in incredible and often dangerous situations–digging for evidence in prohibited ravines, scouring potential crime scenes for blood splatter, and sifting through pages and pages of dense police files. As they get more and more entangled in this complex investigation, they also find themselves in real danger—and with information that could blow the case wide open.
An emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation, The Carpool Detectives is the ultimate wish fulfillment for any true crime fanatic, an absolutely thrilling read for armchair sleuths and mystery fans alike.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2025
415 people are currently reading
8288 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Hogan
55 books587 followersChuck Hogan is an American author. His story "Two Thousand Volts" appeared in The Best American Mystery Stories 2009. He is the co-author of The Strain Trilogy with Guillermo del Toro. His 2004 novel Prince of Thieves was adapted to film as the Ben Affleck directed The Town in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
June 16, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Carpool Detectives, by Chuck Hogan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Nicole, Jeannie, Samira, and Marissa, are just living their lives until the pandemic happened in 2020 and shut everything down. These four women decided to investigate a crime, murder and money, from years earlier. This was an interesting read.
June 30, 2025
Four stay-at-home-moms join forces to try and solve a 15 year old homicide in The Carpool Detectives. An elderly couple is found in their car at the bottom of a deep ravine. The police investigation determines it to be a double homicide, but the investigation stalls and is relegated to the cold case files. One evening, one of the four women, taking a journalism class, sees old film footage of the bodies being recovered, which piques her interest. She soon bonds with three other women over a shared true crime interest, and they begin to investigate the unsolved homicide. The four women, who each has a background that comes in handy, juggle their responsibilities at home with using their respective skills to try and uncover enough info to go to the authorities, all with the Covid pandemic in the background, with astonishing results. Quite frankly, this is one of the best true-crime books I have read in a long time. The author lays out the women’s steps in an easy flowing, concise manner that’s a pleasure to read. As a retired LEO who once investigated cold case homicides, the women’s efforts are nothing less than remarkable, given their lack of access to important documents and evidence, not to mention their relative lack of investigative experience. Against all odds, their perseverance and dedication to this case results in an unbelievable conclusion. This is truly an amazing story, five stars! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
3.75 stars
When four moms meet up and, early during COVID, want something more to keep them busy, they find a cold case they want to investigate. Marissa is, in fact, a student hoping to become an investigative journalist, so this isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.
Joel and Angela Watson had a company that was not doing well. They disappeared in May 2005, and were later found at the bottom of a ravine where their car had gone off a cliff. But it wasn’t long before the police knew it wasn’t an accident. One of their sons and a son-in-law were acting oddly, but nothing came of that in the investigation and the case went cold. In early 2020. Marissa became obsessed with it, and found three mom-friends who joined her in trying to figure out the case.
This is a true story! I saw it in the subtitle but didn’t quite believe it. But there is a picture of the four women at the end and an author’s note. There was much money/financial stuff that kind of lost my interest in the explanations as they investigated, but the rest of the story was interesting to me. I really like how COVID was integrated into the story (but then, it was real-life at the time). There was mention at one point in the story of a true crime podcast I’ve just recently started listening to, so that was fun. I was a bit disappointed in how it ended, though I suppose it had to go that way (and again, true story, so it’s not like it can be changed!).
When four moms meet up and, early during COVID, want something more to keep them busy, they find a cold case they want to investigate. Marissa is, in fact, a student hoping to become an investigative journalist, so this isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.
Joel and Angela Watson had a company that was not doing well. They disappeared in May 2005, and were later found at the bottom of a ravine where their car had gone off a cliff. But it wasn’t long before the police knew it wasn’t an accident. One of their sons and a son-in-law were acting oddly, but nothing came of that in the investigation and the case went cold. In early 2020. Marissa became obsessed with it, and found three mom-friends who joined her in trying to figure out the case.
This is a true story! I saw it in the subtitle but didn’t quite believe it. But there is a picture of the four women at the end and an author’s note. There was much money/financial stuff that kind of lost my interest in the explanations as they investigated, but the rest of the story was interesting to me. I really like how COVID was integrated into the story (but then, it was real-life at the time). There was mention at one point in the story of a true crime podcast I’ve just recently started listening to, so that was fun. I was a bit disappointed in how it ended, though I suppose it had to go that way (and again, true story, so it’s not like it can be changed!).
August 13, 2025
Overall a good true crime story but only two stars as it’s overly sanctimonious regarding everyone’s “Covid consciousness.” While the story unfolds over early 2020 through the following year, it seems that half the book is dedicated to highlighting how the four “carpool” detectives practiced “safe” social distancing, wore masks, met outside, etc. Covid times became its own character and not just a general backdrop framing the actual detective story.
September 20, 2025
★★★★
This one was a surprise hit for me. While I enjoy non-fiction, I’m not always a fan of true crime as it can be too sensational for me. The focus of this book is very much on the amateur investigators and their journey to solve a 15 year old cold case.
Originally ruled a suicide and then changed to homicide, the bodies of an older married couple are found at the bottom of a steep ravine in Southern California along with their vehicle weeks after they disappeared without a trace. 15 years later, when Marissa, a former forensic accountant and now stay at home mom sees a video clip of the vehicle being recovered, she becomes fascinated with the case. She enlists the help of Jeannie (former journalist), Samira (former executive) and Nicole (a researcher) in an attempt to accomplish what the police couldn’t - finally answer the questions that the victim's youngest daughter has about their disappearance and death.
Interestingly, with the exception of the four main sleuths and their spouses, all of the names in the book have been changed. The reason for that becomes apparent at the end of the book but I think it also helps to keep the focus on the amateur sleuths and their journey rather than on the criminal(s) who committed the crime.
The author has published a number of successful fiction books prior to this, their first non fiction book, and I think that helped with the pacing of this one. The mystery is complex as it involves financial fraud but the story never feels dry or boring. HIgh finance is not my skillset but even I understood how the fraud worked and how it connected to the victims and their family.
This was well done. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
Read for the TRUE CRIME square on my 2025 Halloween Bingo card.
This one was a surprise hit for me. While I enjoy non-fiction, I’m not always a fan of true crime as it can be too sensational for me. The focus of this book is very much on the amateur investigators and their journey to solve a 15 year old cold case.
Originally ruled a suicide and then changed to homicide, the bodies of an older married couple are found at the bottom of a steep ravine in Southern California along with their vehicle weeks after they disappeared without a trace. 15 years later, when Marissa, a former forensic accountant and now stay at home mom sees a video clip of the vehicle being recovered, she becomes fascinated with the case. She enlists the help of Jeannie (former journalist), Samira (former executive) and Nicole (a researcher) in an attempt to accomplish what the police couldn’t - finally answer the questions that the victim's youngest daughter has about their disappearance and death.
Interestingly, with the exception of the four main sleuths and their spouses, all of the names in the book have been changed. The reason for that becomes apparent at the end of the book but I think it also helps to keep the focus on the amateur sleuths and their journey rather than on the criminal(s) who committed the crime.
The author has published a number of successful fiction books prior to this, their first non fiction book, and I think that helped with the pacing of this one. The mystery is complex as it involves financial fraud but the story never feels dry or boring. HIgh finance is not my skillset but even I understood how the fraud worked and how it connected to the victims and their family.
This was well done. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
Read for the TRUE CRIME square on my 2025 Halloween Bingo card.
July 26, 2025
This is a true crime read that at times reads like a fiction novel and other times like accounting facts from a bank. Four moms, bored during the Pandemic and interested in the cold case of a couple found dead in their car, decide to join forces and investigate for themselves. They dive deeply into the backgrounds of the victims, their family members and the financial problems of the family-run company. I must admit that much of the parts about the financial details were rather boring to me as I plodded through them, but they do play a part in solving the murder. This is a slow-paced whodunit with multiple suspects and the personalities of the amateur detectives being the most interesting part of the book. I was not invested in any of the characters, really, I just wanted to know how these armchair detectives solved a murder mystery that had baffled the professionals. I enjoyed the mystery but not all of the history of what happened and why. I thought the book was too long and could have been well presented in a novella rather than a full-length novel. I also thought it meandered off the path several times as the women were caught up in the novelty of crime fighting and were portrayed as strictly amateurs who had nothing else to do with their free time. The story has a good premise, but it fell flat for me because it did not seem realistically portrayed nor particularly engrossing. Fans of true crime may enjoy the book as they pick apart the details to come to their own conclusions. I was not invested enough even to hazard guesses; I just wanted the book to end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 24, 2025
The title of this book is annoying, as none of these women meet through or are involved in a carpool; in fact, the majority of the investigation happens during Covid, when these moms are instead stuck dealing with kids in virtual school. But I guess "Carpool Detectives" just sounded "momcore." *eyeroll*
Beyond that, though, this is a straightforward but compelling account of a rare incident in which amateur detectives actually cracked a case. Though in many ways these women weren't exactly amateurs, but women studying journalism as a second career, or former researchers or forensic accountants. Those are the skills, plus perseverance, that they seriously bring to bear on this cold case.
Beyond that, though, this is a straightforward but compelling account of a rare incident in which amateur detectives actually cracked a case. Though in many ways these women weren't exactly amateurs, but women studying journalism as a second career, or former researchers or forensic accountants. Those are the skills, plus perseverance, that they seriously bring to bear on this cold case.
July 29, 2025
A truly one-of-a-kind true crime book that delivers both suspense and inspiration in equal measure. Set in the heart of the pandemic, it follows a group of suburban moms who defy expectations and dig into a long-forgotten cold case. An inspiring and gripping read.
What makes this book stand out is how Hogan gives each woman a distinct voice and personality—showing how their different strengths, perspectives, and life experiences come together in a powerful and effective collaboration. The way they approach the case with both determination and empathy makes for an incredibly compelling narrative.
I was especially impressed by how seriously these women took their investigation, refusing to be discouraged by resistance or lack of support. Even when they hit dead ends or faced people who didn’t take them seriously, they kept going, driven by a sense of justice and community.
Hogan does a masterful job portraying their evolving theories and the building of their hypothesis—it felt like watching a real-time detective board come to life. This book isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about resilience, teamwork, and the surprising places true heroism can come from.
Thank you Chuck Hogan, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
—————————
Un libro de crimen real verdaderamente único que ofrece suspenso e inspiración en partes iguales. Ambientado en plena pandemia, sigue a un grupo de madres de los suburbios que desafían las expectativas y se adentran en un caso sin resolver olvidado hace mucho tiempo. Una lectura inspiradora y cautivadora.
Lo que hace que este libro destaque es cómo Hogan le da a cada mujer una voz y personalidad únicas, mostrando cómo sus diferentes fortalezas, perspectivas y experiencias vitales se unen en una colaboración poderosa y efectiva. La forma en que abordan el caso con determinación y empatía crea una narrativa increíblemente convincente.
Me impresionó especialmente la seriedad con la que estas mujeres se tomaron su investigación, negándose a desanimarse por la resistencia o la falta de apoyo. Incluso cuando llegaron a callejones sin salida o se enfrentaron a personas que no las tomaban en serio, siguieron adelante, impulsadas por un sentido de justicia y comunidad.
Hogan realiza un trabajo magistral al retratar sus teorías en desarrollo y la construcción de sus hipótesis; fue como ver cómo cobraba vida una junta de detectives en tiempo real. Este libro no se trata solo de resolver un crimen; Se trata de resiliencia, trabajo en equipo y los lugares sorprendentes donde puede surgir el verdadero heroísmo.
Gracias a Chuck Hogan, Random House y NetGalley por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
What makes this book stand out is how Hogan gives each woman a distinct voice and personality—showing how their different strengths, perspectives, and life experiences come together in a powerful and effective collaboration. The way they approach the case with both determination and empathy makes for an incredibly compelling narrative.
I was especially impressed by how seriously these women took their investigation, refusing to be discouraged by resistance or lack of support. Even when they hit dead ends or faced people who didn’t take them seriously, they kept going, driven by a sense of justice and community.
Hogan does a masterful job portraying their evolving theories and the building of their hypothesis—it felt like watching a real-time detective board come to life. This book isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about resilience, teamwork, and the surprising places true heroism can come from.
Thank you Chuck Hogan, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
—————————
Un libro de crimen real verdaderamente único que ofrece suspenso e inspiración en partes iguales. Ambientado en plena pandemia, sigue a un grupo de madres de los suburbios que desafían las expectativas y se adentran en un caso sin resolver olvidado hace mucho tiempo. Una lectura inspiradora y cautivadora.
Lo que hace que este libro destaque es cómo Hogan le da a cada mujer una voz y personalidad únicas, mostrando cómo sus diferentes fortalezas, perspectivas y experiencias vitales se unen en una colaboración poderosa y efectiva. La forma en que abordan el caso con determinación y empatía crea una narrativa increíblemente convincente.
Me impresionó especialmente la seriedad con la que estas mujeres se tomaron su investigación, negándose a desanimarse por la resistencia o la falta de apoyo. Incluso cuando llegaron a callejones sin salida o se enfrentaron a personas que no las tomaban en serio, siguieron adelante, impulsadas por un sentido de justicia y comunidad.
Hogan realiza un trabajo magistral al retratar sus teorías en desarrollo y la construcción de sus hipótesis; fue como ver cómo cobraba vida una junta de detectives en tiempo real. Este libro no se trata solo de resolver un crimen; Se trata de resiliencia, trabajo en equipo y los lugares sorprendentes donde puede surgir el verdadero heroísmo.
Gracias a Chuck Hogan, Random House y NetGalley por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
September 14, 2025
I’ve read a lot of True Crime but this is truly unique. 4 moms on lockdown during the start of COVID get together over Zoom to solve a cold case. I felt like I was experiencing everything in real time and thought many times I had solved the mystery. An incredibly interesting and immersive storyline.
July 23, 2025
I hesitated doing a rating as it was DNF for me. I never want to leave an ARC unread. I tried more than a couple of times to get into it since the story was of interest to me, but this one fell flat. I generally love mysteries, detective stories and true crime so I was happy to request this one. I kept trying to put my finger on why I didn’t connect to it and all I kept coming back to is it felt like I was reading a student’s attempt at writing what they thought they were supposed to for the genre. The best way I can describe it is it felt amateurish. I struggled to connect to the characters despite having a lot in common with the mom detectives. It was that reason that I kept trying again to get through it. For me it was dry and pedantic. I was surprised to see so many people loving it and saying that they have enjoyed the author’s other work. Having said this, I am always grateful to be given the opportunity to try new authors and recognize that our opinions are subject to our own tastes and experiences. There is plenty out there for everyone and I’m grateful to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review the ARC for this title.
July 24, 2025
Wow, pretty much sums up my thoughts on this book. It is based on an actual event, but the names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved, outside of the four women who solved the case. This explains why I couldn't find anything in an internet search!
COVID was both a good and a bad thing, but for these women, it provided an opportunity to exercise their brains and discover something for themselves. They came in with fresh eyes to examine all the evidence they could gather and present it to the police and the ADA, along with their findings. These women were determined and, ultimately, successful.
While this is non-fiction, it does read like fiction at times. Granted, some of the evidence was repeated multiple times, but it helped keep the facts straight in my mind.
This book is perfect for true crime junkies. I wonder what the ladies will work on next?
We give this book 5 paws up.
COVID was both a good and a bad thing, but for these women, it provided an opportunity to exercise their brains and discover something for themselves. They came in with fresh eyes to examine all the evidence they could gather and present it to the police and the ADA, along with their findings. These women were determined and, ultimately, successful.
While this is non-fiction, it does read like fiction at times. Granted, some of the evidence was repeated multiple times, but it helped keep the facts straight in my mind.
This book is perfect for true crime junkies. I wonder what the ladies will work on next?
We give this book 5 paws up.
October 10, 2025
"Their actual superpower above all others was that they cared. That was why they had never given up. That was why they had succeeded."
The fact that these four women somehow came together during a time of uncertainty and physical isolation, and took on a project that eventually lead to solving a fifteen year old cold case that wasn't exactly what it appeared to be, is nothing less than awe inspiring. While the story of these four amateur detectives was interesting, I give readers fair warning that if you don't have an interest or a background in finance, large parts of the book might be quite a drag to get through. I did not love this book, the writing was dry and often repetitive, and additional editing might have helped.
The fact that these four women somehow came together during a time of uncertainty and physical isolation, and took on a project that eventually lead to solving a fifteen year old cold case that wasn't exactly what it appeared to be, is nothing less than awe inspiring. While the story of these four amateur detectives was interesting, I give readers fair warning that if you don't have an interest or a background in finance, large parts of the book might be quite a drag to get through. I did not love this book, the writing was dry and often repetitive, and additional editing might have helped.
October 4, 2025
I am devastated!! 💔 After finishing this book, I have realized my heroines, Nancy Drew & Jessica Fletcher, plus all the Hallmark Mysteries and any cozy are LIES! The police really do NOT want civilians helping with murders- and they can't/won't comment or provide evidence to said civilians, either.
If you go into this knowing it is a slice of life about how three SAHM and one working outside the home mom handled the COVID shutdown AND started a real life investigation 🕵️ of a cold case, you will not be disappointed. They thought they were investigating a double parricide, but end up uncovering a criminal financial conspiracy 💸 involivng the mafia. They all worked together and didn't give up- even when they hit roadblock after roadblock.
If you go into this knowing it is a slice of life about how three SAHM and one working outside the home mom handled the COVID shutdown AND started a real life investigation 🕵️ of a cold case, you will not be disappointed. They thought they were investigating a double parricide, but end up uncovering a criminal financial conspiracy 💸 involivng the mafia. They all worked together and didn't give up- even when they hit roadblock after roadblock.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
The publisher's blurb on this one totally hit the spot for me, and landed
The Carpool Detectives: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case
on my TBR bookshelves.
I could not tear myself away from this true crime story, where COVID-19 isolation drove the fortunate overlap of schedules and interests of four moms with disparate skillsets. The resulting collaboration, helped along by key legal authorities, solved an L.A. murder case. FASCINATING! I highly recommend!
*A sincere thank you to Chuck Hogan, Random House, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheCarpoolDetectives #NetGalley 25|52:52e
I could not tear myself away from this true crime story, where COVID-19 isolation drove the fortunate overlap of schedules and interests of four moms with disparate skillsets. The resulting collaboration, helped along by key legal authorities, solved an L.A. murder case. FASCINATING! I highly recommend!
*A sincere thank you to Chuck Hogan, Random House, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheCarpoolDetectives #NetGalley 25|52:52e
October 1, 2025
An absolutely riveting true-crime story about four mothers, who, during COVID and all the stresses that come with parenting young children during this time, decide to investigate a double murder that occurred years earlier. Each woman brings different skills to their endeavour, but they're all tenacious and analytical, and using mostly publicly available information, and eventually files from police detectives, they solve the homicides, impressing the police detectives and district attorney with their conclusions.
The story is fascinating, and occasionally kind of scary, when suspects confront them, or when looking for evidence in the ravine where the murders were discovered. But it's a thrilling, unable-to-put-down read.
The story is fascinating, and occasionally kind of scary, when suspects confront them, or when looking for evidence in the ravine where the murders were discovered. But it's a thrilling, unable-to-put-down read.
September 9, 2025
Slow moving and kind of repetitive. The repeated awestruck comments from the author amounting to: “wow, these women were moms but they have brains and stuff and can actually think! Even though they’re MOMS!” were super annoying.
And getting through all that hyperbole only to discover there’s no actual proof the moms were right, no new charges were ever brought, and indeed just about all the “facts” of the case have been altered to protect these shockingly smart moms—well, saying I found this disappointing is an understatement.
And getting through all that hyperbole only to discover there’s no actual proof the moms were right, no new charges were ever brought, and indeed just about all the “facts” of the case have been altered to protect these shockingly smart moms—well, saying I found this disappointing is an understatement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
This was a painful, painful read. The book, I mean. The actual effort of the 4 women who solved the murders is phenomenal. But the book was terrible!
The writing was rambling, dry and just not engaging. Each fact was repeated at least twenty times. Each dead end the friends encountered was presented to the reader in excruciating detail.
If you're going to write a book, at least make it slightly interesting, and redact certain useless details instead of rambling.
The endless banal descriptions of Covid were mind-numbing. The reader gets it. If someone is reading this book, they've lived through covid too. Spare us all the repeated details.
I'm sure the camaraderie formed amongst the friends who worked to uncover this mystery was heartwarming. But it just didn't come through in the book. Rather, all descriptions of the women's interactions felt forced.
The unkindest cut? If someone were to read only the last couple of chapters (page 282 through page 316) they would have read all they needed to.
I wish someone had told me this and saved me my time. The first 280 pages were a complete waste of time, sending the reader down a useless rabbit hole.
On the whole, an insufferable book.
The writing was rambling, dry and just not engaging. Each fact was repeated at least twenty times. Each dead end the friends encountered was presented to the reader in excruciating detail.
If you're going to write a book, at least make it slightly interesting, and redact certain useless details instead of rambling.
The endless banal descriptions of Covid were mind-numbing. The reader gets it. If someone is reading this book, they've lived through covid too. Spare us all the repeated details.
I'm sure the camaraderie formed amongst the friends who worked to uncover this mystery was heartwarming. But it just didn't come through in the book. Rather, all descriptions of the women's interactions felt forced.
The unkindest cut? If someone were to read only the last couple of chapters (page 282 through page 316) they would have read all they needed to.
I wish someone had told me this and saved me my time. The first 280 pages were a complete waste of time, sending the reader down a useless rabbit hole.
On the whole, an insufferable book.
September 10, 2025
Non-fiction is not my normal genre, but this was a very compelling read. Hogan did an excellent job relaying these 4 moms during the covid pandemic, finding purpose in a time when so many people lost their direction. I was amazed they were able to crack the case and disheartened that justice was still eluded. At least the family got closure. The ending makes me think there might be a sequel down the road.
September 2, 2025
I loved this true story of four moms who teamed up during Covid lockdown to solve a 15-year-old cold case. It read like a novel and was so interesting and entertaining. I look forward to reading about the next cold case the moms try to solve! Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.
August 20, 2025
Fun enough premise, and well done to the novice investigators!
July 30, 2025
I went all in on this book, and it was a ride. I spent a lot of time suspecting this would be revealed as a work of fiction written in a documentary-style. I wasn't convinced of the authenticity until I saw the photo of the 4 mom detectives at the end of the book.
The author did a great job of unspooling the compelling, complex narrative inside another compelling, complex narrative. The plot was so dense that it would have been easy to get lost in the details but Hogan managed to tell an organized story that was part narrative and part procedural. The characterization of the women themselves was built slowly through their conversations, their expertise, their doubts and their triumphs. We walked the path along with them, and I grew to like each of them immensely. I wish I could follow them on instagram or something.
I know this book took a long time to compile but I hope the author and the detectives decide to collaborate again soon. I'm looking forward to following their next case!
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
The author did a great job of unspooling the compelling, complex narrative inside another compelling, complex narrative. The plot was so dense that it would have been easy to get lost in the details but Hogan managed to tell an organized story that was part narrative and part procedural. The characterization of the women themselves was built slowly through their conversations, their expertise, their doubts and their triumphs. We walked the path along with them, and I grew to like each of them immensely. I wish I could follow them on instagram or something.
I know this book took a long time to compile but I hope the author and the detectives decide to collaborate again soon. I'm looking forward to following their next case!
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
August 4, 2025
I began reading this book thinking that it was going to be a fiction, humorous crime novel, but as I read, the author was adding so much background information to the characters, I started to wonder if I was reading a true story. Off to google to confirm, that yes, I was reading a true crime story.
Four moms recently acquainted through their children’s school become interested in a cold case about a car going over a cliff in their area. As a group, they decide to find out more. One thing leads to another and they find themselves deep into solving the case.
Most of their detective work takes place during the covid lock down, giving the women plenty of time to dig into the case, but also cutting into homeschooling and family time.
I liked how they each worked together according to their strengths, documenting everything as they went along. It seems the police and other detectives that had handled the case were impressed was well.
Some may not like they ending, but rest assured, this ladies definitely find out what happened and they also rule out who did not commit murder. I hope to see more true crime from this group of carpool detectives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my hones review and recommend this to my other readers.
Four moms recently acquainted through their children’s school become interested in a cold case about a car going over a cliff in their area. As a group, they decide to find out more. One thing leads to another and they find themselves deep into solving the case.
Most of their detective work takes place during the covid lock down, giving the women plenty of time to dig into the case, but also cutting into homeschooling and family time.
I liked how they each worked together according to their strengths, documenting everything as they went along. It seems the police and other detectives that had handled the case were impressed was well.
Some may not like they ending, but rest assured, this ladies definitely find out what happened and they also rule out who did not commit murder. I hope to see more true crime from this group of carpool detectives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my hones review and recommend this to my other readers.
July 20, 2025
Carpool Detectives is a riveting and inspiring true crime read about four ordinary women who accomplished something extraordinary. With shades of I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, this book highlights how grit, determination, and sheer intelligence led a group of women—brought together by circumstance and bonded during the isolation of COVID lockdowns—to solve a cold case that had haunted a family for fifteen years.
Their story is a fascinating look at what can happen when curiosity meets capability, and it serves as a powerful reminder that justice isn’t always served by the usual suspects. Instead, it can come from a carpool of women who refused to give up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Their story is a fascinating look at what can happen when curiosity meets capability, and it serves as a powerful reminder that justice isn’t always served by the usual suspects. Instead, it can come from a carpool of women who refused to give up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 29, 2025
The Carpool Detectives is the compelling and captivating story of four moms who take it upon themselves to solve a cold case that is 15 years old.
Their tenacity, strength and determination is admirable and they certainly would not take no for an answer.
Its COVID and the four moms decide to investigate the murder of an elderly couple who found dead in their car at the bottom of a ravine.
Zoom calls were the order of the day as the ladies navigate and learn throughout the investigaton.
There are twists and turns to the story and it is a fascinating one to read let alone try and solve.
It will have the true crime junky thinking I could do that but I know I never could.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Carpool Detectives and read it one sitting as I just had to know.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this intriguing book.
Their tenacity, strength and determination is admirable and they certainly would not take no for an answer.
Its COVID and the four moms decide to investigate the murder of an elderly couple who found dead in their car at the bottom of a ravine.
Zoom calls were the order of the day as the ladies navigate and learn throughout the investigaton.
There are twists and turns to the story and it is a fascinating one to read let alone try and solve.
It will have the true crime junky thinking I could do that but I know I never could.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Carpool Detectives and read it one sitting as I just had to know.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this intriguing book.
July 24, 2025
The Carpool Detectives by Chuck Hogan, despite not knowing why they’re called carpool detectives and that the whole book seemed one-sided when it came to discussing the Covid epidemic we all live through. once I got into the story I found it very interesting I really thought Andrew would definitely be part of the answer but the answer turned out to be much more interesting than that. This was such a sad story of a case that caught the attention of Marissa on a whim and although I really wasn’t sure how they all became friends they wind up solving the case through Zoom calls every other night Marissa contacting the detectives and interviewing most of the witnesses and those giving filler to missing parts of the story it was about Joel and Angela and their horrible murders. their SUV went off the side of a cliff in California and they were missing for almost a month but finding them didn’t give all the answers they needed and with the detectives the case went cold but when Marissa and her friends Jeanie, Samira and Nicole not only solved the case but invited the two detectives to explain it all to them and they were totally impressed. this is when the women’s elation turn to fear because the cops explained not only what the implications were for what they uncovered but how far they could take it. I really thought this book was interesting I could’ve done without the life story of each individual woman from the time of their birth until their marriage and children and I think that caused the book to drag but once it got into the nitty-gritty of uncovering the clues and building the story I really found myself intrigued and not wanting to put the book down., I was really impressed by what happened after they solved the Watkins murders especially due to the case they picked which wasn’t going to be helped by the Internet. This is a pretty good book if you could get past the bios on the women which were longer than they needed to be in one I definitely recommend I have read other books by Chuck Hogan and have enjoyed them so if you love true Crime this is a great one to pick up. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #ChuckHogan, #TheCarpoolDetectives,
September 1, 2025
3:5 stars, this is a true story about four moms, forced to stay home with their kids due to Covid, who decide to pursue their love of true crime and look into a 15 year old cold case. These women had no connection to the original crime. But they were smart and determined, and because they weren’t cops, people were not afraid to talk to them. This case took some pretty crazy twists, and amazingly enough, they were able to put together pieces the police had not, providing much needed answers to the family of the victims. a fairly quick and uncomplicated read, but held my interest to the end.
September 17, 2025
This book has 4 moms solving a murder mystery from 2005 during the 2020 pandemic. It was a good reflection on the pandemic without being really just about the pandemic. It was interesting seeing how they first approached the case with wide eyed optimism and then more methodical practiced views at the end. Watching them fight police bureaucracy and all the uncertainty made it feel more novel like while being non fiction. Great book for true crime aficionados!
September 20, 2025
I did this one on audio and while there was A LOT of information here, I’m still glad I did as it read/seemed more like a podcast episode and I fear I might’ve gotten more confused/lost if I had just read the physical book.
As wild as this case ended up being I forgot it was actually non fiction for a moment but hey - kudos to those moms! I want to solve a cold case with my mom friends. But also, it was kind of crazy reliving the beginning of covid again🥴
I know the ending implied they’re working on another case and I can only hope that turns into another book🤞🏻
As wild as this case ended up being I forgot it was actually non fiction for a moment but hey - kudos to those moms! I want to solve a cold case with my mom friends. But also, it was kind of crazy reliving the beginning of covid again🥴
I know the ending implied they’re working on another case and I can only hope that turns into another book🤞🏻
September 5, 2025
This book was amazing. It is a story of four women who are either going back to school or working, have kids, and who also take on a cold case during COVID and their investigative journey. It is truly amazing what these women accomplished and where the case led. It felt like I was reading a fictional book because of how unbelievable it was at times (in a good way).
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