Within the House of Murdaugh: Amid a Unique Friendship, Blanca and Maggie

by Blanca Turrubiate-Simpson, Mary Frances Weaver

Inside the Murdaugh Murder Housekeeper Blanca Reveals Her Emotional Journey and Stunning Theories - Unraveling Bombshells That May Tilt Your Perception!

Within the House of Amid a Unique Friendship, Blanca and Maggie, is much more than a sensational true crime tale. It's a gripping narrative from a unique perspective. Blanca, who was deeply entwined in the Murdaugh's lives as their housekeeper, provides an insider's account of the macabre events that unfolded within the notorious family's residence.

Blanca's narrative is an emotional whirlwind, recounting the traumatic fallout of the gruesome murders that shook the foundations of her world. Her personal experiences and the shocking revelations she presents will leave readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the narrative they thought they knew.

This book is not merely a recounting of events. It is an exploration of Blanca's own theories about the fateful night, painstakingly pieced together from her intimate knowledge of the family and the eerie events that unfolded. Her perspective, though deeply personal, is informed by an objective analysis of the facts as she perceived them.

In Within the House of Amid a Unique Friendship, Blanca and Maggie you will discover several explosive revelations that will challenge your preconceived notions about the Murdaugh murders. These bombshells, dropped casually yet with profound impact, will send chills down your spine as they may completely shift your understanding of the case.

As you delve into this book, you will find yourself drawn into a dark labyrinth of deceit, power, and murder. Through Blanca's eyes, the Murdaugh family and their grim secrets are unveiled. The book serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and her quest for truth amidst the chaos.

Within the House of Amid a Unique Friendship, Blanca and Maggie,  is an indispensable read for those who seek a profound understanding of the Murdaugh murder mystery. It's a haunting, chilling, and ultimately enlightening journey that no true crime enthusiast should miss. Brace yourself for a reading experience that will leave you questioning, pondering, and hungering for more.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Memoir, Crime

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2025

Reviews

[Ali Weathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for those of us who “know it all” and have followed every detail of this case. This offers new insight from a perspective we haven’t heard before. Makes you understand Paul and Maggie more. I really enjoyed this book and hope Blanca lives a happy peaceful rest of her life!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fast read! I’m glad I got the paper back edition and not the hardback. It does have a few black and white paper pictures. Not much to them, really.

But the book was not bad. It was interesting to hear the side of someone who was actually close to the family.

Blanca Turrubiate-Simpson ( who I will refer to as BTS) was a housekeeper for the Murdaugh family. She had also worked for Alex in the past as a translator at his law firm.

She wrote she worked for them for a decade. It’s hard to know because the dates are not clear on when things happened in her life with the Murdaughs.

Her and Maggie seemed to have a close relationship since she worked for them. She was friendly with Paul and Alex seemed to be kind to her. Buster was much more reserved and stayed to himself so they really had no real connection.

Mostly this is just about a friendship between a housekeeper and her employer that happens to turn into a heartbreaking story.

BTS wrote her theories of what she thinks happened. She makes some interesting points and I agree with some of them.

Some of her ideas… like an AHA moment because of a beach towel she saw in Alex’s car that she had washed that day seemed silly. I live in the south and June in SC is no joke in the Lowcountry. You break out in a sweat just stepping on the outside porch. I grab a towel all the time to wipe my face and arms off. I keep a clean one in my car most days.

But I do agree that more than one person was involved. I’m just not sure if Alex planned it. I’m
Not sure if he pulled the triggers, but he is definitely guilty of covering up the mess he created.

I just can’t wrap my mind around him killing Paul or Maggie. I know he was desperate because his world was imploding from all the money he had stolen. From his addiction to pain killers that cost him so much money to keep from going into withdrawal. But could he actually blow his son’s head off? Shoot his wife he seemed to love in the back of the head?? And manage to do it all on his own?? I’m not certain. Not at all. Blanca said that Alex and Maggie were very much in love and Alex loved both his sons so much. She knew their lives inside Mozelle and she saw nothing to show any kind of turmoil was brewing.

Sooo…. Maybe he thought….

Get rid of Paul…. The civil suit goes away. Get rid of Paul… the upcoming criminal trial goes away. He had no money for lawyers. Get rid of Maggie and Mozelle and Edisto and her Mercedes were in her name and he was free to sell it all and get that money, plus his inheritance from his Dad dying. He thought he could buy himself more time to fix things.

It was sick and he is an awful person, but I don’t think he could do all that on his own in that time frame. Not to mention the SLED and police did a horrible job with the crime scene. They did not even seal off the house and anyone could go in and take whatever they wanted. Wash whatever they wanted. Really awful police work. They never even took tire impressions or checked the woods behind the kennels or anywhere someone could have hidden.

Also…. When he is talking to the cops after the shooting he says to himself…. Oh… they did Paul so wrong. It was the way he said it….like he really thought someone else killed Paul because of the boating accident.

I know there is the Big Lie he told about not being at the kennels. If not for Bubba the Chicken Killer being caught on Paul’s video no one would have known he was lying. He was also a seasoned attorney with plenty of criminal experience and a boat load of financial issue that were coming to light. Maybe in his drug addled brain he felt it would be best to say he was nowhere near the kennels to avoid even being near the area. Kind of sounds like something I would have lied about when I was backed up against a wall. Not a murder, of course, but if my brother and I threw a party while our parents were away and something got broken we both lied and said we were no where near there. Or try to blame it on each other to avoid the punishment we had coming.

I don’t know. I’m just glad he is in jail. He did a whole lot wrong and caused a whole lot of pain for a whole lot of people.

Did he actually kill his wife and son?? Now that is something I don’t think I will ever truly know.

I’m sorry Maggie and Paul and Mallory lost their lives.

It was all so sad.

Read the book. It only took me a few hours. You get to know a bit more about Maggie…. Not all good and a bit more about Paul… who needed better parenting.

But unless you are set on getting the hardback book, save yourself almost half the money and just buy the paperback.

[Jill Hurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good. If you have been following the Murdaugh family, and have read a couple of the other books....then you need to read this as it fills in the blanks....answers some questions. After watching the show recently about this case and having read two other excellent books....I still had some questions....things still didn't add up. Blanca answered those questions!!! All I can say is if dogs could talk like humans....Bubba would have a story to tell....but Bubba still has told the story of that night. Great book. Quick read.

[Hannah Dickens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really wanted to love this “book” but it fell short. The book looked like a 5th graders book with the font size and the short, one or two smoking gun theories could have been read in a paragraph in the news. I don’t feel it was fit to be a called a book, even though it was published as such,it took me 2hrs to read it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read from an insider perspective.

[Liz Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read and hard to put down! If you followed the Murdaugh murders- I highly recommend reading this book. It was so interesting reading Blanca’s thoughts and perspective on what happened. She knew so much about the family that others did not.

[Teresa Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was so good! I’ve followed this case from the beginning! This book was beautifully written. And the stories about Bubba were heartbreaking. If only Bubba could talk! Great read and my first finished book of 2026!!

[debra caye harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read!!

I loved this book!! Such a sad story!! I really felt like i knew Maggie and Paul through this book!! I am so glad Bubba is in good hands!! I teared up when I read about Bubba snd the gravesite!! I just totally do not understand how someone could do this horrific crime! Someone who had it all !!! I always wondered when i was little, why God said the root of money is evil! But now i get it, all the horrible things that happens over money!! I am still confused on what he did with the money?? All that money he stolen, so heartless!!!!! I also totally believe in her theory of what happened! It all makes since ! I think all the evidence is somewhere on the property!!

[Diane M. Berry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much real content

No, it’s nothing no really revealed in this book except that the author really cared about Alex’s son and wife. It was spent talking about how wonderful they were in offering some insight into who they are. It had a good bit of fillers to build content for the book. It was also in large font I believe. It only took me two or three hours to get through it.

[Sandra Calderon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I followed the trial so this book was very informative and interesting. I love how Blanca wrote her story. Enjoyed it immensely.

[Kimberlyisaddicted2books · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you for your service, Blanca, this country is built by those who are courageous and brave, finding strength where most do not.

This was a quick read, of course I have been following the Murdaugh case since the infamous tragedy and loss of Mallory Beach.

I remember seeing an article about it in People magazine (and I remember where I was at that moment) I was immediately transfixed and worried. I knew something terrible awaited this family. I told my significant other, who I am sure , one ear and out the other at the time, and then when seeing on the news about the murders of Maggie and Paul, I immediately said look, I knew there would be more to this. At the time it was speculated to be an obsessed online troll or someone wanting revenge for Mallory. I said, mark my words, this father and husband committed the murders. When he was "shot" I knew that he was lying. He would've been dead had someone actually shot him in the head. What is this man trying to pull I thought. Being a recovering drug addict, I did suspect drugs to be involved but I never could've imagined that "tangled web" Alex (Alec?) wove. After years of stealing from good, honest people, who entrusted their livelihood to him, and lying to his wife and children and betraying them by these very acts, he did the unthinkable, and believed that he would not get caught.

Blanca's story and words paint a picture of the beings Maggie and Paul came to this Earth to embrace and be. All the media coverage, the books, the shows, they don't ever give the victims the time and energy they deserve. The internet feeds on sen negativity and nightmares and must find it very hard to spread the light and love that is snuffed out far too soon.

The memories and stories are truth not sensationalism. Bianca shares who Maggie was to her- when she began working for her and then as they become friends and confidants. She shares memories of Paul growing up, how he loved nature and how he struggled with the pressure on him to follow in his father's footsteps. She shares how heartbroken they both were and how Paul was prepared to go to jail and do his time but his father wouldn't let it lie. She paints a portrait of a mother and son who loved each other and Alex. Two souls taken by the man they trusted the most.

There are stories of Bubba, Maggie's beloved dog, and how he brought justice for Paul and Maggie. It is devastating to see and feel the aftermath of what Alex did reverberating through Bianca and Bubba's lives.

I agree with Bianca's theory that Alex had a plan that went awry, and that he had help. I always thought something sure is fishy here and just doesn't add up. It's absolutely shocking that such a smart, respected, privileged and capable man did this to his own flesh and blood son and to his wife who gifted him with his children. I hope he was a different person that night and not the same person he had always been, acting it all out, weaving that web.

I am grateful she wrote this book because it surely helped me see everything in a different perspective, one with more compassion and love. Thanks, Bianca!

[Jen]

I was so excited to read this book, because I followed this familiy’s ordeal from beginning to end. Yes, Blanca had a few interesting things to share, but there really wasn’t much new information that we didn’t already know. Obviously, she shared a few details that were not part of the trial or any interviews that I had seen. But in general, I was less than impressed. I also felt that the writing was very disorganized. She jumped around so much, I had a hard time following the timelines. Also, there were huge gaps in her telling of the story. She mentioned several people & did not explain who they were. She also repeated herself too often. I’m a little surprised that her co-writer & editor didn’t pick up on all these things. Luckily this was quick read & I didn’t spend much time on it.

[Pam Mccellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of her timelines were confusing and she had me lost in some areas of her recollections. I’m not sure about the white trucks & her theory about the cleaners but it’s possible since there were 2 more entrances to the property that people were unaware of. I guess the cleaners could’ve come when Alex went to see his mom (his alibi). The part about where Maggie‘s Mercedes was parked at the house, and the fact that it was never parked there before was a good point. That was interesting. Which kind of makes the cleaners more plausible? I’m glad she got to keep the dog, and I’m sad to see how the dog is struggling these days with diabetes and his blindness.

[Brenda Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid four stars. If you have any interest at all in the Murdaugh murders, this is a must read. It exposes the shortcomings of the investigation into what happened. Exposes the injustices to the deceased Maggie and Paul and to those who loved them. Exposes how the one person closest to the family, Blanca, had valuable information that was brushed aside or ignored.
Particularly compelling is the post murder reactions of the beloved family dog, Bubba, now living with Blanca and her husband.
Thank you Blanca, for the courage to come forward and share your story. You did Maggie and Paul proud.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a heartfelt and heart wrenching story of the love and friendship between Blanca and Maggie. Probably those who are desperate for gory details of the “Murdaugh Murders” will be disappointed, but I very much enjoyed getting to know Maggie through Blanca’s eyes and hearing about her experience and grief after the death of such a beloved friend. To a bit of a lesser extent, Blanca also delves into who Paul was and humanizes him outside of the infamous boat crash. My heart broke for Blanca and Bubba, who had to come to terms with these shocking and horrific murders while also finding out that someone she held so dear was responsible. I hope they both find peace.

[Kim Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick read that adds perspective

It is nice to have the opportunity to hear from Blanca regarding this tragedy. This book humanizes the victims of these murders and provides an intimate look at their lives. I would have liked more about life in the Murdaugh home, though. The book only scratches the surface. It almost seems as though it was written in a rush to get it on the market. Blanca surely had an inside view. I read this book in one sitting, but was left wishing for more!

[Brittany (Brittinbookland)]

This had some very interesting insights.

I enjoyed hearing Blanca's side of things unedited by the courts. It's upsetting knowing how she was treated when all she wanted to do was help the case and bring about justice. Its clear parts of this case were fumbled with missed opportunities to collect more substantial evidence, but at least in the end, justice was served.

Although Blanca's theories were just that and not evidence, I did enjoy reading them. It provided some insight into what may have happened that night.

[Carol S Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear and revelatory

As a follower of the Murdaugh story, I wanted to see more from behind the scenes. After reading her book, I am grateful that Blanca told her story to set the record straight for Maggie and Paul. In this book, they become real people with special qualities, not just victims of a brutal betrayal. Thank you, Blanca. I didn’t know Maggie, but I know from your words that I would have liked her. You have done a great service to Maggie and to Paul.

[nancy kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blanca did a good job

Blanca did a good job describing the Murdaugh household and how events played out. It is so sad how a family that had everything end up in this state of loss and crime. I believe Alex guilty, and feel there was more to this than we yet know. Perhaps more truth will surface in the future. Great book Blanca! Thank you for sharing the story as you lived it.

[Susan Bullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the book and seeing things through Blanca’s eyes. I was, however, a little turned off by the acknowledgement at the end to Joe McCullouch, as I find him to be extremely shady and I believe he was a “plant” for DICK Harpootlian (aka Windbag, aka Pooty-Poot, aka someone not too familiar with the truth, etc.)

[Amanda Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I had it read in 2 days. It is so interesting hearing about this tragedy from someone that had inside knowledge of the family’s dynamic. Blanca did a fabulous job describing Maggie. I feel like I know Maggie now. What a beautiful tribute to two people that did not deserve their ending. I highly recommend this book.

[Julie Cardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book from the Housekeeper’s perspective

Such a great read if you followed the case. I never understood why she wasn’t interviewed from investigators from the beginning since she was so close to the family. She tells the story of her friendship with Maggie and I loved it.

[Angela Stillson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book. Shows a different side of Maggie and her son Paul which makes their deaths at the hands of their husband/father Alec even more heartbreaking. Blanca is definitly honoring their memories and I am glad to hear that Bubba is doing so well.

[Hannah Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ

I literally sat down, and did not get up until I read the past page. Blanca does such a great job of telling her story and keeping the reader engaged throughout the process.

[Brandy Kress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I enjoyed her point of view as well as her insight as to what she felt like the plan could have been from Alex’ point of view. Definitely lots of details from her point of view and evidence police should have considered.

[Ariel Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read multiple books about this family and the murders. I liked that it wasn’t long but was from someone close to the family’s perspective. She didn’t make assumptions just her side of the story. Also shedding light onto Maggie and Paul compared to Alex like most other books have.

[Diana Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like much of the nation, I've been consumed by this tragedy. As soon as Blanca took the stand, I wanted more of her story. Their friendship had me laughing out loud, and then the sad reality hits all over again, even though we know what's to come. A tough read, but she told their stories well.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an excellent book

This book was excellent! It helped me to understand more than what a movie or news article could provide. It was easy to read and understand. What an accomplishment! Both authors should be very proud of the work they have done.

[BM Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply written, profoundly sad

Short, simple, this book tries to analyze the why of the murders. Something we all want answers to. It comes down to character and the devastating effects addiction can do.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think she had a unique insider perspective and that’s why I wanted to read it. I don’t think there was much new information revealed and a good editor would have been useful before publishing as there were multiple repeats of the same information and some grammatical errors.