Friday, May 15, 2026

SWANS DON'T SWIM IN A SEWER CHANGES THE TRUE CRIME NARRATIVE ~ BOOK REVIEW

Buy Swans Don't Swim In A Sewer on AMAZON and BARNES AND NOBLE!

EP 145: Listen to Sheryl 'Mac' McCollum and Jill discuss Swans Don't Swim In A Sewer

Book Review

Melissa Wolfenbarger was murdered, and it took years for this tragedy to be acknowledged. When her family sought help, cold case investigator Sheryl "Mac" McCollum stepped in to assist them in uncovering the truth about what happened to their daughter, who happened to be the child of a serial killer serving a life sentence.

I have read many true crime books, most of which are written by lawyers, investigators, authors, or journalists. These works typically explore the evidence, interrogations, forensics, and the journey through the court system to achieve justice. This particular book follows that pattern but differs in a significant way.

From the very beginning, it centers on the family, focusing on Melissa Wolfenbarger's parents and sister. Sheryl encourages readers to look beyond the two-dimensional portrayal of Carl Patton, a serial killer who is also a grieving father of a murdered child. Presenting this perspective is a remarkable achievement and exemplifies the magic of good storytelling. A critical thread throughout the narrative is that Carl Patton committed multiple murders and faced the consequences of his actions. Equally important is the focused effort to gather facts, conduct interviews, and collect evidence to bring Melissa Wolfenbarger’s murderer to justice, all while treating her family with compassion.

Cold cases are inherently challenging, and this book emphasizes that sharing information with the families at the center of the story is crucial. A simple 20-second update from an investigator or assistant district attorney can have a profound impact on the lives of a victim’s family and dramatically alter their world—a truth that carries significant weight. "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer" is a standout piece of literature and deserves a place on the shelves of every true crime enthusiast.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Ep 165: Dark Tide- Growing Up With Ted Bundy by Edna Cowell Martin and Megan Atkinson

Buy Dark Tide- Growing Up With Ted Bundy at Amazon and

Barnes and Noble!

Author Edna Cowell Martin, Ted Bundy's cousin.

Monday, May 4, 2026

EP 164 Dog 'O War by Aphrodite Jones

Listen to Ep 164 on Dog O'War by Aphrodite Jones

Buy Aphrodite Jones's Dog O'War on Amazon!

Jill and Aphrodite Jones at the Hamptons Whodunit, April 2026

Diane Alexis Whipple- Wikipedia

Mug Shot Paul Schnieder

SOURCES

Aphrodite Jones, Dog O'War, April 7, 2026.

David Barry, Descent into Darkness, Southern Poverty Law Center, June 18, 2002.

Jaxon VanDerbeken, S.F. Lawyers Adopt Con Who Bred Killer Dog/Action by animal's keepers stuns state correction officials, SFGate.com, Jan. 31, 2001.

Jaxon VanDerbeken, Prison Gang Duo Linked to Dog that Killed Woman, SFgate.com, Jan. 30, 2001.

Katie Dowd, Woman whose dogs killed Diane Whipple denied parole, Sfgate.com, Feb. 15, 2026.

Kim Curtis, Evidence Unsealed in Dog-Mauling case, ABCNews.com, March 29, 2001.

Kim Curtis, Judge Oks bail cut for woman who figures in fatal dog attack, Venture County Star, Sept. 1, 2001.

Lawyer for Knoller asks court to overturn dog-maul murder conviction, Fox2 WKVU, Nov 16, 2015.

Lucia Graves, Two Dogs, a Death, and the Trial that made Kimberly Guilfoyle a Television Star, Medium.com, Nov. 3, 2020.

Man Tied to attack adopted, The Californian, Jan 31, 2001.

Parole denied to attorney serving life sentence in San Francisco dog mauling, Los Angeles Times, Feb 8, 2019.

Ron Harris, Court Hearing Goes to Court, Venture County Star, March, 8, 2001.

The Diane Whipple Case, Dog Bite Law.com, 2026.

Woman gets at least 15 years for fatal dog attack, NBCNews.com, Sept 22, 2008.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

EP 163: Shadows in Fire by Judith A. Yates

~SUPPORT JUDITH A. YATES - KICKSTARTER FOR SHADOWS IN FIRE~

Listen to Episode 163 to Jill's interview with Judith about this amazing book, Shadows in Fire!

Irma Grese book by Judith Yates

Books by Judith A. Yates on AMAZON

SOURCES

Brian Dwyer, Woman who killed 2 children moved out of prison: 'I'm worried about it,' Onondaga County DA says, Spectrum News1.com, May 14, 2024.

Darian Stevenson, Central NY child killer moved to psych facility because doctors rule she's danger to herself or others, Syracuse.com, May 29, 2024.

Megan Coleman, Shirley Winters Sentenced, CYNCentral.com, June 17, 2008.

Shirley Winters Photos, Murderpedia.com, 2026.

Shirley Winters, serial killer and arsonist, moved from prison, NewChannel9 WSYR, Syracuse, 2025.

Winters sentenced for son's death, CYNCentral.com, June 17, 2008.

Monday, April 27, 2026

MICHAEL KORS GIVEAWAY! April - May 10, 2026!

ENTER YOUR EMAIL BELOW FOR THE MICHAEL KORS GIVEAWAY! 🔴

 MURDER BOOKIES! 🔴 Upload a screenshot of your review posted on DOG O' WAR by APHRODITE JONES, by May 10th - Mother's Day to WIN! 

https://www.aphroditejones.com/contact-us

Monday, April 20, 2026

Dog O'War by Aphrodite Jones Book Review!

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A shocking dog mauling that culminates in a horrific death is just the beginning of this harrowing tale. In Dog O’War, Aphrodite Jones delves deep to uncover the chilling circumstances surrounding the presa canario, a rare breed of dog, and reveals how they became a savage tool of death in this tragedy. The plot intertwines with the sinister motives of the Aryan Brotherhood, a ruthless prison gang, driven by white supremacy and greed. Through meticulous research and interviews with the deranged individuals involved, Jones provides a profound, albeit disturbing, perspective on a series of extensive crimes. The story also follows two once-prominent lawyers entangled in this twisted scheme. They manipulate others for gain while themselves being exploited. This ultimately spiraled into an absurd trial that shocks the conscience. By the time I reached page 15, I was utterly captivated, unable to put the book down as I was compelled to uncover the truth.

While the depiction of human behavior can be unsettling, the narrative also reveals positive outcomes that highlight humanity's resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest circumstances, a silver lining can emerge. I wholeheartedly recommend Aphrodite Jones’s Dog O’War for its compelling narrative, respectful portrayal of the victim, and rigorous research, which collectively illuminate the intricate conditions and consequences at play. As a true crime book podcaster who has read and reviewed hundreds of true crime books, I can confidently say that none have shocked me quite like this tale, where true crime spills over into astonishment and horror.