Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast

Thursday, March 26, 2026

BOOK REVIEW: While She Slept by Marion Collins

EPISODES 159, 161 AND 163

My response to reading Marion Collins’s gripping book, While She Slept, was so profound that it inspired me to feature the case on my true crime book podcast. This narrative unfolds in the context of a marriage that initially brims with hope and optimism but descends into a harrowing tale characterized by arguments, instability, financial strain, and violence infused with heartache and fear. Collins masterfully brings to life the victim, Jill Russell-Cahill—a vibrant spirit known for her infectious laughter and her role as the life of the party—while also depicting her close-knit family and dear friends who cherished her. On the other side, we meet Jill’s husband, Jeff Cahill, and his family, whose intertwined lives with Jill create a complex dynamic that shapes the unfolding tragedy.

The author’s extensive and meticulous research shines through, providing rich details that deepen our understanding of the violent trauma and recovery that precede the shocking act of murder. The interviews with witnesses are particularly illuminating, offering authentic insights into the suspicions and facts that emerged as the case wound its way toward trial.

However, the book is marred by poor organization. The timeline is often confusing due to frequent narrative shifts that explore various facets of the story concurrently. While this approach can sometimes be effective, the many distinct elements require the reader to pause and restart, disrupting the narrative flow. Moreover, the presence of spelling errors suggests a lack of diligent editing, and a notable inaccuracy regarding the history of New York State’s death penalty law further detracts from the pursuit of justice. Despite these shortcomings, readers will find themselves emotionally invested, genuinely caring about the fate of those involved as they navigate through the chapters. I wholeheartedly recommend *While She Slept*, as this poignant story has significant implications for the judicial and legislative realms. Just be prepared to search for clarifications as you read, as you may encounter areas that spark curiosity and confusion.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Ep 158: True Crime & Consequences by David Lyons

BUY True Crime and Consequences on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

https://murderpolicepodcast.com/

Ep 156: Joe Giacalone LISK UPDATE (Lost Girls Part 6)

SOURCES: LOST GIRLS BY Robert Kolker

Buy Lost Girls on Amazon or on Barnes and Noble!

BINGE JILL'S LISK SERIES ON LOST GIRLS BY ROBERT KOLKER- Ep 24, Ep 25 and EP 26, PLUS HER UPDATE ON CORRUPTION IN SUFFOLK COUNTY (Lost Girl Part 4- 'Let the Games Begin Minicast, Ep 95- GILGO with Christine Dana, and Ep 156: Joe Giacalone's LISK UPDATE!

Melissa Barthelemy (age 24, disappeared 2009), Megan Waterman (Age 22, disappeared 2010), Amber Costillo (age 27, disappeared in 2010), Maureen Brainard-Barnes, (age 25, disappeared in 2007) Jessica Taylor (age 20, disappeared in 2003), Sandra Costilla (age 28, murdered in 1993), and Valerie Mack (courtesy of family) (age 24, disappeared in 2000).

In the Gilgo Beach Killings, remains identified 20 Years Later- Valerie Mack

DOCUMENT: MARCH 5, 2026 - AFFIRMATION & MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT'S OMNIBUS MOTION.

Alexis Linkletter and Billy Jensen, Unraveled Podcast- Long Island Serial Killer, Dec 9, 2020-May 19, 2021.

Alexis Linkletter and Billy Jensen, Unraveled- The Stalker's Web, season 1, Epi 8, Damning new LISK Information, May 19,2021.

Allison Cacich, How Mari Gilbert, the Mother who helped Uncover a Serial Killer, became a murder victim, Distractify, March 13, 2020.

Andrew Smith, Guilty plea ends odyssey that began with boy's 1979 killing, Newsday, June 20, 2003.

Anna Sturla, In the NY Gilgo beach killings, remains identified 20 years later, www.CNN.com, May 28, 2020.

Ariel Zangla, Ellenville murder suspect to undergo psychiatric evaluation; grand jury action could come first, Daily Freeman, March 31, 2021 (updated).

Ariel Zangla, 'She got what she deserved"- Sarra Gilbert defends stabbing her mother to death, Daily Freeman, April 2, 2017.

Aryelle Siclait, Who was Shannan Gilbert from Netflix's Lost Girls, and what happened to her? Women's Health.com, March 13, 2020.

Bernice A Pescosolido, Bianco Manago, and John Monahan, "Evolving Public View on the Likelihood of Violence From People with Mental Illness: Stigma and Its Consequences", Health Affairs, Oct 2019.

Billy Jensen and Alexis Linkletter, Unraveled Podcast, Dec 2020.

Birtle, Long Island Baked Clams, iFood.TV, Dec 3, 2008.

Bridget Murphy, Robert E Kessler, Nicole Fuller, Unsealed Spota records reveal allegations of plot to topple Levy, Newsday, May 1, 2021.

Carolyn Gusoff, FBI Veteran Geraldine Hart Becomes first Woman to Lead Suffolk County Police Department, 2CBS WLNY.com, Feb. 22, 2018.

Casetimeline, Gilgocase.com, June 28, 2021.

Chris Mass, L ISK: Long Island Serial Killer Podcast, Mopac Audio, 2020.

Christine Pelisek, Mom of Gilgo Beach victim Shannan Gilbert spoke out, weeks before her own murder, People.com, Oct. 27, 2016.

Christine Pelisek, Victims Photo, People Magazine, www.People.com, March 1, 2021.

Eric Russel, For the first time, daughter of Long Island Serial killer from Maine, speaks out, PressHeald.com, June 22, 2020.

Eye Witness News, Ex-Suffolk DA Thomas Spota guilty in police beating cover-up, Abc7.com, Dec 17, 2019.

Frankie McKay, Breaking it down with Frankie McKay, Soundlcloud.com, June 14,2021.

Gilgocase.com, Casetimeline, Gilgo Case, June 28, 2021.

Gina Tron, New Images of belt released in NY Gilgo Beach Serial killer case, www.Oxygen.com, Dec 8, 2020.

Gina Tron, Who were all the victims--and suspected victims- in the Gilgo Beach murders of "Lost Girls"?, www.Oxygen.com, March 12, 2020.

Greg Blass, Documents in ex-Suffolk DA's corruption trial reveal county politics at their sordid worst, RiverheadLocal.com, May 16, 2021.

Jaclyn Gallucci, Jessica Taylor Identified as a Skull on Ocean Parkway, Long Island Press, May 9, 2011.

Jaclyn Gallucci, New Details, Victim Sketches Released in Gilgo Murder Case, Long Island Press, Sept. 20, 2011.

Jacqueline Sweet, Senator Boyle Calls for Answers on Long Island Serial Killer Case, The Patch, June 28, 2021.

James Ford and Alison Kaden, Escort claims disgraced ex-Police Chief James Burke linked to Unsolved Gilgo Beach murders, PIX11.c0m, Dec. 15, 2016.

Jamie Schram, Busted ex-police chief blocked FBI probe of Gilgo Beach murders, New York Post, Dec 12, 2015.

Jennifer Millman, Police Reveal Identity of Gilgo Victim Previously known only as Jane Does #6, NBC4.com, May 28, 2020.

Jill Sederstrom, Where is Doctor Peter Hackett, the Mysterious Doctor from 'Lost Girls'- Now? True Crime Oxygen.com, March 23, 2020.

Kenneth Garger, Skeletal Remains Pulled from Long Island Marsh, New York Post, New York, May 3, 2021.

Kristi Mehrota, Where is James Burke now?, Cinemaholic.com, March 10, 2021.

Korrin Miller, What happened to Mari Gilbert's daughters, Sherre, Stevie and Sarra? --And where are they now? Women's Health.com, March 17, 2020.

Lisa Finn, Former DA Tom Spota, Aide found guilty on all counts, The Patch.com, Dec 17, 2019.

Lisa Finn, Former Suffolk County DA Tom Spota, Aide Set for Sentencing, The Patch, June 24, 2021.

Lisa W. Forderaro, Tim Sini Wins Race to Replace Scandal-Marred Suffolk Prosecutor, New York Times, Nv. 7, 2017.

Mark Mueller, Brian Donahue, Tom Feeney, Mary Patterson, From the Archieves: Who were the Atlantic City serial killer's victims?, NJ.Com, Nov. 20, 2016, updated Jan. 16, 2019.

Mark Mueller, Getting away with murder" the Atlantic City prostitute killings 10 years later, NJ.Com, Nov 20, 2016. Updated- Jan. 6, 2019.

Mary Murphy, From police chief to perp: FBI case against James Burke isn't over, PIX11, Dec. 9, 2015.

Mary Murphy, Shannan Gilbert's sister heard voices, drowned a puppy in months before mother's murder, PIX11, July 26, 2016.

Mary Murphy, State senator wants attorney general to examine Long Island serial killer case, PIX11News.com, June 28, 2021.

Michael DeSantis, Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart Resigns, The Patch, April 15, 2021.

Michael Edison Hayden, The strange rise and violent fall of Long Island's dirtiest police chief, Vice.com, March 15, 2016.

Michael O'Keefe, Suffolk cops release new image in Gilgo Beach killing probe, NewsDay, Dec 7, 2020.

News 12 Staff, 'We all knew Burke did it"' Prosecution's star witness for trial of former Suffolk DA, top aid", News12 Long Island.com, Dec 3, 2019.

News 12 Staff, Former Suffolk officer admits he took part in Loeb beating- testimony in Spota trial, News 12 Long Island.com, Dec. 17. 2019.

Newsday Reader, Spota sentence delay is outrageous, Newday, July 5, 2021.

Nicole Fuller, Lawyer: Shannan Gilbert 911tape different than what Suffolk Police described, Newsday, May 14, 2020.

Noah Goldberg, Feds seek lengthy prison terms for corrupt former Suffolk County DA Thomas Spota and top aide, New York Daily News, April 16, 2021.

Patricia Doxsey, Police body cams take jurors in Sarra Gilbert murder trial to death scene, Daily Freedman, April 17, 2017.

Patricia Doxsey, Gilbert driven by jealousy to kill mother, sister testified at murder trial, Daily Freedman, April 20, 2017.

Patricia Doxsey, Murder Suspect Gilbert testifies about demons, drugs, celebrities, sister's disappearance, Daily Freeman, April 21, 2017, updated March 30, 2021.

Patricia Doxsey, Defense Attorney portrays murder suspect as "broken, poor, psychotic, little girl", Daily Freedman, April 25, 2017, updated March 30, 2021.

Patricia Doxsey, Fate of murder suspect, Sarra Gilbert, rests with jury, Daily Freedman, April 26, 2017, updated March 30, 2021.

Patricia Doxsey, Sarra Gilbert convicted of murder, 'she was aware of what she was doing' - juror says', Daily Freedman, April 27, 2017, Updated March 30, 2021.

Patricia Doxsey, S arra Gilbert Sentenced to 25 years in stabbing of mother, Daily Freedman, Aug 2, 2017.

Pei-ze Cheng and Jennifer Millman, Eerie Crime Scene Photo first public insight into possible Gilgo Beach killer, 4NBC NY.com, Jan 16, 2020.

Rick Brand, Robert E. Kessler, Tania Lopez, David M. Schwartz, Suffolk Police Chief James Burke resigns as federal probe reopens, Newsday, Oct. 27, 2015.

Robert E. Kessler, Spota, McPartland sentencing delayed again due to coronavirus, Newsday, May 28, 2021.

Robert Kolker, Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery, Harper Perennial Publishing, New York, New York 2013, 2020.

Tania Lopez and Robert E. Kessler, Sources: FBI probing Suffolk Chief of Police James Burke, Newsday, June 25, 2013.

Timothy Bolger, Shannan Gilbert May have been Murdered 2nd Autopsy shows, Long Island Press, Feb 12, 2016.

Timothy Bolger, Unidentified murder victim dubbed 'Peaches' linked to Gilgo Beach killings, Long Island Press, Dec 13, 2016.

Tom Winter, Family Says new Evidence shows Escort was strangled by Serial Killer, 4NBC NY.com, Feb. 12, 2016.

Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders, Slideshare, July 2, 2021.

Sledge, The Real Long Island Ice Tea, Allrecipes.com, May 21, 2021.

Snejana Faberov, Cops believe Gilgo Beach serial killer cherry-picked victims for their petite 4/11" frames and hazel green eyes as they continue murder hunt ten years after first of at least ten victims was found, Dailymail.com, Dec. 14, 2020.

'The Eastbound Strangler', Dark Minds Season 1, Epi 2, ID Channel, Feb 1, 2012.

US Attorney's Office, Former Suffolk County Police Chief Indicted on Civil Rights Violation and Obstruction Conspiracy, FBI (New York), Dec 9, 2015.

Valerie Fuller, Suffolk Police identify Gilgo victim as Valerie Mack, Nov 19, 2020.

Vincent Stephan, Letter-An all-out effort for Shannan, Newsday, Jan 23, 2012.

"Yassein Said Sentenced to 12 Years for concealing "10 Most Wanted" Suspect Yaser Said from Arrest," Northern District of Texas, Dep't of Justice, June 3, 2021.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

BOOK REVIEW: THE TYLENOL MURDERS- A FATHER'S CONFESSION TO HIS SON by Joseph Cibelli

Joseph Cibelli

BUY The Tylenol Murders: A Father's Confession to his Son on Amazon.

Buy it on Barnes and Noble.

I approached Joseph Cibelli’s provocative new true crime book, The Tylenol Murders: A Father’s Confession to His Son, with a healthy degree of skepticism. However, by the end of my reading, I found myself deeply impressed by the extensive evidence compiled and Cibelli’s heartfelt dedication to uncovering his own past. This exploration reveals a turbulent childhood entwined with fear, pain, and anger, as domestic violence and child abuse plagued Joseph, his siblings, and their mother— all victims of their father, Daniel Drozd's psychopathic nature. On his deathbed, Daniel Drozd uttered a chilling confession: “Cyanide pill… I did it.” This shocking admission hit Cibelli like a klaxon, awakening memories he had buried deep within himself—the realization that he had known this truth all along. As the haze of denial lifted, he began to piece together puzzling clues from his past: his father's cryptic remarks, his strange excursions into the woods, and the eerie routine of leaving his young sons alone while he disappeared for long stretches.

Cibelli’s journey to uncover these answers is rife with shocking revelations. With relentless precision, Cibelli meticulously constructs a timeline of events, corroborating his findings with those of others who lived through that deadly era. With each step, he lays bare a haunting pattern that ultimately leads to his conclusion about the tragic murders that claimed seven innocent lives in the fall of 1982. True crime enthusiasts crave resolutions to long-forgotten mysteries, and this book delivers. It is a gripping personal narrative that not only exposes the darkness of a tormented childhood but also sheds light on the far-reaching impacts of a father's malevolence, echoing from the Chicago area to the nation's consciousness.

Look for my interview with author Joseph Cibelli on the Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast, and hear his conviction as he delves deeper into the darkness, shining the light of truth on what has been an icy-cold case for 44 years.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

2026: MERCH & MORE!

I have this shirt, I found it hilarious, and it's a must-have!
https://www.jusaskjan.com
Jan also does my merch, so if you are headed to the Hampton's Whodunit or Crimecon 2026, be sure to check it out!

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Ep 153 Special Episode- Who I Really Am by John Hinckley Jr & Jason Norman

Buy Who I Really Am by John Hinckley Jr with Jason Norman on Amazon.

Buy Who I Really Am on Barnes and Noble.

Outside the Hilton Hotel, John Hinckley Jr will shoot, hitting 4 people: President Ronald Reagan, James Brady, Tim McCarthy, and Thomas Delhanty. (Wikipedia)