LibGuides: True Crime Book Club: July 2024

About the Author: Jeff Guinn

Jeff Guinn is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Go Down Together, The Last Gunfight, Manson, The Road to Jonestown, War on the Border, and Waco.
He lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and is a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame.
Jeff Guinn is the winner of the 2016 TCU Texas Book Award.
The former books editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and award-winning investigative journalist, he is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters.

Other Writings:

True Crime

The Last Gunfight

Go Down Together

Manson

The Road to Jonestown

Waco

Sports

Dallas Cowboys: The Authorized Pictorial

You Can't Hit the Ball With the Bat on

When Panthers Roared

Sometimes a Fantasy

Fiction

Silver City

Glorious

Buffalo Trail

Christmas

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas

The Christmas Chronicles

The Great Santa Search

Santa's North Pole Cookbook

Nonfiction

The Vagabonds

War on the Border

Our Land Before We Die

Something in the Blood

The Sixteenth Minute

Read-Alikes & Resources

American Messiahs by Adam Morris
Call Number: 206.1097 Morris
Mania surrounding messianic prophets has defined the national consciousness since the American Revolution. From Civil War veteran and virulent anticapitalist Cyrus Teed, to the dapper and overlooked civil rights pioneer Father Divine, to even the megalomaniacal Jim Jones, these figures have routinely been dismissed as dangerous and hysterical outliers.After years of studying these emblematic figures, Adam Morris demonstrates that messiahs are not just a classic trope of our national culture; their visions are essential for understanding American history. As Morris demonstrates, these charismatic, if flawed, would-be prophets sought to expose and ameliorate deep social ills--such as income inequality, gender conformity, and racial injustice. Provocative and long overdue, this is the story of those who tried to point the way toward an impossible "American Dream": men and women who momentarily captured the imagination of a nation always searching for salvation.
Broken Faith by Mitch Weiss; Holbrook Mohr
Call Number: 209.0973 Weiss
An explosive investigation into Word of Faith Fellowship, a secretive evangelical cult whose charismatic female leader is a master of manipulation In 1979, a fiery preacher named Jane Whaley attracted a small group of followers with a promise that she could turn their lives around. In the years since, Whaley's following has expanded to include thousands of congregants across three continents. In their eyes she's a prophet. And to disobey her means eternal damnation. The control Whaley exerts is absolute: she decides what her followers study, where they work, whom they can marry--even when they can have sex. Based on hundreds of interviews, secretly recorded conversations, and thousands of pages of documents, Pulitzer Prize winner Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Mohr's Broken Faith is a terrifying portrait of life inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, and the harrowing account of one family who escaped after two decades.
Raven by Tim Reiterman
Call Number: 289.9 Reiterman
Tim Reiterman's Raven provides the seminal history of the Rev. Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple, and the murderous ordeal at Jonestown in 1978. This PEN Award-winning work explores the ideals-gone-wrong, the intrigue, and the grim realities behind the Peoples Temple and its implosion in the jungle of South America. Reiterman's reportage clarifies enduring misperceptions of the character and motives of Jim Jones, the reasons why people followed him, and the important truth that many of those who perished at Jonestown were victims of mass murder rather than suicide.
Koresh by Stephan Talty
Call Number: 299.2 Talty
No other event in the last fifty years is shrouded in myth like the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. Today, we remember this moment for the 76 people, including 20 children, who died in the fire; for its inspiration of the Oklahoma City bombing; and for the wave of anti-government militarism that followed. What we understand far less is what motivated the Davidians' enigmatic leader, David Koresh. Drawing on first-time, exclusive interviews with Koresh's family and survivors of the siege, bestselling author Stephan Talty paints a psychological portrait of this infamous icon of the 1990s. Born Vernon Howell into the hyper-masculine world of central Texas in the 1960s, Koresh experienced a childhood riven with abuse and isolation. He found a new version of himself in the halls of his local church, and love in the fundamentalist sect of the Branch Davidians. Later, with a new name and professed prophetic powers, Koresh ushered in a new era for the Davidians that prized his own sexual conquest as much as his followers' faith. As one survivor has said, "What better way for a worthless child to feel worth than to become God?"
Tangled Vines by John Glatt
Call Number: 364.152 Glatt
In Tangled Vines , bestselling true crime author John Glatt reconstructs the rise of the prestigious Murdaugh family and the shocking double murder that led to the downfall of its patriarch, Alex Murdaugh. Among the lush, tree-lined waterways of South Carolina low country, the Murdaugh name means power. A century-old, multimillion-dollar law practice has catapulted the family into incredible wealth and local celebrity--but it was an unimaginable tragedy that would thrust them into the national spotlight. On June 7th, 2021, prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh discovered the bodies of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, on the grounds of their thousand-acre hunting lodge. The mystery deepened only months later when Alex himself was discovered shot in the head on a local roadside. But as authorities scrambled for clues and the community reeled from the loss and media attention, dark secrets about this Southern legal dynasty came to light. The Murdaughs, it turned out, were feared as much as they were loved. And they wouldn't hesitate to wield their influence to protect one of their own; two years before he was killed, a highly intoxicated Paul Murdaugh was at the helm of a boat when it crashed and killed a teenage girl, and his light treatment by police led to speculation that privilege had come into play. As bombshells of financial fraud were revealed and more suspicious deaths were linked to the Murdaughs, a new portrait of Alex Murdaugh emerged: a desperate man on the brink of ruin who would do anything, even plan his own death, to save his family's reputation.
Conviction by Juan Martinez
Call Number: 364.152 Martinez
Juan Martinez, the fiery prosecutor who convicted notorious murderess Jodi Arias for the disturbing killing of Travis Alexander, speaks for the first time about the shocking investigation and sensational trial that captivated the nation. Through two trials, America watched with baited breath as Juan Martinez fought relentlessly to convict Jodi Arias of Murder One for viciously stabbing her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander to death. What emerged was a story wrought with sex, manipulation, and deceit that stunned the public at every turn. Arias, always playing the wronged and innocent woman, changed her story continually as her bizarre behavior surrounding the crime and its aftermath came to light. Unwavering, Arias and her defense team continued to play off the salacious details of the case, until she was finally found guilty and--controversially--sentenced to life behind bars. Now, speaking openly for the first time, prosecutor Juan Martinez will unearth new details from the investigation that were never revealed at trial, exploring key facts from the case and the pieces of evidence he chose to keep close to the vest. Throughout the trials, his bullish and unfaltering prosecution strategy was both commended and criticized, and in his book, Martinez will illuminate the unique tactics he utilized in this case and how they lead to a successful conviction, and-for the first time-discuss how he felt losing the death penalty sentence he'd pursued for years. Going beyond the news reports, Martinez will explore the truth behind the multiple facades of Jodi Arias. Sparring with her from across the stand, Martinez came to know Arias like no one else could, dissecting what it took for a seemingly normal girl to become a deluded, cunning, and unrepentant murderer. With new stories from behind the scenes of the trial and Martinez's own take on his defendant, the book takes you inside the mind of Jodi Arias like never before. Complete with 16 pages of photos from the case and trial, this book is the definitive account of the case that shocked America.
Jesus Freaks by Don Lattin
Call Number: 364.153 Lattin
Don Lattin's Jesus Freaks is the story of a shocking pilgrimage of revenge that left two people dead and shed new light on The Family International, one of the most controversial religious movements to emerge from the spiritual turmoil of the sixties and seventies. Some say The Family International--previously known as the Children of God--began with the best intentions. But their sexual and spiritual excesses soon forced them to go underground and follow a dark and dangerous path. Their charismatic leader, David "Moses" Berg, preached a radical critique of the piety and hypocrisy of mainstream Christianity. But Berg's message quickly devolved into its own web of lies. He lusted for power and unlimited access to female members of his flock--including young girls and teenagers--and became a drunken tyrant, setting up re-indoctrination camps around the world for rebellious teenagers under his control. Thousands of children raised in The Family would defect and try to live normal lives, but the prophet's heir apparent, Ricky "Davidito" Rodriguez, was unable to either bear the excesses of the cult or fit into normal society. Sexually and emotionally abused as a child, Ricky left the fold and began a crusade to destroy the only family he ever knew, including a plot to kill his own mother. Veteran journalist Don Lattin has written a powerful, engrossing book about this uniquely American tragedy. Jesus Freaks is a cautionary tale for those who fail to question the prophesies and proclamations of anyone who claims to speak for God.

FBI
Copies of reports on Jonestown have been archived in the vault
The Jonestown, Guyana Tragedy
Primary Source Materials from the U.S. Department of State
Jonestown Institute
The Jonestown Memorial List
Jonestown Institute
Photos of the over 900 people who lost their lives in Jonestown
Jonestown Institute
A downloadable sheet of genealogical information for known members of Jonestown
Trigger Warning: Jonestown Massacre Images
Do not open if this will be triggering.
Images of the aftermath are contained within.
Trigger Warning: The Jonestown Death Tape
Do not listen if you may be triggered.
An audio recording made on November 18, 1978, at the Peoples Temple compound in Jonestown, Guyana immediately preceding and during the mass suicide and murder of over 900 members of the cult.

Synopsis

In the 1950s, a young Indianapolis minister named Jim Jones preached a curious blend of the gospel and Marxism. His congregation was racially integrated, and he was a much-lauded leader in the contemporary civil rights movement. Eventually, Jones moved his church, Peoples Temple, to northern California. He became involved in electoral politics, and soon was a prominent Bay Area leader. In this riveting narrative, Jeff Guinn examines Jones's life, from his extramarital affairs, drug use, and fraudulent faith healing to the fraught decision to move almost a thousand of his followers to a settlement in the jungles of Guyana in South America. Guinn provides stunning new details of the events leading to the fatal day in November, 1978 when more than nine hundred people died--including almost three hundred infants and children--after being ordered to swallow a cyanide-laced drink. Guinn examined thousands of pages of FBI files on the case, including material released during the course of his research. He traveled to Jones's Indiana hometown, where he spoke to people never previously interviewed, and uncovered fresh information from Jonestown survivors. He even visited the Jonestown site with the same pilot who flew there the day that Congressman Leo Ryan was murdered on Jones's orders. The Road to Jonestown is the definitive book about Jim Jones and the events that led to the tragedy at Jonestown.

Discussion Questions

Jim Jones's Early Life:
- How did Jim Jones's childhood and early experiences shape his personality and contribute to the formation of his beliefs? Discuss any early signs or influences that may have foreshadowed his later actions.
The Peoples Temple:
- Explore the origins and evolution of the Peoples Temple. What were the initial goals and ideals of the church, and how did they change over time?
- Discuss the appeal of the Peoples Temple to its early followers and the factors that contributed to its growth.
Social and Political Context:
- Consider the social and political climate during the time when the Peoples Temple was established. How did the cultural and political landscape influence the rise and activities of the cult?
Charismatic Leadership:
- Analyze Jim Jones's leadership style and charisma. What qualities did he possess that made him a persuasive leader, and how did he manipulate and control his followers?
The Move to Jonestown:
- Discuss the reasons behind the move to Guyana and the establishment of Jonestown. What were Jim Jones's motivations, and how did he maintain control over the community in such an isolated location?
Manipulation and Coercion:
- Explore the tactics of manipulation and coercion employed by Jim Jones to control the members of the Peoples Temple. How did he use fear, indoctrination, and isolation to maintain his grip on the community?
The Events Leading to the Massacre:
- Examine the series of events that led to the tragedy at Jonestown. How did concerns and criticisms from within and outside the Peoples Temple escalate, ultimately culminating in the mass murder-suicide?
Impact on Survivors:
- Discuss the experiences of those who survived the Jonestown massacre. How did they cope with the trauma, and what challenges did they face in rebuilding their lives?
Cultural and Historical Significance:
- Consider the cultural and historical significance of the Jonestown massacre. How did it impact public perception of religious movements, cults, and charismatic leaders?
Lessons Learned:
- Reflect on the lessons that can be drawn from the Peoples Temple tragedy. What can society learn about the dangers of unchecked power, charismatic leadership, and the influence of cults on individuals and communities?

Jeff Guinn on Writing the Book

Fact vs Fiction: Jim Jones

Jim Jones was an American cult leader and the founder of the Peoples Temple, a religious group that gained notoriety due to the tragic events at Jonestown.

Early Life:

James Warren Jones was born on May 13, 1931, in Crete, Indiana, USA.
He grew up in a difficult family environment marked by poverty and his parents' strained relationship.

Charismatic Leadership:

Jim Jones was known for his charismatic and authoritarian leadership style. He claimed to have supernatural powers and encouraged intense loyalty from his followers.

Move to Guyana - Jonestown:

Concerns about investigations into the Peoples Temple's activities led Jones to establish an isolated community in Guyana called Jonestown in the 1970s.
Jonestown was intended to be a socialist paradise, but it became a place of extreme control and manipulation.

Tragedy at Jonestown:

On November 18, 1978, U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan visited Jonestown with a delegation to investigate reports of human rights abuses. As the delegation prepared to leave, some members expressed a desire to leave Jonestown with them.
Jones ordered an attack on the delegation, resulting in the deaths of Ryan and several others.
Fearing repercussions, Jones orchestrated a mass murder-suicide by cyanide poisoning. Over 900 people died in what became known as the Jonestown massacre.

Legacy:

The events at Jonestown remain one of the most infamous incidents of mass murder-suicide in modern history.
The phrase "drinking the Kool-Aid" has become a colloquial expression referring to unquestioning acceptance of a belief or ideology, stemming from the use of a cyanide-laced drink in the Jonestown tragedy.

Jim Jones' life and the Peoples Temple's story are complex and deeply tragic, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of charismatic leadership, cult dynamics, and the consequences of unchecked power.

TV & Movies: Jim Jones

Jonestown: Paradise Lost

Jonestown: Paradise Lost is a 2007 documentary television film on the History Channel about the final days of Jonestown, the Peoples Temple, and Jim Jones. From eyewitness and survivor accounts, the program recreates the last week before the mass murder-suicide on November 18, 1978.

The Jonestown Haunting

A survivor of the Jonestown massacre returns to the site 10 years later and discovers the cult's former home has become a breeding ground for the supernatural.

Truth and Lies: Jonestown, Paradise Lost

A documentary on the 40th anniversary of the largest murder-suicide in American history, when over 900 members of the Peoples Temple consumed a deadly cyanide-laced drink on the orders of leader Jim Jones; interviews with Jones' two surviving sons.

Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple

Filmmaker Stanley Nelson charts the rise and fall of Peoples Temple founder Jim Jones, whose followers drank poisoned punch at their South American commune in 1978. Using archival film footage and interviews with the few survivors, Nelson recounts the origins of the church's formation and its charismatic leader, and the events that led up to their doomsday in Guyana.

Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones

Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones is a 1980 American biographical drama television miniseries directed by William A. Graham from a teleplay by Ernest Tidyman, based on the 1978 book Guyana Massacre: The Eyewitness Account by Charles A. Krause.

TV & Movies: Jeff Guinn

Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle (2018 TV Mini-Series documentary) - writer, producer, personal appearance

Docuseries looking back on the Jonestown Massacre on the 40th anniversary.

Helter Skelter: An American Myth (2020 TV Mini-Series documentary) - personal appearance

Over 50 years later, Helter Skelter features new interviews and archival material to provide the most comprehensive retelling yet of the Manson Family's crimes, seeking to upend assumptions about this layered, complex story.

Manson: Music from an Unsound Mind (2019 Documentary) - personal appearance

The untold story of Charles Manson's obsession to become a rock star, his rise in the LA music scene, the celebrities who championed his music, his tragic friendship with The Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson and his descent into violence and chaos once his dreams fell apart.