📖 Overview
Billy Jensen is a true crime journalist, author, and investigator known for solving cold cases through crowdsourcing and social media. He has worked with law enforcement agencies to help solve multiple unsolved murders and played a key role in completing Michelle McNamara's posthumously published book "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" about the Golden State Killer.
Jensen's own book "Chase Darkness with Me: How One True Crime Writer Started Solving Murders" details his methodology for investigating unsolved cases and became a bestseller after its 2019 release. He has also co-hosted true crime podcasts including "The Murder Squad" with retired detective Paul Holes and "Unraveled" on Investigation Discovery.
His investigative work combines traditional journalism with digital techniques, including the strategic use of geo-targeted social media advertisements to gather information about cold cases. Jensen's methods have contributed to solving several murders, including the 2017 murder of Mariah Flores in New Mexico.
Jensen frequently appears as a crime expert on television shows and has written for publications including Rolling Stone and Los Angeles Magazine. He continues to work on unsolved cases while advocating for the use of new technologies and social media in criminal investigations.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Jensen's innovative approach to solving cold cases and his detailed breakdown of investigative techniques. Many highlight his authentic voice and passion for justice, noting how he transforms technical crime-solving methods into engaging narratives.
Likes:
- Clear explanations of investigation methods
- Personal connection to cases and victims
- Practical advice for aspiring investigators
- Balance of technical detail and storytelling
Dislikes:
- Some find his writing style too casual
- Sections on social media techniques become repetitive
- Several readers note organizational issues in case presentations
- Some wanted more detail on specific solved cases
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (13,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Notable reader comment: "Jensen provides a blueprint for civilian investigators while maintaining respect for victims and law enforcement" (Goodreads)
Critical comment: "Good information buried in scattered presentation. Needs better structure and less self-promotion" (Amazon)
📚 Books by Billy Jensen
Chase Darkness with Me: How One True Crime Writer Started Solving Murders (2019)
Memoir detailing Jensen's transition from true crime journalist to civilian investigator, including his methods for solving cold cases using social media and digital tools.
Killers Amidst Killers: Hunting Serial Killers Operating Under the Cloak of America's Opioid Crisis (2022) Investigation into unsolved murders of women in the Midwest, examining connections between the opioid epidemic and potential serial killers.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark (2018) - Co-author/Contributor Completion of Michelle McNamara's unfinished investigation into the Golden State Killer, which Jensen helped finish after McNamara's death.
Law & Disorder: The Legendary FBI Profiler's Relentless Pursuit of Justice (2013) - Co-author Collaboration with FBI profiler John Douglas examining various criminal cases and investigation techniques.
Killers Amidst Killers: Hunting Serial Killers Operating Under the Cloak of America's Opioid Crisis (2022) Investigation into unsolved murders of women in the Midwest, examining connections between the opioid epidemic and potential serial killers.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark (2018) - Co-author/Contributor Completion of Michelle McNamara's unfinished investigation into the Golden State Killer, which Jensen helped finish after McNamara's death.
Law & Disorder: The Legendary FBI Profiler's Relentless Pursuit of Justice (2013) - Co-author Collaboration with FBI profiler John Douglas examining various criminal cases and investigation techniques.
👥 Similar authors
Michelle McNamara investigates unsolved crimes and cold cases through immersive research and personal investigation. Her work "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" parallels Jensen's focus on using modern technology and citizen detective work to solve crimes.
James Renner combines investigative journalism with true crime storytelling, focusing on unsolved disappearances and murders. His approach to cold cases includes hands-on investigation and digital sleuthing techniques.
Paul Holes writes about his experiences solving cold cases through forensic science and investigation techniques. His background as a criminal investigator provides insight into the methodologies used to crack unsolved cases.
Kate Winkler Dawson examines historical crimes through archival research and modern investigation methods. Her work connects historical events to contemporary forensic techniques and investigation strategies.
M. William Phelps focuses on investigative reporting of both cold cases and contemporary crimes. His background in journalism and crime investigation informs his approach to true crime storytelling.
James Renner combines investigative journalism with true crime storytelling, focusing on unsolved disappearances and murders. His approach to cold cases includes hands-on investigation and digital sleuthing techniques.
Paul Holes writes about his experiences solving cold cases through forensic science and investigation techniques. His background as a criminal investigator provides insight into the methodologies used to crack unsolved cases.
Kate Winkler Dawson examines historical crimes through archival research and modern investigation methods. Her work connects historical events to contemporary forensic techniques and investigation strategies.
M. William Phelps focuses on investigative reporting of both cold cases and contemporary crimes. His background in journalism and crime investigation informs his approach to true crime storytelling.