Robert L. Snow

Robert L. Snow served as a police officer with the Indianapolis Police Department for over 30 years, retiring in 2007 with the rank of captain. During his extensive career in law enforcement, he held various positions including serving as a homicide detective and the commander of the Homicide Branch. Snow has authored numerous true crime books drawing from his investigative experience, with works covering topics ranging from serial killers to cold cases. His books include "Killers in the Family," "Sex Crimes Investigation," and "Looking for Carroll Beckwith," which details his personal investigation into reincarnation after experiencing what he believed were past-life memories. Beyond his books on criminal investigations, Snow has written extensively about paranormal phenomena and reincarnation research. His work has been featured on various television shows and documentaries, and he regularly conducts lectures and presentations about his experiences in law enforcement and paranormal investigation.

Readers appreciate Snow's direct, experience-based approach to true crime narratives, drawing from his 30+ years as an Indianapolis police officer. His law enforcement background lends credibility to his accounts of criminal investigations. What readers liked: - Detailed investigative procedures and police work - Clear writing style without sensationalism - Personal insights from real cases - Balance of technical detail and accessibility What readers disliked: - Some repetition between books - Less polished prose compared to mainstream true crime authors - Uneven pacing in certain sections - His paranormal/reincarnation work receives more skeptical reviews Ratings: - Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across titles - Amazon: 4.2/5 average - "Looking for Carroll Beckwith" has the most polarized reviews, with readers either strongly supporting or dismissing his reincarnation claims - "Sex Crimes Investigation" receives highest ratings for its technical value to law enforcement One reader noted: "Snow writes like a detective filing a report - just the facts, which is exactly what I want in true crime." Another said: "His paranormal books undermine his credibility on other topics."

Deadly Cults - An examination of dangerous cult organizations and their leaders, analyzing actual criminal cases and investigating techniques used by law enforcement to stop cult-related crimes.

Killers in the Family - A study of family-related murders drawing from real cases, exploring the psychology and circumstances that lead family members to kill one another.

Sex Crimes Investigation - A detailed overview of methods and procedures used by law enforcement to investigate and solve sexual assault cases, based on professional experience.

Looking for Carroll Beckwith - A first-person account of the author's investigation into his own possible past-life memories connected to 19th-century American portrait painter James Carroll Beckwith.

SWAT Teams - A comprehensive look at the history, training, and operations of Special Weapons and Tactics units in law enforcement.

Family Blood: The True Story of the Yom Kippur Murders - A detailed account of the investigation into the 1985 murders of Gertrude Weinstein and her daughter in Indianapolis.

Protecting Your Life, Home, and Property - A guide to personal and property security based on law enforcement experience and case studies.

Ann Rule A former police officer turned true crime author who wrote detailed accounts of real criminal cases based on her law enforcement experience. Her background in police work and focus on providing comprehensive case details mirrors Snow's approach to true crime writing.

Vincent Bugliosi As both a prosecutor and true crime writer, he brought deep insider knowledge of the criminal justice system to his detailed case analyses. His methodical investigation style and focus on building complete narratives from evidence parallels Snow's investigative approach.

Joseph Wambaugh A former LAPD detective who transitioned to writing books about police work and criminal cases. His firsthand law enforcement perspective and ability to convey the realities of police work align with Snow's authentic portrayal of investigations.

Brian Innes His work focused on both criminal investigations and unexplained phenomena, combining forensic analysis with exploration of mysterious events. His dual interest in conventional crime and paranormal investigation matches Snow's range of subject matter.

Colin Wilson He wrote extensively about both true crime and paranormal phenomena, examining cases through both scientific and metaphysical lenses. His integration of criminal investigation with supernatural elements reflects Snow's combination of police work and paranormal research.