Gregg Olsen

Gregg Olsen is an American author known for true crime books and crime fiction novels, with several New York Times bestsellers to his name. His work frequently focuses on murder cases and criminal investigations in the Pacific Northwest. As a true crime writer, Olsen has documented notable cases including the Mary Kay Letourneau story in "If Loving You Is Wrong" and the Stella Nickell cyanide killings in "Bitter Almonds." His investigative approach combines extensive research with interviews of law enforcement personnel, victims' families, and occasionally the perpetrators themselves. Olsen's fiction work includes the Detective Nicole Foster series and the Emily Kenyon series, both of which feature female law enforcement protagonists solving complex murder cases. His young adult novels, including the Empty Coffin series, demonstrate his versatility across different genres and age groups. In addition to writing, Olsen has appeared as a guest expert on various television shows discussing true crime cases and has contributed to crime journalism through articles and media appearances. His work has been translated into multiple languages and distributed internationally.

Readers praise Olsen's thorough research and detail in true crime books, citing his ability to uncover new information in well-known cases. Reviews highlight his straightforward writing style and focus on investigative facts rather than sensationalism. What readers liked: - Deep dive into police procedures and forensic details - Balanced presentation of victim and perpetrator perspectives - Clear timeline presentation of events - Inclusion of primary source materials and interviews What readers disliked: - Some find his fiction writing less engaging than his true crime - Repetitive information in certain books - Occasional editing issues noted in newer releases - Some readers want more analysis of perpetrator psychology Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across all titles Amazon: 4.2/5 average customer rating "If Loving You Is Wrong" maintains 4.3/5 with 1,200+ reviews "Bitter Almonds" shows 4.1/5 with 800+ reviews One reader on Goodreads notes: "Olsen presents facts without exploitation - rare in true crime." Another on Amazon states: "His research depth sets him apart from other true crime authors."

Addict Queen (2024) Chronicles the story of a drug-addicted mother whose three children died in separate incidents over a thirteen-year period.

If You Tell (2019) Documents the case of Shelly Knotek, who tortured and killed both family members and strangers in Washington State.

Starvation Heights (2005) Details the true story of Linda Burfield Hazzard, who ran a deadly sanitarium in early 1900s Washington State.

A Twisted Faith (2010) Examines the murder of Dawn Hacheney by her husband Nick, a local minister in Washington State.

The Hive (2021) Detective Liv DeMarco investigates a series of murders connected to a women's self-help group in Port Gamble, Washington.

The Girl on the Run (2016) A teenage girl discovers her mother isn't who she claims to be and goes on the run to uncover the truth.

Lying Next to Me (2019) A woman vanishes from a lakeside cabin while her husband watches helplessly from the water.

The Last Thing She Ever Did (2018) Explores the aftermath of a child's disappearance in a small Oregon town and the secrets between two neighboring couples.

Snow Creek (2019) Detective Megan Carpenter investigates a series of disappearances in the remote town of Snow Creek, Washington.

Ann Rule writes true crime focusing on Pacific Northwest cases and serial killers, similar to Olsen's regional focus. She provides deep psychological analysis and extensive victim background like Olsen does.

M. William Phelps specializes in investigative true crime with detailed police procedural elements. He incorporates interviews with law enforcement and family members while maintaining chronological case narratives.

John E. Douglas combines crime investigation with FBI profiling methodology and criminal psychology. He presents serial killer cases through the lens of behavioral analysis and investigation techniques.

Kathryn Casey focuses on Texas-based murders and emphasizes the human elements of each crime story. She includes court transcripts and trial details while maintaining case timelines and factual accuracy.

Carlton Smith covers Pacific Northwest crime cases with emphasis on forensic evidence and investigation methods. He structures his books with alternating perspectives between victims, investigators, and perpetrators.