I lived the Bay Area during the time the Zodiac killer was active (absolutely convinced at one point that I knew who it was — more on that later). The events that took place during the time the Zodiac killer terrorized the area have been covered in depth previously. I had read Robert Graysmith’s book Zodiac and was still curious . So I was happy to review a copy of The Case of the Zodiac Killer by Michael Morford and Michael Ferguson, thanks to Wild Blue Press and NetGalley, in exchange for my review.

TBH, I jumped in with an open mind, hoping for some new information or at least a well-written narrative. I had listened to a few podcasts about this issue…but somehow I didn’t catch that this book is actually a written presentation of the Criminology podcast’s 12-part Season 1, which was focused on the Zodiac case. So, if you are looking for a well-written book about the Zodiac, this isn’t it. If you are interested in this case and have not listened to Criminology Season 1, this will provide you a VERY complete look at this case.

It reads like a transcript, which it is. If you like audio, just listen to the podcast. If you want LOTS of detail, and prefer written format to audio, get this “book.” My personal disappointment in this is SOLELY based on my erroneous expectation…actually, more like surprise than disappointment, because it is a solid exploration of this case. Oh, and in the 1970s I was a college student in the area where the killings occurred. I knew a very strange man who had always creeped me out with his attitude of barely repressed simmering rage. One night I was in the college parking lot, got into my car to drive home (around 10:30 PM) when a car drove up behind me, and suddenly a very bright red light was shining in my rear view window. I thought it was the campus cops or local sheriff…but no, Mr. Creepy walked up to my window with his huge and overly bright flashlight, WITH RED PLASTIC COVERING IT so it looked like a police spotlight. I was sure he was the Zodiac…but, years later, after exploring the actual case, I no longer think he was really the Zodiac, but I still wouldn’t be surprised if I read that he was a serial killer. Three stars.