DiscoverTalking Book Publishing with Kathleen & AdannaOn Writing True Crime: A 13-Year Journey with LAPD’s Badge Number One
On Writing True Crime: A 13-Year Journey with LAPD’s Badge Number One

On Writing True Crime: A 13-Year Journey with LAPD’s Badge Number One

Update: 2025-02-27
Share

Description

Send us a text

In this gripping episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen and Adanna sit down with Jane Howatt, author of Jigsaw and Jane: 13 Years of Murder and Mayhem with Badge Number One

Jane shares the incredible story of how a single newspaper article led her into the world of homicide detective John St. John, the LAPD’s legendary investigator known as "Jigsaw John." What started as an ambitious attempt to write a book turned into a transformative journey that brought Jane face-to-face with crime scenes, victims' families, and even serial killers.

Jane discusses her evolution from a tennis-playing wife of a doctor to an embedded true crime writer, the deep bond she formed with St. John, and the chilling realities she encountered while riding along in his squad car. She also reflects on the importance of persistence in writing and the powerful role that compassion plays in understanding both the victims and the perpetrators of violent crimes. 

Whether you’re a true crime fan or an aspiring author, this conversation is a must-listen!

Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

On Writing True Crime: A 13-Year Journey with LAPD’s Badge Number One

On Writing True Crime: A 13-Year Journey with LAPD’s Badge Number One

Adanna Moriarty