Book Review: Down to the Bone by Caitlin Rother

 

Lovers of true crime stories need to grab a copy of Caitlin Rother's latest, Down to the Bone. 

In February 2010, the McStay family--Joseph, Summer, and their two boys--disappeared without a trace from their San Diego home. With no blood and no signs of a struggle, they left behind no clues to their whereabouts. 

Nearly four years passed before a motorcyclist discovered the family's remains in the Mojave Desert. Authorities focus their investigation on Charles "Chase" Merritt, Joseph's friend and a subcontractor for his business.  In June 2019, Merritt was convicted and subsequently sentenced to death. Lack of physical evidence and numerous unanswered questions left some wondering if another person got away with murder. 

Rother has been one of my favorite authors for the last ten years. Her writing style, in-depth research, and balanced reporting consistently offer a look into some of our country's most riveting cases. Down to the Bone is the heartbreaking story of the McStay family, who disappeared without a trace. Originally considered a missing person's case, the detectives find their hands tied in the process. Upon discovery of their remains nearly four years later, the passing of time, controversial decisions on the part of investigators, and challenges during the judicial process make it appear possible that the wrong man might have been convicted of murdering the McStays. 

The author spends time in the courtroom. She interviews as many people involved in the case as will agree to take part in her research. She pours over case documents. At the end of Down to the Bone, the reader will come to their own conclusions, which is what I truly appreciate about Rother's work. She provides the facts of a case and leaves the reader to decide. 

I highly recommend Down to the Bone by Caitlin Rother to those interested in true crime stories and investigative journalism, those curious about the McStay family case, and anyone interested in an engaging account of how the justice system played out for those involved.

• Publisher: ‎ Citadel
• Publication date: ‎ June 24, 2025
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10: ‎ 0806542624
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0806542621

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.