Celebrated crime writer and investigative journalist Caitlin Rother presents her book Down to the Bone at the La Jolla-Rifford Branch Library.
In conversation with Justin Brooks, the Founding Director of the California Innocence Project, Caitlin will share the story behind the McStay family’s disappearance in the 2010’s and the discovery of their remains in the Mojave desert years later. What unfolds, says Dianne Fanning, is the “story of a botched investigation, multiple suspects, and a web of lies. Was justice ever served? The question will remain with you long after you finish reading.” In this twisting, deeply researched true-crime mystery, New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother hunts for answers to reveal the truth behind a crime that became a nation’s obsession, and a controversial trial that left lingering questions.
Don’t miss this engrossing conversation between two experts with unique insight — one, a storied investigative journalist, and other a criminal defense attorney of over 35 years — as they discuss Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice.
This is a partially ticketed event presented by Library Shop SD; your ticket includes a copy of the book and seating for up to two guests at the event. Limited RSVPs are available for those who already have their copy of Down to the Bone; see reservation page for details. Proceeds support the San Diego Public Library.
About the Speakers
Caitlin Rother is a New York Times bestselling true crime author and award-winning journalist. She worked for two decades as an investigative reporter and has been published in Cosmopolitan, The Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Chicago Tribune, and The Washington Post, among others. As a crime commentator, she has done 200+ media appearances on episodes of 20/20, People Magazine Investigates, Crime Watch Daily, Australia’s World News, Nancy Grace, Snapped, and shows on Netflix, Investigation Discovery, HLN, REELZ, Oxygen, E!, A&E, C‑SPAN and PBS affiliates. Rother also works as a writing/research consultant, plays piano, and sings in an acoustic band. She lives in Southern California and can be found at CaitlinRother dot com.
Justin Brooks is a criminal defense lawyer, professor at USD’s School of Law, and the Founding Director of the California Innocence Project, which under his direction freed 40 innocent people from prison. He is the author of the only legal casebook devoted to the topic of wrongful convictions, and he was portrayed by Academy Award-nominated actor Greg Kinnear in the feature film Brian Banks (2019). In 2024, Professor Brooks was awarded the Ohtli Award for his efforts overturning wrongful convictions and launching innocence organizations in Latin America.
