Bone Deep by Charles Bosworth Jr. and Joel J. Schwartz

Publication Date: February 22, 2022

Publisher: Citadel Press

Pages: 376

Genre: True Crime

Rating: 4/5

Bone Deep is a true crime novel about the many twists and turns of the Betsy Faria murder. I have been very familiar with this case for many years due to the many Dateline episodes about it and the various true crime YouTubers that have covered it. What this book does that all the other media I’ve consumed doesn’t, is it gives a very detailed and insider look into the heinous way the police and the prosecutor handled the case.

Since I obviously knew the outcome of the case before reading this book I found it fascinating the absolute absurdity of not only the police investigation but also the way the prosecutor and judge handled the case against Betsy’s husband, Russell. This book definitely gives an in depth look at shocking ways the “right side” of the law will go to cover up their mistakes or deficiencies.

And it would be remiss not mention that this book is also about Pam Hupp (recently immortalized by Renee Zewellger in The Thing about Pam). Pam Hupp is infamous for not only her crimes but also the audacity of her lies. Once you hear about this case it forevers sticks with you because it is unbelievable that she was never even considered a suspect. And reading this book and finding out just how far the police and prosecutor went to make her look innocent is jaw dropping.

The only reason I gave this four stars and not five is because I feel like Betsy got lost in the story. Most true crime books that I read or videos that I watch always let the reader/viewer get to know the victim and help keep their memory alive. And despite having her name in the title I didn’t feel that we got to know her as anything more than the victim. On the other hand, I did learn more about her husband Russell and I feel like the authors really glossed over some of his negative aspects more than they needed to. What he went through was horrible but that doesn’t automatically make him a great guy.

If you are looking for a true crime story that will vividly show you the negative side of our justice system than Bone Deep unfortunately does that. I also think it’s a great read for anyone familiar with the Pam Hupp story since I learned quite a few details for the first time.