Rediscovered Books and The Cabin host authors Kim Cross and J. Reuben Appelman in discussion of their new books and the ethical dilemmas of consuming and producing works of the true crime genre.
The event, 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, takes place in the Hemingway Western Studies Center, 1819 W. Cesar Chavez Lane on the Boise State campus. Ticket prices range from $20 for students and Cabin members to $25 general admission, to $60 (which includes admission and copies of Cross’ and Appelman’s new books). Get tickets and more information.
Appelman and Cross have taught at Boise State. Appelman’s book, “While Idaho Slept,” concerns the 2022 Moscow, Idaho, murders of four students. Cross’ book, “In Light of All Darkness,” explores the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas in California in 1993.
The writers will discuss the ethical questions one must consider when researching and writing about such cases. In the words of event organizers, “Where is the boundary between factual and sensational? Do these stories reopen old wounds or promote healing? Can true crime be more than entertainment, or even be a catalyst for positive social change?”
Part of the proceeds from every ticket sold will go to Faces of Hope, a local nonprofit supporting those affected by domestic abuse and interpersonal violence. Books will be available for purchase at the event and authors will be signing afterwards.
More about Cross and Appelman
Cross is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and historian known for meticulously reported narrative nonfiction. Her stories have been recognized in “Best of” lists by the New York Times, the Columbia Journalism Review, The Sunday Longread, Longform, Apple News Audio, and Best American Sports Writing.
Appelman has published across genres and has written and produced multiple feature documentaries. He executive produced “Children of the Snow,” the Hulu docuseries based on his research for his true-crime memoir, “The Kill Jar,’ about the Oakland County child killings in Michigan in the 1970s.