Born in California in 1947, Dennie McDougal was a journalist and true crime author for almost 50 years.
He gained great acclaim for his revealing books about crime in Los Angeles as well as his contributions to the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times and the documentaries he has produced.
Sadly, McDougal recently passed away at the age of 77.
After about 20 years in journalism writing for The Riverside Press-Enterprise, The Long Beach Press-Telegram, and the Los Angeles Times, McDougal published his first book, Angel of Darkness (1991).
The book was a work of investigative journalism exploring the case of Southern California serial murderer Randy Kraft, one of the most prolific murderers in modern America, and became a big hit and a cult classic.
Following the success of his first book, McDougal has written 12 more books, mostly about crime in Los Angeles and California.
His work has earned him many awards including a National Headliner Award, multiple Associated Press awards, and a George Peabody Award.
Additionally, he taught journalism and creative writing at UCLA and two California State Universities and served for two years in the Naval Reserves.
To honor his memory and recognize this great loss to the community, we have put together this list of some of Dennis McDougal’s books to celebrate his lasting impact.
Angel of Darkness
An account of Randy Kraft, a politically active, friendly, devoted computer whiz who, completely unbeknownst to those close to him, murdered approximately 67 victims in the 1970s and '80s.
In the Best of Families: The Anatomy of a True Tragedy
An Edgar Award nominee, this book tells the story of horrific violence and murder in the family of Ronald Reagan's personal lawyer, Roy Miller.
Mother's Day
The true and horrifying story of Theresa Knorr, a mother who abused and murdered her own daughters, with the help of her sons.
Blood Cold
An investigation into the case of In Cold Blood actor Robert Blake, who was accused in 2001 of killing his wife, con artist Bonny Lee Bakley.
The Dennis McDougal True Crime Collection
Enjoy the two previous books in one bundle!
Featured photo: Wikipedia
