In Light of All Darkness

Inside the Polly Klaas Kidnapping and the Search for America's Child

By: Kim Cross

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Paced like a thriller and full of insider information on the history and science of Crime Scene Investigation, In Light of All Darkness embeds listeners in one of the most famous true-crime stories of our generation—the kidnapping of Polly Klaas—a case as pivotal in the history of the FBI as the Unabomber or Oklahoma City bombing.

On October 1, 1993, a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped at knifepoint from her bedroom in Petaluma, California, during a sleepover with two friends, while her mother slept soundly in the room next door. This rarest of all kidnappings—a stranger abduction from the home—triggered one of the largest manhunts in FBI history.

Many Americans remember Polly's face, which appeared on the national news every night, on the cover of People magazine, and on more than 8 million flyers distributed as far as China. The emotional gravity of Polly’s story touched every agent, police officer, and forensic technician who worked on her case. Many of these investigators have never shared their stories—until now.

New York Times bestselling author Kim Cross has written the first comprehensive account of what happened on that fateful night in October, as well as how the case forever transformed the Bureau’s approach to solving crimes. With unprecedented access to case files, crime scene photos, a videotaped murder confession, and inside sources, In Light of All Darkness follows the investigators who pieced together the evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of the kidnapper—and made the victim a household name and a girl who will never be forgotten.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Kim Cross (P)2023 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

“Kim Cross has taken a story we thought we knew and shown so much more, a life beyond the headlines. I cut myself on parts of it, as the author put a human face—and spirit—on this great sadness, and the mystery that haunted us. It is written without adornment, but still rich in details. That is a hard thing to do.”—Rick Bragg, winner of the Pulitzer Prize

"Riveting… reported with empathy and Cross’s signature combination of unflinching detail and gut-punching revelations."—Beth Macy author of Dopesick and Raising Lazarus

"A terrifying story told with compassion, empathy, and insight. Meticulously researched, In Light of All Darkness illuminates a murder that stunned the nation and the complex forensic science used to solve the case. Try as I might, I couldn’t turn these heart-thumping pages fast enough–and neither, I suspect, will you."—Kathryn Miles, author of Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders

Good but repetitive

I like all the minor details about murder stories. It was more emotional than I thought it would be. I remember all of it in the 90s . Thank goodness law enforcement and hopefully parents are more educated about such things.

Repetitive is a good reminder

I saw a review stating “good but repetitive “ and It needs to be repetitive because of the seriousness and nature of the subject and story; and to drive home the facts that most have trouble understanding at the 1st take of the reality of these type of situations that happen all over the world.

Great true crime

Story, narrator and overall coverage was great. It's well written and well spoken. I highly recommend.

The thorough investigation of the police and FBI.

I liked that the author included a lot more information than what was reported on the news.

Compassionate & thorough work

Compassionate & thorough work. Good audio narration as well with warmth for Polly & her family. I liked how mention was made of investigators who prayed & turned to their Christian faith. And how good can come from evil.

Excellent

This is a sad story but was thoroughly researched and well written! The narrator does a good job as well!

Haunting

As a person who was alive during the Polly Klaas, abduction and death, this book was like reliving that time in the past. This book is very well researched, and it is a haunting look into a psychopaths mind. Very sad, but I am glad that I now know the nuances of the story that I did not know when I was younger.

Wow! An absolute must read.

I remember this case well. I was a senior in high school. To hear the whole story from the perspective of so many different people is eye opening and heartbreaking. The author did an amazing job capturing the details and preserving Polly’s memory.

This was so interesting!!

I remembered this case. It was interesting to learn the behind-the-scenes details of the investigation and prosecution. It is definitely worth listening to.

Detailed and respectful

Well organized, detailed telling of a painful story. Showed sensitivity towards those affected most and avoided sensationalism