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“Rother presents the riveting 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.”
-- Diane Fanning, author of Written in Blood
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“If you love true crime books where the author goes far beyond what is already known, and raises questions that need to be asked, this is a book for you.”
-- Justin Brooks, founding director, California Innocence Project, author of You Might Go to Prison Even if You're Innocent
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DOWN TO THE BONE: A Missing Family's Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Pub day: June 24, 2025/Citadel Press
Joseph and Summer McStay, and their two young sons, Joey Jr. and Gianni, went mysteriously missing from their house in Fallbrook, California, in February 2010. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD) investigated their disappearance as a missing persons' case for months, after finding no blood or any physical evidence of foul play in the house. However, the circumstances were certainly suspicious: eggs were left out on the counter, a half-eaten apple on the stairs and two bowls of popcorn on the futon, indicating they left in a hurry, yet their family had no idea where they were. The SDSD let the case go cold, deciding the McStays had left voluntarily to Mexico, even though there was no activity on their phones or credit cards. Nearly four years later, their skeletal remains were discovered in the High Desert of San Bernardino County -- with holes in their skulls, along with a sledgehammer consistent with the injuries, and Summer's bra sliced in half and her pants pulled off. A year after that, Joseph's business partner, Charles "Chase" Merritt, was arrested for their murders. After many twists and turns in the case, a revolving door of different defense attorneys, and a protracted trial, Merritt was found guilty and, after more delays, sentenced to death row. Nonetheless, some observers believe Merritt was wrongly convicted, or if he was involved, didn't act alone. Rother takes her usual deep dive into this case.
"DOWN TO THE BONE is true crime at its best. Rother successfully dissects this heart-wrenching case. There are so many twists and turns to this tragedy, but it is examined with compassion and detail. A must read! "
-- Alana Quintana Albertson, author of Se7en Deadly SEALS serial on Radish
"(Rother) meticulously exposes us to every detail and questions its validity. She never does so with bias or with contempt. Rother remains the professional, objective independent reporter she has been for two decades... Her respect for the victims is also apparent in not dwelling on their remains. This is a sensitivity that I highly appreciate in a true crime writer. As difficult as this book sometimes was to read, it is a must read! "
-- Defrosting Cold Cases
“I loved Joseph. I never would have hurt him in any way. I did not do this thing. I know you do not believe this. That’s what kills me.”
-- Charles "Chase" Merritt at his sentencing hearing
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Praise for Death on Ocean Boulevard:
“Rebecca's death remains a tantalizing mystery... Rother's vast research catalogs the numerous, extensive, and conflicting inquiries into both deaths, focusing on an intriguing cast of characters with competing motivations.”
--Library Journal
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“You’ll be convinced first one way then the other as you race through the pages of this disturbing mystery. DEATH ON OCEAN BOULEVARD is so meticulous, so organized I can reveal a secret: Caitlin Rother is the journalist we all want to be when we grow up.”
-- Author Camille Kimball
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“Caitlin Rother again blows the lid off a headline-making case that shook an upscale California community. Moments will astound and disturb you. All true-crimBODY PARTS is the true story of Wayne Adam Ford, a serial killer who killed four troubled women, then did the rare deed of turning himself in before he could kill again. (Re-released by Kensington, 2013)
​“Using her innermost understanding of suicide, Caitlin Rother connects you with the heart-wrenching details of the Coronado Mansion Case. Prepare to be deeply immersed in this beautifully written, impeccably researched book right up to the gripping epilogue. The new facts never before exposed about this case will shock you! DEATH ON OCEAN BOULEVARD is a must-read for any true crime fan!”
--Alan R. Warren, author and host of “House of Mystery” podcast
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“Rother’s meticulous journalism shines through in this authoritative account of the Rebecca Zahau death incident. It’s difficult to know what to think of this kaleidoscopic case, but Rother provides the multiple perspectives and theories in a balanced manner, along with some significant surprises. If you think you know this case, think again. And read this book.”
--Dr. Katherine Ramsland, professor of forensic psychology and author of The Psychology of Death Investigations
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“Caitlin Rother delivers... Her fascinating book really pulls you in. It surprised me by upending my own initial thoughts. So, get ready for a gripping read.”
-- Author Sue Russell
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“In Death on Ocean Boulevard, Caitlin Rother skillfully unravels the bizarre case of Rebecca Zahau. Rother’s investigative reporter skills and on the ground knowledge of the ins and outs of San Diego crime shines new light on a very intriguing case. Buckle your seatbelt because this is a double whodunit. The only thing: set aside some time to read this. You won’t want to stop.”
--Sarah Alcorn, "Ivy League Murders" podcast
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“This book is a deep dive into the muddy waters of a fascinating case. Caitlin Rother is methodical and brilliant in her reporting!”
--Martha Steele, cohost of "3 Book Girls" podcast
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“Was it suicide or was it murder? Investigative journalist extraordinaire Caitlin Rother masterfully examines the controversial death of Rebeca Zahau in Death on Ocean Boulevard. What truths does she uncover? Riveting!"
-- Dan Zupansky, host of "True Murder" podcast
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