The Mushroom Tapes
By Helen Garner et al.
Review by Claudia
Three writers form a friendship during the trial of Erin Patterson for triple murder. They converse as the trial lengthens, working together to make sense of evidence, testimonies and motives. Along the way, they discuss the appeal of True Crime media and constantly question their own involvement as media members in the courthouse. The outcome is amazingly enjoyable, given the ghoulish nature of Patterson’s crimes. This book also reveals a lot to the ignorant reader (me) about how trials are conducted and what it really means to be “following a case.” I recommend to journalists and fans of Garner, who really shines in this book.
