Forensic Files

Talking Dateline: Book of Lies

Dateline NBC

  • Apr 29, 2026
  • 30:50
  • Full Episode
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<p>Blayne Alexander sits down with Andrea Canning to discuss her latest episode, “Book of Lies.” In 2023, Utah mother of three Kouri Richins appeared on a local talk show to promote a children’s book she’d written about grief after the sudden death of her husband, Eric. Weeks later, she was behind bars, accused of his murder. Prosecutors said Kouri had spiked Eric's cocktail with fentanyl she purchased from the family housekeeper. She went to trial earlier this year and was found guilty. Andrea talks to Blayne about the tensions between Kouri and her in-laws, and the testimony of Kouri’s former lover in court. Andrea shares a podcast-exclusive clip of her interview with the private investigator hired by Eric’s family, and she and Blayne discuss what it takes to be a successful PI. Later, Andrea is joined by Dateline producer Karen Israel to answer viewer and listener questions from social media.</p> <p>Listen to the full episode of “Book of Lies” on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/48s109l" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://apple.co/48s109l</a></p> <p>Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pdELKI9O9XrY0n816yA0M" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pdELKI9O9XrY0n816yA0M</a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

Corrie Richens was convicted of murdering her husband Eric by poisoning him, leading to a complex investigation and media frenzy.

Key points

  • The Infamous TV Appearance. Corrie Richens appeared on a local TV show discussing her book about grief, shortly before her arrest for her husband's murder.
  • The Ghostwriter's Role. Corrie's children's book about grief was allegedly ghostwritten, adding a layer of intrigue to her case.
  • Tension in the Marriage. Signs of strain in Corrie and Eric's marriage were evident even before his death.
  • The Private Investigator's Insight. The private investigator hired by the Richens family played a crucial role in uncovering the truth.
  • Josh Grossman's Testimony. Corey's lover, Josh, revealed he carried a wallet will implicating Corrie in Eric's death.
  • The Complexity of Love. Did she love him back? The question lingers as we explore their relationship.

Episode highlights

Tension

75/ 100High tension

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