Ripple: A Long Strange Search for A Killer

With this poignant, deeply personal account, journalist Cosgrove (formerly of the Albuquerque Journal) details his investigation into the disappearance and murder of his friend Frank McGonigle, who left his home in Kansas City, MO, in 1982 and never returned. McGonigle’s family waited nine years for news about his whereabouts, until his body was identified in Murrells Inlet, SC. Cosgrove pieces together McGonigle’s last days with his large family, considers his possible reasons for leaving, and explores the effects of the man’s disappearance and death on his parents and siblings. He also discusses a visit to Murrells Inlet, where he attempted to learn more about the circumstances surrounding McGonigle’s death and identify suspects. Finally, Cosgrove returns to Murrells Inlet with his brother and McGonigle’s brother to gain closure. Uncertainty, acceptance, and faith are themes throughout, as Cosgrove realizes that he and McGonigle’s family will never truly know what happened.