Talking Dateline: Book of Lies

In this episode of Talking Dateline, hosts Blaine Alexander and Andrea Canning dissect the gripping case of Corey Richens, a mother accused of murdering her husband, Eric Richens, a 39-year-old man who died suddenly in his sleep. The case took a dramatic turn when Corey, grieving her husband’s death, published a children’s book about loss and appeared on a local lifestyle TV show, Good Things Utah—only to be arrested shortly after due to an anonymous email that linked her to the murder. Prosecutors alleged she poisoned Eric with fentanyl in drinks during a celebration, a claim supported by toxicology reports. The episode explores the web of connections that emerged: from the diner where Eric and Corey once dined, to the home Corey had flipped and sold, to the private investigator hired by Eric’s family who uncovered financial discrepancies and evidence of Corey’s affair with Josh Grossman. The trial’s emotional weight was amplified by the jury’s struggle with convicting a mother who had been an active, loving parent. Despite the conviction, the case remains haunting, with no true closure for Eric’s family and questions lingering about Corey’s motivations and the role of her book in unraveling the truth. The conversation also touches on the ethical role of private investigators and the psychological toll on all involved. Key takeaways include: 1) Publishing a book about grief shortly after a spouse’s death can attract scrutiny and become a red flag in criminal investigations; 2) The importance of independent, truth-seeking private investigators who avoid confirmation bias; 3) The emotional complexity of jury decisions when children are involved; 4) The power of small-town connections—like a diner or a Home Depot employee—to become central to a murder mystery; 5) The dangers of social media and anonymous tips in shaping public perception and law enforcement focus; 6) The potential for a case like this to become a Lifetime movie due to its dramatic twists and emotional depth; 7) The ethical responsibility of media to balance storytelling with sensitivity; and 8) The lasting impact of a murder on the lives of innocent bystanders, from homeowners to co-workers.