The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty By Valerie Bauerlein

The Devil at His Elbow by Valerie Bauerlein offers a gripping and comprehensive exploration of the Alex Murdaugh saga, delving deep into one of the most shocking crime stories of the century. As a veteran Wall Street Journal reporter and expert on the case, Bauerlein provides an unflinching account of Murdaugh’s dramatic downfall—a tale marked by power, privilege, and a brutal crime.

Alex Murdaugh was once a towering figure in South Carolina—a powerful trial lawyer, political influencer, and revered figure with connections stretching across the state. His influence extended from his role as the president of the trial lawyers’ association to his family’s 1,700-acre hunting estate, Moselle, where he was known for his generosity and formidable presence. However, this veneer of respectability was shattered when Murdaugh brutally murdered his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul, on a dark summer night at Moselle.

Bauerlein’s investigation reveals the dark underbelly of the Murdaugh legacy—decades of cover-ups, corruption, and violent deeds stretching back to Murdaugh’s forefathers. Despite his attempts to escape justice, a series of missteps and a critical decision by a disillusioned friend led to his ultimate exposure.

Through meticulous research and evocative storytelling, Bauerlein brings to life the haunting details of the crime scene, the emotional trial, and the broader implications of Murdaugh’s actions. The Devil at His Elbow provides a powerful, cinematic look at the fall of a once-dominant figure, unraveling the layers of deceit and darkness that defined his life and crimes.