In My DNA - by Lindsey Wade

About the Book

"In 1986, a young girl in Tacoma, Washington, Jennifer Bastian, went out for a bike ride in a local park and never came home. Later her body was found, mutilated and lifeless, but the case went cold, and Jennifer's killer was free. The senseless killing of an innocent girl left an indelible black cloud over Tacoma for three decades and was seared into the memory of young Lindsey Wade, also from Tacoma, who went on to become the detective who would crack the case. Horrifying crimes against women and girls motivated Wade's twenty-one-year law enforcement career and ignited her relentless pursuit of justice for victims. Journey with Detective Wade as she investigates shocking sex crimes and homicides in the Tacoma area, where she has been crucial in bringing new DNA evidence into each cold case. From serial rapists to cold-blooded killers, Wade never backs down from the challenges these investigations present--even adding Ted Bundy's DNA to the national database. At the heart of every lead and DNA test throughout the book, Lindsey's desire to find Jennifer Bastian's murderer never relents."--Amazon.com

Book Synopsis

*FINALIST: Book of the Year for the 2024 CrimeCon CLUE Awards*

*WINNER: Gold Award for Best New Voice, Nonfiction, of the 2024 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award*

*WINNER: Silver Award, True Crime, of the 2023 IPPY Book Awards*

Dogged determination and DNA leads Detective Lindsey Wade and her team to the truth behind a thirty-two-year old cold case.

In 1986, a young girl in Tacoma, Washington, Jennifer Bastian, went out for a bike ride in a local park and never came home. Later her body was found, mutilated and lifeless, but the case went cold, and Jennifer's killer was free.

The senseless killing of an innocent girl left an indelible black cloud over Tacoma for three decades and was seared into the memory of young Lindsey Wade, also from Tacoma, who went on to become the detective who would crack the case.

Horrifying crimes against women and girls motivated Wade's twenty-one-year law enforcement career and ignited her relentless pursuit of justice for victims.

Journey with Detective Wade as she investigates shocking sex crimes and homicides in the Tacoma area, where she has been crucial in bringing new DNA evidence into each cold case. From serial rapists to cold-blooded killers, Wade never backs down from the challenges these investigations present--even adding Ted Bundy's DNA to the national database. At the heart of every lead and DNA test throughout the book, Lindsey's desire to find Jennifer Bastian's murderer never relents.

Review Quotes

"Lindsey Wade in her memoir In My DNA: My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares exemplifies the characteristics every sexual assault and homicide investigator should have: persistence, creativity, and compassion for the victims. Lindsey's book is a must read for anybody who wants to better understand the highs and lows of being a detective, the emotional toll hearing what a sexual assault victim experienced, and the ultimate reward when all the effort culminates in finding a killer and getting a family an answer." -Paul Holes, Cold Case Investigator (Ret) and NY Times Bestselling author of Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases

"Lindsey Wade's story plays out like a Hollywood movie-complete with surprising plot twists, evil villains, and a smart, driven detective determined to solve even the most confounding crimes. In My DNA illustrates how a shocking experience as a child can become a calling. Lindsey Wade skillfully takes her readers on a compelling journey through the complex-ities of criminal justice. A page-turner from start to finish." -Linda Byron, Emmy Winning Investigative Reporter

"These are the true stories of the monsters stalking our children and the dedicated detective who spent her career hunting them down. Lindsey Wade's tenacity shines through as she shares the twists and turns in solving each horrific case. From the impact the murders of two young girls had on her childhood that led to her relentless push for justice, In My DNA takes you inside the crime scene tape where true horrors are found." -David Rose, News Anchor, Host of The Spotlight

"As the mother of Jennifer Bastian, I can speak personally to what passion, feeling and connectedness Lindsey has had with each of the cases she toiled over endlessly. When the public was just learning the term "cold case," Lindsey didn't care, nothing was ever "cold" to her. Her vision, her research abilities, and her doggedness influenced an entire law enforcement community." -Pattie Bastian, Jennifer Bastian's Mother

"Riveting, true life story of one of the most truly dedicated, tenacious compassionate detectives in Washington State. Lindsey provides an inside look into the real everyday challenges and horrors that all detectives come face to face with: PURE EVIL!" -Dave Reichert, Lead Investigator on Green River Serial Murders, Retired King County Sheriff and U.S. Congressman