A shocking true story of idealism, betrayal, and the deadly secrets hidden behind one of America’s most respected institutions.
 
In 1976, Peace Corps volunteer Deborah Gardner was murdered on a remote Pacific island by a fellow volunteer — and her killer walked free. In American Taboo, journalist Philip Weiss unravels the chilling true story behind the crime, exposing the cover-up, corruption, and moral failure that followed. This riveting investigation reveals how a culture of silence and protectionism turned a tragedy into a scandal that the Peace Corps tried to bury for decades.
 
Drawing on interviews, declassified documents, and years of investigation, Philip Weiss exposes the systemic failures and misplaced loyalties that allowed justice to slip away. Both a true-crime narrative and a searing exposé, American Taboo explores themes of power, idealism, and the dark consequences of institutional secrecy.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A gripping blend of investigative journalism and true crime.
Explores the moral complexity and human cost of institutional protectionism.
A shocking real-life story that reads like a psychological thriller.
Deeply researched, revealing both tragedy and cultural critique.
Perfect for readers of Under the Banner of Heaven and In Cold Blood.
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of investigative nonfiction and narrative true crime.
Readers interested in history, justice, and moral accountability.
Book clubs exploring ethical questions and institutional responsibility.
Readers of longform journalism and real-life mysteries.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed American Taboo, you might also like:
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer — an exploration of faith, violence, and moral conflict.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt — true crime meets cultural portrait.
Alligator Candy by David Kushner — a haunting memoir of family tragedy and truth-seeking.