Investigative Journalism, Justice, and the Power of Uncovering Facts
Mark Shaw discusses his investigative work on the deaths of Dorothy Kilgallen, Marilyn Monroe, and JFK, his legal background’s influence on journalism, media biases in high-profile cases, and advice for aspiring reporters.
Mark Shaw has spent years uncovering hidden truths behind some of the most controversial cases in modern history. A former criminal defence attorney turned investigative journalist, he is the bestselling author of The Reporter Who Knew Too Much, which shed new light on the life and mysterious death of journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. His extensive body of work, including Fighting for Justice and Collateral Damage, has challenged official narratives surrounding the JFK assassination, Marilyn Monroe, and other pivotal moments in history.
With nearly 30 books to his name, Shaw’s meticulous research and fearless pursuit of the truth have earned him both acclaim and controversy. His work, now archived at Purdue University, has reached millions through viral interviews and lectures, cementing his role as a leading voice in investigative history. In this interview for Reader’s House Magazine, he discusses the motivations behind his groundbreaking research, the challenges of exposing historical distortions, and the lessons aspiring investigative journalists can learn from his journey.
What initially drew you to investigate the deaths of Dorothy Kilgallen and Marilyn Monroe, and how did your research evolve over time?
While researching the JFK assassination at the National Archives, I learned of heralded journalist 18-month investigation of JFK’s death, the most credible in history and used that research to publish the bestselling The Reporter Who Knew Too Much. I was then able to connect the deaths of JFK and Marilyn Monroe through her love affair with Robert Kennedy.
Given your background as a criminal defense attorney, how has your legal expertise influenced your approach to investigative journalism?
Just as when I defended clients in the courtroom, I focused on motive as the best tool to deal with investigative journalism.
Your books suggest a strong connection between historical events and hidden truths—what challenges have you faced in uncovering and presenting these narratives?
My job is to uncover distortions of history and rectify them with the truth.
With Purdue University archiving your work, how do you hope future researchers and historians will engage with your findings?
Future historians will use my research as a guide to uncovering more truths.
Having analyzed high-profile cases like those of Mike Tyson, O.J. Simpson, and Kobe Bryant, what patterns have you observed in media coverage of legal proceedings?
Unfortunately, the media decides a conclusion and then makes the facts, true or not, fit that conclusion
As someone who has worked across law, journalism, television, and publishing, what advice would you give to aspiring investigative reporters today?
Always search for the truth no matter how difficult the task.
