Publisher's Synopsis
True Story Behind Happy Face
What Dramatizations Get Right and Wrong
True crime adaptations grip audiences with their chilling stories, but how much of what we see on screen is real? True Story Behind Happy Face unpacks the fact and fiction behind the Paramount+ series Happy Face, which is inspired by the crimes of serial killer Keith Jesperson and the struggles of his daughter, Melissa Moore.
From Jesperson's disturbing confessions to the wrongful conviction of two innocent people, this book dives into the true details of the case, exposing where the show stays true to history and where it takes creative liberties. It explores the psychology behind our fascination with true crime, the ethical dilemmas of dramatizing real tragedies, and the lasting impact on both victims' families and the relatives of killers.
Melissa Moore's story is one of survival, identity, and resilience. As the daughter of a notorious murderer, she has worked to reclaim her life while navigating the public's obsession with her father's crimes. But how accurately does Happy Face portray her journey? And when true crime blends fact with fiction, does it distort justice or help uncover the truth?
For fans of Mindhunter, Making a Murderer, and Dahmer, this book is an essential read-an exploration of how true crime storytelling shapes public perception and the responsibility we have as consumers of the genre.
