Dateline NBC: Talking Dateline - "Book of Lies"
Date: April 29, 2026
Host: Blaine Alexander
Guest: Andrea Canning (Dateline correspondent)
Producer (Listener Q&A): Karen Israel
Episode Overview
In this episode of "Talking Dateline," host Blaine Alexander and Dateline correspondent Andrea Canning discuss the episode "Book of Lies," centering on the shocking murder of Eric Richins. The story gained national attention when Eric’s wife, Corey Richins—who would later be convicted for his murder—publicly grieved her husband’s death, writing a children’s book about grief and making an infamous local TV appearance. The conversation covers the investigation, community reactions, the private investigator’s role, and fallout for Eric’s family and others unwittingly entangled in the case. The show also features listener Q&A with producer Karen Israel, providing behind-the-scenes context.
Main Topics & Key Insights
1. Case Summary & Unusual Publicity
[01:46–04:02]
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Andrea's Recap:
- Corey Richins, mother of three and home flipper, called 911 one night, reporting her husband Eric’s sudden death.
- Eric was found cold and unresponsive at age 39.
- In the aftermath, Corey authored a children’s book on grief and appeared on local TV, presenting as a grieving widow.
- Authorities later accused Corey of poisoning Eric with a lethal dose of fentanyl, mixed in celebratory drinks.
- Corey was subsequently arrested and convicted.
"She talks about her book. She talks about her husband dying. And then not too long after that, she is arrested for the murder of Eric Richards." — Andrea Canning [02:33]
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Public Fascination:
- The children’s book and TV appearance added a shocking, “diabolical” twist, further amplifying public interest.
2. Behind the Infamous TV Appearance
[04:02–06:11]
- Unexpected Twists:
- The TV co-host, Dina, brought Corey on for a well-intentioned, sensitive segment about loss, never expecting to be implicated in a true-crime saga.
- The case took a turn after the station received anonymous emails alleging Corey’s responsibility in Eric’s death.
“This is a lifestyle show. We...deal with cooking and beauty segments...then she ends up in the middle of a murder mystery.” — Andrea Canning [04:24]
3. Community & Setting
[06:39–07:55]
- Diner Visit:
- Andrea highlights visiting Gabe’s Diner, offering a sense of the community’s mix of locals, outdoorsy types, and even the ultra-wealthy, all unexpectedly caught up in the case.
4. The Home-Flipping Angle
[07:55–09:39]
- Interview with Homebuyer (Molly Crosswaite):
- Andrea reveals that one house Corey had flipped became central to the investigation, with police tracing the delivery of drugs to the property.
- Molly was stunned to learn of its connection, realizing she unknowingly bought a home entwined in a murder probe.
5. Relationship Strains and Red Flags
[09:54–14:37]
- Multiple People Affected:
- From a Home Depot friend to the TV co-host and diner owner—all became tangential victims as the case unraveled.
- Family Tensions:
- Suspicions toward Corey emerged quickly; Eric’s sister voiced concerns immediately after his death.
- The last-minute wedding prenup—signed by Corey in her wedding dress moments before the ceremony—struck both hosts as a major red flag.
"That was...I just feel like, why is that happening?...That just doesn't feel right." — Andrea Canning [13:25]
6. Private Investigator's Role & Methods
[16:33–19:56]
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Introduction of PI Todd Gabler:
- Hired by Eric’s family due to concerns over Corey's financial actions and suspicion of foul play.
- Gabler was supported by a forensic accountant and became a key conduit of evidence, helping law enforcement.
"He said, I am not here to deliver you the answer that you want...I am here to get to the truth and whatever that is." — Andrea Canning [18:25]
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Extra Clip (PI about the Lover, Josh Grossman):
"He says that he carries a wallet Will. So that if something should happen to him, people will know that he is written in this wallet, Will, that Corrie was involved in the death of her husband." — Todd Gabler [20:43-21:48]
7. The Secret Lover: Josh Grossman
[21:54–25:00]
- Memorable Courtroom Moment:
- Grossman’s nervousness on the stand became unforgettable:
“When he walked up and...they gave him the normal, you know, the normal spiel, and he goes away. What do you mean by the whole truth?” — Blaine Alexander [21:57]
- The judge paused proceedings to question Grossman privately—a moment the hosts found wild and possibly credibility-damaging.
- Grossman’s nervousness on the stand became unforgettable:
- Nature of the Affair:
- Evidence suggested plans for a shared future between Corey and Grossman, though Corey maintained she truly loved Eric, despite the affair.
8. Impact on the Jury and Eric's Family
[25:00–26:48]
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Juror Reflections:
- Jurors struggled with the weight of their verdict, knowing it would remove a mother of three from her children’s lives.
"That's always hard for jurors...one minute they're living this happy life...and then the next, their dad's gone...and mom's being arrested." — Andrea Canning [25:16]
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Family's Response:
- Eric’s family reportedly felt relief at the verdict, though true closure is elusive.
"Doesn't bring Eric back, but they in their hearts believe Corey's responsible and she was found guilty. Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty. Five guilties." — Andrea Canning [26:28]
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On the Corey's TV appearance after the murder:
“You’re accused of killing your husband, and then you write this children’s book about grief, that you're, you know, the victim...and all the while...she had murdered her husband.” — Andrea Canning [03:11]
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On being an accidental part of a true-crime story:
"[Dina] ends up in the middle of a murder mystery because an anonymous email comes into the station...This is a lifestyle show… and the one time they have this more serious topic on it leads to this.” — Andrea Canning [04:14]
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On the private investigator's neutrality:
“I am not here to deliver you the answer that you want...I am here to get to the truth and whatever that is…” — Andrea Canning (quoting Todd Gabler) [18:25]
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On the unexpected community impact:
“This story is just full of so many people who were unwittingly, in some way tied to this.” — Blaine Alexander [09:39]
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On Josh Grossman's courtroom oath:
“‘What do you mean by the whole truth?’...Who says this?” — Blaine Alexander [21:57] “That’s just putting a flag saying, hey, I’m not going to tell the whole truth.” — Blaine Alexander [22:50]
Listener Q&A with Producer Karen Israel
[28:41–33:51]
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Did the Dateline team eat at Gabe’s Diner? [29:14–29:58]
- Yes. Andrea had the tuna melt twice and a blonde brownie, confirming the diner’s "delicious" reputation.
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Who published Corey’s book? [30:25–31:13]
- The book was self-published with the help of a ghostwriter. No evidence supports that the book was planned before Eric’s death.
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How does Corey maintain such frequent contact with her friend Greg while in jail? [31:43–32:56]
- The local jail has more lenient communication rules. Corey uses a tablet for calls and messages, but likely won't have the same privileges in prison.
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Has Corey been sentenced? Is there a movie in the works? [33:08–33:45]
- Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, Eric’s birthday. No confirmed movie yet, but producers see strong potential for a made-for-TV film due to the story’s many twists.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [01:46] — Episode summary and context from Andrea Canning
- [04:14] — Behind the infamous lifestyle show interview
- [07:00] — Gabe’s Diner and the feel of the community
- [08:16] — The home-flipping angle and Molly Crosswaite’s shock
- [10:51] — Family tensions, prenups, and early suspicions
- [16:33] — Introduction of the private investigator’s critical role
- [20:43] — PI reveals the “wallet will” detail about Josh Grossman
- [21:57] — Grossman’s notorious question on the stand
- [25:00] — Jury’s emotional struggle in delivering a guilty verdict
- [28:41] — Listener Q&A with producer Karen Israel
In Closing
This episode of "Talking Dateline" provides a rich behind-the-scenes look at the "Book of Lies" case, blending the mechanics of a Dateline investigation with the deeply human impact of true crime. The discussion ranges from unexpected media involvement and community shockwaves to the emotional aftermath for Eric’s family. Listener Q&A delivers satisfying details and a personal touch, making this a can’t-miss for true-crime and Dateline fans alike.