Photo by Nafis Azad 2023
Susan Zalkind is an investigative reporter, writer, and producer. She lives in New England and likes to swim in the ocean.
Zalkind has spent the last decade investigating the tragic September 11, 2011 murder of Brendan Mess, Raphael Teken, and her friend, Erik Weissman in Waltham, Massachusetts and the connection between the open homicide case and the Boston Marathon bombing.
Her book The Waltham Murders: One Woman’s Pursuit to Expose the Truth Behind a Murder and a National Tragedy hits stores March 1 and is available for preorder here. Publishers Weekly calls Zalkind’s debut “gripping“ and writes that “she delivers a studiously reported and consistently immersive account. Readers will be captivated.”
Zalkind also wrote and produced the three part docu-series The Murders Before The Marathon. Read her producer’s note here. The series is based on her forthcoming book, began streaming in the US on Hulu on September 5, 2022, and is now available on streaming platforms across the world.
The Wall Street Journal called the series “damning” and also listed it as one of the best TV shows of 2022. The Boston Globe compared Zalkind’s work to “Paradise Lost” and “The Thin Blue Line.”
Zalkind’s earlier reporting on the case for This American Life and Boston magazine was hailed as "blistering" by Rachel Maddow, and listed as one of the best stories of the year by Longform.org and Longreads.
Zalkind also writes about other things at other places. She has worked as a New England correspondent for The Daily Beast, Vice, and The Guardian US. She likes trials and breaking news. She studied History and African Studies at Boston University. She is more fun in person.
Twitter: @susanzalkind
Instagram: @susanclarezalkind
Rep: Bridget Wagner Matzie, Aevitas Creative
Tips and speaking engagements: