Licensed P.I., SWMO’s #1 Crime Writer, Speaker & Victim’s Advocate
Synova Cantrell is an award-winning true crime writer, licensed private investigator, speaker, and victims’ advocate with nearly a decade of experience raising awareness for cold cases. She has written about more than 500 cases and authored 15 published books, including one endorsed by a retired FBI agent.
Recognized as Southwest Missouri’s #1 true crime writer, Synova has appeared in multiple documentaries, including on the Discovery Channel, and recently spoke at the Missouri State Capitol on behalf of victims’ families. Her work has even been honored with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Synova’s mission is simple: shine light on overlooked cases and help bring justice.
After 10 years of researching cold cases as a crime writer, Synova has now become a licensed private investigator with the state of Missouri. Synova is blazing her own trail and Chasing Justice.
Follow Synova Ink Publishing using the links below if you want to dive into some cold cases with Synova
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/synovacantrell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synovaink/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synovaink
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Synovaink
LATEST POSTS
-
More Than a Name in a Database: How a Private Investigator Can Help Locate Someone
Private investigators help locate more than missing people. They may reconnect biological families, find witnesses and heirs, assist attorneys, support missing-person cases, and help small-business owners locate debtors. Effective locate work requires careful research, verification, and respect for privacy—not simply finding a matching name in an online database result.
-
After the Valentine’s Dance: The Murder of Carla Walker
Synova’s Weekly Content Plan Copy-and-Paste Outline for a New Chat Weekly Publishing Schedule Monday — Casefile Post A true-crime case from one of Synova’s books, archives, or current research. Tuesday — OSINT Series An educational post explaining OSINT, online investigations, research methods, verification, common mistakes, public records, digital footprints, or investigative methodology. Wednesday — Consultation…
-
Abraham Smith: The Trial the Mob Would Not Allow
In 1844, Abraham Smith’s murder conviction was overturned and a new trial ordered in another county. He never reached the courtroom. A mob broke into the Madison County jail, dragged him out, and hanged him—silencing unanswered questions about the evidence and denying both Smith and the victim’s family justice forever.
-
The Murder in Room 1046: Who Killed Artemus Ogletree?
In January 1935, a young man using the name Roland T. Owen was found brutally injured inside Room 1046 of Kansas City’s Hotel President. His real identity, Artemus Ogletree, emerged later—but the killer, the false letters, and the mysterious benefactors behind his burial remain unexplained more than ninety years later.
-
The Destructive Consequences of Classifying a Case Too Early
Discover why premature case classification can permanently alter an investigation. In my latest PI Magazine article, I explore how early assumptions influence evidence collection, investigative decisions, and case outcomes—and how private investigators can provide an objective review when families are left searching for answers.
Sign Up For Synova’s UpdateS
Sign up for free and be the first to get notified about all the updates for Synova Ink Publishing.