Reviews

Drawing on secret files at the LAPD, including details from Marilyn Monroe’s own diaries and never before published accounts, Rothmiller and Thompson claim this book contains the truth about exactly what happened on 5 August 1962. Including details of Monroe’s tumultuous involvement with both President John Kennedy and his brother, Robert Kennedy.

There has long been talk of conspiracies surrounding the death of Marilyn Monroe and several of them relate to the link between Monroe and the Kennedys. Whilst this book claims to contain the truth of what happened I think the problem with conspiracies like this is it is very difficult to tell whether the truth has been uncovered or not. Detective Rothmiller details conversations with the likes of Peter Lawford, the actor and brother-in-law of the JFK and RFK who describes being present when Monroe was killed, as well as Fred Otash, former Police Officer and Private Investigator who had listening devices installed at Monroe’s property and Peter Lawford’s, but both these men have since passed away so there is nobody to back up what they allegedly told him in private.

The majority of the book delves into the lives of all the major players, including the men in charge of the LAPD at that time, and whilst I love a deep dive into the background of a subject some of it felt like unnecessary filler and I found it a bit of a slog in parts. I had to push myself to keep going because I wanted to get to the actual juicy parts. I think most people reading the book would already know a bit about Marilyn Monroe’s life and career prior to her death so the time dedicated to going over that, in particular, felt a little pointless. There was also quite randomly the inclusion of some fairly shocking allegations about Martin Luther King, which were completely unnecessary.

There were a few problems for me with the writing style. There were several attempts at foreshadowing, which just wasn’t needed. We know where the book is going because the title kind of gives it away!

I can completely believe that the Kennedys would have wanted Marilyn Monroe killed to avoid the scandal but I must admit I find it a much harder to believe that Bobby Kennedy would have actually committed the deed himself. I would have thought he’d have someone else do it to avoid any chance of comeback on them.

Overall it was a bit of a tough slog but there were some interesting points made.

thereaderrealm's review

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3.0

A heartbreaking insight into the corruption and awful treatment surrounding an absolute icon.

Monroe and the Kennedy family have always fascinated me. It's such a awful yet interesting time in our history. I've no doubt that these powerful men in her life led to her unfortunate demise.

This book was intriguing to read all the information around the culture of the LAPD in the 60's and the amount of scandalous cover-ups they caused. However, for me personally, it was laced a bit TOO much 'padding' that could have been left out... it was hard to follow at times!

If you love details, a lot of names and information in abundance that doesn't directly involve Monroe, then sure, this may be YOUR cup of tea.

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