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Investigating Murder
First UK edition of a classic anthology of investigations of the top ten unsolved murders of the 20th Century. "A provocative, probing work."--Library Journal
Hardcover
First published September 26, 1990
About the author
Kirk Wilson
18 books7 followersKirk Wilson’s books include the story collection OUT OF SEASON, the poetry collection SONGBOX, the poetry chapbook THE EARLY WORD, and UNSOLVED, a nonfiction crime study published in six editions in the US and UK
Kirk’s fiction, nonfiction, and poetry are widely published in literary journals and anthologies.
His awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, the Elixir Press Fiction Award, the Trio House Press Trio Award, Editor’s Awards and other prizes in all three genres, and two Pushcart nominations.
Kirk’s website is www.KirkWilsonBooks.com.
Kirk’s fiction, nonfiction, and poetry are widely published in literary journals and anthologies.
His awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, the Elixir Press Fiction Award, the Trio House Press Trio Award, Editor’s Awards and other prizes in all three genres, and two Pushcart nominations.
Kirk’s website is www.KirkWilsonBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
June 21, 2012
This book was something that I picked up quite sporadically when I volunteered at a charity shop. Wilson looks into the most mysterious and quite sinister murder/disappearance cases during the 20th century. He discusses notorious events such as the assasination of JFK and the death of Marilyn Monroe to lesser known events such as the disappearance of Helen Brach and Lord Lucan.
Wilson definitely provides unfamiliar readers with background information and adds a sense of excitement to the description of the events and victims. At times, this is quite difficult to digest especially as a British reader as I was unfamiliar with Jimmy Hoffa and the Teamsters as well as the Castro situation during the 1960s. Wilson also provides various theories and suggestions to the reader about the motives and circumstances of the murders/disappearances, ultimately allowing you to decide for yourself what you believe.
However, often Wilson's long sentence structure and repeated references to surnames meant that it was quite easy to get confused and lost in the narrative of the murders. Additionally there are various misspellings which is quite reductive and off-putting. Overall I found this a challenging but fascinating read, the highlights of this book for myself are firstly the thorough and thought provoking discussion of JFK's death in Dealey Plaza. And secondly, the fascinating, chilling analysis of Marilyn Monroe's death. Wilson fabulously introduces and establishes Monroe as an innocent yet powerful woman, mainly due to the sinister knowledge she allegedly knew. Monroe's chapter, entitled 'The Dumb Blonde Who Knew Too Much' was just incredible as Wilson really deconstructs the inaccuracies and suspicions surrounding the investigation of Monroe's death.
Overall I feel that this book, whilst being quite monotonous and strenuous at times really illuminates the reality of the mysterious surrounding such iconic deaths. As a reader I initially viewed most conspiracy theories as sensationalist and scare-mongering but Wilson uses hard, factual evidence to establish convincing, unnerving arguments. Plus these tales make for brilliant conversation starters!
Wilson definitely provides unfamiliar readers with background information and adds a sense of excitement to the description of the events and victims. At times, this is quite difficult to digest especially as a British reader as I was unfamiliar with Jimmy Hoffa and the Teamsters as well as the Castro situation during the 1960s. Wilson also provides various theories and suggestions to the reader about the motives and circumstances of the murders/disappearances, ultimately allowing you to decide for yourself what you believe.
However, often Wilson's long sentence structure and repeated references to surnames meant that it was quite easy to get confused and lost in the narrative of the murders. Additionally there are various misspellings which is quite reductive and off-putting. Overall I found this a challenging but fascinating read, the highlights of this book for myself are firstly the thorough and thought provoking discussion of JFK's death in Dealey Plaza. And secondly, the fascinating, chilling analysis of Marilyn Monroe's death. Wilson fabulously introduces and establishes Monroe as an innocent yet powerful woman, mainly due to the sinister knowledge she allegedly knew. Monroe's chapter, entitled 'The Dumb Blonde Who Knew Too Much' was just incredible as Wilson really deconstructs the inaccuracies and suspicions surrounding the investigation of Monroe's death.
Overall I feel that this book, whilst being quite monotonous and strenuous at times really illuminates the reality of the mysterious surrounding such iconic deaths. As a reader I initially viewed most conspiracy theories as sensationalist and scare-mongering but Wilson uses hard, factual evidence to establish convincing, unnerving arguments. Plus these tales make for brilliant conversation starters!
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review