Thomas Thompson has the wonderful ability to write nonfiction books that really hold your interest. This true crime book concerns the unexplained death of Joan Robinson Hill a Texas Socialite. Her husband may or may not be responsible for her death but her father is determined that someone will be held responsible for her death. This book has everything, rich people behaving badly, sex, and revenge. Enjoy this page turner.

Blood and Money is an interesting book dealing with death of socialite and whether she was killed by her physician husband. There were twists and turns in the book and it was well-written. There were periods when I thought there was to much detail (it is a long book) but then a new twist would occur and I would be fascinated again. I would have enjoyed an update on what happened after the book was written to the main characters as this is a reprint of an older book and pictures of the main characters would have been nice. Instead I found myself reviewing the internet trying to see what various individuals looked like and what happened next once story ended. There are some questions when the book ended and it would have been nice to have definite answers but obviously the author could not "make up" what was not apparent. I do appreciate that he stuck to the facts and did not make up a lot of theoretical guesses.

This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by true crime. Originally published in 1976, this is a second edition. The events detail the life of Joan, born to a rich, spoiling and doting father, Ash Robinson in Houston Texas. We follow lightly thru her younger years, which helps to paint the picture of her father’s overbearing concern and love, a borderline obsessive behavior.
Joan has trouble staying married in part due to her father’s behavior. She ends up marrying a young man, John Hill whom Ash doesn’t like at all but supports thru school, home, vehicles, etc., so the young man can gain solid employment and care for Ash’s daughter in a manner she had become accustomed to.
The excitement begins in 1969 with the untimely and suspicious death of Joan. Thru numerous interviews, articles and police reports, Thompson weaves an intricate tale that just won’t quit. It becomes more and more murky, and all along the reader is wondering how does this father keep the energy to doggedly pursue his daughter’s murderer?
I recommend this read to anyone interested in true crime, old-time Texas oil barons and the juicy gossip that followed them and their lifestyles. Just when you think you’re starting to figure it out, another wrench is thrown in the system. Once you finish, you’ll want to Google and follow up on what happened to the principle players. A good, thorough and captivating read.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Open Road Integrated Media and NetGalley for making it available.)

Another great book by Thomas Thompson. This is the true story of the murder of Joan Robinson Hill and her family's quest for justice. It is truly an intense, heartbreaking story, which the author writes so well about. He did a lot of research and well-thought out. I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to others who read true crime.