I will start this by saying this is more historical than true crime in my opinion. While there is a murder that occurs, it isn't discussed in length until the 85 to 90% of the book. Up until that point you are following three generations of three different families along the decades leading up to the murder and the aftermath. I did find it hard to keep track of who everyone was, especially because I was listening to the audiobook. It didn't really help that there were so many characters and a lot had similar names, even with the author's changes to some to prevent confusion. There were also a lot of paralleling events between the three families. I also think that the author's choice to divide the chapters by dates and then combine all the family stories didn't help me with distinguishing which person, let along family I was currently following.

I would also say that the author includes things that aren't really a true part of the actually generational story they were aiming for. For example, the inclusion of Nathan Leopold of the Leopold and Loeb case. His entire storyline could be removed from this book and nothing is really impacted by it other than the book length.

All of this to say, while confusing at times, I did find this book fascinating. It's well researched and really explores everyday life from the early 1900's to 1960 when the murder occurs. I was engaged with the book from start to finish, and I found this to have lots of historical commentary on the U.S. prison system.

Thank you to Netgalley and HighBridge Audio for the audio-arc of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio copy to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fascinating book. Have you ever wondered how some people from similar backgrounds can turn out so different? This takes a look into the choices, circumstances, and behaviours of families that converge together in a horrific way. It's so well researched with many sources for anyone who wants to go further down a rabbit hole. Amazing read that sparks so many questions and wonders.

Thank you NetGalley, Highbridge Publishing, and author Lisa Belkin for the opportunity to listen to this fascinating new audiobook. Genealogy of a Murder tells the story of four generations, three families and one fateful night that brings them all together. The story spans the first half of the 20th century: immigration, the struggles of the working class, prison reform, medical experiments, politics and war, the infamous Leopold and Loeb case, and more. This book also makes you seriously question how our daily choices can affect others around us. Just as one person’s choice in the book made so many others lives altered. I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to learn about true crime, our history or just enjoyment.

“What you earn they can take away from you; what you learn they can never take from you.“

This book has a little bit for everyone. It covers everything from nature vs nurture, prison reform, parole evolution, WWII malaria trials, etc. The story of one prisoner/parolee is unraveled along with the story of Leopold and Loeb’s journey through the prison system. This part of the book gave me Eric Larson vibes in how it was written. I really did enjoy that.

However, there was just way too much information. I honestly started getting lost with so many family members. If that was narrowed down to even a chapter this book would be 4 1/2 -5 stars. But because there’s so much information they give how much and who donated it to a charity at one point. That is why the lower rating.

Stating this I learned a lot and would recommend it. I can’t wait to see more from this author.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

Belkin traces the life of three men from similar backgrounds. One becomes a cop, one a doctor, and the other, a killer – how did they come to these disparate ends? And how did one, trying to rehabilitate another, directly cause the murder of the third? Belkin raises the age-old question of nature vs nurture and what part it played on one night in 1960

Thank you Netgalley for an audio ARC of this book.

First let me say that I have a degree in history and enjoy true crime. I should have loved this book, but when I hit the 26% mark and saw that there was another 9.5 hours left I had to DNF. It felt like the book was going nowhere.

I understand what the author was doing, but there was so much detail that I felt the story got lost in the weeds. Was the Leopold and Loeb part really essential to this tale? I will never know.

The narrator, Erin Bennett, did a fantastic job! I thought by listening to the audiobook I would be engaged with the book, and I do think the narration is the reason I listened as long as I did.

The only reason I am giving this 2 stars is because of the personal connection to the author and the narrator.