We all know think we know the story of the Menendez Brothers, and through this book you get everything you didn’t actually know. It’s well researched, backed up factual information that at some points i put the book down because I was emotional.
Free Lyle and Erik.

Interesting read. I remember when the murders happened and it was interesting to read about some of the things that I wasn’t aware of that never came out at trial. Will be interesting to see if they do get released based on some of this info.

If you're interested in the Menendez case you'll find so much information. It's all well-researched, factual, backed up information about every player in this case from birth to death or imprisonment. Every quandary you've ever had about any part of this family's life can be found in these pages. And in that way this book is excellent.

If you want a readable true crime story this is not the book for you. It's all over the place, jumping from one subject or person to another. The dialogue is jumbled, confusing. A lot can be said about one thing and yet after reading it you're not sure what actually happened. Like three paragraphs discuss Kitty wanting to hold one of the boys back in school, but I'm still not sure if she did or not. It needs an editor so badly.

All in all, this was a hard book to rate and review. I got a lot of info; stuff I've wanted to know about this case for decades. But reading was so hard and confusing.

A very well-crafted true crime book about a case that is all the hype right now. The research for this book is well done. I received a free eARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

I confess that I didn't know much about this case. I only knew that two rich brothers had killed their parents, presumably for their money. That was it.
But then some rumors started reappearing, and the case was given some attention again, so I wanted to know more.
This is the perfect book if you want to really understand what happened before, during, and after the killings. There are a lot of things I had no idea about, but now everything is clearer, and I have my own opinion on this. There is some repetition here and there, but it is a good book, and it is well-written and professional.

This book was really fascinating. I loved the way it was written. It took a very serious and hard topic and told it in a way that humanized it, made it less technical and more like I was seeing inside the home where the Menendez brothers grew up. I felt like I got to know both Jose and Kitty better also, learning about their lives pre-marriage and pre-children. This was a hard book to read because of the subject matter and the gruesome deaths of their parents, the troubled lives the boys led, and the people they were surrounded by. I'm glad, though, this expanded copy was written so that people could have a better idea of what really went on.

I was given a copy of this book by netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

This was such a fascinating and interesting read! Growing up, I had heard so much about the Menendez Brothers case but did not know all the facts of it until I started viewing the recent documentaries that have been made about the case. I found Robert Rand’s novel to be very informative and I learned so much about the lives of the Menendez brothers that I had no idea about prior to my reading of this book. The book is clearly very well researched and gives a personal side to the stories of the two brothers. The backstories of the family members were very interesting and also heartbreaking to read. I like how the court testimonies were included in the book as well as how the court proceedings were described. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to know more about the Menendez Brothers. This version of the book also features a recent (2024) update on the case and where it stands today,

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

The Menendez Murders by Robert Rand offers a meticulously detailed and eye-opening look at one of the most infamous cases in American true crime. Rand’s thorough investigation spans over three decades, and his unparalleled access to the Menendez brothers and their families brings forth revelations that challenge the public’s long-held perceptions of the case. The updated edition sheds light on dark family secrets, including disturbing allegations of abuse and new connections to the 1980s boy band Menudo, making it a compelling read for those familiar with the case and newcomers alike.

What sets this book apart is Rand’s balanced perspective. While it doesn’t absolve Lyle and Erik Menendez of their actions, it offers deeper context into the trauma they experienced, allowing readers to reconsider the brothers’ motives. The exclusive interviews and insights from those closely involved add emotional depth, while the updates on the brothers’ lives in prison make this a well-rounded narrative.

The amount of detail can sometimes feel overwhelming, and the writing occasionally drags with too much focus on the legal intricacies. However, Rand’s dedication to presenting the full scope of the case makes this a must-read for true crime enthusiasts. This book not only revisits the notorious crime but also raises important questions about justice, abuse, and family trauma. It’s a thought-provoking and thoroughly researched account that leaves you pondering what might have been had these revelations come to light earlier.

So good. So comprehensive. Riveting. The 2024 updates made my jaw DROP.

I wasn't sure I was interested in the Menendez case. Yes, it's tragic, but I had the same impression the prosecution was trying to push: two rich young men that killed their parents for freedom and money. I don't think that anymore.

As a true crime junkie and as someone who has followed this case for a while now, I felt like this book was super informative regarding the trial and the brother's life leading up to the murders. I have always felt they should have received a shorter sentence, and I do hope one day, they do get out of prison. The amount of evidence and testimonies from family and friends alone should have been enough to prove what they went through as kids and into adults. This book was well written and there was never a time when I was bored. Great job!

I also liked seeing the new evidence and learning about that as well.

This book, originally published in 2018, is an informative and detailed report on the murders and subsequent trial. I'd say the author takes a fairly balanced approach; however, this book is, so far, my only source of information and therefore it's hard to say what, if anything, is missing.

I've actually listened to this book before so I was interested in what the update might add. It turns out, not too much: a potential new piece of evidence that supports the brothers' claims and some, tangential information about boyband Menudo, which reflects on their father's character.

There's a lot of criticism aimed at true crime 'entertainment', often with reason. We will always talk about crime if it's newsworthy, as I would say this case is, though I think it's important to be informative and respectful of the victims, not sensationalist. And that leads me to a criticism of this updated book - the cover. I don't think the photograph itself is a bad choice, it shows everyone involved; however, the victims are literally erased by the title stamped over their faces.

I don't blame the author for rereleasing the book to tie in with both the new series and documentary out on Netflix, but I wouldn't recommend this updated edition to anyone who has read the book previously.

Thanks, NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC:

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Robert Rand’s “The Menendez Murders, Updated Edition” offers a comprehensive and deeply unsettling exploration of one of America’s most infamous criminal cases. This updated edition delves even further into the dark and complex history of the Menendez family, providing new insights and revelations that shed light on the tragic events that led to the brutal killings of José and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik.

Rand, a journalist with over three decades of experience covering the Menendez case, brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and access to this book. His meticulous research and relentless pursuit of the truth are evident in every page. The updated edition includes breakthrough findings, such as a disturbing history of child abuse and sexual molestation within the Menendez family.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is Rand’s ability to humanize the Menendez brothers. Through exclusive interviews and firsthand accounts, he paints a nuanced portrait of Lyle and Erik, exploring their motivations and the psychological trauma they endured. This approach challenges the reader to reconsider the simplistic narrative of cold-blooded killers and instead view the brothers as complex individuals shaped by their environment and experiences.

The narrative is gripping and heartbreaking, as Rand navigates the reader through the labyrinth of legal battles, media frenzy, and personal tragedies that defined the Menendez case. His writing is clear and engaging, making the complex legal and psychological aspects of the story accessible to a broad audience.

“The Menendez Murders, Updated Edition” is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the deeper, often hidden, layers of one of the most sensational murder cases in American history. Robert Rand’s exhaustive research and compassionate storytelling provide a fresh perspective on the Menendez brothers and the tragic events that forever changed their lives. This book is not just about the murders; it’s about the human stories behind the headlines.

This case has always fascinated me.

The Menendez murders were almost out of the ordinary. Brothers who kill parents for money. While family members have killed for money before, this one hit closer, as both brothers were involved.

Robert Rand keeps readers engaged throughout. It was very difficult to put this book down, as I was entirely hooked from the start.

Highly recommend this true crime!

I received a free copy of The Menedez Murders, Updated Edition, by Robert Rand, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I remember well this case, The Menedez brothers Lyle and Eric, accused and convicted of killing their parents Jose and Kitty Menedez. I have always thought the brothers killed their parents ans this book solidified that. This was a really good read.

Robert Rand continues to be the expert on the Menendez Brothers case, and I am glad that he has put out an updated edition as the interest in the case grows once more. The Ryan Murphy show is flawed and skews some facts, so this is an important publication.

What a messed up family. This updated edition adds the recent allegations by members of Menudo, an update about the brothers and their appeals process, and a letter found after cousin Andy's death to him from Erik. The Menendez Murders is a comprehensive reminder of the case and all of its nuances ahead of Monster on Netflix.

This was my first true crime book and I want to read more like this. I felt it provided the facts of the Menendez case without an overshadowing bias. I was aware of the case growing up and watch the show when it aired but this book brought more information that I hadn't read about before.

The Menendez family is quite possibly the most dysfunctional family I have ever read about. This book is just depressing. I had a very hard time reading it.

Well researched and written.