The Menendez Murders

This case has held my interest since it first happened. There is so much more to the case than what was presented. I think this author has done his investigative work. There is no doubt that they killed their parents, but what underlying problems were there in this family. So many hidden things, secrets and mysteries. If it happened this day and time, maybe the decision would be different or not. There is no way to know. It is well written and gives you simply think about.I received this book from Net Galley and BenBella Books for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.

Even if you were around to watch this story unfold, reading this book will give you a lot of great insights into these two fascinated, but overly pampered rich boys.

The Menendez Murders by Robert Rand was well written, researched, informative and compelling, all that a good true crime book should be. Learn some details that had been unknown before. The courtroom testimony was very interesting.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

If you want a comprehensive book on the Menendez murders, your wait is over! I just read The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Untold Story of the Menendez Family and the Killings that Stunned the Nation by Robert Rand (thanks to BenBella Books and NetGalley) and now I know way more about this case than I did before, even though I watched every episode of NBC’s series Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders.

Jose and Kitty Menendez were a classic “new money” Southern California couple in the 1980s, where Jose was a very successful businessman in the entertainment industry married to a former beauty queen, living the life of a multimillionaire family in Bel Air with their two sons. In 1989 they were murdered in what looked to police initially like a burglary gone wrong. Months later, they had no solid leads, but several theories were swirling around (including possibly a mafia hit or a revenge killing by a businessperson who felt wronged).

The case exploded into the national news when Lyle and Erik, the 21 and 18 year old sons were arrested. As the story unfolded, it was covered in depth by many journalists including Robert Rand, who covered the case from the beginning. He interviewed Lyle and Erik many times, both before and after they were arrested. Initially seen as classic “golden boys” who had been tragically orphaned, they were later viewed as confessed killers who were tried in one courtroom with two separate juries. Erik’s attorney, Lesley Abramson, was a flashy woman whose personality magnified the attention to the trial(s), which resulted in hung juries…it just went on and on. So, once the defense presented their justification of years of abuse and sexual abuse, the addition of sex crimes to wealth and murder results in a true crime trifecta!

Rand’s work was the primary source for the NBC series, and this book gives possibly more than a reader may want or need to know about this case. It has everything (even an appearance by O.J.Simpson!) and seems to now be the definitive work on this fascinating case. It is highly recommended for fans of true crime, and I give it five stars for being an incredibly entertaining and well-written true crime book (Rand is a true journalist).

I have always followed the murders of Jose and Kitty. I have read other books on this subject. Even with that said, I enjoyed this book. We all know that Lyle and Erik killed their parents, but the author made this more than about the murders. We learn about the family dynamics , the parents and the sons. What is true and what is not? Were the parents as portrayed in the book? Were the sons molested? We may never know the truth but this is a good read on the subject matter. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not effect my opinion of this book nor my review.

I was a teenager when the criminal trials took place and remember how this case was covered extensively by the media. While I had long ago forgotten some of the details, I did remember the basics. Lyle and Erik Menendez killed their wealthy parents, went on a spending spree, and when they were arrested for the murders they claimed their father had sexually abused them for years and their mother did nothing to stop him. On a much lighter note, I will always remember the brothers' pastel sweaters and defense attorney Leslie Abramson's glorious head of hair.

The author of this book was involved in this case as a reporter very early on, before the brothers were even arrested. He was writing a piece on the life and accomplishments of the father, Jose Menendez, and sat down and talked with both brothers as well as other family members. He sat in on the trial, at one point even having to testify, and was involved with the recent tv show about the murders and trials on NBC. So it's very fair to say he has a lot of knowledge about the case and therefore was really able to deliver a comprehensive look at not just the court case but also the family history.

If there is one thing I felt was missing in the book, it was a lack of a good update on the brothers' lives in prison. The author has been in contact with at least one of the brothers, Lyle, as evident by a photo included in the book of the two of them taken in May of 2018. I just found it to be very minimal especially when you compare it to the rest of the book that went into great detail about their lives.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you are at all interested in the case. There were quite a few details I had forgotten ( Erik had a jail cell right next to O.J. Simpson for a brief time) and many more I never knew until reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and BenBella books for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! All views expressed are my honest opinion.

I became interested in this case after watching the mini series that recently aired. The author of this book provided information that was new to me. Since he was assigned to cover the trial as a journalist, he had access to interview the Menendez brothers and other key people. This book was well researched and well written. Highly recommend!

“The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Untold Story Of The Menendez Family And The Killings That Stunned A Nation” (2018) is an authoritative well researched True Crime expose written by award winning investigative journalist and media consultant Robert Rand. Rand was assigned to cover the Menendez case by the Miami Herald (1989) and is the only journalist to interview Lyle and Erik Menendez before and after their arrest that led to the sensational murder trial of the century. Their parents Jose and Mary “Kitty” Menendez were found brutally shot to death in their Beverly Hills mansion on August 20th 1989.

It was abundantly clear the brothers were immature, sheltered and excessively indulged by their wealthy parents. Lyle had been attending Princeton and Erik was preparing to attend UCLA. Jose had used his wealth and prestige for his son’s admittance to Ivy League colleges, and supervised their training to become tennis champions. With Lyle’s expulsion from Princeton and Erik’s involvement in petty crime, the brothers were an embarrassment and disappointment to their socially and class conscious parents, and they may have been in the process of disinheriting them at the time of the murder’s.

The Menendez perfect family image carefully crafted by Jose and Kitty quickly dissolved. The brothers seemed unaware of how they were perceived by others. Following the murders, they lavishly spent their parent’s fortune on luxury goods and property before their arrest in March (1990). Rand illustrated the difficulty the defense team had devising their strategy and a motive for the brother’s horrific crime. The public was wary of the “abuse excuse”-- were the brother’s villains or victims? The unfair character assassination of Jose and Kitty Menendez was taken to a level seldom seen by the public, and this bias was indirectly exposed. The family photos featured in news articles, documentaries, and books about the case speak a thousand words for this couple unable to defend themselves.

There were several factors that played significant roles in the first trail: the fierceness that Leslie Abramson defended Erik Menendez, the sneaky unprofessional conduct of psychotherapist Leon J. Oziel and his mistress Judalon Smyth, the permission granted for the presence of Court TV. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. William Vicary spent over 50 hours interviewing the paranoid and suspicious Lyle Menendez, and avoided taking notes due to Lyles mistrust. Dr. Ann Burgess (University of Pennsylvania) professor of psychiatric nursing interviewed Erik for over 50 hours: she testified about the “neurobiology of fear” how adrenalin and stress hormones alter brain chemistry causing hyper-vigilance and the constant search for danger. These doctors were all in agreement over their case findings. It was particularly telling that Dominick Dunne (1925-2009), who was covering the trial for Vanity Fair, (his daughter had also been a murder victim) was taken aback by the tearful heart wrenching testimony the brothers gave of their alleged sexual abuse.

Whether or not readers agree with the author’s viewpoints, readers get an excellent narration of the Cuban heritage and family history, Lyle and Erik’s privileged upbringing with their true character and reckless irrational behaviors, the trial, the sensationalism of the media following, the attorney’s that defended and prosecuted, law enforcement and medical professionals, family members, friends and associates connected to the case and more. Nonetheless, readers can understand Jose and Kitty Menendez in a positive light -- what a brilliant, self-made ambitious successful businessman he was. Kitty was a socialite and former beauty queen when she married her handsome husband; life was good. Kitty became a homemaker and mother, which was customary for that time period. Despite family dysfunction, Jose and Kitty seemed devoted to one another and loved Lyle and Erik. The human condition never allows for a picture perfect life. Jose and Kitty Menendez did not deserve to succumb to such a violent and vicious ending. Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of (conspiracy to commit) first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 2, 1996. ** With thanks and appreciation to BenBella Books Inc. via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

This is a well researched and written look at the famous case that is a coherent look at the crime from before and after. It shares what was really going on in the family, in the marriage and between Jose and the sons. Was this really such a happy family or a toxic mess? It claims to be the definitive book on the case and it pretty much reads like it too. It felt like a lot more information was known as I was reading it, or was it just that so much time has gone by also. Such a sad ending to a once-promising family living the millionaire lifestyle in Beverly Hills.

One son going to school in Princeton, and the other slated to go to college in California. All smoke and mirrors. The mother had a drinking and pill problem, and possibly mental health issues going on. The father was a ruthless businessman that was hated by many around him in business and had scores of enemies. But he was very successful. It was all about to blow sky high. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, author Robert Rand, and the publisher for my fair review.

BenBella Books
Pub: Sept. 4th, 2018

The Menendez Murders is a gripping book that presents more detail about the brothers and their lives than previously known. Rich in detail, The Menendez Murders is at the top of true crime books. It will give the reader more insight into the crime and provide a deeper understanding of the verdict.

Highly recommended.

This book was quite fascinting, engaging, well written and interesting. I was a young teenager at the time of the murders and didn’t really know much about it. Definitely learned a lot. Glad I wasn’t on any of those juries though. What a tough decision to have had to make. I recommend this book for fans of true crime accounts.

I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley. Thank you for that opportunity. This did not influence my opinion of the book.

I was in high school when this whole drama played out, didn’t really take much interest in the case then. This book gave me a very different view of the whole case. I, like many I’m sure, just figured they were spoiled little rich kids who killed their parents for money. The truth seems to be so much more sordid and c9mplicated. The author was very fair in the presentation of the facts, though he obviously feels for the Menendez brothers, he does not hide the facts that implicate the brothers. It was a very detailed and in-depth study and well written. I enjoyed the writing and it kept me engaged. Finished the book in 4 days. Would definitely recommend this book for a true crime buffs.

I absolutely love True Crime books and this did not disappoint. The book digs into both sides of the law. I was hooked from the start.

If you love True Crime, I highly recommend this.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was about to turn three years old when I saw on TV the whole story of the Menendez Murders and being so flabbergasted on how these two brothers murdered their parents and thinking who would ever do such a thing. Now reading all these stories and watching all the TV specials on the murders always wondering what is the real story of the Menedez family and why did the brothers kill their parents in the first place?

Robert Rand former journalist for the Miami Herald and Playboy unveils his discoveries of the true story of the Menedez Brothers and the murder they were accused of. The booik focuses on the lives of the parents and how they got their multimillion dollar fortune and the lives they gave to their two sons Lyle and Erik and how their rich lifestyle destroyed their family by driving their sons to the brink of murder.

This was another good point of view from someone that was actually present at the scene of the crime and was covering it from the beginning. The book was full of never before discovered scenarios that the public did not see when the murder went all over the news and there were definitely some shocking moments that definitely made you question was the sentence right for both the brothers and answered the universal question on what drove the boys to murder their parents and what was life really like for them. This will definitely do very well in our true crime and biography section and that is why we are happy to give a 5 star rating!

This was such a good book, I wasn’t unable to put it down. It was thoroughly researched and detailed. I would recommend this book to friends.

I remember hearing news coverage of the Menedez Murders when I was much younger, but never really looked at the details. The Menendez Murders by Robert Rand goes in depth to discuss what happened on the night of the murders, as well as the dark and dirty details surrounding the upbringing of the Mendez Brothers and those involved directly afterward.

If you're sensitive to discussions of rape or child abuse, this book may be one to skip. This was definitely the most in depth look at the trial I'd ever read.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After watching Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, I wanted to learn more. I was captivated by the show and found this book.

I recommend this book to anyone that wants to have more in depth knowledge of this case. Truly fascinating!

If you are interested in true crime, horror and the human condition at its very worst – then this is the book for you! I can’t actually recommend it enough!

A true life tale of shockingly horrific proportions – during the late 1980s a successful businessman and his wife were murdered in their own home by their own sons – this book picks the case apart from start to finish and is written by a journalist/reporter who was tracking the story at the time and actually interviewed the Mendendez brothers Lyle and Erik who were just 21 & 18.

Fascinating information about what happened, allegedly why and how the court process worked at that time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers BenBella for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a big fan of true crime for a long time and I’ve seen various documentaries some of which were regarding the menendez murders as it interested me a lot.
This book was so enthralling really highly recommended to all true crime lovers.

Everyone has heard about the Menendez Murders which horrified most people, whilst this book does not gloss over the murder, it pertains to add another dimension to the reason for the murders by the brothers.
It is an interesting story, flows well and well told, it follows the trial and the story behind the murders. The brothers escaped the death penalty, but got life without parole. There is thought, that after 30 yrs of prison, the brothers should be paroled, with the crime and prison time to reflect the present sentencing. The book, and a television documentary reignites the talk about what has happened and what should happen

I remember this case from the first grim discovery through to the two trials but only as a story on the news. When I saw this book on Netgalley I thought it would be a chance to learn a little more detail but it was so much more.
Spoilt, rich, boys who slaughtered their parents and for a while got away with murder; two of the privileged few who lived the golden life in Beverly Hills towards the end of the last century weren't supposed to do things like that were they? No one was supposed to do things like that. The real reasons, gradually revealed in this book, show their lives in a totally new light and with hindsight some of the things that were said and believed make you shudder! I would like to hope we are far more enlightened and understanding three decades on, but although I think the outcome today would have been different many of the stereotypes would still be there.
The first hand detail in this book is horrifically riveting, atmospheric and chilling. The author, who found himself not only an observer throughout but also a participant in part of this tried hard to be impartial but as the years since the murders passed it became clear where his sympathies lay. I have to say I can understand why and wonder how different things would have been if this had happened even a decade later.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this novel thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and recommend it for anyone who likes true crime and is prepared to have their preconceived perceptions at least challenged.

I was fairly unfamiliar with the specifics of this case to begin with. Rand released a very well structured and researched story of the famous murder and trial.

I truly enjoyed reading this book after watching Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders. I wanted to learn more because I felt that there were many things that were missing from the story. I remember hearing about the murders and thinking how could two boys murder their parents in cold blood. I knew there had to be more to story and the situations leading up to these boys doing what they did. Robert Rand, as a columnist, had a first hand view of the trial and the lives of not only Lyle and Eric but their parents. The abuse defense has always fascinated me but it was still hard for the average person to understand how it could drive children to kill their parents. Rand did a great job and he provides great insight into the brothers and their lives preceding and after the murders. Rand shows that abuse can make people do and act in strange ways and money cannot fix all problems.

Fascinating, but occasionally dry, look at the brothers and the where/why/how of their parents murder. A good read for true crime fans.

A really in depth and comprehensive overview of this case. This was a crime I didn't know that much about, just hearing it mentioned in passing, so being completely new to the details, I found this an amazing resource to get to grips with everything quickly. Really well written!

A well-written account of the horrendous crime committed by the Menendez brothers. The book makes you stop and think-however although abuse (If it did indeed happen) is terrible-does it justify you to murder your parents-No, not in my opinion. A thoroughly researched and thought out narrative. Recommended..