Unfortunately I couldn't finish this book. It came across like more of a listing of facts than a true crime story.

I understand that it is non-fiction but it just didn't seem to have a flow at all.

It's hard to say I enjoyed a book that is so heartbreaking in so many ways, but I'm definitely glad to to have read it. This story is a prime example of the complexities and gray areas in criminal justice. I feel for the Menendez boys, while not condoning their actions. I learned a lot and gained a new perspective, which is always my goal in reading.

The Menendez Murders was a big news story when it happened and as I am a huge fan of true crime novels, I really wanted to read this book. I found myself learning about the family as a whole and many things that the public was not necessarily privy to. I knew that the family was very wealthy and they boys did not want for anything yet was surprised to learn that there was sexual abuse for much of their lives at the hands of the father. I also did not know that the mother turned a blind eye to much of the terrible things that happened to cause the brothers to want them dead. Whether true or not these boys need psychological help and hopefully they are getting it now. If not they will most likely never get paroled. This is a great true story written by someone who definitely has done the research needed to provide accurate detailed information from the early years to the death to the trial.


Thank you netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

4 stars

If you like true crime, this is your book! I am a true crime fanatic and loved this book!

The Mendez Murders takes you through the lives of the Menedez family. From childhood to adulthood for both Lyle & Eric and their parents. It’s very interesting to see reasons why many of the behaviors that took place in their house, actually happened. It was sad reading about the abuse and torment from a parent to child, ultimately leading to the murders. Although this is still a questionable action for many, it seems to be at the forefront of why the killings took place.

I know true crime isn’t for everyone, but this book was well written and it was very interesting reading about this family and the tragic ending that took place.

Thank you to BenBella books and Netgalley for providing me this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. I am a big true crime fan and this did not disappoint. It was very interesting to read about details that were left out of the Law and Order True Crime series. It was difficult at times to get through all of the details but overall I am glad to have read this book and will recommend it to others.

Robert Rand has covered the story of the Menendez story from the beginning. What began as a look into Jose Menendez's life, became a long path through what seemed like a never-ending trial. As someone who was a toddler in the days of the trial, it was eye-opening to read the details of the case and trial from a journalist's perspective. While it has been decades since the murders and trials, the family history and abuse that occurred would likely be viewed differently if on trial today, something the author hints at excellently throughout the book. Given that it was such a high profile case, I appreciated the opportunity to look at the case from the perspective of someone who interviewed the brothers and other family members, along with sitting there throughout the trials, rather than the dramatized accounts portrayed in the media. One thing I missed was the opportunity to get an update on how the brothers are doing in prison. After viewing the photos at the end of the book, it was evident that the author still has a relationship with the brothers, so it would've been nice to know how their lives have been behind bars. Overall, an enjoyable read for a true crime junkie or someone interested in reading more about the Menendez murders. Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been interested in the Menendez murders since day one. Very well written book. Every thing you ever wanted to know about this case is in this book. Well done Mr. Rand

A good, solid review of the Menendez crimes and trials, from a journalist not only there to record the story but even to play a part in it, but it's missing an element which would make it more interesting to me; some retrospective consideration which looks at changing societal ideas and value given to abuse, perhaps, given how absolutely pivotal to the whole case the charge of child abuse is, and how it impacted not only coverage and justice in the case, but the cultural narrative around abuse. It's good crime reconstruction, no qualms about that.

A surprising take on a case that most of us think we know well. It brings some insight into what is otherwise a rather black and white interpretation of two sons killing their parents.
By the end of this, did I think they should have been let off? No, but I did have a more nuanced understanding of the case. What is refreshing is that this book was written by someone who knows those involved, so it isn't a run-of-the-mill, cut-and-paste job..

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..

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!

Thankyou to NetGalley, BenBella Books and the author, Robert Rand, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Menendez Murders in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
The author has obviously put a lot of research into this case to bring us such an informative book. It flowed well with this information.

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.

An interesting insight into a crime that shocked the world. It gave some good insights into the boys, and their lifestyle.

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.

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.