A Death in Belmont

by Sebastian Junger
A Death in Belmont cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Investigative Journalism
Technical:
  • ID: 879
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9780007370573
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2013-03-07
  • Reviews: 3

A Death in Belmont delves into the brutal events of March 11, 1963, when three strangers' lives intersected in the affluent suburb of Belmont. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of a black handyman, an Italian-American carpenter, and a Jewish housewife, each grappling with the societal norms and prejudices of the time. The book is not just a retelling of a crime but a compelling exploration of the racial and social dynamics that shaped 1960s America. /n/nThe author meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to and following the crime, offering a nuanced portrayal of the individuals involved and the community at large. Through detailed research and vivid storytelling, the book sheds light on the complexities of justice, memory, and the enduring impact of historical events on personal lives.

Reviews
The Bookbag · Sue Magee · 2025-09-21
powerful 4.50

The book is a powerful chronicle of three lives intertwined in a controversial murder case. It is highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts.

Sue Magee from The Bookbag finds 'A Death in Belmont' to be a powerful chronicle that weaves together the lives of three individuals caught up in a controversial murder case. She highlights the book's ability to evoke a sense of time and place, making the story both gripping and emotionally resonant. Magee praises the meticulous research and the compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked. She recommends the book highly, especially for those interested in true crime and historical accounts.

Quick quotes

    A powerful chronicle of three lives that collide in the vortex of one of America's most controversial serial murder cases.

    An intriguing crime story that also contains painful truths about race and justice in America.

    A meticulously researched evocation of a time of ...

The Guardian · 2006-05-13
disappointing 2.00

The book does not satisfy as a detective story due to its inconclusive nature. It revisits familiar territory without adding new insights.

The reviewer found 'A Death in Belmont' to be unsatisfying as a detective story because it leaves too many questions unanswered. They argue that the book covers well-trodden ground and does not offer new perspectives or conclusions. While the narrative is engaging, the lack of resolution detracts from the overall experience. The reviewer acknowledges the book's attempt to explore the Boston Strangler case but feels it falls short in delivering a compelling mystery.

Quick quotes

    A Death in Belmont is not terribly satisfying as a detective story, as nothing is concluded.

    It goes over what might be called old ground.

    The book sets out to me a mystery with high stakes and a series of coincidences and theories don't live up to the initial premise.

The New York Times · 2006-04-16
engaging 4.00

The book reads like a novel with a crisp narrative line. It provides a detailed account of the trial and conviction.

The reviewer praises 'A Death in Belmont' for its novel-like quality, highlighting the crisp narrative line that keeps readers engaged. They appreciate the detailed account of the trial and conviction, which adds depth to the story. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, blending factual reporting with a gripping narrative style. The exploration of the Boston Strangler case is both thorough and engaging, making it a standout piece of non-fiction.

Quick quotes

    "A Death in Belmont, though nonfiction, reads like a novel.

    Its narrative line is crisp.

    Junger takes us through the trial and conviction of ...

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