A Death in Belmont
A Death in Belmont
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
266
Book • Nonfiction
Belmont, Massachusetts • 1960s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Death in Belmont by Sebastian Junger, a true-crime book, explores the 1963 rape and murder of elderly housewife Bessie Goldberg in a Boston suburb amidst the Boston Strangler's spree. Junger suggests that Roy Smith, the black man convicted for Goldberg's murder, was wrongfully accused. The book also connects to Junger's family, who employed Al DeSalvo, the man who later confessed to being the Boston Strangler. Contains sensitive topics including murder and racial injustice.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
6,435 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sebastian Junger's A Death in Belmont masterfully intertwines personal narrative with historical true crime. Positively noted for its gripping storytelling and thorough research, the book captivates readers from start to finish. Critics, however, mention occasional pacing issues and the complexity of intertwining plots, which may challenge some readers.
Who Should Read A Death in Belmont?
A reader who enjoys true crime and literary nonfiction will find A Death in Belmont by Sebastian Junger compelling. Fans of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City will appreciate Junger's blend of meticulous research and gripping narrative, exploring themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human behavior.
6,435 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
266
Book • Nonfiction
Belmont, Massachusetts • 1960s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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