Frozen Camelot: The incredible story of JFK’S secret double

by Kenneth Diamond

For sixty years, the perceived elegance and idealism of the Kennedy presidency has come to be known as the Era of Camelot. Like the fabled reference to another time, "Frozen Camelot" is the incredible story of how a little-known actor, Lawrence Hinsdale, became JFK's presidential double. The double was originally used sparingly and for rare appearances, mostly to simply wave at crowds; but as time went on, Hinsdale's involvement progressed into a much more dynamic role. His ability to project a healthy version of JFK became ever more important as John Kennedy's health deteriorated. In the end, we are left with the essential who was assassinated on November 22nd, 1963? Was it the secret double or was it JFK?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun thrill ride of a story, if you check your brain at the door.
What if JFK used a body double during different parts of his life,to show the public a strong leader they could get behind and support? What if JFK's illnesses got so serious, that the body double was actually the one on hand for major events, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis? And of course,the BIGGEST what if... The body double was in Dallas that fateful day?
While the author does a decent job at making this seem believable, and they have fun with true events by incorporating the double, it does stretch believability to the limits at times.
There are some fun scenes with LBJ trying to show how Ill and feeble JFK is to the press, but the Double is there instead to turn the situation on it's head.
Some questions are never answered,and some situations are teased, but never fully realized.
The opening part of the story was a struggle. But once we get to the body double part, it's an exciting and intriguing tale.

[Linda Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up. I really enjoyed this book. It definitely gives you something to think about.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who died in Dallas?

What if John F Kennedy didn't die on November 22, 1963? What if the man who died in Dallas that day was really an imposter, an actor playing a part, who lost in the lottery of life?

This is the story of JFK and a body double, planted by Joe Kennedy and his henchmen to cover up Jack's fragile health. Totally absorbing story that kept me reading late into the night.

[Pamela Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, just wow!

I could not put this book down. I found myself waking up in the middle of the night so I could get back to reading. So many historical fiction books seem to have a measure of conjecture but this one read like I’d been there. Oh, wait. I was there. Amazing book - just amazing!

[Mike Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, we all know that the current state of public information on the JFK assassination is full of inexplicable holes. However, this fictional account may, at times stretch credulity but still makes for an entertaining, if not, informative read.

[Elizabeth Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bizarre conspiracy theory but kept me reading

[Jacki · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the stupidest books I’ve read!

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads shows this as only being available in a stupid Kindle version - I hate to tell them this, but I've got a trade paperback edition sitting here next to me.

This is definitely one of the more imaginative books I've read over the past few years. Down through the centuries political leaders have often used doubles for certain occasions and that's the basis of this book. There was a double for JFK and because of Kennedy's medical condition from Addison's Disease, this double often replaced him, even to the point of making important decisions that had a major effect on the world and politics.

While it's a piece of fiction, you keep asking yourself as you read "What if?" and that's what makes it a fun and interesting read. You know it isn't true, but "what if?" keeps popping up.

Like any good book, it has an ending that leaves you guessing. Did JFK get assassinated in Dallas or was it his double, an actor who played the role of his life? Did the real JFK have to go into hiding under an assumed identity or was it the actor finishing out his role? This is one which will keep you wondering who was assassinated in Dealey Plaza.

This book isn't for everyone. An interest in history, the JFK assassination, and politics helps. Definitely an enjoyable read.

[Suzanne Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I read it a few months ago and am still thinking about the possibilities. With all the disclosures about our government and vaccine fraud, etc., nothing surprises me anymore. Today, more truths about JFK's assassination were to be revealed. I remember in 1963 as a college student being told that the truth would be revealed in 2025. Here we are. The book is well-written with a lot of data and information. The author's style compels the reader to follow along. He draws us in and makes us think. Everyone can draw their own conclusion, but it's a great read and well-done. I know what I believe, and it's pretty awesome!

[Katie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I have very mixed thoughts on this. I thought the story’s concept was quite compelling. I was super excited when my mom gave me the book. However, when I opened it, I was unimpressed with the writing itself. It is the antithesis of “show, don’t tell.” I felt like I was reading someone’s creative writing final for high school. The only reason I didn’t give this two stars was because the concept was good and the conspiracy was interesting. I don’t know if I would recommend the book, but I also wouldn’t shy others away from it, either.

[Msvallely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking tale of “what ifs” regarding the presidency and death of JFK and the Kennedy family. A mixture of fact and fiction lead to a great book club discussion. While rather far fetched in the overall narrative the characters were love them or hate them types. If you enjoy history with a twist this one might be for you.

[Kathy kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

a what if book . Actor hired to stand in for JFK. similar to the movie Dave. Well done. It seems as if most of the books that I have been reading of late are political in nature. Presents a different view of the JFK administration. Plot twists Keeps it going.

[Michele Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story of one of many Kennedy urban legends. It was detailed enough to think it was possible - or not.

[Sherri Gasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

What a story line! I didn’t want the book to end!
A well written and plausible book. Would highly recommend

[Sherry Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished Aug 20, 2024.

[Cheryl Jirsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in a long time. Makes you wonder how much of this story is from Mr. Diamond's imagination or how much might be true!

[Maya Riffert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was so well written . you can almost believe it is a true.story. the twists and turns in the end, left me wondering

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a great premise, but a disappointment. Wish someone like Stephen King could have written this.

[Kathy Onyschak · Rating 3 out of 5]

While interesting it was definitely far fetched!

[Terry DoCouto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the entire book and it does make you wonder.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if it's true?

[Beverly Duckworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If love history this is the book for you. What if John F, Kennedy had a double? How would that had changed history?

[Barbara Rummel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like the ending!!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I didn't want to put this one down!