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Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story
An investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Jennifer Dulos and the aftershocks that shook a wealthy suburb
One morning, suburban mother Jennifer Dulos dropped off her kids at the New Canaan Country School and then vanished. Her body has never been found.
Dulos was in the middle of an ugly divorce—one of the most contentious in Connecticut state history. The Duloses, a beautiful, highly connected pair, met at Brown University, had five children, and led what appeared to be a charmed life. In the wake of her disappearance, Dulos’s husband and his girlfriend were arrested. He killed himself on the day he was supposed to report to court; she was tried and convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. A gripping story of status, wealth, love, and hate, Murder in the Dollhouse peers beneath the sparkling veneer of propriety that surrounded the Duloses to uncover the origins and motivations of a crime that became a national obsession.
One morning, suburban mother Jennifer Dulos dropped off her kids at the New Canaan Country School and then vanished. Her body has never been found.
Dulos was in the middle of an ugly divorce—one of the most contentious in Connecticut state history. The Duloses, a beautiful, highly connected pair, met at Brown University, had five children, and led what appeared to be a charmed life. In the wake of her disappearance, Dulos’s husband and his girlfriend were arrested. He killed himself on the day he was supposed to report to court; she was tried and convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. A gripping story of status, wealth, love, and hate, Murder in the Dollhouse peers beneath the sparkling veneer of propriety that surrounded the Duloses to uncover the origins and motivations of a crime that became a national obsession.
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First published May 20, 2025
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About the author
Rich Cohen
36 books466 followersRICH COHEN is the author of Sweet and Low (FSG, 2006), Tough Jews, The Avengers, The Record Men, and the memoir Lake Effect. His work has appeared in many major publications, and he is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone. He lives with his family in Connecticut.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Coh...
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Coh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book as much as you can say you “enjoy” a true crime murder. I find true crime compelling because I find the psychology of the perp a mystery that I want to understand.
The victim, Jennifer Dulos, was subjected to a narcissistic, emotionally abusive spouse before her murder. When things went south, the contentious divorce proceedings, false accusations, and the legal maneuverings were very familiar to me, since a member of our family was a victim (although in our case the narcissist was a female).
Getting to know Jennifer before her murder was heart-wrenching. She wasn’t perfect (who is?). All she really wanted was to love and be loved, and a happy family for her 5 children. I would have appreciated more background on her husband and what made him tick.
However, I wasn’t a fan of how the author told the story. I appreciate facts only when reading true crime. I did not need or appreciate an imagined dramatization of her last moments, which seemed to be inserted for shock value only. No one knows what her last moments were like. The author inserted himself into the narrative so often I found it distracting and unnecessary.
I was familiar with her case from podcasts, and this book dove deeper. The background life of the victim, Jennifer, was the bulk of the book. Jennifer had a storybook fairy tale idealized vision of love, marriage, and family, which perhaps left her susceptible to the charms of a narcissist. But what made her husband a narcissist? I wanted to know more about him.
Sadly her body has never been found.
The narrator’s delivery was as dramatized as the prose. I appreciate a more straightforward telling.
The victim, Jennifer Dulos, was subjected to a narcissistic, emotionally abusive spouse before her murder. When things went south, the contentious divorce proceedings, false accusations, and the legal maneuverings were very familiar to me, since a member of our family was a victim (although in our case the narcissist was a female).
Getting to know Jennifer before her murder was heart-wrenching. She wasn’t perfect (who is?). All she really wanted was to love and be loved, and a happy family for her 5 children. I would have appreciated more background on her husband and what made him tick.
However, I wasn’t a fan of how the author told the story. I appreciate facts only when reading true crime. I did not need or appreciate an imagined dramatization of her last moments, which seemed to be inserted for shock value only. No one knows what her last moments were like. The author inserted himself into the narrative so often I found it distracting and unnecessary.
I was familiar with her case from podcasts, and this book dove deeper. The background life of the victim, Jennifer, was the bulk of the book. Jennifer had a storybook fairy tale idealized vision of love, marriage, and family, which perhaps left her susceptible to the charms of a narcissist. But what made her husband a narcissist? I wanted to know more about him.
Sadly her body has never been found.
The narrator’s delivery was as dramatized as the prose. I appreciate a more straightforward telling.
May 19, 2025
When the book started I thought I wouldn't like it, the intro gave a lot away and I wasn't sure how Cohen would flesh out the meat of the book, but he did and I ended up really liking it. He writes a biography of Jennifer Dulos that is so compelling and then at the end gets to the marriage and the crime. He handles the children with respect. There are observations and insights into wealth that I appreciated. The author inserts himself a litlte bit too much into the book at the start, but overall I found it very good.
December 3, 2024
I received a free copy of, Murder in the Dollhouse, by Rich Cohen, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jennifer Dulos, has not been seen since 2019. Jennifer dropped her kids off at at school , and vanished. Going through an ugly divorce with her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos. What a read, divorce makes people do crazy things.
March 20, 2025
Murder in the Dollhouse by Rich Cohen is a book that I did not personally connect with, but I could see how some people might like it. There are some bright points, but overall this one did not keep me engaged.
The story is about the disappearance and likely murder of Jennifer Dulos during a contentious divorce. Cohen doesn't tell this story like a normal true crime work which is both a good and bad thing. Mainly the book recaps Jennifer's life and tries to tell the reader who she was and how she ended up where she did. As an idea, I love this. True crime is best when we celebrate the victims as living and breathing people who had lives before they were cut short. The issue is that about 80% of this book is focused on her life before the disappearance. There is way too many details. The chapters are super sized and it quickly gets old with Cohen hammering points home.
Cohen is a good writer, but not as a true crime author, at least in this case. He has done extensive research, but will also make grand pronouncements or use nonsensical cliches. I kept feeling like his style would be great in a fiction narrative, but here it is distracting and make the reader wary about what is him extrapolating as opposed to knowing something definitively from his research.
As I said, I think there is a reader who may think my criticisms are too harsh and may love this book and its style. I wouldn't argue about it. It just didn't work for me.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.)
The story is about the disappearance and likely murder of Jennifer Dulos during a contentious divorce. Cohen doesn't tell this story like a normal true crime work which is both a good and bad thing. Mainly the book recaps Jennifer's life and tries to tell the reader who she was and how she ended up where she did. As an idea, I love this. True crime is best when we celebrate the victims as living and breathing people who had lives before they were cut short. The issue is that about 80% of this book is focused on her life before the disappearance. There is way too many details. The chapters are super sized and it quickly gets old with Cohen hammering points home.
Cohen is a good writer, but not as a true crime author, at least in this case. He has done extensive research, but will also make grand pronouncements or use nonsensical cliches. I kept feeling like his style would be great in a fiction narrative, but here it is distracting and make the reader wary about what is him extrapolating as opposed to knowing something definitively from his research.
As I said, I think there is a reader who may think my criticisms are too harsh and may love this book and its style. I wouldn't argue about it. It just didn't work for me.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.)
July 24, 2025
This compelling, chilling, and riveting true crime book provided an intimate and haunting portrait of Jennifer Dulos, the Connecticut mother of five who vanished one morning after driving her children to school.
Her body has never been found.
I used to live in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and actively followed the investigation.
Before finishing this book, I thought I knew EVERYTHING about this case.
As the book progressed, the new information revealed was sad and jolting.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
Although the book was meticulously researched and emotionally pulverizing, too much text was allocated to Jennifer’s early life.
Chapters about Jennifer in the early years were overly detailed and repetitive, delaying the core crime narrative.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly read by award-winning narrator Edoardo Ballerini.
As always, Edoardo Ballerini did an outstanding job with the narration.
March 3, 2025
I requested this arc because I live in the community where this occurred and am very familiar with the case. I devoured this telling of such a terrible tragedy. Even though I am quite familiar with the case, there were many details that I didn’t know. The author does a great job of painting a picture of Jennifer Dulos both before and after she married Fotus. This is a must-read for true crime fans.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Rich Cohen for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Rich Cohen for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2025
When I first saw this book, I didn’t remember the names or anything about this case. As I read, I was reminded of things I had seen… perhaps even some movie or show? While I don’t read a lot of true crime, I was drawn to it. I think even the title was intriguing. But I must say, about 15-20% into this, I was about to DNF it. Up to there, it was a lot of background into Jennifer Dulos and her life before meeting her husband Fotis. Usually I enjoy learning background of books/characters, but I had a hard time connecting here. The narrator of the audiobook has a very monotone and dry delivery, which made it easy to lose interest.
I did enjoy it more once it got into their life together. It’s easy to see in retrospect that she was feeling desperate to marry and have children, and he was a narcissistic user. Like all people, I’m sure they had more factions of their personality, but the book does portray them both a little simplistically. While they did both love their children, they were also flawed people… like all of us, but more!
Anyone who knows or reads the intro will know that they got involved in a very contentious divorce. There were many accusations tossed in both directions. One morning after taking the children to school, Jennifer disappears; her body has never been found.
One thing I found very irritating was the portion of the book talking about the divorce. I don’t believe Jennifer was completely honest, but the book seems to imply that if Jennifer had backed off and not fought for custody so hard and had toned down her comments, that perhaps the events would not have occurred. To me this is the same reasoning used in some rapes… look what she was wearing, she was drunk, she was in an unsafe place or made bad choices. Yes, that may be true at times and we are responsible for protecting ourselves and trying to stay safe. But… regardless of where or how a rape occurs, it is the fault of the rapist! Likewise, I don’t care how difficult someone is being in a divorce or other situation, if someone is killed the fault lies with the murderer.
This is one of those books that may be better read than listened to? And it was interesting in parts… but for me was just ok. A 3 or 3-1/2 for me, averaged to a 3.
I did enjoy it more once it got into their life together. It’s easy to see in retrospect that she was feeling desperate to marry and have children, and he was a narcissistic user. Like all people, I’m sure they had more factions of their personality, but the book does portray them both a little simplistically. While they did both love their children, they were also flawed people… like all of us, but more!
Anyone who knows or reads the intro will know that they got involved in a very contentious divorce. There were many accusations tossed in both directions. One morning after taking the children to school, Jennifer disappears; her body has never been found.
One thing I found very irritating was the portion of the book talking about the divorce. I don’t believe Jennifer was completely honest, but the book seems to imply that if Jennifer had backed off and not fought for custody so hard and had toned down her comments, that perhaps the events would not have occurred. To me this is the same reasoning used in some rapes… look what she was wearing, she was drunk, she was in an unsafe place or made bad choices. Yes, that may be true at times and we are responsible for protecting ourselves and trying to stay safe. But… regardless of where or how a rape occurs, it is the fault of the rapist! Likewise, I don’t care how difficult someone is being in a divorce or other situation, if someone is killed the fault lies with the murderer.
This is one of those books that may be better read than listened to? And it was interesting in parts… but for me was just ok. A 3 or 3-1/2 for me, averaged to a 3.
December 12, 2024
ARC for review. To be published May 20, 2025.
3 stars.
Jennifer Dulos, a rich, suburban mother of five disappears. She comes from wealth (her aunt is Liz Claiborne. I did not know until I read this book that there actually was a Liz Claiborne. That brand was SO big back in the 1980s. Huge. Humongous . It was probably too old for me but I still wore it all the time. Anyway…..no matter how rich you are you are always, always going to have women who just can’t seem to get out of their own way and marry assholes and that was Jennifer. Ladies, make your money (if you have it) work for you!
At first Jennifer is so selective regarding her life partner and then ends up with this? The book is really about an unhappy woman trying to live the life she thinks she’s supposed to have and then get killed for her trouble. Sad, really. Honestly, I saw this somewhere after the election…is it true? Paraphrasing…but telling women to remember it’s every single one of them. Depressing? As he’ll. True? In my darkest moments I’m afraid it might be.
3 stars.
Jennifer Dulos, a rich, suburban mother of five disappears. She comes from wealth (her aunt is Liz Claiborne. I did not know until I read this book that there actually was a Liz Claiborne. That brand was SO big back in the 1980s. Huge. Humongous . It was probably too old for me but I still wore it all the time. Anyway…..no matter how rich you are you are always, always going to have women who just can’t seem to get out of their own way and marry assholes and that was Jennifer. Ladies, make your money (if you have it) work for you!
At first Jennifer is so selective regarding her life partner and then ends up with this? The book is really about an unhappy woman trying to live the life she thinks she’s supposed to have and then get killed for her trouble. Sad, really. Honestly, I saw this somewhere after the election…is it true? Paraphrasing…but telling women to remember it’s every single one of them. Depressing? As he’ll. True? In my darkest moments I’m afraid it might be.
June 3, 2025
Despite my passion for domestic violence advocacy and telling survivors’ stories, I had some trouble connecting with this book. The writing at times seemed sensationalist, with consistent cringeworthy and unnecessary turns of phrase made worse by an often mustache-twirling-sounding narrator of the audiobook who may have been better suited to narrate Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. I would have preferred more respectful and straightforward journalism. The majority of the book is about the wealthy, privileged lifestyle of the survivor and her family of origin, and the unflatteringly social class-preoccupied mindset and priorities inculcated in her throughout her upbringing, which, sadly, seemed to create some risk factors for her subsequently being preyed upon by her narcissistic bully (and ultimately murderer) of a husband. There is nothing redeeming about the guy and I could not wait for it to be over so I never had to hear his stupid name again. There is not too much content in the book about the mysterious aspects of the murder and the investigation into it, and the conclusion is not particularly satisfying. Overall a bleak read rendered even further off-putting by the distasteful prose.
August 2, 2025
According to the FBI database, "482 wives were slain by their husbands in the United States in 2019." According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, "47,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members in 2020."
In 2019 Jennifer Dulos a 50-year-old mother of 5, went missing. She was wealthy beyond anything I could relate to, and her aunt was fashion designer Liz Claiborne. She was from the outside, living the good life. Unfortunately, her life was actually a living hell. She was in the middle of a very contentious divorce from a controlling man who had on multiple occasions promised to make her disappear. Jennifer had millions of dollars in trusts but when someone is determined to do you real harm, no amount of money can protect you.
This was a sad read. Not to victim blame but she ignored every single red flag. Her estranged husband was a walking red flag but Jennifer was almost 36 and she wanted 3 kids and her clock was ticking. Im in my upper 30s but I have no desire for children and feel no clocks ticking so it's hard to relate to the life choices Jennifer made. That being said she did not deserve her horrible end. Unfortunately, she fell for a predator. He could smell the money and desperation on her and she never had a chance.
A great read. I enjoyed it as much as one can enjoy a book about domestic violence and murder.
Ladies, stay safe.
In 2019 Jennifer Dulos a 50-year-old mother of 5, went missing. She was wealthy beyond anything I could relate to, and her aunt was fashion designer Liz Claiborne. She was from the outside, living the good life. Unfortunately, her life was actually a living hell. She was in the middle of a very contentious divorce from a controlling man who had on multiple occasions promised to make her disappear. Jennifer had millions of dollars in trusts but when someone is determined to do you real harm, no amount of money can protect you.
This was a sad read. Not to victim blame but she ignored every single red flag. Her estranged husband was a walking red flag but Jennifer was almost 36 and she wanted 3 kids and her clock was ticking. Im in my upper 30s but I have no desire for children and feel no clocks ticking so it's hard to relate to the life choices Jennifer made. That being said she did not deserve her horrible end. Unfortunately, she fell for a predator. He could smell the money and desperation on her and she never had a chance.
A great read. I enjoyed it as much as one can enjoy a book about domestic violence and murder.
Ladies, stay safe.
August 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
January 21, 2025
Murder In The Dollhouse tells the story of Jennifer Dulos, the wealthy suburban wife of Fotis Dulos, who disappeared one day from her leafy Connecticut mansion while going through a contentious divorce from her husband. Her body has never been found, and her husband was ultimately charged with her murder. The author, who ran in the same circles with Jennifer and had a passing relationship, writes what is more a tribute to his friend than a hard-charging crime story. The book is devoted to Jennifer’s life story, and while eloquently told, doesn’t really detail the police investigation, or include interviews with detectives, prosecutors, etc., instead focusing more on the relationships in the respective families and Fotis’ motives. If you’re expecting a deep dive into the criminal investigation, then this isn’t for you, and as such, I was disappointed in the direction of the book. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
#ad many thanks for the advance copy @fsgbooks #partner
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
🅼🆄🆁🅳🅴🆁 🅸🅽 🆃🅷🅴 🅳🅾🅻🅻🅷🅾🆄🆂🅴
< @author.richcohen >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴍᴀʏ 𝟤𝟢, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
A comprehensive and well-researched personal account of the life and murder of Jennifer Dulos. A heart-wrenching glimpse into the world of Jennifer, the abuse she suffered, and the fear she felt.
What I remember most
“I know that filing for divorce, and filing this motion will enrage him,” she wrote in her request for legal custody of the children. “I know he will retaliate by trying to harm me in some way.”
We need programs - something beyond the courts - for women who know that finally breaking free from pain and torture will come at the cost of their safety. A judge surely read these words, yet nothing concrete was done to protect her.
I recently learned that in some states, GPS ankle monitors are now used for people subject to restraining orders who repeatedly violate them. The system alerts the petitioner when the restrained person comes within a set radius. It feels like a step in the right direction - imagine if Jennifer had received a warning that Fotis was near her.
Domestic violence is an issue close to my heart, so this was a difficult listen. I still learned things I hadn’t known: I’d seen all the documentaries, but didn’t know about Fotis’s friend’s wife - whom he had taken out and tried to coax into going home with him. How chilling to think there might have been another victim, had she not trusted her instincts. It also complicates the theory of how the murder was planned - and highlights someone else who might have been able to stop it, had they not been a creep who apparently wanted his own ex‑wife gone.
This case forces us to confront why so many men believe it’s acceptable to kill women. The statistics are shocking and devastating. Fotis was a spiteful man whose violence toward Jennifer was only escalating - more should have been done to intervene before it was too late.
We need far better resources for women in Jennifer’s position, and greater funding for organizations like WomenCare (it’s been rebranded, but I still think of it by its old name). Restraining orders don’t save lives and are essentially useless in my eyes.
This was a comprehensive book that covers the early years of Jennifer’s life up until her disappearance. My heart breaks for her children. Jennifer had such a sad life towards the end. I wish she would have gotten to find her peace and happiness after her divorce.
Recommend.
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
🅼🆄🆁🅳🅴🆁 🅸🅽 🆃🅷🅴 🅳🅾🅻🅻🅷🅾🆄🆂🅴
< @author.richcohen >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴍᴀʏ 𝟤𝟢, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
A comprehensive and well-researched personal account of the life and murder of Jennifer Dulos. A heart-wrenching glimpse into the world of Jennifer, the abuse she suffered, and the fear she felt.
What I remember most
“I know that filing for divorce, and filing this motion will enrage him,” she wrote in her request for legal custody of the children. “I know he will retaliate by trying to harm me in some way.”
We need programs - something beyond the courts - for women who know that finally breaking free from pain and torture will come at the cost of their safety. A judge surely read these words, yet nothing concrete was done to protect her.
I recently learned that in some states, GPS ankle monitors are now used for people subject to restraining orders who repeatedly violate them. The system alerts the petitioner when the restrained person comes within a set radius. It feels like a step in the right direction - imagine if Jennifer had received a warning that Fotis was near her.
Domestic violence is an issue close to my heart, so this was a difficult listen. I still learned things I hadn’t known: I’d seen all the documentaries, but didn’t know about Fotis’s friend’s wife - whom he had taken out and tried to coax into going home with him. How chilling to think there might have been another victim, had she not trusted her instincts. It also complicates the theory of how the murder was planned - and highlights someone else who might have been able to stop it, had they not been a creep who apparently wanted his own ex‑wife gone.
This case forces us to confront why so many men believe it’s acceptable to kill women. The statistics are shocking and devastating. Fotis was a spiteful man whose violence toward Jennifer was only escalating - more should have been done to intervene before it was too late.
We need far better resources for women in Jennifer’s position, and greater funding for organizations like WomenCare (it’s been rebranded, but I still think of it by its old name). Restraining orders don’t save lives and are essentially useless in my eyes.
This was a comprehensive book that covers the early years of Jennifer’s life up until her disappearance. My heart breaks for her children. Jennifer had such a sad life towards the end. I wish she would have gotten to find her peace and happiness after her divorce.
Recommend.
July 12, 2025
I found this to be boring and unnecessarily long.
There was also an errant thread of apparent disdain for the victim in this book. I can't personally understand alleged internalized anti-semitism, but aside from emphasizing repeatedly that Jennifer tried to separate herself from her Jewish identity, it was mentioned at times that seemed incredibly unnecessary. A lot of this book felt like pulling at extremely thin threads to create a story and it harped on the same points over and over. Jennifer was desperate, thought her clock was ticking, settled for the wrong man, and her story ends tragically. This could've been 50 pages.
There was quite a bit of florid writing here and my least favorite thing in nonfiction books (esp true crime): the author makes statements about Jennifer's state of mind that he couldn't possibly know. I don't think she wrote her last thoughts in her diary. A lot of opinions on her dating choices were pure speculation. Also, what was the obsession towards the end with mentioning several times that Michelle and Fotis were boning? Was that relevant?
Truth be told, I have no clue why this case was considered interesting enough to write this many pages on. The story is not a new one. The author eventually posits that Jennifer's wealth and resources would interest the public because her story shows money couldn't save her. However, she's not the first rich woman to be (presumably) murdered by her husband. She's not the first rich woman to be (presumably) murdered by her husband as he was helped by his mistress accomplice. Her story is sad, but not novel. There's no real delving into what was Fotis' final straw before the crime, there's info on narcissism that a reader could easily google, and this did not feel like a deep dive into the most pertinent info. But we heard a lot about Jennifer's theater career and eventful dating life. Told to us with the author's apparent disdain and criticism of her.
Overall, this isn't a recommend from me. There are similar books out there and I think this one could've benefited from some serious editing.
There was also an errant thread of apparent disdain for the victim in this book. I can't personally understand alleged internalized anti-semitism, but aside from emphasizing repeatedly that Jennifer tried to separate herself from her Jewish identity, it was mentioned at times that seemed incredibly unnecessary. A lot of this book felt like pulling at extremely thin threads to create a story and it harped on the same points over and over. Jennifer was desperate, thought her clock was ticking, settled for the wrong man, and her story ends tragically. This could've been 50 pages.
There was quite a bit of florid writing here and my least favorite thing in nonfiction books (esp true crime): the author makes statements about Jennifer's state of mind that he couldn't possibly know. I don't think she wrote her last thoughts in her diary. A lot of opinions on her dating choices were pure speculation. Also, what was the obsession towards the end with mentioning several times that Michelle and Fotis were boning? Was that relevant?
Truth be told, I have no clue why this case was considered interesting enough to write this many pages on. The story is not a new one. The author eventually posits that Jennifer's wealth and resources would interest the public because her story shows money couldn't save her. However, she's not the first rich woman to be (presumably) murdered by her husband. She's not the first rich woman to be (presumably) murdered by her husband as he was helped by his mistress accomplice. Her story is sad, but not novel. There's no real delving into what was Fotis' final straw before the crime, there's info on narcissism that a reader could easily google, and this did not feel like a deep dive into the most pertinent info. But we heard a lot about Jennifer's theater career and eventful dating life. Told to us with the author's apparent disdain and criticism of her.
Overall, this isn't a recommend from me. There are similar books out there and I think this one could've benefited from some serious editing.
April 9, 2025
Usually I give myself time before I write a review. Mainly because I procrastinate. I just finished Murder in the Dollhouse two minutes ago though so this review probably won’t be very well composed.
I’m very familiar with Jennifer’s story. That did not prepare me for everything I learned in this book. I am sure Jennifer was not a saint. Apparently that is something that was very important to her ex-husband Fotis, his lawyers, his new girlfriend, and the next girlfriend for everyone to know. Funny story though…. No one is. Whatever shortcomings she had, whatever flaws she had, had no bearing on the coercive, abusive, and control she had to live with. What’s insane is she didn’t want out of that garbage marriage. She was willing to stay on that ride until the wheels fell off even at her own expense.
Jennifer was a mother and an artist and she had more fight in her than she knew. I hate that she became another statistic. Another news story. Another woman whose spouse had to have the final word by silencing hers forever. Another narcissist with no regard for life. That had to maintain control. This story hits so many women so hard because it’s such a familiar tale. Her husband no longer wanted her, and she finally gave him what he wanted. She left with the kids secretly because you don’t just walk out in front of someone like him. This wasn’t enough though. He wasn’t going to be satisfied until he eviscerated her. She knew he was dangerous. She knew she wasn’t safe. She could afford body guards. She had body guards. Perhaps she was feeling a little more comfortable because she had scaled back on the bodyguards and now she’s gone. She’s never been found. Five kids without a mother. Her husband will do no time because he gassed himself while awaiting trial. His accomplices have been found guilty and are still awaiting trial.
As a woman what I took for this story is that when women leave or when they fight back or even when they don’t, you should never let your guard down.
I’m very familiar with Jennifer’s story. That did not prepare me for everything I learned in this book. I am sure Jennifer was not a saint. Apparently that is something that was very important to her ex-husband Fotis, his lawyers, his new girlfriend, and the next girlfriend for everyone to know. Funny story though…. No one is. Whatever shortcomings she had, whatever flaws she had, had no bearing on the coercive, abusive, and control she had to live with. What’s insane is she didn’t want out of that garbage marriage. She was willing to stay on that ride until the wheels fell off even at her own expense.
Jennifer was a mother and an artist and she had more fight in her than she knew. I hate that she became another statistic. Another news story. Another woman whose spouse had to have the final word by silencing hers forever. Another narcissist with no regard for life. That had to maintain control. This story hits so many women so hard because it’s such a familiar tale. Her husband no longer wanted her, and she finally gave him what he wanted. She left with the kids secretly because you don’t just walk out in front of someone like him. This wasn’t enough though. He wasn’t going to be satisfied until he eviscerated her. She knew he was dangerous. She knew she wasn’t safe. She could afford body guards. She had body guards. Perhaps she was feeling a little more comfortable because she had scaled back on the bodyguards and now she’s gone. She’s never been found. Five kids without a mother. Her husband will do no time because he gassed himself while awaiting trial. His accomplices have been found guilty and are still awaiting trial.
As a woman what I took for this story is that when women leave or when they fight back or even when they don’t, you should never let your guard down.
Read
April 15, 2025*no rating because of how sensitive it is.
Dark, chilling, and utterly gripping.
Murder in the Dollhouse dives deep into the haunting true crime case of Jennifer Dulos. It paints a vivid picture of the world she lived in…privileged, controlled and a polished life that holds darkness. You get a good look into her life leading up to her murder/disappearance.
It’s the kind of story that lingers.
Dark, chilling, and utterly gripping.
Murder in the Dollhouse dives deep into the haunting true crime case of Jennifer Dulos. It paints a vivid picture of the world she lived in…privileged, controlled and a polished life that holds darkness. You get a good look into her life leading up to her murder/disappearance.
It’s the kind of story that lingers.
April 30, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers Farrar, Straus and Giroux, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review, which is detailed below!
On May 24, 2018, Jennifer Dulos, a wealthy writer and mother of five, dropped her children off at school in New Canaan, Connecticut. She never returned home. Her SUV was later discovered abandoned near Waveny Park, marking the start of an exhaustive and unsettling investigation that would become the most expensive in Connecticut history. Her disappearance captivated the media, fueled by salacious details of a bitter divorce, a controlling husband, and an affluent suburban backdrop that made the tragedy all the more surreal.
In Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story, Rich Cohen brings his considerable storytelling talent to investigate the Dulos case, crafting a narrative that is as much about Jennifer as it is about the world she inhabited. Tracing Jennifer’s wealthy upbringing, unfulfilled aspirations, and turbulent marriage, Cohen attempts to pick up clues along her winding path before it reaches a devastating dead end. Cohen’s approach is less a traditional true crime exposé and more a literary exploration, blending investigative details with rich descriptions and Jennifer’s personal writings.
Cohen’s journalistic background is evident in the extensive research he incorporates, including investigative timelines and psychological insights. His previous works span a broad spectrum—history in The Last Pirate of New York, memoir in Sweet and Low, and even cultural and political critique in Tough Jews. Across genres, Cohen is drawn to stories that navigate power structures, family legacies, and the tension between myth and reality. Yet, this upcoming book is his first foray into the true crime genre’s case study narrative. Nonetheless, he applies this sensibility to Jennifer’s story, painting her elite background with lush detail and exploring how her marriage to Fotis Dulos, a man whose charm and ambition masked a more menacing reality, led her into a life that unraveled long before her disappearance. His research is thorough, but a notable absence looms: Cohen doesn’t include interviews with the detectives who worked on the case. Whether this is due to legal constraints or reluctance on the part of law enforcement remains unclear. Instead, Cohen leans on publicly available information and expert analyses from psychologists, sociologists, and legal professionals to fill in the gaps.
His proximity to the case is both a strength and a limitation. Cohen notes that he wrote “seven stories about the case as it unfolded for Grayden Carter’s Air Mail” and even “[traveled] in the same circles,” attending the same Gatsby-esque parties as Jennifer. This closeness lends authenticity to his depiction of Jennifer’s social world, yet it occasionally confines the narrative within the same upper-class bubble. At times, Cohen seems too embedded in this atmosphere to fully interrogate its darker undercurrents. The result is a portrait that is intimate but occasionally narrow in scope, particularly when it comes to examining the broader implications of privilege and social status.
One of the book’s most compelling elements is its inclusion of Jennifer’s own writing. These excerpts—drawn from her personal reflections, blogs, and fictional narratives—offer a deeply intimate portrait of a woman whose life was unraveling in plain sight. Jennifer herself seemed to anticipate her grim fate, at one point writing that she feared she would end up “in a body bag” before her divorce was finalized. Her words carry a poignancy and immediacy that no amount of Cohen’s narrative embellishment can replicate. One often wishes the book leaned more heavily on Jennifer’s voice and less on Cohen’s interpretation of it.
While his efforts to visualize her final moments aim for narrative closure, they often feel speculative and almost distastefully imposed, especially given that Jennifer herself was denied any such resolution. In one particularly striking instance, Cohen imagines Jennifer walking through red doors to reunite with her deceased father, an aesthetic image calling back to one of her earliest plays, The Red Door. Though intended as a tribute, this fictionalized ending risks romanticizing her death and blurring the line between honoring her voice and appropriating it for literary effect.
Although Cohen’s poetic style creates a layered and sometimes haunting portrait, it can also be distracting. He frequently veers into flowery musings and historical asides, which, while occasionally philosophical, disrupt the book’s pacing and dilute its emotional impact. Cohen seems to embrace his observation that good criminal investigators are akin to good novelists, “in that he or she strategically withholds information,” yet sometimes at the expense of clarity. Words like “anthropomorphizes,” “quotidian,” and “kremlinologist” make the prose unnecessarily dense for a genre grounded in real life violence. The book is most effective when Cohen steps back and lets the facts speak for themselves, allowing the horror and heartbreak of Jennifer’s story to resonate without excessive stylistic flourish.
Beyond the storytelling itself, Murder in the Dollhouse inadvertently participates in a larger, troubling pattern within the true crime genre: the tendency to prioritize the stories of wealthy, white women while leaving others overlooked. The investigation into Jennifer’s disappearance was unprecedented in scale, not only because of the case’s complexity but because of who Jennifer was—affluent, educated, and living in an upscale suburb. Though Cohen gestures at this imbalance through his depiction of the intense media scrutiny and massive investigative effort, he stops short of directly critiquing the disproportionate attention granted to victims like Jennifer. Instead, he falls into the very trap he might have interrogated, elevating a familiar kind of true crime narrative without reflecting on what that familiarity signifies. By centering Jennifer’s story without acknowledging these systemic inequalities, Cohen implicitly reinforces the idea that some lives—and some tragedies—are more narratively worthy than others.
This lack of self-awareness invites uncomfortable questions not only about the ethics of telling true crime stories but also about how we consume them. In engaging with these polished, dramatized accounts, are we endorsing an implicit hierarchy of whose suffering deserves visibility? Where is the line between necessary coverage and exploitative sensualization? And what does it mean that entire genres are built on these imbalances? As a reader—and now, a reviewer—I find myself grappling with the same questions that Cohen avoids. In writing about this book, I am also participating in the cycle of elevating a certain kind of tragedy. I am, in some ways, a voyeur looking in on a stylized, objectified account of a real woman’s disappearance just a few years removed from the event, one that has left five children still grasping for answers. While Cohen powerfully illustrates that wealth does not shield one from violence, it ultimately sidesteps a more urgent interrogation of why stories like Jennifer’s are told again and again, while so many others go unheard, and when or where they should even be written.
Still, Murder in the Dollhouse is a gripping but uneven read. It is meticulously researched and often compelling, but its narrative flourishes sometimes obscure rather than illuminate. For those seeking a straightforward, hard-hitting true crime account, the book may feel meandering; for those drawn to a more literary approach, its depth and detail will be appreciated. What remains undeniable is the tragedy at its core. Jennifer Dulos’s story refuses to fade and reflects tragic realities that captivate our fascination with true crime. Cohen’s book ensures that Jennifer is not forgotten, even if the mystery of her disappearance remains unsolved.
On May 24, 2018, Jennifer Dulos, a wealthy writer and mother of five, dropped her children off at school in New Canaan, Connecticut. She never returned home. Her SUV was later discovered abandoned near Waveny Park, marking the start of an exhaustive and unsettling investigation that would become the most expensive in Connecticut history. Her disappearance captivated the media, fueled by salacious details of a bitter divorce, a controlling husband, and an affluent suburban backdrop that made the tragedy all the more surreal.
In Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story, Rich Cohen brings his considerable storytelling talent to investigate the Dulos case, crafting a narrative that is as much about Jennifer as it is about the world she inhabited. Tracing Jennifer’s wealthy upbringing, unfulfilled aspirations, and turbulent marriage, Cohen attempts to pick up clues along her winding path before it reaches a devastating dead end. Cohen’s approach is less a traditional true crime exposé and more a literary exploration, blending investigative details with rich descriptions and Jennifer’s personal writings.
Cohen’s journalistic background is evident in the extensive research he incorporates, including investigative timelines and psychological insights. His previous works span a broad spectrum—history in The Last Pirate of New York, memoir in Sweet and Low, and even cultural and political critique in Tough Jews. Across genres, Cohen is drawn to stories that navigate power structures, family legacies, and the tension between myth and reality. Yet, this upcoming book is his first foray into the true crime genre’s case study narrative. Nonetheless, he applies this sensibility to Jennifer’s story, painting her elite background with lush detail and exploring how her marriage to Fotis Dulos, a man whose charm and ambition masked a more menacing reality, led her into a life that unraveled long before her disappearance. His research is thorough, but a notable absence looms: Cohen doesn’t include interviews with the detectives who worked on the case. Whether this is due to legal constraints or reluctance on the part of law enforcement remains unclear. Instead, Cohen leans on publicly available information and expert analyses from psychologists, sociologists, and legal professionals to fill in the gaps.
His proximity to the case is both a strength and a limitation. Cohen notes that he wrote “seven stories about the case as it unfolded for Grayden Carter’s Air Mail” and even “[traveled] in the same circles,” attending the same Gatsby-esque parties as Jennifer. This closeness lends authenticity to his depiction of Jennifer’s social world, yet it occasionally confines the narrative within the same upper-class bubble. At times, Cohen seems too embedded in this atmosphere to fully interrogate its darker undercurrents. The result is a portrait that is intimate but occasionally narrow in scope, particularly when it comes to examining the broader implications of privilege and social status.
One of the book’s most compelling elements is its inclusion of Jennifer’s own writing. These excerpts—drawn from her personal reflections, blogs, and fictional narratives—offer a deeply intimate portrait of a woman whose life was unraveling in plain sight. Jennifer herself seemed to anticipate her grim fate, at one point writing that she feared she would end up “in a body bag” before her divorce was finalized. Her words carry a poignancy and immediacy that no amount of Cohen’s narrative embellishment can replicate. One often wishes the book leaned more heavily on Jennifer’s voice and less on Cohen’s interpretation of it.
While his efforts to visualize her final moments aim for narrative closure, they often feel speculative and almost distastefully imposed, especially given that Jennifer herself was denied any such resolution. In one particularly striking instance, Cohen imagines Jennifer walking through red doors to reunite with her deceased father, an aesthetic image calling back to one of her earliest plays, The Red Door. Though intended as a tribute, this fictionalized ending risks romanticizing her death and blurring the line between honoring her voice and appropriating it for literary effect.
Although Cohen’s poetic style creates a layered and sometimes haunting portrait, it can also be distracting. He frequently veers into flowery musings and historical asides, which, while occasionally philosophical, disrupt the book’s pacing and dilute its emotional impact. Cohen seems to embrace his observation that good criminal investigators are akin to good novelists, “in that he or she strategically withholds information,” yet sometimes at the expense of clarity. Words like “anthropomorphizes,” “quotidian,” and “kremlinologist” make the prose unnecessarily dense for a genre grounded in real life violence. The book is most effective when Cohen steps back and lets the facts speak for themselves, allowing the horror and heartbreak of Jennifer’s story to resonate without excessive stylistic flourish.
Beyond the storytelling itself, Murder in the Dollhouse inadvertently participates in a larger, troubling pattern within the true crime genre: the tendency to prioritize the stories of wealthy, white women while leaving others overlooked. The investigation into Jennifer’s disappearance was unprecedented in scale, not only because of the case’s complexity but because of who Jennifer was—affluent, educated, and living in an upscale suburb. Though Cohen gestures at this imbalance through his depiction of the intense media scrutiny and massive investigative effort, he stops short of directly critiquing the disproportionate attention granted to victims like Jennifer. Instead, he falls into the very trap he might have interrogated, elevating a familiar kind of true crime narrative without reflecting on what that familiarity signifies. By centering Jennifer’s story without acknowledging these systemic inequalities, Cohen implicitly reinforces the idea that some lives—and some tragedies—are more narratively worthy than others.
This lack of self-awareness invites uncomfortable questions not only about the ethics of telling true crime stories but also about how we consume them. In engaging with these polished, dramatized accounts, are we endorsing an implicit hierarchy of whose suffering deserves visibility? Where is the line between necessary coverage and exploitative sensualization? And what does it mean that entire genres are built on these imbalances? As a reader—and now, a reviewer—I find myself grappling with the same questions that Cohen avoids. In writing about this book, I am also participating in the cycle of elevating a certain kind of tragedy. I am, in some ways, a voyeur looking in on a stylized, objectified account of a real woman’s disappearance just a few years removed from the event, one that has left five children still grasping for answers. While Cohen powerfully illustrates that wealth does not shield one from violence, it ultimately sidesteps a more urgent interrogation of why stories like Jennifer’s are told again and again, while so many others go unheard, and when or where they should even be written.
Still, Murder in the Dollhouse is a gripping but uneven read. It is meticulously researched and often compelling, but its narrative flourishes sometimes obscure rather than illuminate. For those seeking a straightforward, hard-hitting true crime account, the book may feel meandering; for those drawn to a more literary approach, its depth and detail will be appreciated. What remains undeniable is the tragedy at its core. Jennifer Dulos’s story refuses to fade and reflects tragic realities that captivate our fascination with true crime. Cohen’s book ensures that Jennifer is not forgotten, even if the mystery of her disappearance remains unsolved.
April 11, 2025
This book will give you nightmares. Coercive control is a real problem. I lived it while undergoing a divorce with my ex husband. My daughter looked at me one day and said she thought her dad could kill us all one day like on one of those true crime shows. I realized how abused I was by then but I had no clue how it affected my kids.
I feel so sad for these children who were left behind. And for this poor woman who our system failed. Women should be kept safe from this kind of abusive and terrorizing behavior. Bravo to this author for doing her story justice.
I feel so sad for these children who were left behind. And for this poor woman who our system failed. Women should be kept safe from this kind of abusive and terrorizing behavior. Bravo to this author for doing her story justice.
May 18, 2025
On May 24, 2019, Jennifer Dulos, a mother to five young children, disappeared after dropping her children off at school. Her body has never been found. It is widely suspected that her estranged husband Fotis Dulos, along with his new girlfriend Michelle Troconis and Fotis' friend and attorney Kent Mawhinney, conspired to kill Jennifer and dispose of her body. In January 2020, before he ever got to trial, Fotis took the cowardly way out and committed suicide leaving Troconis and Mawhinney behind to pick up the pieces. In March 2024, Michelle Troconis was convicted of six charges relating to Jennifer's disappearance and she was sentenced to 14 1/2 years in prison.
This is a widely publicized case and I was looking forward to reading this book to maybe get some insight into the investigation and find out more information on what led the police to charge Fotis. Unfortunately I didn't feel like this book offered any new information on this case and at many times it felt like the author was victim blaming Jennifer for her own death. She is portrayed at the start as fickle, weak and desperate for love and it felt really icky to read at points. Now, it is important to be honest about who people are in books like this, but there was so much unnecessary emphasis on her early love interests and life. As the book went on, the discussion about the lead up to the murder really tries to spread the blame around instead of focusing on the place it firmly belongs - with Fotis and his accomplices. There is no doubt that the Family Court System is deeply flawed, and Jennifer definitely contributed to the acrimony in her divorce, but the fault for her murder starts and stops with Fotis. I am probably extra sensitive to this subject matter because my sister-in-law was murdered by her partner, but I was very disappointed with this book.
**I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a widely publicized case and I was looking forward to reading this book to maybe get some insight into the investigation and find out more information on what led the police to charge Fotis. Unfortunately I didn't feel like this book offered any new information on this case and at many times it felt like the author was victim blaming Jennifer for her own death. She is portrayed at the start as fickle, weak and desperate for love and it felt really icky to read at points. Now, it is important to be honest about who people are in books like this, but there was so much unnecessary emphasis on her early love interests and life. As the book went on, the discussion about the lead up to the murder really tries to spread the blame around instead of focusing on the place it firmly belongs - with Fotis and his accomplices. There is no doubt that the Family Court System is deeply flawed, and Jennifer definitely contributed to the acrimony in her divorce, but the fault for her murder starts and stops with Fotis. I am probably extra sensitive to this subject matter because my sister-in-law was murdered by her partner, but I was very disappointed with this book.
**I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2025
Somewhat repetitive but overall a very sad tale.
September 2, 2025
"Fotis Dulos planned carefully and executed smoothly, but he could not beat the technology, which was stunning in its capabilities. It’s not that Fotis overestimated himself. It’s that he underestimated everyone else."
The very sad case of Jennifer Dulos, a beloved daughter, sister and the mother of five children who was murdered by her arrogant, abusive, homicidal husband. Fortis Dulos had to be in control, and as is often the case with such men, once he started to lose his grip on Jennifer and her money he followed the path of other psychopaths. Once caught, Fortis took the cowards way out by taking his own life, never once taking responsibility for his actions or disclosing the location of Jennifer's remains. He left a suicide note about which the author wrote, “His suicide note must be the most narcissistic suicide note I’ve ever read,” Daphne de Marneffe, author of The Rough Patch: Marriage and the Art of Living Together, told me. “It’s like a suicide note written by Donald Trump. It’s everyone’s fault but his own.”
The very sad case of Jennifer Dulos, a beloved daughter, sister and the mother of five children who was murdered by her arrogant, abusive, homicidal husband. Fortis Dulos had to be in control, and as is often the case with such men, once he started to lose his grip on Jennifer and her money he followed the path of other psychopaths. Once caught, Fortis took the cowards way out by taking his own life, never once taking responsibility for his actions or disclosing the location of Jennifer's remains. He left a suicide note about which the author wrote, “His suicide note must be the most narcissistic suicide note I’ve ever read,” Daphne de Marneffe, author of The Rough Patch: Marriage and the Art of Living Together, told me. “It’s like a suicide note written by Donald Trump. It’s everyone’s fault but his own.”
April 15, 2025
I listened to this book coming out soon on Libro FM. It was an extremely sad true story of a woman who attempted to divorce her husband and then goes missing. Her body has never been found. It did lag for me in the middle but overall, held my interest on audio.
May 16, 2025
I never know how to rate these things. It was informative and introduced me to a crime I had previously not heard of. The author said something about there only being 2 types of book people that kind of bugged me because it was wrong but hey, what do I know, I'm just a book person 🤷♀️ I enjoyed the book, it wasn't dry and it didn't feel like a textbook. It felt like I was watching one of my true crime YouTubers.
January 11, 2025
thank you Farrar, Straus and Giroux, as well as NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book!
I have watched and read a lot of material on the Jennifer Dulos case, and I feel like Rich Cohen truly brought a unique perspective to all the information he brought forth. He got in contact with so many people I had never heard of before relating to the case, presented so much new information, and I felt like I knew the main people in this story through him and his writing. This story is truly heartbreaking and Cohen gave us a personal view specifically into Jennifer’s life, which opened my eyes up even more to what the victims of this case went through. I would not suggest reading this book all at one time or in one sitting as the information is heavy and can be upsetting. With that being said, Rich Cohen analyzes and presents the information in such a digestible and captivating way, it is definitely worth the read, especially if you have never heard Jennifer’s story before. Really enjoyed it!
I have watched and read a lot of material on the Jennifer Dulos case, and I feel like Rich Cohen truly brought a unique perspective to all the information he brought forth. He got in contact with so many people I had never heard of before relating to the case, presented so much new information, and I felt like I knew the main people in this story through him and his writing. This story is truly heartbreaking and Cohen gave us a personal view specifically into Jennifer’s life, which opened my eyes up even more to what the victims of this case went through. I would not suggest reading this book all at one time or in one sitting as the information is heavy and can be upsetting. With that being said, Rich Cohen analyzes and presents the information in such a digestible and captivating way, it is definitely worth the read, especially if you have never heard Jennifer’s story before. Really enjoyed it!
June 2, 2025
An incredibly meticulously researched book about a tragic murder among the elusive upper crust of American society. (I did go to Duke but I did not run around those circles, of course.) It got a touch too long, with seemingly irrelevant details and unanswered questions peppered here and there annoying me.
I felt horrible for Jennifer, the victim, and although I was slightly uncomfortable with the way the book laid out intimate and embarrassing details of her life, I did feel it was adequately respectful to her memory.
Lessons? Never jump into a relationship. If it seems too good to be true, it might be. If he cheats with you, he’ll cheat on you. Never date someone who is jealous of you, worse still, MARRY THEM. And it’s very important to assert yourself and speak out against red flags from the beginning.
I felt horrible for Jennifer, the victim, and although I was slightly uncomfortable with the way the book laid out intimate and embarrassing details of her life, I did feel it was adequately respectful to her memory.
Lessons? Never jump into a relationship. If it seems too good to be true, it might be. If he cheats with you, he’ll cheat on you. Never date someone who is jealous of you, worse still, MARRY THEM. And it’s very important to assert yourself and speak out against red flags from the beginning.
April 20, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a hard one to rate for a couple of reasons. It's technically well-written, for one, and for another, there's a crucial level of human compassion that should come from engaging with true crime that its consumers are responsible for just as much as its content creators.
But man, it is a struggle to give this the gravity it deserves. I was put off right from the beginning at the mild criticism cast toward people who correctly identify missing white woman syndrome, especially coming from one wealthy writer about the wealthy white subject of his book.
On the one hand, it is an indisputable tragedy, and the children involved will carry this for the rest of their lives. On the other, this is a book about the most insufferable people you've ever heard of doing things that, were they a lower tax bracket, would be considered trashy and tasteless.
Like, there's a weird cognitive dissonance at play with what happened when paired with how this is written. So much of the book is about wealthy white people drama that just feels, frankly, obnoxious to endure, but you also read it knowing that it's about a woman who suffered a violent crime, so you have to approach it with compassion.
I mean, some of us do. One of the reviews here on Goodreads is apparently one of the victim's neighbors who literally called this "a must-read for true crime fans" so I guess there's only so much milk of human kindness to go around lol.
Anyway, I'd give this one a skip if you're actually looking for a true crime novel, rather than a sort of pseudo-biography of a woman who had every possible means at her disposal to protect herself, and still fell victim to her husband's wrath. I say this not to victim blame, but rather to highlight the devastating truth that all the money in the world will not save a woman from a man if he truly means her harm. But this book was not for me. I think it's mostly for rich people from New York or Connecticut with way too much time on their hands.
This is a hard one to rate for a couple of reasons. It's technically well-written, for one, and for another, there's a crucial level of human compassion that should come from engaging with true crime that its consumers are responsible for just as much as its content creators.
But man, it is a struggle to give this the gravity it deserves. I was put off right from the beginning at the mild criticism cast toward people who correctly identify missing white woman syndrome, especially coming from one wealthy writer about the wealthy white subject of his book.
On the one hand, it is an indisputable tragedy, and the children involved will carry this for the rest of their lives. On the other, this is a book about the most insufferable people you've ever heard of doing things that, were they a lower tax bracket, would be considered trashy and tasteless.
Like, there's a weird cognitive dissonance at play with what happened when paired with how this is written. So much of the book is about wealthy white people drama that just feels, frankly, obnoxious to endure, but you also read it knowing that it's about a woman who suffered a violent crime, so you have to approach it with compassion.
I mean, some of us do. One of the reviews here on Goodreads is apparently one of the victim's neighbors who literally called this "a must-read for true crime fans" so I guess there's only so much milk of human kindness to go around lol.
Anyway, I'd give this one a skip if you're actually looking for a true crime novel, rather than a sort of pseudo-biography of a woman who had every possible means at her disposal to protect herself, and still fell victim to her husband's wrath. I say this not to victim blame, but rather to highlight the devastating truth that all the money in the world will not save a woman from a man if he truly means her harm. But this book was not for me. I think it's mostly for rich people from New York or Connecticut with way too much time on their hands.
March 30, 2025
ARC review • pub date 05.20.25
🎧 audiobook review
I went into thinking it would be a documentary like feel about the murder/disappearance of Jennifer Dulos. I’m pretty familiar with the case as I’ve seen the dateline episode as well as other true crime articles.
The book ended up being mostly about Jennifer’s upbringing, her family beliefs, and eventually her strained marriage with Fotus. Her murder wasn’t really mentioned until about 88% into the book.
That being said, it was still a good book, just more read like a biography. If you go in knowing that and wanting that, you will probably really enjoy this story.
3 ⭐️
Thanks so much to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for my ALC.
#MacAudio2025
🎧 audiobook review
I went into thinking it would be a documentary like feel about the murder/disappearance of Jennifer Dulos. I’m pretty familiar with the case as I’ve seen the dateline episode as well as other true crime articles.
The book ended up being mostly about Jennifer’s upbringing, her family beliefs, and eventually her strained marriage with Fotus. Her murder wasn’t really mentioned until about 88% into the book.
That being said, it was still a good book, just more read like a biography. If you go in knowing that and wanting that, you will probably really enjoy this story.
3 ⭐️
Thanks so much to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for my ALC.
#MacAudio2025
June 22, 2025
When I first saw this book advertised online, I knew that it would be compelling. I tend to be a slow reader; one of the reasons I gave this book 5 stars was because it kept my interest & I read it fast.
Jennifer Farber was the woman who had everything; looks, talent, the comfort of a very wealthy background, an Ivy League education & all of the opportunities & advantages afforded to her by those factors. Nonetheless, she was conflicted about what she wanted from life: on the one hand, her dream of having her own family had always been a high priority for her. On the other hand, she also had artistic ambitions, which she pursued after receiving her Masters degree from NYU. Unfortunately, she didn't continue following through with her creative ambitions. Instead, she chose a great-looking & charismatic man, Fotis Dulos, who possessed a barely-hidden dark side, with whom she started a family & became Jennifer Dulos. It was her choosing of that path / fork in the road that led to the denouement in her life, involving a hellish divorce, living in fear of her husband & ultimately, the tragedy of her untimely death.
A year before divorce proceedings were initiated by Jennifer Dulos, Fotis had met Michelle Troconis, who became his mistress & "Lady Macbeth". Everything that was written about Troconis in this book convinced me of her guilt, re: her involvement in Jennifer's "disappearance", for which she was eventually convicted & sentenced. Through additional articles that I've read online, I concluded that her family is in denial, with respect to her supposed innocence.
The author, Rich Cohen, used the following quote to indirectly describe the psychological condition of Fotis Dulos, on p. 264 of this book:
"Charisma is characteristic of psychopathy. There are no boring psychopaths. They hum with electricity."
Fotis' sister (Rena Dulos Kyrimi) also appeared to be in denial, as to Fotis' culpability. Concerning Fotis' suicide, she is quoted by the author on p. 284 of this text:
"Fotis was an easy target ... They accused him of murder from the beginning. He didn't have any strength to fight anymore."
In closing: I trust in the credibility of Cohen's work, due to his detailed research. Case in point: the "Note on Sources, Notes & Bibliography" (provided by the author) are extensive, running from p. 295 through p. 337 of this title.
Jennifer Farber was the woman who had everything; looks, talent, the comfort of a very wealthy background, an Ivy League education & all of the opportunities & advantages afforded to her by those factors. Nonetheless, she was conflicted about what she wanted from life: on the one hand, her dream of having her own family had always been a high priority for her. On the other hand, she also had artistic ambitions, which she pursued after receiving her Masters degree from NYU. Unfortunately, she didn't continue following through with her creative ambitions. Instead, she chose a great-looking & charismatic man, Fotis Dulos, who possessed a barely-hidden dark side, with whom she started a family & became Jennifer Dulos. It was her choosing of that path / fork in the road that led to the denouement in her life, involving a hellish divorce, living in fear of her husband & ultimately, the tragedy of her untimely death.
A year before divorce proceedings were initiated by Jennifer Dulos, Fotis had met Michelle Troconis, who became his mistress & "Lady Macbeth". Everything that was written about Troconis in this book convinced me of her guilt, re: her involvement in Jennifer's "disappearance", for which she was eventually convicted & sentenced. Through additional articles that I've read online, I concluded that her family is in denial, with respect to her supposed innocence.
The author, Rich Cohen, used the following quote to indirectly describe the psychological condition of Fotis Dulos, on p. 264 of this book:
"Charisma is characteristic of psychopathy. There are no boring psychopaths. They hum with electricity."
Fotis' sister (Rena Dulos Kyrimi) also appeared to be in denial, as to Fotis' culpability. Concerning Fotis' suicide, she is quoted by the author on p. 284 of this text:
"Fotis was an easy target ... They accused him of murder from the beginning. He didn't have any strength to fight anymore."
In closing: I trust in the credibility of Cohen's work, due to his detailed research. Case in point: the "Note on Sources, Notes & Bibliography" (provided by the author) are extensive, running from p. 295 through p. 337 of this title.
June 14, 2025
Could not put this one down. Saw the Author at a widely attended event at the Book Stall on Chicagolands North Shore. I was drawn into the book by the authors detailing of his research into this horrific crime. Rich Cohen has done it again—and this time, maybe even better than ever. Murder in the Dollhouse is a razor-sharp, witty, and utterly engrossing ride that showcases all the things I’ve come to love about Rich’s work: a deep sense of place, unforgettable characters, and a voice that’s as entertaining as it is insightful.
To be upfront, Rich and I are friends—though I suspect he might consider me more of an acquaintance. That’s totally fine. I’ve been following his work ever since Lake Effect hit shelves in the ’90s, and I’ve admired his storytelling ever since. We’ve bonded (at least in spirit!) over our mutual love of the Cubs and Bears, and I’ve always felt a connection to the personal threads that run through his writing.
But even with all that said, Murder in the Dollhouse still surprised me. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it may have just edged out Monsters as my new favorite of his books. It’s clever, layered, and full of the dark humor and emotional insight that have long been Rich’s signature.
This is a salacious true crime drama, yes—but it’s also much more than that. It has a deep emotional impact that will touch your heart. Beneath the intrigue and suspense lies a story about family, loss, and the complicated nature of truth. It lingers with you.
This isn’t just a good read—it’s one of those books you want to hand to a friend the second you finish. Whether you’re new to Rich Cohen or a longtime fan like me, Murder in the Dollhouse deserves a spot at the top of your reading list.
To be upfront, Rich and I are friends—though I suspect he might consider me more of an acquaintance. That’s totally fine. I’ve been following his work ever since Lake Effect hit shelves in the ’90s, and I’ve admired his storytelling ever since. We’ve bonded (at least in spirit!) over our mutual love of the Cubs and Bears, and I’ve always felt a connection to the personal threads that run through his writing.
But even with all that said, Murder in the Dollhouse still surprised me. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it may have just edged out Monsters as my new favorite of his books. It’s clever, layered, and full of the dark humor and emotional insight that have long been Rich’s signature.
This is a salacious true crime drama, yes—but it’s also much more than that. It has a deep emotional impact that will touch your heart. Beneath the intrigue and suspense lies a story about family, loss, and the complicated nature of truth. It lingers with you.
This isn’t just a good read—it’s one of those books you want to hand to a friend the second you finish. Whether you’re new to Rich Cohen or a longtime fan like me, Murder in the Dollhouse deserves a spot at the top of your reading list.
July 19, 2025
I used to watch and listen to a lot of true crime, so I thought reading about a case I didn’t know anything about would be fun, especially since I saw some people were comparing this case to Gone Girl. The title sounded intriguing, and stories about rich families are always interesting to me. Unfortunately, I found the writing very dry.
I appreciate that Cohen chose to put Jennifer at the center of the narrative, unlike many true crime works that focus primarily on the perpetrator. That said, the book felt very encyclopedic. The writing was apathetic and matter-of-fact, and I can’t say I was ever truly engaged. I didn’t feel like I got the chance to care about Jennifer because everything was presented as pure fact rather than as a story or narrative (if that makes sense).
The writing was also inconsistent at times, suddenly shifting into this weirdly literary style that gave me whiplash. For example, there were passages describing Jen’s need to write and create art in order to survive. I think it was an attempt to evoke empathy, but it just felt jarring. Every time that shift happened, the change in tone threw me off.
Anywayssss not my cup of tea.
I appreciate that Cohen chose to put Jennifer at the center of the narrative, unlike many true crime works that focus primarily on the perpetrator. That said, the book felt very encyclopedic. The writing was apathetic and matter-of-fact, and I can’t say I was ever truly engaged. I didn’t feel like I got the chance to care about Jennifer because everything was presented as pure fact rather than as a story or narrative (if that makes sense).
The writing was also inconsistent at times, suddenly shifting into this weirdly literary style that gave me whiplash. For example, there were passages describing Jen’s need to write and create art in order to survive. I think it was an attempt to evoke empathy, but it just felt jarring. Every time that shift happened, the change in tone threw me off.
Anywayssss not my cup of tea.
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