Reckless: Sex, Lies and JFK

by Mike Rothmiller

Drawing on new interviews and previously hidden police and intelligence files, Reckless finally reveals the full corruption of America’s Camelot.

‘Reads like James Ellroy’– Daily Telegraph

‘JFK didn’t hesitate to employ deception, espionage and covert action’ – Timothy Naftali, Wall Street Journal

John F. Kennedy’s life is promoted by sentimental and careless myth-makers as pure legend. But a sinister shadow lies across it.

His death was such a shocking event that the vivid memory of his assassination still blinds us to much of what went before. When it is recalled, it is almost always seen through the prism of that single, terrible day in Dallas, obscuring the dark corners of his time and government.

For JFK, power was soundbites over policy, the White House a fairytale castle, and the President manifested as a hypersexualised movie star. As with Hollywood, the willing suspension of belief was required.

Reality imposes no such limits.

Drawing on essential new material derived from decades-long investigations, Detective Mike Rothmiller and Douglas Thompson shatter the secrets and lies with a revelatory and dramatic true-life thriller focusing on JFK and Robert F. Kennedy, both before and after they bought the White House.

All the usual suspects, from FBI titan J. Edgar Hoover and billionaire Howard Hughes to CIA rogue agents and Mob hitmen appear in a narrative which sweeps from wartime London to the salons of Washington, from the bedrooms of Hollywood to the torture chambers and jungles of central America, and on to revolutionary Cuba and the tragic, bloody political carousel of Vietnam.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Politics

Audible Audio

First published April 11, 2024

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

feel like I learnt more about Peter Lawford and organised crime than I did about the Kennedy’s

[Michelle Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was a real eye opener to the real story of the Kennedy’s starting with Joseph Kennedy links to the mob and not exactly a great role model! I would rant on more about him as I have never disliked someone so intently as I read about him.

It was both fascinating and shocking to read what went on in America during the Kennedy’s journey to the Whitehouse so much covered up, a revelation about Marin Luther King left me shocked to my core. And as for Hollywood, not so glamorous after all.

And as for JFK’s assassination, I have no doubt that there was two killers, Lee Harvey Oswald fired shots from behind the president but did the shot that killed JFK come from the grassy knoll the gun shot from the front? It’s disappointing that there is no mention of a recent theory that the shot that killed the president was accidentally fired by one the agents would explain why it has been covered up for so long. Just tell the damn truth!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the world the Kennedy's were a devote Catholic family. Led by patriarch Joseph an ambitious man along with two of his children. John and Bobby. Both with ambitions. Whilst giving the impression that family was everything, behind the scenes was different. A corrupt life with the mafia. Dealings with the Rat pack. Actresses. And sex!!!!. Plenty of sex.
The authors have investigated the family and brought interesting details to the table that will give you a different side to the men. How pillow talk could lead to disaster.
This is an inside into a different political lifestyle of the Kennedy's and those they had dealings with.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to see an ARC

[Dean Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very interesting. I had no idea how much involvement the Kennedy family had with various entities throughout the 20th century. As the title suggests, the often glamourized portrayal of JFK is shifted to a much more damning light. Much of the information in this book appears to have been masked and hidden away from the general public for decades, with some of the cited documents and resources being released as recent as 2023-2024. I found myself shaking my head and jaw dropping on a number of occasions. I wonder what further details exist that we don't know at this point in time. Explore the mysteries and scandals that plague the Kennedy family and those around them. Highly recommend.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough evidence, both factual and anecdotal, to put the myth of Camelot to a decisive end. Revolting that people still believe in the goodness of this repulsive, raping, murdering, trafficking, lying, thieving, family of filthy cowards, all enabled by the "free press." Nothing has changed for the better politically since except Epstein and Weinstein were altar boys compared to these people.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

We will see how far I get in this tabloid.... PURE TRASH!!!!!!!!!!! If this is a book of researched non-fiction where are the source citations? In the bibliography Rothmiller and Thompson use 5 of their own books as references. NOW THAT SPELLS CREDIBILITY!! Page 11. " Never a play a game that isn't fixed." AAAAA!! Page 13 "He believed he should be allowed to simply be allowed to get on with business." Can we spell REDUNDANT?? I think he thought "he should simply be allowed to get on with business". The writers cannot even keep the facts straight in one paragraph: Larry Fay was murdered on New Year's Eve 1932 at the Casa Blanca Club. Fay "was the 'guest star' gangster in his own name in an episode of the 1960s'television series the Untouchables. Obviously, an actor played the role, but this is hardly clear from the words used. In addition, the 1960s television show WITHOUT AN APOSTROPHE is correct format; a decade cannot own a tv show. "The lavishly magnetic Mrs Fay turned the momentarily besotted Joe Kennedy blind to her late husband's compromising enterprises." What the f%*k???? Kennedy was part of the bootlegging, and crime. She did not have to make Kennedy "blind". "Federal files, meetings, minutes, memoranda reluctantly declassified and other intelligence reports and more memos.... indicate why Joe Kennedy thought he was omnipotent. ) The bibliography has no record of any federal documents used for this book. Oh, I forgot this is not researched historical non-fiction; this is tabloid journalism. Perhaps these documents were referred to in the 5 books by the authors used as references for this book, so they thought it was foolish to document proof twice. SILLY ME!! The chapter Sweet Deals is a bloody unnecessary mess. " It's hard to distinguish if it was the banana business or the Kennedys who had a better marketing campaign." WHY DO WE CARE? WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE PRICE OF TEA IN CHINA.. OR BANANAS IN KANSAS? OR THE ASSASSINATION OF JFK?????? Many of the stupid "sentences" are NOT sentences. New paragraph in book: "Of which there were many, both in Massachusetts - in the well-heeled Brookline where JFK was born in 1917, and the long wharf of Boston port where the business of tropical fruit had headquartered since the turn of the century." GUYS THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE!! Sentences require a subject and a verb. Many of what?? Why do we care? Then we learn how Joe Jr is killed during WWII. He is described as flying a "secret drone aircraft" that exploded prematurely. Vaguely correct. Joe was flying a B-24 that had secretly been programmed to be flown by remote control after take-off. Operation Aphrodite was a complete failure. Next we are in 1947 and JFK is running for Boston's 11th congressional district. Then we are in 1893 with a banana salesman. I really like it when history is consecutive. Another banana man named Molony rides with Pancho Villa. I SAY BALONEY. What does any of this have to do with the subject of the book??? 1929, Bernays, a snake oil salesman " CONVINCED the medical profession that a bacon-and-eggs (No dashes needed ) breakfast was better for wellbeing and GETTING them to say so publicly....." Convinced and got would be parallel verb tenses. Or by convincing and getting the medical profession..... PICK ONE, GUYS!! Now we have a coup d'etat in Guatemala. Senator McCarthy is finding communists under every bed. RFK briefly works for him as an attorney until he cannot stand the lies and resigns. 1950 "McCarthy, the Republican senator for, importantly in Kennedy land, Wisconsin, was the bullying, the vile side of 1950's American politics..." Wisconsin is not in "Kennedy Land" or Disneyland. If Joe Kennedy thought McCarthy could damage his political goals why pal around with him and let him date his daughters? Does any of this make sense? JFK was "preparing to fight """"Henry Cabot Lodge"""", the incumbent Republican senator for Massachusetts in the 1952 general election." GREAT HISTORY AUTHORS. NOT!! ****** John F. Kennedy, then a Democratic congressman, contested incumbent Republican Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr**** . for his senate seat. What many believed would be an easy win for the popular Lodge turned into a tight race, and eventually an upset. Henry Cabot Lodge (May 12, 1850 – November 9, 1924) was an American politician, historian, lawyer, and statesman from Massachusetts. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the United States Senate from 1893 to 1924 and is best known for his positions on foreign policy. Massachusetts Historical Society. PRETTY EASY VICTORY FOR JFK OVER A MAN WHO HAD BEEN DEAD FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS. Now the (AUTHORS) I USE THE TERM LOOSELY) address the 1952 Joe McCarthy senate race against Thomas E. Fairchild. : "Acutely aware of anti-Catholic movements, Joseph Kennedy BLATANTLY SUPPORTED the popular McCarthy as a national Catholic politician hopeful that some of the stardust would sprinkle over his son's Senate campaign." Now we want stardust from McCarthy to help JFK??? Two years earlier they HATED him publicly, but dated him privately... THE AUTHORS GOT IT RIGHT WHEN THEY STATED THAT HENRY CABOT LODGE JR. WAS PERSUADED TO JOIN THE THE BOARD OF AMERICAN FRUIT TO HELP THE BLOODY BANANAS... What is the point with the bananas??? To horribly paraphrase Emerson: "A foolish inconsistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and authors." OUR "AUTHORS" will not understand... I am only on page 37 and I am going bananas! Chapter 3 Capital Crimes - a waste of time about 847 gangsters doing bad things that relate to nothing. The Kennedy name is mentioned about 4 times. The chapter starts with a ridiculous statement that is supposed to lead us to believe the Kennedy was a huge criminal: "High risk does not begin to cover the behaviour of Kennedy & Sons in Hollywood and the IDEA that Joe Kennedy had a teenage starlet murdered by cyanide in his early days in the film business reflects history is beginning to believe what he was capable of. What???? The fact that gullible idiots believed that Joe had a starlet murdered by cyanide proves that he was a really bad guy????? No. It proves that there is a fool born every day since the authors then state that the starlet actually died of natural causes in her old age. Does anyone understand these contradictions and RIDICULOUS ATTEMPTS AT LOGIC??? "Our new files show much of his financial success was having control of the unions..." What new files - No documentation of any files in the bibliography. Unions never mentioned again in the chapter. WASTE OF TIME. END OF CHAPTER. Chapter 4. Hollywood Education. "Swanson compared compared Kennedy's operational tactic to RUSSIAN under Stalin." Russia under Stalin perhaps?? "Now accessible archives show that Kennedy...." What accessible archives??? Ususally competent and reliable authors cite their sources. No archives listed in bibliography. And you want us to believe this tripe?? "Hearst.... was to be an important ally in putting Kennedy's NON-FAMILY choice in the White House." Huh?? This sentence is just name dropped with no further information. CAN WE SPELL NON SEQUITAR????? What non-family person did Kennedy put in the White House???? we will never know.... "For studio bosses like Kennedy.. " Wait when did he become a studio boss??? No groundwork. He was the first financier to buy a studio outright — One small studio, Film Booking Offices of America (or FBO), specialized in Westerns produced cheaply. Its owner was in financial trouble, and asked Kennedy to help find a new owner. Kennedy formed his own group of investors and bought it for $1.5 million. More than 100 movies were released under the rubric “Joseph P. Kennedy Presents.” The book by Cari Beauchamp which is in the bibliography, but not cited, states that Kennedy ran 3 studios . Not quite... Actually KAO (was not a studio ) At that time, film studios were permitted to own exhibition companies, which were necessary to get their films on local screens. With that in mind, he bought controlling shares in Keith-Albee-Orpheum Theaters Corporation (KAO), which had more than 700 vaudeville theaters across the United States that had begun showing movies. In October 1928, he formally merged his film companies FBO and KAO to form Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO ). The Sins of the Father: Joseph P. Kennedy and the Dynasty He Founded by Ronald Kessler. I believe in citing my sources... I HAVE WASTED FAR TOO MANY HOURS ON THIS TRASH AND HAVE LEARNED NOTHING EXCEPT THAT ROTHMILLER AND THOMPSON COULD NOT WRITE THEMSELVES OUT OF A PAPER BAG. THE EDITING IS WORSE THAT HOPELESS. I CANNOT EVEN FIND A LIST OF BOOKS PUBLISHED BY GEMINI ADULT BOOKS LTD. THE COVER SAYS THE BOOK WAS PUBLISHED BY GEMINI, AMAZON SAYS AD LIB. THEY ARE APPARENTLY PARTNERS IN SOME WAY. THE MEANING OF AD LIB IS SO APPROPRIATE FOR THIS BOOK: without previous preparation. NEITHER AUTHOR MENTIONS ANY FORMAL EDUCATION BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL AND I CAN CERTIFY AS A COLLEGE TEACHER FOR DECADES THAT MY INCOMING FRESHMEN COULD WRITE BETTER WORK. THIS "BOOK" IS WORSE THAN TABLOID JOURNALISM. If you still want to know about the TRUTH surrounding the Kennedy family I suggest: Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK, by Gerald Posner, A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. PT 109: An American Epic of War, Survival, and the Destiny of John F. Kennedy, by William Doyle, Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter By Kate Clifford Larson, Joseph P. Kennedy: The Mogul, the Mob, the Statesman, and the Making of an American Myth by Ted Schwarz, The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga by Doris Kearns Goodwin ( this book is actually in the bibliography, but of course there is no citation) , The Ambassador: Joseph P. Kennedy at the Court of St. James's 1938-1940 by Susan Ronald... Kristi & Abby Tabby Childless Cat Lady

[Sam Stoddard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Ad Lib Publishers and NetGalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I personally wasn’t alive when JFK was president or when he was shot. I also don’t know that much about him. Except what my grandparents have told me. The image that they have created is one where the Kennedys were loved and cherished! The crying when JFK was assassinated. How it brought an entire country to a stop. How it inspired an entire book by Stephen King. It gives the impression of a person being cherished.

When I saw the title and book description for this book I was immediately intrigued. Someone who didn’t agree with the image I had in my head? Some secrets brought to light? I must read it.

Did it deliver that?

Indeed it did.

You can tell that the author did his research. Instead of the Kennedys being painted in a light as being a kind of hero, they are now described as these sex crazed, mob dealing group of people.

I will definitely be both discussing this book and recommending it to any history buffs.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Thank you to Netgalley and Ad Lib Publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was really excited to get a copy of this book as there are so many books out there on the market about the Kennedy Family, particularly conspiracy theories about JFK assassination in Dallas, Texas. Which tell of the picture perfect life of an Irish, American family with great morals and values.

At the head of this family was the patriarch Joe Kennedy. I always knew there was something almost sinister about this man who would stop at almost nothing to make his family great. I always remember reading an article years ago about his daughter Rosemary Kennedy who was experiening seizures and violent mood swings. In response to these issues, her father arranged a prefrontal lobotomy on her in 1941 when she was 23 years of age; the procedure left her permanently incapacitated and rendered her unable to speak intelligibly. And she seems to vanish off the face of the earth and from family portraits etc and was instututionalised.

By writing this very well researched book the author Mike Rothmiller delves into the darker side of the Kennedy family, about the mob connections Joe used to further his son's careers. Making his families money from the prohibition period. The various affairs and love triangles which were going on with both John and his brother Bobby, particularly that of Marilyn Monroe who both brothers were supposedly having relations with. This book makes for a very interesting read for anyone who likes history or the Kennedy family in general and definitely opens up the assassination debate even more, It would seem the family have many enemies.

Brilliantly written and researched.

[Ionia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless: Sex, Lies and JFK by Mike Rothmiller is a provocative and controversial deep dive into the darker side of John F. Kennedy’s legacy, and as a longtime JFK enthusiast, I approached this book with excitement. However, from the outset, it became clear that the author takes a rather critical stance on the late president, highlighting aspects of Kennedy's life that many of his supporters might find troubling.

Rothmiller, a former detective, draws on newly released police and intelligence files, and his writing reflects a clear disillusionment with JFK. The book portrays Kennedy as a man whose personal indulgences, particularly his affairs, were not just private flaws but part of a pattern of reckless behavior that spilled over into his political life. This angle makes for an intriguing read, especially for those interested in new theories or hidden truths about the Kennedy era.

On the positive side, Reckless offers detailed and in-depth research, much of which comes from previously unavailable sources. The scope of the book is ambitious, covering not only Kennedy's personal life but also his connections to organized crime, corporations, and international politics. This adds layers to our understanding of the man and the administration, though the focus on his alleged indiscretions might feel overwhelming at times.

However, the book’s tone may not sit well with all readers, particularly those who have a more favorable view of Kennedy. Rothmiller’s portrayal is harsh, and at times, it seems the author is less interested in presenting a balanced historical account and more in dismantling the Camelot myth. This could detract from the objectivity some readers might expect from a historical account, leaning more into a critical exposé rather than a nuanced exploration of a complex figure.

Overall, Reckless is an engaging and thought-provoking read, particularly for those interested in the more controversial aspects of JFK’s life. The research is thorough, but be prepared for a narrative that leans heavily into Kennedy’s flaws. While it’s not the definitive story of JFK, it’s certainly a book that will spark debate and offer new insights for anyone fascinated by the ongoing legacy of America’s 35th president.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Daniel Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid history buff and lover of gripping narratives, I was thrilled to have early access to "Reckless: Sex, Lies and JFK" by Mike Rothmiller through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Let me tell you, this book exceeded all my expectations.

From the moment I delved into its pages, I was immediately transported back to the tumultuous era of the Kennedy administration. Rothmiller's meticulous research and engaging storytelling brought to life a world of political intrigue, scandal, and conspiracy that kept me riveted from start to finish.

What struck me most about "Reckless" is its fearless exploration of the darker side of Camelot. Rothmiller pulls back the curtain on the private lives of JFK and his inner circle, revealing a world of sex, lies, and deception that stands in stark contrast to the public image of the Kennedy presidency. From JFK's numerous extramarital affairs to the shadowy dealings of his closest advisors, no stone is left unturned in this revealing expose.

But what truly sets "Reckless" apart is Rothmiller's ability to weave together disparate threads of history into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The book is meticulously researched, with each revelation supported by a wealth of evidence and documentation. Rothmiller's attention to detail is commendable, and his writing is both accessible and engaging, making even the most complex political machinations easy to understand.

Moreover, "Reckless" is not just a book about JFK; it's also a reflection on power, corruption, and the often murky intersection of politics and morality. Rothmiller's insights into the nature of power and its effects on individuals and institutions are thought-provoking and timely, offering readers a deeper understanding of the forces at play in our society.

In conclusion, "Reckless: Sex, Lies and JFK" is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, politics, or true crime. Mike Rothmiller's masterful storytelling and fearless approach to his subject matter make this book a standout in the genre, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you're a seasoned historian or simply a curious reader looking for a gripping tale, "Reckless" is sure to satisfy your appetite for intrigue and insight.

[Ron Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing quick read on the reckless abandon, based on hubris and entitlement, of the Kennedy clan, beginning with Joseph Kennedy and extending through John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Edward Kennedy.

Joseph Kennedy was believed to be a supporter of Hitler, a bootlegger during Prohibition, and an investor associated with early Hollywood—an industry largely run by organized crime at the time. He allegedly participated in multiple ventures tied to criminal enterprises and held a reputation for questionable personal conduct, especially where women were concerned. After the wartime death of his eldest son, Joseph Kennedy Jr., he redirected his resources and influence toward advancing the political careers of his remaining sons, particularly John F. Kennedy.

A notable focus of the discussion is the purported role played by organized crime in facilitating John F. Kennedy’s presidential election, reportedly involving intermediaries such as Frank Sinatra and Judith Exner, both of whom had intimate ties to both Kennedy and the mob figure Sam Giancana.

During this period, the Kennedys and the CIA were also engaged in discussions with organized crime figures about the government’s wish to have Fidel Castro assassinated. The mob agreed to this in principle so long as it was understood that the government would back off on prosecuting mob members. Following John F. Kennedy’s election, Robert Kennedy was appointed Attorney General. In that role, Robert Kennedy immediately pursued aggressive legal action against organized crime, effectively revoking any agreements previously established with these groups.

Giancana and the mob were furious at this treachery, resulting in theories implicating the CIA and the mob in Jack Kennedy’s subsequent assassination. Along the way the book also explores such things as Jack Kennedy’s bad health, his addiction to potent pain killers, how the Kennedys surrounded themselves with enablers of their bad behavior and who helped squash the press around such things as the potential arrangements for the murder of Marilyn Monroe by Bobby Kennedy.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless provided me with some info on the Kennedy family that I wasn't familiar. (Although - honestly - I haven't read a tremendous amount about the Kennedy family.) Mike Rothmiller definitely drops some bombshells.

The first part of the book is more about Joe Kennedy than JFK, but the nefarious dealing with ... not only the mob ... but where ever a nefarious dealing could be found (it seemed).

Often I expected/thought that there might be more info associated with some of the info that was dropped, but with the book only being 256 pages, there wasn't a lot of extra detail after my chin hit the floor.

The book seemed to be written by areas of interest, as opposed to sequentially. And seemed to jump a bit, for example chapter 5 (around 30%) was talking about Joe and the Mafia and the chapter ends with "By then JFK was President."

Towards the end of the book (after a quite an extensive review of the JFK shooting) there is a statement (at around 94%) that "if RFK Jr. finds himself in a position to launch a new investigation into the assassinations, as a former organized crime detective, I'd gladly serve as one of his investigators." (It kind of hit me here ... ahh ... that's why this book was written.)

Mike Rothmiller is author (or co-author) and has worked in law enforcement for decades including 10 years with LAPD and 5 years as a deep undercover detective within the Organized Crime Intelligence Division.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers for approving my request to review the advance review copy of Reckless in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Towards the end of this book, the author says, "Finding a life so unbelievable, no screenwriter would dare crush the story of JFK into such a short lifetime. Reality, reckless and shameful as it is, imposes no such limits." This sums up the book and the short life of JFK very well.

Joe Kennedy made his millions with no respect for law or morality and when Joe Jr died in the war, John Fitzgerald was moved up to the son who would be pushed towards the White House. There is a lot in this book that might be known to those who have read biographies of JFK but there is much that is new and having it all laid out in black and white in one volume, does make the whole thing quite shocking. The infidelity was known but I didn’t realise the scale, the brazen nature of his treatment of women (especially Marilyn Monroe), and the way the press colluded in covering it up.

The assassination is well covered and it becomes obvious that it wasn’t Lee Harvey Oswald working alone. If nothing else, you’re left wondering why the CIA lied so much and from day one.

It does seem an unreal story and it’s shocking that one family could have so much heartache. There was a furore at the time that a Catholic had been elected to the White House but it seems that JFK hadn’t ever learned the ten commandments.

The book has Sinatra, Peter Lawford (what an ending the book has for him!), Sammy Davis Jr, Bobby Kennedy, and a variety of other interesting characters. I got a lot from this book and it does help to explain why we are still so fascinated by Camelot even after all these years.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

[Jen James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been intrigued by JFK, the images of his assassination are etched into our collective memory. The stoic Jackie in her blood stained suit, and Marilyn, forever tragically linked, and judged. Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby, so many conspiracy theories are still discussed today.

This book doesn’t spare the punches. From the very first page, it is enlightening and brutally honest. It certainly takes the shine off the Kennedy name. It lays bare the lack of moral fibre within this family, specifically in the male line. Joe Kennedy Snr, the father was very rooted in the criminal classes, the money that his enterprises yielded, formed the bedrock of the Kennedy political empire.

The pages are densely packed with detail. So many infamous names of the Prohibition era and beyond, are featured. As these are discussed, so many murky details become clear. It is surprising that over 60 years after JFK’s assassination, over a century after his birth, there are still so many documents that are hidden from our sight; which makes me very naive, I’m sure.

I was a little surprised by the extent of the family’s connection with organised crime. In some respects, it is a very old story, of money buying power, then that power is used to erase ugly truths from the collective consciousness; to buy respectability. Reckless is a comprehensive, deep dive into this dark and seedy family.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless: Sex, Lies and JFK is an interesting tale of the Kennedy men but mostly JFK. It is always interesting to read such books about well-known men of power and realize we hardly knew them. But this was still a time when deference was given, thankfully no longer.

The story begins with Joseph Kennedy, father of the famous family and his escapades of dishonesty and partnerships with the mafia. He set the example for his sons to be less than honest, womanizing to any female available, and yet projecting an image of devout Catholics for all to believe.

JFK's health was much worse than what we believed and likely was hidden as FDR's until it could no longer be withheld. JFK was lucky enough to be able to have a team around him that hid the truth and kept him medicated.

The corruption of power and power of corruption is hardly a surprise as we see this over and over again with every administration,

The book is highly detailed with many familiar names of the past. With the slow release of documents perhaps one day we will know the whole of it.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There has been a flurry of new books about the Kennedys recently & I, for one, am all for it. This book is a look at the seamier side of the Kennedys & there's plenty of material. With all the rumoured affairs & trysts, I'm surprised JFK had any time left to devote to Presidential duties! I found the first section the most difficult to read as it mainly concerned patriarch, Joseph Kennedy, & I can't stand him. Later sections were mainly about JFK (& RFK to a lesser extent) & how their father's rumoured earlier entanglements with the Mafia came back to haunt them. It's a very interesting book & well-written but it's probably not for you if you think the Kennedys could do no wrong. 4.5 stars (rounded down)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Ad Lib Publishers, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Chet Slonina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to challenge the mysticism of Camelot and JFK's saintly life. I really have to get a list of all the books that are mentioned in this tale as validating fact finding. One truth in this book is that as we get further and further away from the history o the time, more and more comes into light with the Freedom of Information Act though some of the information, as in the Kennedy Library, is only available with limited access if at all. Kennedy's lifestyle, medical conditions and his take on governing surprises the reader with startling information. It certainly changes one's thinking as is this something that always was and if so, how was it missed. Read this to form an opinion regarding this one of the most charismatic Presidents of all time.

[Zuzu Burford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's confront the Reckless narrative head-on. This is a history that we either did not know about or chose to ignore: Joe Kennedy founded a completely decadent and dishonest family, which persisted for decades before John F. Kennedy emerged as the most significant figure to lead the Western World as president.
Try to figure out how this was permitted to go on as long as it did, with insiders and hangers-on supporting JFK every step of the way, and you'll be astounded page after page.
We are really grateful to Rothmiller and Thompson for their tireless research and for sharing this true story with the world.
An independent review for NetGalley / Ad Lib Publishers

[John E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revealing

The majority of Americans are aware of the Kennedy’s questionable securities dealings as well their bootleg empire. Most people do not realize the extent the entire family was connected with the mafia. President Kennedy’s deteriorating health and his countless sex scandals are common knowledge. However, few people know that the mafia actually assisted Kennedy in voter fraud in Chicago. This book is worth reading and appears credible. I am uncertain of the author’s assertion that the CIA assisted in the assimilation of JFK and RFK but he has provided credible sources.

[Candy Galindo · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book portrays JFK to be a completely amoral womanizer with no redeeming qualities except looks, charm and a rich connected father. basically JFK is all smoke and mirrors with an image and legacy created by Papa Joe. I have read other books which while acknowledging his womanizing ways and criminal connections, do give him credit for formulating policies and having passionate beliefs. I did learn some new information regarding the CIA and FBI's actions during the assassination investigation. something is to be said for why many years later, when all parties involved are dead, documents are still not being released

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an eye opening read(listen) for me. Everything involving the Kennedy's has always piqued my interest so when I saw this book I knew I had to delve into it. Jack led a wild life! Wild! I had heard some of what was mentioned but my gosh I was still shocked by just how much he was involved in. I've read a few books that talked about his assassination also so hearing this talk about the logistics of a possible second shooter was interesting.

[Leandra Arroyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A messy outline of JFK’s life beginning with his father and his father’s connections with the mafia. I knew this book was going to be about the scandals of JFK, but I was not ready for just how icky of a sex addicted man he was or how he “earned” his presidential title. I listened to the audiobook, so I’m not sure about any sources or credibility. I have been thinking about this version of events all day though, and now I want to do even more digging!

[Brooke Christian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not unaware that there would be a lot of sex in this book. But I think the authors relied on salacious details over substance. And the first quarter being focused on Joe Kennedy and his escapades made the book drag. The chapter about how Kennedy won West Virginia was interesting. While the final chapter was full of accusations, speculations, and opinions, there were some compelling points included.

[Karl Wardlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was lots of information in this book that I didn't know such as the activities of the father Joe Kennnedy.

I had no idea of JFK's various health ailments until reading this book. The connections of him and his father to The Mafia are also rather interesting.

Recommended read.

Thank you for the advance review copy.

[Valerie Wahlstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't alive when JFK was assassinated, but after reading this book, my idea of his character has totally changed. I had no idea that his family was so involved with the mob and he was such a womanizer. If half of this book is true, they were able to really cover up his misdeeds. His behavior would not be tolerated today.

[Dr. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about the Kennedys before reading this book and oh dear!

This is a well researched book on the Kennedy family and their history, which is tinted with some rather shocking twists and turns.

This was an easy read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to dive deep into this family’s tumultuous past.

[Christine Zalimeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. I am sure the assassination was committed by more than Lee Oswald. I don’t think that’s a spoiler. I believe it was covered up. Need I say more? A lot of names of people I do not know, so I was constantly referencing them and looking up their names. But all in all a good book!

[Judi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening, interesting and spellbinding

From the first page to the last it held my interest. While fairly knowledgeable about JFK's history this book provided an enormous amount of evidence of which I was previously unaware.

[W · Rating 2 out of 5]

If Kennedy spent a tenth more thinking with his brain instead of his todger he might still be alive today

[Jay Tapia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information was good but the way the book reads is like a person who is trying to give you the top headlines of the news and it’s frustrating because it’s not truly good emotionally..