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Curse of the Blumenthals
Over three generations of whispered secrets, crime, and lies in a Jewish-American family.
The Blumenthals are one of millions of Eastern European Jewish families who immigrated to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. Settling in Providence, Rhode Island, they grow and prosper. During Prohibition, the Blumenthals become bootleggers—starting their fraught history with alcohol and crime. Once Prohibition is repealed, Barney Blumenthal opens a liquor store in Boston. Life is good—until fate intervenes.
In May 1935, a drunk driver takes the lives of six Blumenthals, including three children. Horrific photos run in newspapers across the country. Six months later, Ronnie Blumenthal is a phoenix rising from the ashes of devastation, a golden child upon whose blond head the family’s hopes and dreams are placed. He grows into a handsome and spoiled teenager, driving a fast convertible and surrounded by beautiful girls. The Blumenthal legacy is resurrected—until one July night in 1954, when he is arrested for murder.
The victim is his mother’s seamstress, who was allegedly having an affair with his father. Newspaper and TV coverage is relentless. Ronnie pleads guilty, yet dark questions remain unanswered. Upon Ronnie’s release from prison, his drunken behavior causes the family—who faithfully visited him behind bars—to finally wash their hands of him. At the end of his life, not one family member will contribute to his funeral. The once golden child is buried in a pauper’s grave, etching the Blumenthal curse in stone.
A decade later, New York Times bestselling author Phyllis Karas, a Blumenthal cousin, uses her well-honed instincts as a journalist to peel back layers of long-hidden family secrets. Karas sensitively chronicles the generational trauma affecting Phillip and Rose Blumenthal’s six children and their children—the fifteen Blumenthal cousins—who were left to build their lives in the fallout. The Blumenthals’ story proves that, by learning from the past with care and love, curses can be broken.
The Blumenthals are one of millions of Eastern European Jewish families who immigrated to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. Settling in Providence, Rhode Island, they grow and prosper. During Prohibition, the Blumenthals become bootleggers—starting their fraught history with alcohol and crime. Once Prohibition is repealed, Barney Blumenthal opens a liquor store in Boston. Life is good—until fate intervenes.
In May 1935, a drunk driver takes the lives of six Blumenthals, including three children. Horrific photos run in newspapers across the country. Six months later, Ronnie Blumenthal is a phoenix rising from the ashes of devastation, a golden child upon whose blond head the family’s hopes and dreams are placed. He grows into a handsome and spoiled teenager, driving a fast convertible and surrounded by beautiful girls. The Blumenthal legacy is resurrected—until one July night in 1954, when he is arrested for murder.
The victim is his mother’s seamstress, who was allegedly having an affair with his father. Newspaper and TV coverage is relentless. Ronnie pleads guilty, yet dark questions remain unanswered. Upon Ronnie’s release from prison, his drunken behavior causes the family—who faithfully visited him behind bars—to finally wash their hands of him. At the end of his life, not one family member will contribute to his funeral. The once golden child is buried in a pauper’s grave, etching the Blumenthal curse in stone.
A decade later, New York Times bestselling author Phyllis Karas, a Blumenthal cousin, uses her well-honed instincts as a journalist to peel back layers of long-hidden family secrets. Karas sensitively chronicles the generational trauma affecting Phillip and Rose Blumenthal’s six children and their children—the fifteen Blumenthal cousins—who were left to build their lives in the fallout. The Blumenthals’ story proves that, by learning from the past with care and love, curses can be broken.
- GenresTrue Crime
371 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Phyllis Karas
16 books7 followersPhyllis Karas is a contributor to People magazine and an adjunct professor at the Boston University School of Journalism. She lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Early on while reading this book, I almost stopped reading due to various problems with it but decided to continue reading until the end. I wish I had stopped. By the end, I regretted spending so much reading time learning all about the life of a man who killed a woman by stabbing her and bashing her head in with a rolling pin. I also regretted once again reading a memoir/biography about an author’s family, when the family was not that intriguing.
In addition, author Phyllis Karas seemed obsessed by a car crash that killed six family members in 1935. She wrote on and on about it throughout the book, repetitiously bringing up the same details. She was enraged about it and apparently thought the reader should also feel such rage. She thought the drunk Irish Catholic driver’s jail sentence was a joke, and she wished he had never been born.
Yet she was so happy when her killer cousin’s life sentence was reduced to less than 13 years. (He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder to keep from possibly being electrocuted.) There was also chapter after chapter about his prison years told in such a kind and forgiving way, as if the reader should simply forget why he was ever sent to prison. After that, there was chapter after chapter about his life after prison.
Then, when there was really nothing left to say about post prison life, Ms. Karas described the life of the killer’s son, focusing on his relationship with his father, and all he knew about his father's life. Enough! Enough about a man who viciously murdered a woman and bragged about it. This was not a captivating true crime story, or a story about a fascinating family. It was a typical type Jewish family that was not cursed, but one where members lived imperfect lives, and bad decisions were made by more than one member.
I do not know who is encouraging such family type stories and memoirs. Editors? Agents? Writing instructors? Maybe it’s time to start discouraging such writings, if the book is going to be released to the general public. Unless one is a member of the royal family, or is like a Kennedy or a Kardashian, it’s probably best to realize one’s love or hate for one’s family members is not contagious. Loving all family members, regardless of what they may have done, is apparently what Phyllis Karas considers most important in life. Fine, but such love does not necessarily make a page-turning story.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.)
In addition, author Phyllis Karas seemed obsessed by a car crash that killed six family members in 1935. She wrote on and on about it throughout the book, repetitiously bringing up the same details. She was enraged about it and apparently thought the reader should also feel such rage. She thought the drunk Irish Catholic driver’s jail sentence was a joke, and she wished he had never been born.
Yet she was so happy when her killer cousin’s life sentence was reduced to less than 13 years. (He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder to keep from possibly being electrocuted.) There was also chapter after chapter about his prison years told in such a kind and forgiving way, as if the reader should simply forget why he was ever sent to prison. After that, there was chapter after chapter about his life after prison.
Then, when there was really nothing left to say about post prison life, Ms. Karas described the life of the killer’s son, focusing on his relationship with his father, and all he knew about his father's life. Enough! Enough about a man who viciously murdered a woman and bragged about it. This was not a captivating true crime story, or a story about a fascinating family. It was a typical type Jewish family that was not cursed, but one where members lived imperfect lives, and bad decisions were made by more than one member.
I do not know who is encouraging such family type stories and memoirs. Editors? Agents? Writing instructors? Maybe it’s time to start discouraging such writings, if the book is going to be released to the general public. Unless one is a member of the royal family, or is like a Kennedy or a Kardashian, it’s probably best to realize one’s love or hate for one’s family members is not contagious. Loving all family members, regardless of what they may have done, is apparently what Phyllis Karas considers most important in life. Fine, but such love does not necessarily make a page-turning story.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Three generations of journalist Phyllis Karas's family are marked by two great tragedies - the car crash which killed six members of the family, and the murder committed by the first grandchild born after that accident hardly twenty years later.
This is an interesting mash-up of a book - part family history, part true crime, and sometimes even a scrapbook. Karas dives into the crimes which impacted her family, whether they were those who committed them or the victims, studying how their effects rippled through the extended family.
I don't think I've read a book quite like this before - most memoirs will get into the warts and all of their writers, but Curse of the Blumentals tells the story of the family and the bonds between its members, and how they are affected by several tragic events over the decades. Though Karas clearly is fond of her enormous and fairly close-knit family, she is not afraid to explore how they may have contributed to the events which in turn shaped their own futures. It's this honesty combined with the truly major crimes which impacted the Blumentals which makes this a compelling read.
I did notice some passages in the second half book got a bit repetitive, though, which really should have been excised by an editor. And while Karas does do her very best to stay objective - and I think does an excellent job of it when it comes to those outsiders who were drawn into the family histories as villains and victims alike - it becomes noticeably harder to do so when it comes to those within the family circle. Of course, Karas does in some part admit this herself, but I did find myself curious about how other members of the family's comments might differ on the same person or the same incident.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is an interesting mash-up of a book - part family history, part true crime, and sometimes even a scrapbook. Karas dives into the crimes which impacted her family, whether they were those who committed them or the victims, studying how their effects rippled through the extended family.
I don't think I've read a book quite like this before - most memoirs will get into the warts and all of their writers, but Curse of the Blumentals tells the story of the family and the bonds between its members, and how they are affected by several tragic events over the decades. Though Karas clearly is fond of her enormous and fairly close-knit family, she is not afraid to explore how they may have contributed to the events which in turn shaped their own futures. It's this honesty combined with the truly major crimes which impacted the Blumentals which makes this a compelling read.
I did notice some passages in the second half book got a bit repetitive, though, which really should have been excised by an editor. And while Karas does do her very best to stay objective - and I think does an excellent job of it when it comes to those outsiders who were drawn into the family histories as villains and victims alike - it becomes noticeably harder to do so when it comes to those within the family circle. Of course, Karas does in some part admit this herself, but I did find myself curious about how other members of the family's comments might differ on the same person or the same incident.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In May 1935, tragedy strikes the Blumenthals when a car carrying 6 members of the family (including 3 children), is struck by a drunk driver. All 6 of the Blumenthals are killed whilst the other driver & passengers get away with relatively minor injuries.
The birth of Ronnie Blumenthal 6 months later seems to herald a new beginning after the devastation, & he grows up into a handsome young man with seemingly a great future ahead of him. Instead. in July 1954. Ronnie is arrested for murder.
This is a great example of family history research & true crime written in an engaging style. The first half is more interesting than the second as, after serving time for the murder, Ronnie didn't make the most of a second chance upon his release from prison. It seemed less like a curse & more like a series of poor decisions from someone who originally had everything going for them.
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - Great example of family history & true crime research.
Writing Style: Good - Written in an engaging style.
Enjoyment Level: Moderately High - The first half was more interesting than the second half. Rather than a curse it seemed more like a series of poor decisions from someone who had everything going for them.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Post Hill Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The birth of Ronnie Blumenthal 6 months later seems to herald a new beginning after the devastation, & he grows up into a handsome young man with seemingly a great future ahead of him. Instead. in July 1954. Ronnie is arrested for murder.
This is a great example of family history research & true crime written in an engaging style. The first half is more interesting than the second as, after serving time for the murder, Ronnie didn't make the most of a second chance upon his release from prison. It seemed less like a curse & more like a series of poor decisions from someone who originally had everything going for them.
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - Great example of family history & true crime research.
Writing Style: Good - Written in an engaging style.
Enjoyment Level: Moderately High - The first half was more interesting than the second half. Rather than a curse it seemed more like a series of poor decisions from someone who had everything going for them.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Post Hill Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Curse of the Blumenthals by Phyllis Karas felt like an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. The story of such an extremely large family, combined with the many tragedies and conflicts that affected them, was both saddening and shocking. As the narrative unfolded, it became clear just how complicated and painful many of their lives were.
Ronnie’s life story stood out and seemed to take up much of the book. Learning more about him and seeing how deeply disturbed he was helped explain some of the darker events that occurred. While it was difficult to read at times, it also made his actions and struggles more understandable within the context of the family’s history.
One thing I appreciated about the author’s approach was her ability to present the many tragedies that happened to the family in a way that humanized everyone involved. Even when discussing the people responsible for harm, the book tried to explore their point of view rather than simply portraying them as villains. That made the story feel more complex and realistic.
The writing style was clear and easy to follow, which helped keep such a complicated family story understandable. I was hooked from the introduction and never lost interest as the story progressed. Overall, it was a gripping and emotionally intense read that stayed with me after I finished it.
Ronnie’s life story stood out and seemed to take up much of the book. Learning more about him and seeing how deeply disturbed he was helped explain some of the darker events that occurred. While it was difficult to read at times, it also made his actions and struggles more understandable within the context of the family’s history.
One thing I appreciated about the author’s approach was her ability to present the many tragedies that happened to the family in a way that humanized everyone involved. Even when discussing the people responsible for harm, the book tried to explore their point of view rather than simply portraying them as villains. That made the story feel more complex and realistic.
The writing style was clear and easy to follow, which helped keep such a complicated family story understandable. I was hooked from the introduction and never lost interest as the story progressed. Overall, it was a gripping and emotionally intense read that stayed with me after I finished it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Curse of the Blumenthals is the story of how a family faced a tragedy and tried to rise from the ashes. Author Phyllis Karas, employed her skills as a journalist to research her family history to expose the facts behind the family lore and try to bring justice to her ancestors.
The family is cursed says the author by two incidents 30 years apart. A tragic car accident and a murder. The author spend the book laying out the details of each tragedy and how the family is involved. She, in the end, tries to tie the two together but it is a very loose thread. The story is interesting to read as a family memoir. All families are similar though the events through their lives may differ. It is the closeness and the support this family offers its members that makes it stand out.
The family is cursed says the author by two incidents 30 years apart. A tragic car accident and a murder. The author spend the book laying out the details of each tragedy and how the family is involved. She, in the end, tries to tie the two together but it is a very loose thread. The story is interesting to read as a family memoir. All families are similar though the events through their lives may differ. It is the closeness and the support this family offers its members that makes it stand out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fascinating story this was. It was a page-turner for me, staying up late to read it. This family was struck by a huge tragedy back in 1935 when a drunk driver hit them, killing 6 family members. It had many repercussions throughout this large family for the remainder of their lives, sadly. There was a new baby in the family some months later, a boy named Ronnie that everyone seemingly pinned all their hopes on for a new beginning. But tragedy struck again in 1954 when Ronnie is arrested for murder.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a harrowing true story about the Blumenthal family. I found it fascinating and very hard to put down. It will suit true crime fans, but certainly not short of twist and turns as the family legacy progresses through the book. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews