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The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright: The True Story of Mass Murder in Paradise
The scandal. The genius. The murder that shocked America.
Frank Lloyd Wright was more than the mind behind America's most iconic buildings—he was a man whose turbulent private life captivated a nation. The famous architect's stormy marriage to Kitty Wright and his infamous affair with another woman, Mamah Borthwick, ignited one of the country's first celebrity scandals, splashed across headlines from coast to coast.
Then, in August 1914, scandal turned to horror. A tragedy at Taliesin, the Wisconsin home Wright built as a monument to love, shook the very foundation of Wright's life—and catapulted him back to the front pages of newspapers across the country as readers clamored for glimpses of his very darkest moments.
In The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright, New York Times bestselling author Casey Sherman delves beyond the myth of Wright's genius to reveal a man of relentless ambition, consuming passion, and devastating loss. With haunting intimacy and propulsive storytelling, Sherman delivers a portrait of an artist who could not escape the shadows of his own making—and who rose, again and again, from the ashes.
Frank Lloyd Wright was more than the mind behind America's most iconic buildings—he was a man whose turbulent private life captivated a nation. The famous architect's stormy marriage to Kitty Wright and his infamous affair with another woman, Mamah Borthwick, ignited one of the country's first celebrity scandals, splashed across headlines from coast to coast.
Then, in August 1914, scandal turned to horror. A tragedy at Taliesin, the Wisconsin home Wright built as a monument to love, shook the very foundation of Wright's life—and catapulted him back to the front pages of newspapers across the country as readers clamored for glimpses of his very darkest moments.
In The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright, New York Times bestselling author Casey Sherman delves beyond the myth of Wright's genius to reveal a man of relentless ambition, consuming passion, and devastating loss. With haunting intimacy and propulsive storytelling, Sherman delivers a portrait of an artist who could not escape the shadows of his own making—and who rose, again and again, from the ashes.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Casey Sherman
27 books262 followersCasey Sherman is a New York Times Bestselling Author of 13 books including The Finest Hours (now a major motion picture starring Casey Affleck & Chris Pine), Boston Strong (the basis for the film Patriots Day starring Mark Wahlberg), Animal & Hunting Whitey.
Sherman is also the author of 12, Search for the Strangler, Animal, Bad Blood, Black Irish, Black Dragon, Above & Beyond and The Ice Bucket Challenge.
Sherman is a contributing writer for TIME, Esquire, Washington Post, Boston Herald and Boston Magazine and has appeared as a guest an analyst on more than 100 television news programs.
Sherman is a graduate of Barnstable High School (Cape Cod), Fryeburg Academy (Fryeburg, Me.) and Boston University.
Sherman is also the author of 12, Search for the Strangler, Animal, Bad Blood, Black Irish, Black Dragon, Above & Beyond and The Ice Bucket Challenge.
Sherman is a contributing writer for TIME, Esquire, Washington Post, Boston Herald and Boston Magazine and has appeared as a guest an analyst on more than 100 television news programs.
Sherman is a graduate of Barnstable High School (Cape Cod), Fryeburg Academy (Fryeburg, Me.) and Boston University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
May 1, 2026
This just wasn’t good. I found myself skimming at multiple points in an attempt to get through it. The title alone was incredibly misleading - “Mass Murder in Paradise, The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright” yet the topic of the murders was the smallest portion of the book. This book should not be labeled as true crime, but rather a biography. This is an exhaustive telling of what a horny, self-centered, and entitled man Frank was. This book focused so much on his romantic relationships rather than much detail of the murders with his architectural feats thrown in. Additionally, I would’ve expected to hear more of the authors own voice than just a ton of bits and pieces glued together from other works. In fact, the bibliography may have even been longer than the murder portion of the book.
May 23, 2026
2.75/5
A fairly short account of the life of Frank Lloyd Wright with a focus on the murders that occurred at one of his homes.
I knew of FLW from school but only knew small handful of facts. I was surprised when no one else in my family (parents grandparents siblings and kids) had heard of him or any of his work. So it might not be shocking to learn I didn’t know much of anything about him as a person.
This book is not comprehensive, but it’s a quick overview with an emphasis on a few key years and events. If you’re looking for high level l, this will work, but it does miss out on a lot. At one point, Sherman very casually mentions FLW is the most popular architect in the US and up to this point he only mentions about 4-5 five homes FLW worked on. So I had to pause and try to grapple with this and did my own research to find just how many homes FLW design and were built. And then I realize it’s 20 years of his life in in those short chapters.
If you have an interest in the architecture, this book delves into a few key homes and does provide some insights but it’s severely lacking a lot. I wish there had been a least more dedicated to explaining how many works he designed and maybe locations and names but it’s not even mentioned as far I can remember.
Once Mamah is introduced there’s little to no architecture other then about Taliesin. The focus shifts to the coverage of tabloid like drama in FLW’s life that leads up to the events causally mentioned at the beginning - a fire at Taliesin. This part tries to reiterate how terrible the news coverage was and how it affected FLW and the dangers of sensationalism but it also feels like it leans into being scandalous especially with the title of the book and it being such a central focus.
After this, the book still continues on but still condensed. The focus is on Miriam and their life in Japan and the ongoing tribulations FLW experiences along with more news scandal. If casually mentions Fallingwater, Taliesin West and the Guggenheim in the last few pages.
This makes the pacing so funky. If the goal is the focus on the scandal and the murders I feel like a final chapter highlighting his key events would make way more sense then drawing out the last 40% of the book and still abruptly condensing the last 30-40 years of his life into so few pages anyway.
Not only that the books gets repetitive with how certain events are recalled and it’s very unnecessary.
Another problem is that this book is not polished or professional. If has weird idioms and phrases and an informal conversation like tone that makes the book read like a high school paper. Even the paragraph and chapter structure is juvenile.
For some reason almost every single chapter ends with a hint or straight up reveal what is going to happen next. I couldn’t help but think of those click bait style headlines - you won’t believe what happens next - type structure or sometimes it would just say what happens and then you have to still read 4-5 pages of it. It ruins any type of buildup and is completely unnecessary in NF writing. I don’t need chapter ending cliff hangers to create suspense.
The book is well researched and I think the last 25% of the book is sources. And after awhile the sophomoric tone becomes less pronounced.
Overall, if you are looking for the bare minimum architecture and want to know about FLW personal life and the scandals that followed and the tragedies then this is a decent read. Since it’s informal and written at a lower reading level it’s a fast read for the most part. If you are looking for a more balanced approach to his life with more details on the 500+ homes and buildings FLW designed and were built this is a letdown with only having 10-15 mentioned.
Bottom line I think you can find more polished and professional books about Frank Lloyd Wright m, one that feels less sensationalized than this one. I did learn a lot so I don’t want to take away the level of work Sherman did put into the pages it just wasn’t my style of writing I like in my non-fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and sourcebooks for providing an ARC of the book.
A fairly short account of the life of Frank Lloyd Wright with a focus on the murders that occurred at one of his homes.
I knew of FLW from school but only knew small handful of facts. I was surprised when no one else in my family (parents grandparents siblings and kids) had heard of him or any of his work. So it might not be shocking to learn I didn’t know much of anything about him as a person.
This book is not comprehensive, but it’s a quick overview with an emphasis on a few key years and events. If you’re looking for high level l, this will work, but it does miss out on a lot. At one point, Sherman very casually mentions FLW is the most popular architect in the US and up to this point he only mentions about 4-5 five homes FLW worked on. So I had to pause and try to grapple with this and did my own research to find just how many homes FLW design and were built. And then I realize it’s 20 years of his life in in those short chapters.
If you have an interest in the architecture, this book delves into a few key homes and does provide some insights but it’s severely lacking a lot. I wish there had been a least more dedicated to explaining how many works he designed and maybe locations and names but it’s not even mentioned as far I can remember.
Once Mamah is introduced there’s little to no architecture other then about Taliesin. The focus shifts to the coverage of tabloid like drama in FLW’s life that leads up to the events causally mentioned at the beginning - a fire at Taliesin. This part tries to reiterate how terrible the news coverage was and how it affected FLW and the dangers of sensationalism but it also feels like it leans into being scandalous especially with the title of the book and it being such a central focus.
After this, the book still continues on but still condensed. The focus is on Miriam and their life in Japan and the ongoing tribulations FLW experiences along with more news scandal. If casually mentions Fallingwater, Taliesin West and the Guggenheim in the last few pages.
This makes the pacing so funky. If the goal is the focus on the scandal and the murders I feel like a final chapter highlighting his key events would make way more sense then drawing out the last 40% of the book and still abruptly condensing the last 30-40 years of his life into so few pages anyway.
Not only that the books gets repetitive with how certain events are recalled and it’s very unnecessary.
Another problem is that this book is not polished or professional. If has weird idioms and phrases and an informal conversation like tone that makes the book read like a high school paper. Even the paragraph and chapter structure is juvenile.
For some reason almost every single chapter ends with a hint or straight up reveal what is going to happen next. I couldn’t help but think of those click bait style headlines - you won’t believe what happens next - type structure or sometimes it would just say what happens and then you have to still read 4-5 pages of it. It ruins any type of buildup and is completely unnecessary in NF writing. I don’t need chapter ending cliff hangers to create suspense.
The book is well researched and I think the last 25% of the book is sources. And after awhile the sophomoric tone becomes less pronounced.
Overall, if you are looking for the bare minimum architecture and want to know about FLW personal life and the scandals that followed and the tragedies then this is a decent read. Since it’s informal and written at a lower reading level it’s a fast read for the most part. If you are looking for a more balanced approach to his life with more details on the 500+ homes and buildings FLW designed and were built this is a letdown with only having 10-15 mentioned.
Bottom line I think you can find more polished and professional books about Frank Lloyd Wright m, one that feels less sensationalized than this one. I did learn a lot so I don’t want to take away the level of work Sherman did put into the pages it just wasn’t my style of writing I like in my non-fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and sourcebooks for providing an ARC of the book.
September 6, 2026
The title is misleading. This is a short biography of Frank Lloyd Wright up to his marriage to Olgivanna Milanoff. The most compelling part of the book was the killer’s rampage, but there is very little on the killer:Julian Carlton.
If you know little about this gifted architect this book is a good place to start. It is readable and covers his life through his first two marriages. After this there is cursory mention of his third marriage, his establishment in Arizona and subsequent projects.
While author, Casey Sherman, has the best description I’ve read about what “the killer” did, his arrest and his “prosecution” but very little about Julian Carlton. In “Plagued by Fire: The Dreams and Furies of Frank Lloyd Wright author Paul Hendrickson tries to discover his past, visiting his home town, his last prior residence in Chicago and the few places he was known to have been. He finds there is very little to know.
The book has a few b&w photos. There are notes by chapter. There is no index. There is a discussion guide for book clubs and reading groups.
If you know little about this gifted architect this book is a good place to start. It is readable and covers his life through his first two marriages. After this there is cursory mention of his third marriage, his establishment in Arizona and subsequent projects.
While author, Casey Sherman, has the best description I’ve read about what “the killer” did, his arrest and his “prosecution” but very little about Julian Carlton. In “Plagued by Fire: The Dreams and Furies of Frank Lloyd Wright author Paul Hendrickson tries to discover his past, visiting his home town, his last prior residence in Chicago and the few places he was known to have been. He finds there is very little to know.
The book has a few b&w photos. There are notes by chapter. There is no index. There is a discussion guide for book clubs and reading groups.
July 22, 2026
“The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright: The True Story of Mass Murder in Paradise” by Casey Sherman is part non-fiction biography and part true crime. “Killer” tells the story of the legendary, iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright, from his childhood up on through his many professional successes, but it also details the heartbreaking crime that completely rocked Wright’s world.
Both parts of this story are extremely compelling. I loved hearing about Wright, his genius and his rise to fame, but also, his flaws and his faults. Wright, like most geniuses, was an adulterer and a narcissist, who struggled with debt for most of his life. Married three times, his romantic life was rocky and unpredictable and his romantic dalliances were often featured in the press, like a modern-day celebrity. The tragedy comes when his beloved wife, Mamah, and his household staff, including two of Mamah’s children, are brutally murdered by a man who worked as a servant for Wright. There is some speculation around why the crime was committed- was Wright, who had many enemies, targeted? Was the man who committed the slaying mentally unwell, as his own wife claimed? “Killer” ensures that all of these theories are examined although the motive is still unclear to this day.
Sherman’s writing is addictive and flowing. He writes chronologically, ensuring that readers are easily able to follow along with Wright’s life, before, during and after the tragedy. Sherman uses portions of Wright’s own memoir to speak to Wright’s frame of mind during certain life experiences, ensuring “Killer” is as truthful and honest as possible.
Obviously, I knew about Frank Lloyd Wright, at least the very bare minimum, but Sherman’s “Killer” provided me with so much more information that I was able to form opinions and feel genuine feelings of sympathy for the eccentric, arrogant and self-obsessed father of architecture.
“Killer” is equally as much a non-fiction biography as it is true crime, so it appeals to a wide audience. The killer himself was caught, but the mystery lies in his motivations and, since that was never determined, readers shouldn’t expect all of the answers to be found within the pages.
Whether you have background knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright or not, “Killer” is a thrilling story of genius, romance and murder and, best of all, every event outlined therein is true. Sherman is a creative storyteller, penning many true crime stories, like “Helltown: The Untold Story of Serial Murder on Cape Cod” and “A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown's Most Shocking Crime”, and he is at the top of my must-read author lists for true crime and books like “Killer” confirm the reason why.
Both parts of this story are extremely compelling. I loved hearing about Wright, his genius and his rise to fame, but also, his flaws and his faults. Wright, like most geniuses, was an adulterer and a narcissist, who struggled with debt for most of his life. Married three times, his romantic life was rocky and unpredictable and his romantic dalliances were often featured in the press, like a modern-day celebrity. The tragedy comes when his beloved wife, Mamah, and his household staff, including two of Mamah’s children, are brutally murdered by a man who worked as a servant for Wright. There is some speculation around why the crime was committed- was Wright, who had many enemies, targeted? Was the man who committed the slaying mentally unwell, as his own wife claimed? “Killer” ensures that all of these theories are examined although the motive is still unclear to this day.
Sherman’s writing is addictive and flowing. He writes chronologically, ensuring that readers are easily able to follow along with Wright’s life, before, during and after the tragedy. Sherman uses portions of Wright’s own memoir to speak to Wright’s frame of mind during certain life experiences, ensuring “Killer” is as truthful and honest as possible.
Obviously, I knew about Frank Lloyd Wright, at least the very bare minimum, but Sherman’s “Killer” provided me with so much more information that I was able to form opinions and feel genuine feelings of sympathy for the eccentric, arrogant and self-obsessed father of architecture.
“Killer” is equally as much a non-fiction biography as it is true crime, so it appeals to a wide audience. The killer himself was caught, but the mystery lies in his motivations and, since that was never determined, readers shouldn’t expect all of the answers to be found within the pages.
Whether you have background knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright or not, “Killer” is a thrilling story of genius, romance and murder and, best of all, every event outlined therein is true. Sherman is a creative storyteller, penning many true crime stories, like “Helltown: The Untold Story of Serial Murder on Cape Cod” and “A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown's Most Shocking Crime”, and he is at the top of my must-read author lists for true crime and books like “Killer” confirm the reason why.
Read
June 9, 2026You may know Frank Lloyd Wright for the mark he left on architecture, but did you know how tumultuous his personal life was? Casey Sherman provides a quick glimpse at the life of this legendary architect and educator by documenting his triumphs, love life, professional missteps, personal scandals, and the unfortunate tragedy that occurred at Taliesin in 1914. Sherman's cinematic pacing and quick chapters immerse you in the historical context and help you gain a better understanding not only of Wright but also of his companions, notably Mamah Borthwick.
Overall, I did love learning about all of the things (good and bad) associated with Frank Lloyd Wright; however, I do wish the killing had been more central to the text. It felt like a blip, with the bulk of the book focusing more on the general scandal of affairs, divorces, and marriages. I wish the title had been edited to more closely reflect the broader net the book was casting. Loved the writing style, but it left me wanting a bit more focused read or some new developments regarding the 1914 murders.
3.25/5 rounded to 3 stars
Overall, I did love learning about all of the things (good and bad) associated with Frank Lloyd Wright; however, I do wish the killing had been more central to the text. It felt like a blip, with the bulk of the book focusing more on the general scandal of affairs, divorces, and marriages. I wish the title had been edited to more closely reflect the broader net the book was casting. Loved the writing style, but it left me wanting a bit more focused read or some new developments regarding the 1914 murders.
3.25/5 rounded to 3 stars
July 25, 2026
While I have a vague recollection of there being a fire at Taliesin, I don’t remember the tragic murders associated with it. And it turns out that there were 2 fires at Taliesin!
Sherman goes into some detail about Wright’s early life, first marriage, early career, and, of course, his scandalous relationship with Mamah Borthwick. The tale of the “Killer” takes only about 40 pages. Then it feels like a rush through the last 40 years of his life. For a man of genius, he certainly screwed up his personal life! I would have liked more pictures of the buildings he designed. I feel like there’s something missing here. Maybe it’s that the title doesn’t really fit the content. This isn’t really a biography of Wright and there’s not enough content for it to be solely about the tragic murder of the love of his life. Still interesting.
Sherman goes into some detail about Wright’s early life, first marriage, early career, and, of course, his scandalous relationship with Mamah Borthwick. The tale of the “Killer” takes only about 40 pages. Then it feels like a rush through the last 40 years of his life. For a man of genius, he certainly screwed up his personal life! I would have liked more pictures of the buildings he designed. I feel like there’s something missing here. Maybe it’s that the title doesn’t really fit the content. This isn’t really a biography of Wright and there’s not enough content for it to be solely about the tragic murder of the love of his life. Still interesting.
August 31, 2026
Found this book fascinating, how can somebody who designed such elegance and simple structures have such a turbulent life? Maybe they were respite from all that swirled around him. I would have given it a five but, the author said very little about Falling Water, his crowning achievement.
August 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Casey Sherman, and SOURCEBOOKS (non-fiction)/Sourcebooks for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2026
The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright is part biography of Wright and part story about the killer who entered his life, causing chaos and tragedy for everyone involved. This book does a good job with its overview of Frank Lloyd Wright's life. I didn't find the man particularly likable based on the details provided, but it was interesting regardless. I do wish more information had been provided about the murderer and the victims. It felt like more time was spent on the drama of his multiple relationships, which took center stage instead. It took a good while to get to that part of the story, as well. I found myself wanting more info on his actual career, but I think reading a broader memoir about his life would be more suitable for that.
Recommended for fans of nonfiction that reads like a story.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Nonfiction for the #gifted physical copy.
Recommended for fans of nonfiction that reads like a story.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Nonfiction for the #gifted physical copy.
April 11, 2026
4.25 ⭐ ARC Review - A drama-filled story that fascinates and scandalizes as it uncovers the passions, crimes, lies, and true history of the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
🏠 For Fans of:
- biography
- architecture
- behind the curtain
- family drama
- scandals
- podcast-style books
- true crime
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
As someone who took only two history of architecture courses in university, Frank Lloyd Wright is a name that stuck with in. Soon after graduation, I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I found the Meyer May House and Amberg House.
At no point during the Meyer May House tour nor during my classes did they touch upon the scandalous side of this architecture’s life.
Well, let me tell ya!
There are difficult childhoods, debt troubles, lies upon lies, troubled marriages, cheating, and so. many. scandals!
The drama escalates but clearly sets a pattern from childhood to adulthood so as author Casey Sherman draws us closer to the final scandal turned murderous tragedy. But, as it so often does, life goes on and we get to follow along with
I thoroughly enjoyed the way all the information was presented, pulling from properly sourced items (articles, memoir, autobiographies, direct quotes, etc.). It truly read like I was listening to a great podcast with the perfect layout of childhood-youth-adulhood timeline, leaning into the troubles that were caused and pushed upon Wright, and the occasional cheeky phrasing that kept the book scandalous yet endlessly entertaining.
🖤 Thank you to author Casey Sherman, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the free advanced digital copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright: The True Story of Mass Murder in Paradise by Casey Sherman
📅 Release Date: May 26, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.25 out of 5
🏠 For Fans of:
- biography
- architecture
- behind the curtain
- family drama
- scandals
- podcast-style books
- true crime
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
As someone who took only two history of architecture courses in university, Frank Lloyd Wright is a name that stuck with in. Soon after graduation, I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I found the Meyer May House and Amberg House.
At no point during the Meyer May House tour nor during my classes did they touch upon the scandalous side of this architecture’s life.
Well, let me tell ya!
There are difficult childhoods, debt troubles, lies upon lies, troubled marriages, cheating, and so. many. scandals!
The drama escalates but clearly sets a pattern from childhood to adulthood so as author Casey Sherman draws us closer to the final scandal turned murderous tragedy. But, as it so often does, life goes on and we get to follow along with
I thoroughly enjoyed the way all the information was presented, pulling from properly sourced items (articles, memoir, autobiographies, direct quotes, etc.). It truly read like I was listening to a great podcast with the perfect layout of childhood-youth-adulhood timeline, leaning into the troubles that were caused and pushed upon Wright, and the occasional cheeky phrasing that kept the book scandalous yet endlessly entertaining.
🖤 Thank you to author Casey Sherman, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the free advanced digital copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright: The True Story of Mass Murder in Paradise by Casey Sherman
📅 Release Date: May 26, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.25 out of 5
September 1, 2026
Well, they didn’t teach me any of that in my college architectural history classes. This is a fairly linear, pared-down biography of Frank Lloyd Wright that focuses heavily on the scandals and romantic entanglements of his life. It’s not earth-shattering or anything, but it’s juicy, entertaining storytelling—and that felt like enough.
I knew nothing about the scandalous early-20th-century tabloid gossip surrounding Wright. What a strange window into the history of celebrity culture. I did, however, vaguely know about the 1914 massacre at Taliesin—though only through a fleeting Gilmore Girls reference. The account of it here has a cinematic quality and had me on the edge of my seat. Holy shit.
A little rushed at the end, but you know what? Overall I thought it was a good time.
I knew nothing about the scandalous early-20th-century tabloid gossip surrounding Wright. What a strange window into the history of celebrity culture. I did, however, vaguely know about the 1914 massacre at Taliesin—though only through a fleeting Gilmore Girls reference. The account of it here has a cinematic quality and had me on the edge of my seat. Holy shit.
A little rushed at the end, but you know what? Overall I thought it was a good time.
August 26, 2026
I feel like my main takeaway of this book is that I don't like Frank Lloyd Wright.
Read
June 24, 2026I'm not going to rate this book because I didn't finish it BUT I picked up the book and read as far as I did because Frank Lloyd Wright is an interesting historical figure and this book is well written. I just find given the volume of books available and the fact that I read a lovely novel about Frank Lloyd Wright, that this was too repetitive. What did I expect right?
In fairness, if you haven't read a book about Frank Lloyd Wright, and find his life to have been interesting, this book is a great place to learn more.
Recommend.
In fairness, if you haven't read a book about Frank Lloyd Wright, and find his life to have been interesting, this book is a great place to learn more.
Recommend.
June 30, 2026
(2.5 rounded down.) I picked this up because I saw it as a new release at my local bookstore and I was actually traveling to Taliesin, the estate where the crime of this novel took place, in the following weeks. I think the title of this is a misnomer - someone going into this expecting most of the story to exist around the crime committed at Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, Taliesin, and the murderer who committed it, will be disappointed. This is largely a truncated history of Frank Lloyd Wright’s life. The crime and murder of multiple people at Taliesin, including Wright’s partner and her children, doesn’t occur until about 75% of the way through the narrative. And the person who committed the crime is barely explored at all. Maybe there is very little actually documented about the man, but if that’s the case, was this specific story/narrative choice necessary? I will say, personally, I was actually fine with this part! I was more interested in learning about FLW and his contributions to American history via his architecture (and despite the fact that this novel is so heavily focused on FLW’s life, I still learned far more about him on my tour at Taliesin). But anyone going to this for the true crime of it all would likely be disappointed at the lack of knowledge. What didn’t work for me was the writing. It was so surface-level. I think I could have picked up most of what I learned in this book via Wikipedia. And the writing itself was just sort of…boring. Maybe there’s not enough information and research available on all of these people in this specific timeline, but then pitch to a magazine, you know? The book wasn’t even long! It was around 200 pages. But it still just all felt unnecessary. I finished this and didn’t really feel anything.
June 23, 2026
2.75 stars
Can this be properly categorized as True Crime? I don't read a lot of books in this genre, but I imagined this to be a whole lot more riveting than it was. The book opens with the fire at Frank Lloyd Wright's "paradise" compound in Wisconsin and gives no explanation of the events leading up to it. It then jumps into Wright's early life and traces basically his entire biography. The true crime events of this don't come into play until at least half way through. While learning more about Wright's ambition, personal relationships with family, lovers, and children, and his impact and influence was interesting, this book was simply not what it was billed to be, in my opinion. If you go in expecting biography and history more than scandal and mystery, I think you could enjoy it. For me, it was lacking.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the advance reader copy and the opportunity to review early.
Can this be properly categorized as True Crime? I don't read a lot of books in this genre, but I imagined this to be a whole lot more riveting than it was. The book opens with the fire at Frank Lloyd Wright's "paradise" compound in Wisconsin and gives no explanation of the events leading up to it. It then jumps into Wright's early life and traces basically his entire biography. The true crime events of this don't come into play until at least half way through. While learning more about Wright's ambition, personal relationships with family, lovers, and children, and his impact and influence was interesting, this book was simply not what it was billed to be, in my opinion. If you go in expecting biography and history more than scandal and mystery, I think you could enjoy it. For me, it was lacking.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the advance reader copy and the opportunity to review early.
June 20, 2026
4.5 stars
This was a very interesting biography of Frank Lloyd Wright. While I was aware of the murders at Taliesen, I didn't know about all of the scandals that Wright faced throughout his life. His attitude toward society's rules reminds me of other geniuses - of course they don't apply to him! I'd love to hear all of this from his children's point of view, since it seems like they were often left behind.
My only issue with this book is that the title is kind of misleading. While it does tell the story of the murders, that's only maybe 20% of the book, and the cover makes it look like Mamah was the killer. I suppose most people don't know about it, though, and it would get them to pick up the book.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
This was a very interesting biography of Frank Lloyd Wright. While I was aware of the murders at Taliesen, I didn't know about all of the scandals that Wright faced throughout his life. His attitude toward society's rules reminds me of other geniuses - of course they don't apply to him! I'd love to hear all of this from his children's point of view, since it seems like they were often left behind.
My only issue with this book is that the title is kind of misleading. While it does tell the story of the murders, that's only maybe 20% of the book, and the cover makes it look like Mamah was the killer. I suppose most people don't know about it, though, and it would get them to pick up the book.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
August 7, 2026
Part True Crime, part biography of Frank Lloyd Wright. It takes us through his childhood to his death, with a murder that happened at his house.
I thought I would be engrossed in this book, but sadly I wasn't. I don't know if it was because I listened to the audiobook, instead of reading it. It just seemed to drag a few times to me. The crime wasn't discussed long at all, either. He did live an exciting life.
#libbyapp #carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem #audiobook
I thought I would be engrossed in this book, but sadly I wasn't. I don't know if it was because I listened to the audiobook, instead of reading it. It just seemed to drag a few times to me. The crime wasn't discussed long at all, either. He did live an exciting life.
#libbyapp #carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem #audiobook
July 21, 2026
I grew up living close to the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Oak Park and saw the inside. I loved his artistic prowess as an articulate and groundbreaking artist. I knew about the murder, but not the reason or the multitude of scandals and hardships he had faced in his life. I found the book interesting. The book filled in those missing pieces for me.
July 21, 2026
I’ve had a fascination with Frank Lloyd Wright ever since reading Nancy Horan’s novel about him. This is a good telling of the facts of the case. The author keeps it interesting by not bogging the story down with minutiae. She widens her scope a bit to give the full picture of what took place before and after that tragic day at Taliesin.
August 10, 2026
The title did its job - it got me to read the book. I knew nothing of FLW’s life outside of his architecture. Now I know all about his affairs/marriages but very little about the actual mass murder, which accounted for less than 10% of the book.
September 14, 2026
I picked this up for a book club and because I think that FLW is an interesting historical figure. I think that this did a really good job on the context for the attacks, in terms of the events themselves, I would recommend Death in a Prairie House which I read some years back.
August 26, 2026
Well written and interesting... but the title is incredibly misleading. The "True Story of Mass Murder in Paradise" portion takes up a relatively small part of the book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed learning about all of the drama that Frank Lloyd Wright both brought upon himself and attracted.
June 29, 2026
I’ve been a long-time fan of the work of FLW. I’d only heard bits about his life…this was an interesting read.
September 10, 2026
Badly titled as the murderous rampage only takes a chapter to set up and tell. This book is really about Wright’s long-time extra-marital affair with his mistress/love of his life, told with way too much boring detail too.
Takeaway: FLW lived a violent, chaotic life from birth to old age! How his harmonic designs came out of this life - there’s the real story!
Takeaway: FLW lived a violent, chaotic life from birth to old age! How his harmonic designs came out of this life - there’s the real story!
August 10, 2026
Good book but oversold by its title. Frank Lloyd Wright was a fascinating man who lived quite an interesting life. The focus of the title on The Killer was overplayed but the book was an enjoyable read.
June 15, 2026
Not a lot of new information. William R. Drennan’s book , Death in a Prairie House: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Murders, covers the same ground and is a much better read. (See my review)
July 16, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
September 1, 2026
Had no clue Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal life was so tumultuous! I was spoiled a little bit about the murder since it was mentioned in Whack Job, but still what a crazy and sad story.
August 17, 2026
Full review at: https://readingourshelves.wordpress.c...
As these are historical events, I’m going to operate as if spoilers are just not a thing here.
We start out covering Frank’s parents, birth, and childhood. We see him spend time on his mother’s family’s farm in Wisconsin, which is meant to “toughen” him up as a young boy. He is not a fan, and runs away. By the time he’s college-aged, he much prefers city life in Chicago. He already had his heart set on being an architect, and charms his way into working under some of the greats in the city.
He marries a woman a bit younger than him, who was herself in her late teens at the time. He and Kitty have four kids together, and she does most of the work of raising them while he is out making money. He also has a bad habit of spending more than he makes, though.
We then get a brief introduction to Martha Borthwick Cheney’s life up to this point. She is college-educated, and seems to have married because it was expected of her. She has two kids with her husband, and also has custody of her deceased sister’s child.
Edwin Cheney hires Wright to build them a house, and fails initially to see that his wife and Frank really hit it off. Frank has already tried to divorce Kitty before this point, but she will not consent. Frank and Martha, whose nickname is Mamah, end up running away together to Europe.
Because Frank is famous, this creates quite a tabloid furor. Kitty Wright uses the press to her advantage, promoting herself as a loving and scorned housewife who wants Frank back. Mamah uses the time to connect with an author she admires in Europe, who writes early feminist theory, and Mamah gets contracted to translate these works into English.
So, when she and Frank inevitably do come back to the States, she has work to do. He takes on some jobs as well, as there are bills to pay, but ends up dedicating a lot of his time to building Taliesin, his own oasis in the Wisconsin hills. The idea is to give himself and Mamah a space away from the prying eyes of the big city press, and also to give him a big workshop to train apprentices.
Frank hires a butler and a cook on the recommendation of a Chicago friend. The butler – Julian Carlton – is a black man who migrated north from the southern states, and has worked hard for years.
But Carlton is convinced that someone is out to get him, and his own wife becomes afraid of him. She doesn’t alert anyone else, though, thinking he’s just a little crazy. Within just two months of working at Taliesin, though, the butler kills Mamah, her children, and several men working on the property. It’s premeditated, as he has locked them inside the rooms they’re in to have lunch, and has brought materials to set said rooms on fire. He carries an axe around to chop down any escapees, and manages to off a few workmen in this manner.
So that’s the crux of the murder part in the title, and it happens around half way through the book. All told, seven people die, although some die on a later date, from injuries suffered that day. Frank and his son, now one of his fellow architects, are in Chicago when it happens. They end up on a train with Edwin Cheney, all trying to get to Wisconsin to see what happened. Frank’s relatives in the area were among the townsfolk helping to put out the fires and take care of the wounded.
Julian Carlton never really explains why he did it, or if he had any accomplices. He goes on a hunger strike while in jail, and dies of starvation seven weeks later.
As mentioned, this book does profile the rest of Wright’s life. He has two more marriages, and keeps building.
He has a lifelong fascination with Japan, and I found the story of his building a grand hotel in Tokyo to be the most interesting in the later half of the book. There were not, at the time, any construction protocols in place to make buildings withstand earthquakes, which Japan was known to have. So Frank starts experimenting, and comes up with what he thinks will work. He faces ridicule for going over on both time and budget for the project, and ultimately some critics call the hotel bland and ugly.
Then, on the same day it opens to the public, the area suffers a 7.9 magnitude quake, which also triggers a tsunami. 140,000 people die within the first 48 hours. The folks inside the hotel all survive, though, and it is used as a makeshift hospital during the cleanup stages. Wright’s design goes on to become a standard in building for areas known to experience earthquakes.
This is overall a fascinating story, especially if you have any interest in true crime, American history, or architecture.
While I don’t usually point out errors in advanced copies, I waited and checked this one against the final version and… beware of chapter 15! Does anyone else try to pay attention to dates while they read historical stuff like this? If you do, this chapter will make no sense whatsoever. They seem to come back from Europe before they even leave, then one month later they’ve been gone for three years. Frank’s son writes him a letter begging him to come home, during a Christmas that he spends at home. That whole space just made my brain hurt, and I’m not sure how it came together like that. It’s integral to the story, but seriously: IGNORE ALL THE DATES.
As these are historical events, I’m going to operate as if spoilers are just not a thing here.
We start out covering Frank’s parents, birth, and childhood. We see him spend time on his mother’s family’s farm in Wisconsin, which is meant to “toughen” him up as a young boy. He is not a fan, and runs away. By the time he’s college-aged, he much prefers city life in Chicago. He already had his heart set on being an architect, and charms his way into working under some of the greats in the city.
He marries a woman a bit younger than him, who was herself in her late teens at the time. He and Kitty have four kids together, and she does most of the work of raising them while he is out making money. He also has a bad habit of spending more than he makes, though.
We then get a brief introduction to Martha Borthwick Cheney’s life up to this point. She is college-educated, and seems to have married because it was expected of her. She has two kids with her husband, and also has custody of her deceased sister’s child.
Edwin Cheney hires Wright to build them a house, and fails initially to see that his wife and Frank really hit it off. Frank has already tried to divorce Kitty before this point, but she will not consent. Frank and Martha, whose nickname is Mamah, end up running away together to Europe.
Because Frank is famous, this creates quite a tabloid furor. Kitty Wright uses the press to her advantage, promoting herself as a loving and scorned housewife who wants Frank back. Mamah uses the time to connect with an author she admires in Europe, who writes early feminist theory, and Mamah gets contracted to translate these works into English.
So, when she and Frank inevitably do come back to the States, she has work to do. He takes on some jobs as well, as there are bills to pay, but ends up dedicating a lot of his time to building Taliesin, his own oasis in the Wisconsin hills. The idea is to give himself and Mamah a space away from the prying eyes of the big city press, and also to give him a big workshop to train apprentices.
Frank hires a butler and a cook on the recommendation of a Chicago friend. The butler – Julian Carlton – is a black man who migrated north from the southern states, and has worked hard for years.
But Carlton is convinced that someone is out to get him, and his own wife becomes afraid of him. She doesn’t alert anyone else, though, thinking he’s just a little crazy. Within just two months of working at Taliesin, though, the butler kills Mamah, her children, and several men working on the property. It’s premeditated, as he has locked them inside the rooms they’re in to have lunch, and has brought materials to set said rooms on fire. He carries an axe around to chop down any escapees, and manages to off a few workmen in this manner.
So that’s the crux of the murder part in the title, and it happens around half way through the book. All told, seven people die, although some die on a later date, from injuries suffered that day. Frank and his son, now one of his fellow architects, are in Chicago when it happens. They end up on a train with Edwin Cheney, all trying to get to Wisconsin to see what happened. Frank’s relatives in the area were among the townsfolk helping to put out the fires and take care of the wounded.
Julian Carlton never really explains why he did it, or if he had any accomplices. He goes on a hunger strike while in jail, and dies of starvation seven weeks later.
As mentioned, this book does profile the rest of Wright’s life. He has two more marriages, and keeps building.
He has a lifelong fascination with Japan, and I found the story of his building a grand hotel in Tokyo to be the most interesting in the later half of the book. There were not, at the time, any construction protocols in place to make buildings withstand earthquakes, which Japan was known to have. So Frank starts experimenting, and comes up with what he thinks will work. He faces ridicule for going over on both time and budget for the project, and ultimately some critics call the hotel bland and ugly.
Then, on the same day it opens to the public, the area suffers a 7.9 magnitude quake, which also triggers a tsunami. 140,000 people die within the first 48 hours. The folks inside the hotel all survive, though, and it is used as a makeshift hospital during the cleanup stages. Wright’s design goes on to become a standard in building for areas known to experience earthquakes.
This is overall a fascinating story, especially if you have any interest in true crime, American history, or architecture.
While I don’t usually point out errors in advanced copies, I waited and checked this one against the final version and… beware of chapter 15! Does anyone else try to pay attention to dates while they read historical stuff like this? If you do, this chapter will make no sense whatsoever. They seem to come back from Europe before they even leave, then one month later they’ve been gone for three years. Frank’s son writes him a letter begging him to come home, during a Christmas that he spends at home. That whole space just made my brain hurt, and I’m not sure how it came together like that. It’s integral to the story, but seriously: IGNORE ALL THE DATES.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A gripping, cinematic 1910s historical true-crime masterclass.
"A meticulous, deeply atmospheric narrative that pairs a legendary architect's personal scandal with the chilling urgency of an investigative podcast."
In THE KILLER AND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT, bestselling author Casey Sherman departs from standard biographical texts to deliver a deeply haunting, Edwardian-era true-crime thriller mystery. The story hinges on a towering creative genius whose scandalous romantic choices indirectly put a mass murderer inside his own home. Genius vs. homegrown monster.
Elevator Pitch
The tragic true story of the notorious 1914 massacre at Frank Lloyd Wright’s secluded Wisconsin estate, chronicling how America’s most brilliant architect overcame devastating personal tragedy and societal exile to achieve architectural immortality.
Setting
The early 1900s, moving from bustling Chicago streets to the rolling hills of Spring Green, Wisconsin. The centerpiece is Taliesin, a secluded estate designed as a monument to love and sanctuary, which ultimately turned into a gruesome crime scene.
Vibe
Cinematic, suspenseful, and haunting. It blends the rigid social expectations of the Edwardian era with the slow-burning dread of a high-end investigative podcast.
Genre: Nonfiction / Historical True Crime / Biographical Drama.
Themes
~The High Cost of Genius
~Societal Hypocrisy
~Female Agency
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: THE ARCHITECT OF OBSESSION
Turning personal tragedy into a crucible for creative survival.
Standout Characters
~Frank Lloyd Wright:
The protagonist, brilliant, unapologetically ambitious, and deeply flawed, whose massive ego is shown alongside his architectural brilliance.
~Mamah Borthwick:
Wright’s partner, an independent, intellectual, and trailblazing feminist given true agency away from the shadow of being a "mistress."
Author Writing Standout
Sherman’s background in high-end investigative journalism shines through in his meticulous, highly cinematic pacing. He avoids dry historical text, writing the everyday logistics of early 20th-century life and the harrowing timeline of the Taliesin massacre with striking, tactile realism.
Takeaway
Great art often requires the crucible of profound loss; while tragedy can shatter a paradise from the outside, a true creator will use the ghosts of the past to build their greatest triumphs.
Title Significance
The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright act as a stark acknowledgment of a dark chapter in American history. It represents the intersection of Wright's lifestyle choices and the media's obsession with his scandals, hinting that his desire to escape society inadvertently drew a deadly threat into his inner sanctuary.
Metaphor
Wright’s estate, Taliesin, serves as the central metaphor of the book. It represents a physical manifestation of his paradise and creative ego that was violently shattered, only to become the foundation from which he repeatedly rose from the ashes.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you are a fan of cinematic, investigative historical non-fiction like The Devil in the White City, or if you want an atmospheric true-crime story that exposes the raw, human cost behind one of America's greatest architectural legends.
My Thoughts
The narrative succeeds beautifully in building historical tension. The 1900s timeline is perfectly captured—not just in its aesthetics, but in the sharp contrast between rigid Chicago society and the isolated freedom of Wisconsin. Wright is an unforgettable, unvarnished lead, while the focus on Mamah’s intellectual independence is deeply refreshing. A masterfully executed, high-stakes timeline.
Verdict: 5 / 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"An engrossing, beautifully researched historical true-crime hybrid that seamlessly balances human drama with a horrific American tragedy."
Recs
~The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson (for the rich historical atmosphere and true-crime depth)
~ Death in a Prairie House: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Murders Author: William R. Drennan December, 2008 by William R. Drennan
~Loving Frank by Nancy Horan is a bestselling biographical fiction book that approaches the same tragedy from a personal angle.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
June 2026 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter
"A meticulous, deeply atmospheric narrative that pairs a legendary architect's personal scandal with the chilling urgency of an investigative podcast."
In THE KILLER AND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT, bestselling author Casey Sherman departs from standard biographical texts to deliver a deeply haunting, Edwardian-era true-crime thriller mystery. The story hinges on a towering creative genius whose scandalous romantic choices indirectly put a mass murderer inside his own home. Genius vs. homegrown monster.
Elevator Pitch
The tragic true story of the notorious 1914 massacre at Frank Lloyd Wright’s secluded Wisconsin estate, chronicling how America’s most brilliant architect overcame devastating personal tragedy and societal exile to achieve architectural immortality.
Setting
The early 1900s, moving from bustling Chicago streets to the rolling hills of Spring Green, Wisconsin. The centerpiece is Taliesin, a secluded estate designed as a monument to love and sanctuary, which ultimately turned into a gruesome crime scene.
Vibe
Cinematic, suspenseful, and haunting. It blends the rigid social expectations of the Edwardian era with the slow-burning dread of a high-end investigative podcast.
Genre: Nonfiction / Historical True Crime / Biographical Drama.
Themes
~The High Cost of Genius
~Societal Hypocrisy
~Female Agency
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: THE ARCHITECT OF OBSESSION
Turning personal tragedy into a crucible for creative survival.
Standout Characters
~Frank Lloyd Wright:
The protagonist, brilliant, unapologetically ambitious, and deeply flawed, whose massive ego is shown alongside his architectural brilliance.
~Mamah Borthwick:
Wright’s partner, an independent, intellectual, and trailblazing feminist given true agency away from the shadow of being a "mistress."
Author Writing Standout
Sherman’s background in high-end investigative journalism shines through in his meticulous, highly cinematic pacing. He avoids dry historical text, writing the everyday logistics of early 20th-century life and the harrowing timeline of the Taliesin massacre with striking, tactile realism.
Takeaway
Great art often requires the crucible of profound loss; while tragedy can shatter a paradise from the outside, a true creator will use the ghosts of the past to build their greatest triumphs.
Title Significance
The Killer and Frank Lloyd Wright act as a stark acknowledgment of a dark chapter in American history. It represents the intersection of Wright's lifestyle choices and the media's obsession with his scandals, hinting that his desire to escape society inadvertently drew a deadly threat into his inner sanctuary.
Metaphor
Wright’s estate, Taliesin, serves as the central metaphor of the book. It represents a physical manifestation of his paradise and creative ego that was violently shattered, only to become the foundation from which he repeatedly rose from the ashes.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you are a fan of cinematic, investigative historical non-fiction like The Devil in the White City, or if you want an atmospheric true-crime story that exposes the raw, human cost behind one of America's greatest architectural legends.
My Thoughts
The narrative succeeds beautifully in building historical tension. The 1900s timeline is perfectly captured—not just in its aesthetics, but in the sharp contrast between rigid Chicago society and the isolated freedom of Wisconsin. Wright is an unforgettable, unvarnished lead, while the focus on Mamah’s intellectual independence is deeply refreshing. A masterfully executed, high-stakes timeline.
Verdict: 5 / 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"An engrossing, beautifully researched historical true-crime hybrid that seamlessly balances human drama with a horrific American tragedy."
Recs
~The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson (for the rich historical atmosphere and true-crime depth)
~ Death in a Prairie House: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Murders Author: William R. Drennan December, 2008 by William R. Drennan
~Loving Frank by Nancy Horan is a bestselling biographical fiction book that approaches the same tragedy from a personal angle.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
June 2026 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter
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