Former prosecutor Jeanine Pirro—the “true hero” (New York Post) of the hit HBO documentary series The Jinx—offers the transfixing true story of her tireless fifteen-year investigation into accused murderer Robert Durst for the disappearance of his wife Kathleen Durst.Former district attorney Jeanine Pirro was cast as the bad guy fifteen years ago when she reopened the cold case of Kathleen Durst, a young and beautiful fourth-year medical student who disappeared without a trace in 1982, never to be seen again. Kathie Durst’s husband was millionaire real estate heir Robert Durst, son of one of the wealthiest families in New York City—but though her friends and family suspected him of the worst, he escaped police investigation. Pirro, now the host of Justice with Judge Jeanine on Fox News, always believed in Durst’s guilt, and in this shocking book, she makes her case beyond a shadow of a doubt, revealing stunning, previously unknown secrets about the crimes he is accused of committing. For years, Pirro has crusaded for justice for the victims, and her impassioned perspective in the captivating HBO documentary series The Jinx made her one of its breakout stars. Featuring Pirro’s unique insider’s perspective on the crimes, as well as her exclusive interviews with many of the major players featured in the The Jinx, this comprehensive book is the definitive story of Robert Durst and his gruesome crimes—the one you didn’t see on television. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/He-...
Jeanine Ferris Pirro is a former prosecutor, judge, and elected official from the state of New York, who is currently a legal analyst and television personality. A Republican from Westchester County, Pirro served as a county court judge before serving as the elected District Attorney of Westchester County for 12 years. As a district attorney she gained considerable visibility, especially in cases regarding domestic abuse and crimes against the elderly. She was the first female judge on the Westchester County Court bench.
Pirro was the Republican nominee for New York State Attorney General in 2006, losing to Democrat Andrew Cuomo (a fellow Albany Law alumnus). She also held the nominations of the New York Conservative and Independence Parties. She previously sought the nominations of her party for the offices of New York State Lieutenant Governor and United States Senator and withdrew her name in each case. She was a regular contributor to The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. She is currently contributing to Today, Fox NY and Good Day, New York,, and is a Fox News legal analyst appearing on various shows. She has guest hosted shows such as Larry King Live, The Joy Behar Show and Geraldo at Large. She is a frequent guest on Fox's late-night satire show Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld, and also currently hosts a television program entitled Judge Jeanine Pirro. In May 2010, the show received its first Emmy nomination. Pirro is also the host of Fox News Channel's Justice with Judge Jeanine which premiered in January 2011.
I can't finish reading this book. Ms. Pirro may be a talented, well-respected trial lawyer, but her tone and attitude in writing this book seriously detracts from the story. She calls Durst names over and over again ("entitled little shit" being just one example). He may well be, and from what I know of him from watching both The Jinx and the fictionalized biography starring Ryan Gosling, he was that and worse. But it doesn't make for compelling reading. Ms. Pirro is too busy bragging about her accomplishments to develop a straight forward unbiased narrative. This is one of the most badly written books I've ever attempted to read.
Prior to watching the documentary about Robert Durst, Jinx, I had never heard of Jeanine Pirro. After reading her book, I now know her to be a woman that has accomplished many great achievements in her career. But, she is not a great writer. (Later update: I also now know that she is a propaganda shill that monetizes people's amygdalas for a living. Knowing that years ago would have saved me the hours it took to read her drivel.)
While supposed to be nonfiction, the author blatantly spews so much vitrol for Durst that it made me question anything that was said. When writing nonfiction about a criminal and his trials, at least some semblance should be made towards being nonbiased and factual.
He’s a serial murderer, not an innocent little kid riding his bike down the street. “Bobby” is a grown man, the epitome of cruelty and evil. Bobby, my ass.
Then, fired up again, I said, “Son of a bitch!” That was my celebration, like, “You piece of garbage! You can’t get away anymore! Damn you!”
She basically writes how she speaks, which may be more appealing in person or on camera, but comes across as immature, juvenile and gossipy in writing.
THE JURY. Dear God. Those eight women and four men were an egg carton full of stupid.
Seeing all the familiar faces was sort of like a family reunion. I got to judge them all, as in, “Oh, God. This one didn’t age too well,” or, “She looks good.” If I do say so myself, I didn’t look half bad.
Between the bully spirit and hatefulness, it was difficult for me to take the writing seriously. It simply read like a trashy tabloid, which is unfortunate given how accomplished the author appears to be.
After the FBI arrested him, Durst was thrown in jail and then moved to the hospital wing due to his various illnesses. Hydrocephalus. Esophageal cancer. I wondered if his diseases were real, or if they were another trick.
I grinned at him, and he turned beet red. Maybe he had high blood pressure. Maybe he swilled too much moonshine. Maybe he sat in front of too many campfires. I don’t know! I did wonder if he was going to have a heart attack, and if it might be insensitive to film it for my show.
The only saving grace was the fascinating subject matter and that the author did include a few tidbits that were not covered in Jinx. On the other hand, it was painful enough that I do not imagine myself ever picking up another book by her in the future. ------------------------------------------- First Sentence: As I write this, Robert Alan Durst is rotting in a federal facility.
The book is a memoir by Jeanine Pirro, accounting her participation in the ongoing investigation of Robert Durst. What's good: This is an insider's look at the justice system, with a hands-on account of investigation and prosecution choices.
What I didn't love: The book emphasizes Pirro's wealth and glamour (she grabs her Chanel bag, she walks around in Manolo Blahniks, etc.) I'm not saying she should hide the fact she likes pretty things (and pretty useful things), but hearing it again and again is annoying. In addition, the book doesn't give us that much more than "The Jinx" did; I suspect part of this is due to the fact Durst's case is not done yet. Finally, I eye-rolled at the heavy theme of men-against-women. "He wasn't used to a strong-talking woman," is the sort of thing you'll see. I believe without question she received (and has continued to receive) sexist treatment--and she's not alone in walking that path. But the theme is pushed so hard that it becomes an obstacle to the narrative, and that grates.
It does not speak well of a book when you are unsure who you find more unlikable: the author or the serial killer. Absolutely nothing redeemable about this book.
The only reason I'm giving this two stars is because the case itself is interesting. The author is annoying and hyperbolic and materialistic. I wouldn't have minded one of those traits coming through, but all 3 made the book rough to get through.
It was more about the author's quest than the story of the killer. What I remember most is reading about her daily outfits -- designer clothes, shoes and bags -- and negative, unrelated stories about coworkers, et al who she disliked.
Lord. What a load of self-serving and poorly-written claptrap. I read this because it was a gift and because I'm mildly obsessed with Durst and all the crazy that goes with it. Let me assure you, there is no new information in this book, and the information that is there is wrapped in a very thick layer of Jeanine Pirro self-promotion.
I wish I had counted the number of times the words "Chanel," "Manolo," "Louboutin" and the like were used. Just two examples of many: "I wasn't shaking in my Louboutins about Robert Durst on the Lam" (p. 165); "Try spending fourteen hours working in Manolo Blahniks and not put your feet up" (P. 248). If 313 pages of writing like that floats your boat, this is the book for you!
I'm a true crime junkie and was fascinated but The Jinx, so I thought this was be a for sure hit. But .... I forgot that Jeanine Pirro drives me nuts. And she narrates the audiobook. So it was a little like listening to 17 straight hours of her Nancy Grace knock-off show. I also didn't feel like she added anything new that The Jinx didn't already cover in a more compelling way. And that she spent a lot of the book trying to defend herself and brag about all her good works for women. Props for that I guess, but just wasn't real satisfied with this read overall.
This book is by former DA Jeanine Pirro who for more than a decade tried to nail Robert Durst for the murder of his wife Kathie. Both Jeanine and Robert appear in the HBO documentary the Jinx. If you haven't seen it, it's absolutely riveting. The disappearance/ probable murder of Kathie is just the tip of the crazy iceberg that is Robert Durst.
I was hesitant to pick up this book because I thought the documentary pretty much covered everything but I did actually learn a few new things from the book. While I was reading the book I went back and watched the Jinx again with my husband and definitely picked up on things I hadn't before.
I know some readers are turned off by Jeanine Pirro's writing "voice". There is a lot of name calling, cursing, and rundown on her designer wardrobe. I actually liked her authenticity. It made her seem like someone you would want on your side if a crime had been committed against your loved one. She has no problem calling people out on their B.S. and giving her unvarnished opinion.
In the end, this is her perspective on the case and if you spoke to someone else they would have their side. What can't be denied however is that Robert Durst left a lot of dead people in his wake. If you are a fan of the Jinx than you will want to read Jeanine Pirro's take on her personal involvement in the strange case of Robert Durst.
I was interested in the story of the crime but that was completely overshadowed by the self-aggrandizing tone of the author. I don't believe it mattered at all that she carried a Chanel bag or wore Manolo Blahniks. What could have been an interesting look into the legal and investigative process was waylaid by small-minded, catty, petty and extraneous comments by the author.
If you want to read a book about the author, not about the subject, this book is for you! I found nothing new about Durst's story and far too much arrogance as the author intruded. Rarely do I disrespect a book. This one I do.
The HBO documentary, The Jinx, should be prerequisite viewing for this book. If you’ve seen it, then you’re familiar with the stranger than fiction, jaw-dropping saga of Robert Durst. This book is a supplement to the story.
Jeanine Pirro, former DA and author, describes Durst as “this serial murderer, this pathological liar, this narcissistic, disgusting, fascinating, brilliant, evil little bastard.”
This book is a precursor to a trial that may never take place due to COVID delays and Durst’s declining health. If he goes to trial, it’s a foregone conclusion he’ll be found guilty. Finally. We all know what you did, Bobby.
This book is as much about Jeanine Pirro as it is Bob Durst. Not everyone will be able to stomach her voice. Jeanine is loud, attention-seeking, ladder-climbing, bossy, proud, vain, materialistic, and a friend of Donald Trump’s. Not a personality type I can easily connect with, male or female.
But she’s also a self-proclaimed fighter, and she prefers to fight on behalf of the most vulnerable. Her work as DA included training to educate police and health care workers about domestic violence. She’s pushed legislation to make it easier to convict domestic abusers. She’s poured funds into resources that help women free themselves from abuse. She’s never given up on finding out exactly what happened to Kathleen Durst at the hands of her husband, the man who lied when he promised to love and protect her.
So on behalf of myself, Kathleen Durst, and every other trusting woman who’s been “loved” by a bad man ... thanks, Jeanine. For fighting.
Justice is coming for Robert Durst in one form or another. And soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This probably rates something more like 2.5 stars but I rounded down. The author of this book is SO annoying. This book is 90% her talking about how wonderful she is and what kind of shoes she wears and how expensive her suits are and 10% about Robert Durst. I loved the show The Jinx but this book was a major disappointment. She talks about how much she cares about the victims but in the photo section she had one photo of each and then mostly photos of herself. And mind you, these are photos of herself doing things that are completely irrelevant to the story of Durst. For instance, a photo of her standing next to a helicopter. Good job, Pirro. You rode a helicopter. We are all so proud.
If you're interested in knowing about the suit Pirro was wearing on 9/11 or how beautiful she thinks she is, then by all means, grab this book! Otherwise, skip it!
When I choose to read a true crime book I'm usually looking for the story of the crime itself and what actually happened after the fact with the trial and what not. Ms. Pirro spent so much of this book talking about her accomplishments and what she did, it was a major focus. I'm really sorry but I do not care about your coach bag or Manolo Blahniks or your seven jeans. I want to read about the crime that occurred and the prosecution that followed. She was lucky enough to have such an enthralling subject or else this book would have been a major flop, a total dud.
When Robert Durst went on trial in Galveston, TX for the murder and dismemberment of his next door neighbor, Morris Black, his attorney, Dick DeGuerin, made Westchester DA Jeanine Pirro the centerpiece of the defense story. In his book on the Durst case, Pirro does the same, and her book on a fascinating chapter in American criminal and legal history, suffers for it.
Robert Durst is a member of the powerful Manhattan real estate family who is also accused of murdering his first wife, Kathie and of the friend who protected him, Susan Berman. Durst was the subject of the hit HBO series, "The Jinx." Jeanine Pirro, now a Fox News legal analyst, launched an investigation of Kathie Durst’s murder when it was a cold case and she was still DA.
This book purportedly concerns Durst, but it is really about Pirro, who paints herself, Zelig-like, into every frame of the drama. She uses the book to get even with any number of people, critics of how she conducted the investigation, political opponents, and anyone who she feels stood in her way during her career.
She repeatedly trashes Joe Becerra, the state trooper who originally brought the cold case to her attention, though he may deserve much of it. She trashes any reporter who ever described her looks or apparel, while repeatedly reminding the reader of her good looks and detailing what she wore to every public event in the case. She trashes the police departments of New York City and Los Angeles and a former member of her staff. She dishes on all these individuals and agencies not just once, but repeatedly throughout the book. In the end, she ends up proving the point of her most severe critics.
She attempts to justify a six-week delay in questioning Susan Berman after a leak revealed that she was resurrecting the case, a delay during which Berman was murdered. The Guardian reports that she had lost interest in the case and that Becerra leaked details of the investigation in order to force it back on track. Pirro’s first ghost writer, Lisa DePaulo, has sued her for breach of contract, claiming that the book is full of misrepresentations to “aggrandize” her role in the story “at the expense of the truth.”
It is evident in places that the book was rushed to publication. The index, for instance, skips many references to key characters. Passages are repeated verbatim. Words are repeated, articles dropped.
Durst’s story is engaging and fascinating, and Pirro played an important role in unraveling it. This narcissistic work of self-promotion and self–justification doesn't do justice to it.
Unfortunately this book is mostly about Jeanine. I couldn't even estimate the amount of times she mentioned by name her designer clothes, shoes, and handbags. I didn't learn anything about Robert at all. Nothing about his family either. I was really wanting to know more about his father but the man was hardly mentioned. Same goes for his mother, Bernice. She didn't say much about Susan Berman's background or current wife-in-name-only, Debrah Charatan. Debrah seems interesting enough to me to write at least a few chapters on but Jeanine couldn't be bothered to. She didn't tell us anything that wasn't in The Jinx already. She goes on ad nauseam about how poorly she's been treated in the press since getting involved with this case in 2000 and is constantly defending herself.
If someone didn't know who Robert was and decided to read this they'd be confused, I'm positive. The flow is terrible. I like for true crime books to start at the beginning with the criminal's background and work their way up to modern day but this book is all over the place. I'm stunned and disappointed in this book, to be honest with you. It's a shame Jeanine had such great subject matter but didn't know what to do with it!
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled through this book. The author comes across as a self-aggrandizing, name-calling blowhard. I really want to like someone who claims to be a champion for disenfranchised women. But oh my goodness, I cannot handle her. And the book is really more about her than Durst. I recommend just watching HBO's The Jinx.
Let me begin by saying that Robert Durst is a fascinating character. To be sure, I have little doubt that he's the serial killer that Jeanine Pirro and others claim him to be. What's more, Ms. Pirro's book was well-organized and made a compelling case that Robert Durst is guilty of all that he has been accused of (hence, the two-star rating). However, Jeanine Pirro, no doubt, has Val Frankel, her co-writer to thank for that. To be fair to Ms. Pirro, she does, in fact, thank her. However, despite the good, the bad simply makes this book ugly.
Ms. Pirro's arrogance and condescension seemingly know no bounds. She set the tone of her book very early when she described how she "was a woman in a man's job". Okay. Fair enough. But, she then described how the chiefs of all forty-three police departments in Westchester County needed her approval, as district attorney, for their cases to be prosecuted and how "none of them liked reporting to a woman". Does Ms. Pirro know this to be a fact? Perhaps it wasn't reporting to a woman that bothered them, but having to report to an arrogant bully. (Evidence of this abounds throughout the book, all of it in Ms. Pirro's very own words.) Sequestered in her huge office, befitting of her title, "District Attorney", the words emblazoned in gold lettering on the wall behind her desk, "just in case anyone forgot", Jeanine Pirro's arrogance is astonishing.
Ms. Pirro is a "smart, articulate, attractive woman in a position of power". In fact, Ms. Pirro directly tells the reader exactly that. And, as if that were not enough, the reader is treated to a reminder that People Magazine named her one of its "50 Most Beautiful". I'll take Ms. Pirro at her word on this, though, because I have no interest in spending any time confirming this irrelevant nonsense. I'll add, though, that it's no wonder that she's so beautiful. Frequently dressed in her Manolo Blahniks (when not wearing her Louboutins), 7 for All Mankind jeans, clutching her Chanel purse and looking fabulous, Ms. Pirro must, indeed, be deserving of People Magazine's honor. Just check out her full-body photograph on the back of the hard-cover edition's dust jacket for all of the evidence needed.
I had very high hopes for this book and was looking forward to a fascinating story about a quirky millionaire accused of a variety of related murders. Instead, I got a tour of Ms. Pirro's wardrobe closet and a side-show of condescension, profanity, second-guessing, yelling, name-calling, and belittling of any who do not share Ms. Pirro's opinions about the world. She reminded me of a loud-mouthed, talk show bully who yells at her viewers to drown out the sounds of any and all criticism of her. But, then, that's exactly what you'll currently find her doing...on FOX News.
In this stunning true crime expose, author and former prosecuting attorney of Westchester County, NY Jeanine Pirro reveals the shocking case of Robert Durst: who was never charged in the 1982 disappearance of his wife Kathie. Durst would later be charged in the 2000 murder of his long time friend Susan Berman, and the murder of his neighbor Morris Black in 2001. While Durst was a participant in the HBO documentary "The Jinx" about his involvement related to these crimes, he would admit his guilt which was recorded off camera.
Pirro along with many law enforcement officials and reporters followed and relentlessly pursued Durst seeking justice for his victims. Kathie, hospitalized for domestic violence before her disappearance, was set to graduate from med school, feared for her safety. Susan Berman, a bestselling author, may have known the details of Kathie's disappearance. Making the mistake of telling Durst that she agreed to be interviewed by law enforcement officials, she was found executed (mafia style) in her home. Durst neighbor Morris Black was found dismembered, his body parts were recovered from the Galveston Bay, Texas in 2001.
Described accurately as a "creepy" individual, Durst, his disturbing character and sinister chilling actions were always evident throughout the book. The Durst case reveals a deep flaw in the American criminal justice system. It is likely that the Durst family inherited wealth afforded Robert Durst the ability to escape and avoid prosecution for decades, eventually he became a serial killer. Jeanine Pirro is the author of several true crime related books, "He Killed Them All: Robert Durst and My Quest for Justice" is a personal engaging behind the scenes account of this case, Pirro has been publically acknowledged and commended for her efforts that have resulted in Durst's apprehension and prosecution; she appears on the Fox television "Justice with Judge Jeanine". With thanks to the Seattle Public Library.
In 1982, Kathleen Durst was in her last year of medical school when she disappeared--but her body was never found. Her husband, Robert Durst, didn't report her missing for five days, and the police and the Durst family did not seem particularly concerned; spinning the story that she ran off of her own volition. But her family and friends did not believe this. And the case languished until 1999 when the then District Attorney for Westchester County New York, Jeanine Pirro, began what turned out to be a fifteen year investigation of Kathleen's cold case. A case which took many twists and turns, but ultimately, even the money and power wielded by the Durst family could not stop this most tenacious of prosecutors.
I have been interested in this case for a long time as a result of seeing it profiled on various TV crime shows, so was anxious to read Ms. Pirro's book. And, I was not disappointed. She is a woman of great empathy for the victims of crime and their families, and she did not let wealth and power stand in her way of seeking justice for Kathleen Durst.
This book is also a page turner. It has everything you might expect in a work of crime fiction, except this is not fiction. It is a straight forward account of the Robert Durst investigation, and those who worked tirelessly to bring him to justice and also those who did all they could to thwart it.
This is hardly about Robert Durst and his crimes. It's about Jeanine Pirro. This is not a good book. The first things she says is that she hardly has any evidence BUT SHE KNOWS THAT DURST DID IT. (And I think he did it too, but her job is to prove beyond a reasonable doubt guilt). She brings this up again and again that she just felt it in her gut. GOD, and then there was a sentence in the beginning of book where she basically said something about how we shouldn't hold the constitution higher than putting a douchebag in prison, BUT YOU ARE A LAWYER. YOU CANNOT DISCARD THE CONSTITUTION. IT PROTECTS OUR RIGHTS, EVEN ASSHOLES. I cannot believe this lady was a DA.
Then there is the name calling... Pirro is childish. She CANNOT stand people calling her names or judging her character (she then uses it as chance to turn it into a feminist issue) BUT SHE THEN NAME CALLS AND JUDGES EVERY SINGLE OTHER PERSON IN HER LIFE FROM COWORKERS TO JURORS. How does that make her a better person?
Then there is the constant reminder of 'my channel purse' or 'my channel suit'. We get it, you're rich.
Also, her need to be on TV is crazy. 'Oh, 'All Good Things' portrayed me awfully, it was disgusting and unflattering.' but I will go work with the guy to make a documentary though.
If you've watched The Jinx, you won't get anything new here. I'd hoped to get more details on the completely whackadoodle Robert Durst story, but there are very few of the promised "stunning, previously unknown secrets" to be found. I believe that Jeanine Pirro has great intentions and that she is probably amazing at her job, and I'm sure she's dealt with unbelievable misogyny, but her book is more interested in pursuing personal vendettas and self-promotion than providing behind-the-scenes information. She has all the tools to write the authoritative account of Robert Durst's many crimes, but she botched it.
This book had the potential to be an in depth analysis about Robert Durst and his crimes from the view of Pirro, and to a certain extent it is. However, the whole book seems to be Jeanine Pirro unloading all of her feelings about how she was treated in the trials, rather than the crimes committed. As previous reviews have already stated, there’s a lot of “my Chanel bag” and “my louboutins” and just in general speaking of her accomplishments - which might be justified, just not in a book like this.
It could have been a very interesting book, but feels more like an autobiography of Pirro’s.
Very interesting to read Pirro's account of thr Durst case. written very passionately, but in an amateurish writer's voice. She does not confirm my belief that her pending interview with my high school friend, Susan Berman, was the catalyst for Susan's murder. Still anxious for Durst to go to trial for Susan's murder! Might happen in 2016!
Jeanine Pirro wrote a great novel, I loved hearing more inside stories about the Robert Durst case. However, I could have done without all the horn tooting that Jeanine does. Seriously I don't care what after school activities your children attend and what kind of shoes you wear.
This book is full of spoilers. If you haven't seen The Jinx yet, watch it instead and leave this on the shelf. Pirro's book serves as nothing more than for her to vent about past run-in's with sexiest colleagues and to blather on about designer clothing. Beyond that, the writing is base and there is little or no climax to anything here you can't get elsewhere. She fails to be at all introspective about her successes and her career. What a shame for such an intelligent and accomplished woman.
Great book. This guy is nuts. I'm not familiar with Durst and don't recall hearing about any of this so I was deep into it. The writing was great and she broke it down. Now I wanna watch the documentary.