Legends: Murder, Lies and Cover-Ups: Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Elvis Presley, JFK and Michael Jackson: Who Killed Them and Why They Didn t Have to Die

by David Gardner

If people famously remember where they were when JFK was assassinated, many also recall where they were and what they were doing when Elvis, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson died. As for Marilyn Monroe, only now can the truth be told about how—and why—she died. After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files, interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts, and forensic experts, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information. His book reveals that Elvis Presley may have signed his death warrant going undercover for the FBI; that Marilyn Monroe's secret affairs with JFK and his brother, Robert, left her in the crosshairs of a lethal conspiracy; why Princess Diana's death was no accident; who ordered President John F. Kennedy's assassination; and how on three occasions Michael Jackson "died" of painkiller drug overdoses in the months before his death.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Biography, Crime, History, Mystery

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

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Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder, Lies, and Cover-Ups
Who Killed Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Princess Diana?
by David Gardner
This is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary.
I found this book interesting and full of background on the person the author was discussing. When it came to the cover-up, it was hard to decide on some of them if it might really be true or not. Some of the data used was not detailed enough to make me believe.
I always believed that Marilyn was silenced but by who was the question. Same with JFK. Michael Jackson? I don't think there was anyone after him, he was addicted to drugs and his doctor just gave him too much trying to appease him in my opinion. I am a nurse and I know you don't give that drug without being able to intubate someone.
Elvis Presley, I don't think it was a mob hit, sorry. He was over weight and using lots of drugs. He died of an overdose. Especially if the data showed all those drugs were in his system. Sure, his heart stopped....from the overdose.
Princess Diana? I never thought of a hit on her? Never crossed my mind but I didn't know all the politics going on across the world. Reading all the stuff in the book, it could be. Something to think about. It wouldn't be above them so Charles could get his ugly new lady in her place. There is corruption everywhere, even with royalty. That one I will pass on judgement.
Interesting book but stretches the imagination a bit to fit in places but matches other books in other places.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I will admit that I love a good conspiracy theory and/or cover up and this book tells the story of five celebrities or well known people in the public eye that have died in suspicious circumstances – Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.

I think these are quite possibly five of the most well-known deaths due to the mystery that surrounds them and I have read about the theories before but it is always good to get a different slant on them and to see if anything new is released or reported.

This book was easy to follow and there were a few allegations that were new to me but a lot of them were ones that have been touted around for several years now. It was still a great read though.

Four stars from me for this one – it does make you really wonder what the truth is and what has been held back from us, is everything as it seems and as it was reported… an enjoyable read!

[Ms BooksAholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

In "Murder, Lies, and Cover-ups," David Gardner dives deep into the murky waters of crime, exposing the twisted narratives that often lie beneath shocking headlines. The book captures the reader’s attention with gripping storytelling and a casual tone that makes complex themes easy to grasp. Gardner doesn’t just recount events; he invites us to question the motives behind the actions of both the perpetrators and those who attempt to conceal the truth. With each chapter, we see how deception unfolds, leading to a web of lies that complicates investigations. The author skillfully blends real-life cases with vivid descriptions, making us feel like detectives piecing together clues. Ultimately, Gardner challenges us to confront the uncomfortable reality that sometimes, the truth is buried under layers of manipulation and fear. It’s a thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a typical true crime novel or a crackpot book on conspiracies….go find something else to read. If you are looking for a detailed biopic followed by a researched yet unbiased opinion on the life and eventual deaths of some of the most loved icons in history….this may be the book for you.
Like many people in the world, I have a macabre fascination with celebrity deaths. There is no real reason behind it other than the fact that we grow up watching these people. Their lives are in front of us all the time and when tragedy strikes…we are like little vultures, pouncing on any crap of information we can get our hands on. It’s kind of sad, really, but I just can’t get enough. What I loved about this book is that Gardner took my celebrity fascination and coupled it with theories behind their deaths that actually make some sense! It’s fantastic. My only wish is that each part would have been just a little bit longer. I felt more teased than satisfied each time a section ended.
If you are a true crime junkie, can’t get enough of celeb gossip or follow “those magazines” (you know the ones I’m talking about) like gospel...go grab this book! It is definitely worth every page.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

So here is the thing we have all heard about these deaths… and all the conspiracies that go along with it. So that part of each celebrity death was not surprising but the thing I enjoyed the most was the little extra information that I had never heard before.

I would share a few but then you wouldn’t be as interested because you already knew it. Catch 22.

But I enjoyed the writing of this author. No section was overly long winded. Easy to sit and read a section about a celebrity and then put the book down for a bit.

If you enjoy this genre then this book is for you.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Raychel · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all famously recall where we were and what we were doing when JFK was assassinated, as well as the moments Elvis, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson died. After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files and interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts, and forensic experts during years of research, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information that will transform the way we look at these iconic tragedies.

I’ve always loved true crime. I found this book interesting. I’ve read about most of the people in the book. But there was some facts and information I’ve never heard before. Definitely a great book

[Dna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this only 2.5 stars because I already knew everything between its covers. So ignore the star-rating, because I don't really know what they mean anyway.

This is a FUN read for people who don't know much about these people and/or their deaths. A lot of it is H'wood BS Machine content, and you'll never actually know how, or why, or by whom these people were killed. If Conrad Murray killed Michael Jackson, I'll eat my laptop. He didn't kill Michael Jackson.

As if! Still...fun.

[Mishon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at 5 deaths. Most of the book was things anyone even mildly familiar with these people would know though. The few pages of each of the 5 where the author wrote his “proof” of the “murders, lies and cover-ups” were definitely the most interesting as everything else was backstory

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conspiracy theorists, may I have your attention?

Yes, I've been called a conspiracy theorist. And the things I read in this book only expanded and confirmed my theories. I think most Americans disbelieve the hogwash promoted by the Warren Commission. It was obvious to anyone who ever saw the film of JFK's assassination. The same is true of RFK's assassination which was also captured on film.

However, I learned a great deal about the deaths of Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson that I didn't know. The information gathered by the author filled in many gaps and made the picture more complete. Whether or not you believe any, all, or none of it is your choice. I feel more satisfied now because the information is consistent with the known facts.

39

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would never have considered myself a conspiracy theorist but there are certain events throughout history that I have my doubts about. For me, it has mainly been about the deaths of Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe. Ergo, when a book became available that looks into these events in more detail I knew I had to read it.

David Gardner’s Murder. Lies, and Cover-Ups – Who Killed Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Princess Diana? is a fascinating read which actually corroborated many of my beliefs about these two iconic women; that there is mystery surrounding their deaths.

What is more I got to read interesting cases about three other celebrities that I hadn’t really given much credence to the conspiracy theories surrounding their demise.

Gardner really does give you food for thought. He does it without forcing his opinions upon you. He opens an envelope of clues and invites you to look for yourself and to make your own mind up. If his manner had been demanding then I don’t think his theories would have had the same validity.

I will be interested to read more from David Gardner.

Murder. Lies, and Cover-Ups – Who Killed Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Princess Diana? By David Gardner is available now.

For more information regarding Skyhorse Publishing (@skyhorsepub) please visit www.skyhorsepublishing.com.

[Kaycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: If people famously remember where they were when JFK was assassinated, many also recall where they were and what they were doing when Elvis, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson died. As for Marilyn Monroe, only now can the truth be told about how—and why—she died. After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files, interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts, and forensic experts, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information. His book reveals that Elvis Presley may have signed his death warrant going undercover for the FBI; that Marilyn Monroe's secret affairs with JFK and his brother, Robert, left her in the crosshairs of a lethal conspiracy; why Princess Diana's death was no accident; who ordered President John F. Kennedy's assassination; and how on three occasions Michael Jackson "died" of painkiller drug overdoses in the months before his death.


I have always been fascinated with true crime, murders and what people's perspectives where on what happened. So I was excited when I got granted permission to read this book. To make it even better it featured one of my favorite celebrities of all time, the talented and beautiful Marilyn Monroe. This book had its ups, example: it was nice to see a fresh opinion on what happened to these famous people and the book was very informative. Like every story it has its downs, for me sometimes it drug on and on. Over all I would rate this book a 3. 5 out of 5 stars.

[Emily Kitsch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a sucker for these kinds of books. In Murder, Lies and Cover-Ups, David Gardner takes on five very high profile and incredibly tragic deaths – that of Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana and Michael Jackson – and attempts to expose them as (potential) murders, lies and cover-ups (it’s all in the title, people!).

I was excited to read this book (though that may be an odd way to put it) and really wanted to be able to get into it, but the problem I have with this book started with the first case Gardner delves into – that of the death of Marilyn Monroe.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, I guess, depending on how you look at it) this is a case that I know WAY too much about, not because I have “inside information,” but because I’ve read dozens of books about Marilyn, seen countless documentaries, read the autopsy report and the declassified FBI files, etc. So when Gardner starts quoting sources that have been exposed as being dodgy at best and fraudulent at worst, this is a very, very bad sign for me and doesn’t bode well for the rest of the book.

Damn it. I really wanted to like this book.

(Read the rest of this review on my blog )

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: I was not sure how to approach this book since there have been some wild conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists populating the world. The author admits that it is almost impossible to wade through all the lies and cover-ups and out and out craziness that surrounds so many recent events. The days of believing that something is the way the authorities say it is has been gone for a long time. If it was on it’s death bed, the internet put the final nail in the coffin. The public is so used to lies, everything is suspect.
Having said that, this book handles in a convincing manner the deaths of five iconic figures: Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Elvis, Princess Diana and Michael Jackson. He makes solid arguments that in three cases The Mob may have played a role. In all cases, perhaps the least being MIchael Jackson, the powers that be or the support network behind them, played active and deciding roles in their fates.
While no one, including the author, can state they have the definitive explanation, he does create a solid case that is both riveting and plausible. If nothing else, it makes for interesting reading and adds some texture to both the lives and deaths of five important figures of the 20th Century who died under suspicious circumstances.
I give the book five purrs and two paws up.

[Noctvrnal · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌿Review time!
🌿Legends: Murder, Lies and Cover-Ups by David Gardner
🌿So as I've already spoke about it, I'm really into true crime currently so another true crime book should be no surprise 😅
🌿Also I am thanking NetGalley for giving me this ARC which I must admit I enjoyed a lot.
🌿Now that intro is done let me get to my review. This book is about Monroe, JFK, Presley, Princess Diana and Jackson. All the cases I never really was into or read anything detailing them. So I can't really say if this book is accurate. Though what can I say is that this book does feel conspiratory.
🌿This book was a sideroad from my usual highway of serial killers books but I won't deny that I enjoyed it. It wasn't filled with unbiased ideas nor was author forcing his conclusions onto his reader. I was left to come to a decision of my own.
🌿What I loved especially about this book that author not only gave details about deaths and possible cover-ups but also gives brief history of a person in the spotlight. I learned a lot about the icons that every person knows about.
🌿A light, non-restricting read for beginners of these cases just like me. Highly recommend.
🌿My rating: ✴✴✴✴/5

[Murielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I've never really been all that interested in the deaths of Elvis or Michael Jackson, and that hasn't really changed. But, over the years, I've done some digging myself when it's come to the untimely deaths of Marilyn Monroe, President Kennedy, and Princess Diana and Gardner didn't have to convince me about conspiracies, or massive cover-ups.

He's a good writer, who informs and entertains. I was never bored. And in several of the aforementioned cases I learned from him.

I learned a great deal about drug use, (by all but Princess Diana) so-called "legal" drug use. Prescribed, or should I say, overprescribed drug use that actually caused the deaths of Elvis and Michael Jackson. As for Marilyn, while she may have been abusing prescription medication, autopsies showed that she hadn't in fact ingested the barbituates we've been told killed her.

I do like a good conspiracy story, and here we got five. The common denominator in all of them? They were taken from us far too soon.

Well done, Mr. Gardner.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting information even though some of it was hard to believe. Elvis being an undercover FBI agent for one, that one is too unbelievable. JFK, not a fan , the dude wasn’t capable of being faithful and that should have said something right there, do not elect him. Marilyn Monroe just went looking for love in totally the wrong places. The only one that I truly believe was murdered to cover something up was Princess Diana. To The Crown she was a loose cannon who couldn’t be allowed to be with someone different. The poor woman finally found happiness but it threatened the Crown and Charles. Michael Jackson, sorely missed. Being that he had Lupus I understand the kind of pain he was in however those money grubbing doctors didn’t give one fig about him as a person, if they did they wouldn’t have pumped him full of painkillers and something to help him sleep constantly. So many conspiracies but who knows what the actual truth is.?

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, Lies, and Cover-Ups
Who Killed Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Princess Diana? by David Gardner from Skyhorse Publishing was an interesting hard to put down book on five well known conspiracies (well, 4 and a nutjob celebrity death). I love a good conspiracy and this book kept them coming. I wondered why Michael Jackson was included since there wasn't really a conspiracy there but found it very interesting. I didn't think there would be anything new to learn but again, I was surprises. This well written, hard to put down book was well researched and very interesting. Any conspiracy nut will enjoy this book but also those who aren't will enjoy it also.
Thank you NetGalley, David Gardner and Skyhorse Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up because I’ve always been fascinated by the mysterious circumstances around the deaths of people like Marilyn Monroe, JFK, and Princess Diana. Murder, Lies, and Cover-Ups definitely kept me interested—it's a fast read and full of wild theories that make you think twice about the “official” stories.

That said, I found myself wanting more solid evidence or new insights. A lot of it felt pretty surface-level, and some parts read more like a tabloid than investigative journalism. If you’re just in the mood for some entertaining speculation, this will scratch that itch. But if you're hoping for a deep, well-sourced analysis, you might be left wanting more.

Still, it was a fun, quick read—and if you're into conspiracy theories, it's worth flipping through.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been keeping my eye on this book since last year and the publication date kept changing. I was very happy to be chosen to read the ARC of this book. Honestly, I have mixed emotions about it. The subjects were very good, but there was not a lot of "new: information presented. It was just condensed in each subject matters piece in the book. I thought the book would present new information to add to what is already known, but that was not the case. I wanted to like this book more, but I just found it to be ok. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book from Netgalley and appreciate being given a copy to read.

The author took on 5 of the biggest deaths of the last 60 years or so and attempted to prove they were actually all murders and/or who really did it. There were some new allegations that I hadn't read before, while a fair bit were things I'd already read.

I will give full credit, a lot of research went into this book. I'd rate it 3.5 stars because there was more sensationalism than I felt there needed to be, but overall if you're interested in any of the 5 people whose cases are covered in this book, you should pick it up and check it out.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We'll Never Know

What a sad, distressing and frustrating book. More than one of these people had a hand in their own deaths. Drug addiction out of control and/or the inability or unwillingness to keep their mouths shut. Most of them were incapable of getting a good night's sleep hence the drug abuse. But they carried it too far with prescription drugs thinking they're not street drugs so it's okay. Most of them had secrets about other people, people who wanted to protect those secrets. It's just very frustrating not knowing the whole truth but some good speculations in this book.

[Judy Stambaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesring

I found this book very interesting. Most of these theories I had heard of before reading the book. It is so sad that these celebs died in the way they did. As for the drugs, I feel that Dr. Nick and Dr. Conrad got off way to easy and the other Dr's who aided these celebs should also have been charged. A couple of years in prison is not enough for these Dr's. to be deterred from "helping" their patients.

[Rebecca Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads as highly sensationalist. Understandable perhaps given the author’s journalistic background but for me this deterred me from taking anything seriously. I felt the theories were based on hearsay. There was little in the way of documentary evidence scanned into the book to add an element of believability. It felt, at best, one step up from gossip.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit sensational. And a couple of the photos too much for me. However, I'm already convinced on the conspiracy of Diana, JFK, and Marilyn. Not so sure about Elvis, but Michael wasn't a conspiracy at all. It was a sad OD that shouldn't have happened, but not a murder to cover a big Mafia plot or something.

Still, a good read for those interested in those cases.

[Angela Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with facts

If you were not wrapped up in the aftermath and have a lot of questions about the deaths of these people, this is a good book for you. It reads easily and is clear on data. If you can keep in mind that the authors conclusions are theories, you should be able to enlighten yourself here..

[Joanne Vickery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. If you believe in conspiracy theories or cover-ups, you will find this book interesting, written well, and with compelling arguments. These five celebrities were chosen well to be included in this book. I originally picked this book up because of Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, and Elvis Presley. But I found Michael Jackson's story the most intriguing.

[Sparklin C Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me. I have read each of these five famous people's biographies. This book was very informative, David shed light on a few theories that I did not know had happened. This is a must read for this year.

[Bertha Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another set of theories about the five most famous (or infamous?) murders of icons from s. XX, with interesting facts about the life, death and careers of JFK, Marilyn, Elvis, Princess Di and Michael Jackson.
Just conspiracy theories or this book shows the real reasons for those murders?

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic, well-researched book. Compelling evidence suggests these were murders and cover-ups, though it's all circumstantial. The author gives his theories on who killed each victim. Interesting if you aren't already familiar with the theories.

[B. Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love books that give you the facts and then let you form your own opinions!
No matter how much you know about Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana or Michael Jackson, this book will suck you in.....and leave you searching for more information!