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Aaron Hernandez's Killing Fields: Exposing Untold Murders, Violence, Cover-Ups, and the NFL's Shocking Code of Silence
Further Details into the Criminal Life of a Former Football Star
From teenage gang member to $40 million star of the New England Patriots, from All-American college player to drug addict, murderer, dead by suicide in his jail cell at age twenty-seven…you think you know the Aaron Hernandez story? You don’t.
For the first time, Aaron Hernandez’s Killing Fields will reveal the real, hitherto unknown motive for the killing of Odin Lloyd—the only crime for which Hernandez was ever convicted and a revelation so shocking it will shake the foundations of the NFL itself. It will also unpick a pattern of violence and brutality stretching back to his time as a teenager at the University of Florida, revealing further shooting victims, evidence of his involvement in the double murder of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado in 2012.
Featuring new interviews with Hernandez’s cellmates, serving police investigators, prosecutors, psychologists, attorneys—as well as key witnesses including Hernandez’s drug dealer, a male stripper he hired days before the killing of Lloyd—plus extensive testimony from relatives of Hernandez’s victims, Aaron Hernandez’s Killing Fields is the exhaustive, definitive account of the rise and fall of a man undone by his own appetite for violence, gangsterism, power, drugs, and self-destruction.
This is the real Aaron Hernandez story—and perhaps just the beginning of a whole new murder investigation.
From teenage gang member to $40 million star of the New England Patriots, from All-American college player to drug addict, murderer, dead by suicide in his jail cell at age twenty-seven…you think you know the Aaron Hernandez story? You don’t.
For the first time, Aaron Hernandez’s Killing Fields will reveal the real, hitherto unknown motive for the killing of Odin Lloyd—the only crime for which Hernandez was ever convicted and a revelation so shocking it will shake the foundations of the NFL itself. It will also unpick a pattern of violence and brutality stretching back to his time as a teenager at the University of Florida, revealing further shooting victims, evidence of his involvement in the double murder of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado in 2012.
Featuring new interviews with Hernandez’s cellmates, serving police investigators, prosecutors, psychologists, attorneys—as well as key witnesses including Hernandez’s drug dealer, a male stripper he hired days before the killing of Lloyd—plus extensive testimony from relatives of Hernandez’s victims, Aaron Hernandez’s Killing Fields is the exhaustive, definitive account of the rise and fall of a man undone by his own appetite for violence, gangsterism, power, drugs, and self-destruction.
This is the real Aaron Hernandez story—and perhaps just the beginning of a whole new murder investigation.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2019
50 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 12, 2024
Prior to reading this, I read All-American Murder: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez, the Superstar Whose Life Ended on Murderers' Row by Patterson, James, Abramovich, Alex, Harvkey, Mike.
In comparison, Killing Fields by Dylan Howard is not quite as well structured, feels a bit more subjective, speculative and sensational. This is not to say, it is bad. Quite the opposite, since we don’t know all the facts about Hernandez’ death, his motivations and his death count, I felt a bit more speculation and rumors did make the book interesting. This may not be the most eloquent nor objective crime reporting; it remains up to the reader to deal with the many unconfirmed rumors from interviews and hearsay in this book in an emancipated manner. Nevertheless, recommendable, even if you have already read other books on Hernandez’ . Note: this is the review of the audiobook version.
In comparison, Killing Fields by Dylan Howard is not quite as well structured, feels a bit more subjective, speculative and sensational. This is not to say, it is bad. Quite the opposite, since we don’t know all the facts about Hernandez’ death, his motivations and his death count, I felt a bit more speculation and rumors did make the book interesting. This may not be the most eloquent nor objective crime reporting; it remains up to the reader to deal with the many unconfirmed rumors from interviews and hearsay in this book in an emancipated manner. Nevertheless, recommendable, even if you have already read other books on Hernandez’ . Note: this is the review of the audiobook version.
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November 11, 2019I would not recommend this book. This book is clearly the work of an author trying to make some cash off Aaron Hernandez story. Among the many spelling errors, the facts are not 100% accurate. On Page 70 Chapter 8, the author states that Aaron and Bradly left the club with Aaron driving. Aaron eventually pulled over and shot Bradly. Had the author actually did his supposed research, he would know that Aaron was in the front passenger seat and Bradly was behind him, with 2 other people in the vehicle. This information was shared during the trial and in Bradley’s own account, so you don’t have to look far to find it. The other area’s state that Aaron bought a house in Plainville, MA when it was in North Attleborough, MA. Jonathan Hernandez also says in his book he went to California to visit his brother when finding him on the roof of the unit he was renting with a gun to his chin. According to this authors report, this occurred in Connecticut. In addition, the photos in this book are the result of an easy google image search. All this new evidence that the author discovered is not shown in photos which lead me to believe it is just false. To say their was a 4th letter contradicts the police report of inventory taken from Aaron’s cell at the time of his suicide. Being a person who followed each trial live, watched all interviews regarding and read books by Patterson, Jose Baez and Jonathan Hernandez (which I do highly recommend) this work from Dylan Howard is a disappointment. To say that he has discovered additional “facts” is just ludicrous. The additional information is as legitimate as Alexander Bradley testimony under oath and can only be taken as “rumor”. Don’t get me wrong, it is still interesting to hear what others who had been around him had to say. The phone conversations are disappointing as they say (inaudible) after every word making it basically worthless when reading in a book. And be weary the description says stories from those who knew Aaron the most, including his hired stripper, but then in the story states the stripper returned from payment and only discovered that Aaron Hernandez was an NFL player when he was taken to his basement where he feared for his life. These inaccurate accounts are the entire way through the book. Again, Mr. Dylan Howard is only looking for his pay day.
April 21, 2020
An interesting read...
I read this on the 3rd anniversary of Aaron Hernandez's suicide, mostly in an attempt to find out why he might have killed himself right after being acquitted of a double murder. I knew almost nothing about this case before and I found a lot of big holes in the author's theories. He alternately states an idea as fact and then turns around and says he has no way of really knowing, but it sure would make sense, wouldn't it? And here's the thing: it would make a lot more sense if the author were correct. But at this point we just can't know...
I read this on the 3rd anniversary of Aaron Hernandez's suicide, mostly in an attempt to find out why he might have killed himself right after being acquitted of a double murder. I knew almost nothing about this case before and I found a lot of big holes in the author's theories. He alternately states an idea as fact and then turns around and says he has no way of really knowing, but it sure would make sense, wouldn't it? And here's the thing: it would make a lot more sense if the author were correct. But at this point we just can't know...
July 11, 2022
So many factual inaccuracies in this book. At least TWICE the author refers to Aaron Hernandez being #87 on the Patriots. WHOOOOOOPS!!! That's a pretty easy fact to check, and this author didn't bother?
Lots of salacious yet vague tales shared, but almost no details provided which might allow a reader to follow up the claims. For example, the author pulls motive out of a hat for some of Hernandez's alleged crimes - the primary "motive" suggested for the Odin Lloyd murder was that AH must have had HIV. The "evidence" for this is cited to be a request form for medical information, upon which a checkbox for any information relating to HIV or STDs is unchecked. That's it. A lawyer doesn't perceive a need to requisition any bloodwork related to sexually-transmitted infections, and this author fancies that choice (or oversight) to be EVIDENCE of 1) a medical diagnosis and 2) motive for murder.
It. Is. Absurd.
As fiction, this book is fine, even compelling. But if you have anything resembling an analytical mind, you will quickly see this through the gaping holes in the plot line.
Lots of salacious yet vague tales shared, but almost no details provided which might allow a reader to follow up the claims. For example, the author pulls motive out of a hat for some of Hernandez's alleged crimes - the primary "motive" suggested for the Odin Lloyd murder was that AH must have had HIV. The "evidence" for this is cited to be a request form for medical information, upon which a checkbox for any information relating to HIV or STDs is unchecked. That's it. A lawyer doesn't perceive a need to requisition any bloodwork related to sexually-transmitted infections, and this author fancies that choice (or oversight) to be EVIDENCE of 1) a medical diagnosis and 2) motive for murder.
It. Is. Absurd.
As fiction, this book is fine, even compelling. But if you have anything resembling an analytical mind, you will quickly see this through the gaping holes in the plot line.
November 17, 2019
Love fast
This book was interesting and pretty straight forward, there were some parts that were repetitive but overall I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in a true American tragedy. He had everything going for him but threw it away for nothing, the real tragedy is that the NFL could have stepped in and possibly avoided the destruction that ruined multiple people's lives.
This book was interesting and pretty straight forward, there were some parts that were repetitive but overall I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in a true American tragedy. He had everything going for him but threw it away for nothing, the real tragedy is that the NFL could have stepped in and possibly avoided the destruction that ruined multiple people's lives.
November 7, 2019
Very well researched, but poorly written. At time the overly salacious writing style jeopardized the facts and supporting arguments:
-Author claims Aaron Hernandez could have been a serial killer with more than four confirmed murders. This is possible, but counters the narrative he told his boyfriend that his “body count” was four.
-Author releases all responsibility for the radio show outing of Aaron Hernandez as motive for his suicide claiming he was in prison and couldn’t have heard the radio or rumors in two days, so his public outing couldn’t possibly be linked to his suicide.
-Author claims overheard third party discussion of “meds” must reference HIV/AIDs medication. Again possible, but a stretch.
-During a search of Hernandez’ house, the author found a hidden bag of Cocaine and implied the police botched the search. Maybe the cocaine was Hernandez’ or maybe it entered the property after his arrest and suicide.
Often the author used a lot of “mind reads,” pseudo-psychology, and interviewed “expert witnesses” unaffiliated with the case, which only undermined the facts.
Overall the book presents a lot of new and relevant information (which I believe to be credible) but a better writer and editor (lots of typos and errors) would have really improved the book.
-Author claims Aaron Hernandez could have been a serial killer with more than four confirmed murders. This is possible, but counters the narrative he told his boyfriend that his “body count” was four.
-Author releases all responsibility for the radio show outing of Aaron Hernandez as motive for his suicide claiming he was in prison and couldn’t have heard the radio or rumors in two days, so his public outing couldn’t possibly be linked to his suicide.
-Author claims overheard third party discussion of “meds” must reference HIV/AIDs medication. Again possible, but a stretch.
-During a search of Hernandez’ house, the author found a hidden bag of Cocaine and implied the police botched the search. Maybe the cocaine was Hernandez’ or maybe it entered the property after his arrest and suicide.
Often the author used a lot of “mind reads,” pseudo-psychology, and interviewed “expert witnesses” unaffiliated with the case, which only undermined the facts.
Overall the book presents a lot of new and relevant information (which I believe to be credible) but a better writer and editor (lots of typos and errors) would have really improved the book.
January 16, 2024
This book goes more into detail about the case of Aaron Hernandez. From his homosexual life to another undocumented murder, this book goes into the details that were left out of the trial. When people wonder how he could have committed a murder and gone on to play an entire football season, it is believable that this was not the first murder that took place by his hand. Its a very sad story about a person who was unable to come out as gay but was able to find happiness in the most unlikely of places.
April 9, 2020
The content of the book is a 3 star and the reason I am downgrading it to 2 is that the editing in this book is horrible. Even reading sentences over and over again they still didn't make any sense. There was so new information in the book but nothing earth shattering. Some things were put in as teasers but there was nothing to substantiate them.
February 12, 2020
Troubling
While the book is basically the same as other books, I did come away wondering how Aaron committed suicide. They say he hung himself, but I dispute that. He used his own blood to write on his forehead.. Makes one wonder if he also cut his wrists. Read the book..
While the book is basically the same as other books, I did come away wondering how Aaron committed suicide. They say he hung himself, but I dispute that. He used his own blood to write on his forehead.. Makes one wonder if he also cut his wrists. Read the book..
May 20, 2023
I'll be the 1st to admit that I don't really know anything about the NFL, as an Australian it's not something that we really think about talk about or associate with. The football that I consider newsworthy is the AFL. However that being said I think as humans we are inherently wired to want to know about people who seemingly have it all and then their fall from grace.
I think I first heard about Aaron Hernandez either last year or the year before on a video posted by Stephanie Harlowe on YouTube (if you haven't watched any of her videos go check them out) and I was interested by this young man because what he was being handed; a $40 million contract and then throwing it all away. I don't mean just the $40 million contract, but the NFL career the family, the fiancé, the daughter, the friends, the whole lifestyle that he had been working before prison and taking his own life.
This book explores the crimes of of Aaron Hernandez and his life and death, through the lens of Aaron most likely being homosexual or bisexual and killing people to keep his sexuality a secret. Considering that it is now the 21st-century it's horrific to think that somebody would have to feel like they would need to murder someone to keep their sexuality a secret but when you think about it how many gay football stars have you heard of? I actually cannot think of one openly homosexual AFL player. And there must be something percentagewise there must be at least a few but why do we as a society make this such a stigma?
Whether Aaron's sexuality had anything to do with his crimes I think we'll never really know, and I'm not sure I believe that he killed because he had HIV.I think there's just not enough evidence to make that claim. I think that there was a variety of factors that led to Aaron's crimes including is violent upbringing, his associations with gang members, is CTE, his drug use and possibly his fear of his sexuality getting out. To oversimplify this issue all these crimes I think does not do them justice and he's not really paying a picture of what happened.
I think this book does really well at looking at Aaron as a human and both his positive and negative traits. Aaron was clearly a very flawed person, he was failed by many people in his life. He was failed by his family who allowed his father to abuse him, he was failed by his high school who allowed him to graduate early without really being able to read or write, he was failed by the University of Florida by allowing his antics to go unpunished, and he was failed by the NFL for not getting him to help he clearly needed. Aaron clearly had a drug problem and I do not know how the NFL or the New England Patriots could take a blind eye to this when there are multiple drug tests happening.
The claim of the relationship between Kyle Kennedy and Aaron Hernandez… I'm not sure how I feel about it. I do think that it was most likely that they did have a relationship, there are a few too many people in the prison who have verified this claim. However, why would Kyle Kennedy come and talk about his relationship with Aaron when Aaron was so profoundly private about his sexuality? If the relationship was real and the Hernandez family did really keep a letter from Kyle Kennedy I think that's horrible and selfish and hopefully one day they will be able to give Kyle the closure he deserves.
If you are a fan of Stephanie Harlow then you probably don't have a lot of positive things to say about José Baez. If you have read anything about the Casey Anthony trial, you know that he is a bit of a contentious character. I would've liked to seen a little bit more of she's saying about Aaron and see what it what his comments were. I think to get a bit more of a picture of that I would have to read José buys his book about Aaron.
I think this book was well written as well researched and talk to you a variety of different experience from journalist two police officers to scientist to CTV experts which gave us a well rounded idea Aaron
I will I will highly it is quick easy read or listen if you want to listen to the audiobook on audible. If you want a really detailed look into you and him Hernandez's live out there that we're going to my details however this is a good place to start start.
I think I first heard about Aaron Hernandez either last year or the year before on a video posted by Stephanie Harlowe on YouTube (if you haven't watched any of her videos go check them out) and I was interested by this young man because what he was being handed; a $40 million contract and then throwing it all away. I don't mean just the $40 million contract, but the NFL career the family, the fiancé, the daughter, the friends, the whole lifestyle that he had been working before prison and taking his own life.
This book explores the crimes of of Aaron Hernandez and his life and death, through the lens of Aaron most likely being homosexual or bisexual and killing people to keep his sexuality a secret. Considering that it is now the 21st-century it's horrific to think that somebody would have to feel like they would need to murder someone to keep their sexuality a secret but when you think about it how many gay football stars have you heard of? I actually cannot think of one openly homosexual AFL player. And there must be something percentagewise there must be at least a few but why do we as a society make this such a stigma?
Whether Aaron's sexuality had anything to do with his crimes I think we'll never really know, and I'm not sure I believe that he killed because he had HIV.I think there's just not enough evidence to make that claim. I think that there was a variety of factors that led to Aaron's crimes including is violent upbringing, his associations with gang members, is CTE, his drug use and possibly his fear of his sexuality getting out. To oversimplify this issue all these crimes I think does not do them justice and he's not really paying a picture of what happened.
I think this book does really well at looking at Aaron as a human and both his positive and negative traits. Aaron was clearly a very flawed person, he was failed by many people in his life. He was failed by his family who allowed his father to abuse him, he was failed by his high school who allowed him to graduate early without really being able to read or write, he was failed by the University of Florida by allowing his antics to go unpunished, and he was failed by the NFL for not getting him to help he clearly needed. Aaron clearly had a drug problem and I do not know how the NFL or the New England Patriots could take a blind eye to this when there are multiple drug tests happening.
The claim of the relationship between Kyle Kennedy and Aaron Hernandez… I'm not sure how I feel about it. I do think that it was most likely that they did have a relationship, there are a few too many people in the prison who have verified this claim. However, why would Kyle Kennedy come and talk about his relationship with Aaron when Aaron was so profoundly private about his sexuality? If the relationship was real and the Hernandez family did really keep a letter from Kyle Kennedy I think that's horrible and selfish and hopefully one day they will be able to give Kyle the closure he deserves.
If you are a fan of Stephanie Harlow then you probably don't have a lot of positive things to say about José Baez. If you have read anything about the Casey Anthony trial, you know that he is a bit of a contentious character. I would've liked to seen a little bit more of she's saying about Aaron and see what it what his comments were. I think to get a bit more of a picture of that I would have to read José buys his book about Aaron.
I think this book was well written as well researched and talk to you a variety of different experience from journalist two police officers to scientist to CTV experts which gave us a well rounded idea Aaron
I will I will highly it is quick easy read or listen if you want to listen to the audiobook on audible. If you want a really detailed look into you and him Hernandez's live out there that we're going to my details however this is a good place to start start.
March 23, 2026
If you want salacious stories about Aaron Hernandez, this is the book for you. But don't expect much else. The author uses conjecture to imply that Hernandez committed a fourth murder but the claim is based on nothing more that overheard gossip and the author's belief that the victim looked like Odin Lloyd. By the end he gives up and writes whole chapters that are just interviews with random cops and an Aaron Hernandez hating journalist. Very poorly written as well.
March 3, 2020
Mostly a waste of time. There was certain information within the book I did not know, and the the details of his life and crimes were laid out well. However, repeatedly the author hints to potential bombshells but never delivers. It like a tabloid story that draws you in with a title, but provides no more than insinuations and speculation.
I was hoping for more.
I was hoping for more.
June 21, 2020
While reading this book, I learned a lot about professional sports. They pay a lot and expect a lot. Give and take. It's amazing you be was illiterate and evil. Nothing was expected of him, just play football, that's all. The book kept my attention, because the things I was reading, to me, was amazing.
July 26, 2020
The story is interesting. A lot of the content is speculative, obviously, but interesting nonetheless. My main issue with it however, is the editing. It’s seriously the WORST edited book I have ever read. Misspellings, grammar problems, word choice, etc. I’d be embarrassed to put out something so sloppy.
February 16, 2021
Provides lots of speculation for the motive behind Aaron Hernandez’s murder conviction and jailhouse suicide. Some of the speculation sounds plausible, but without fact or corroboration to back it up, makes it seem like the author is pushing too hard to present salacious details for shock value. Otherwise, fairly thorough and touches on both prosecution and defense strategies
December 6, 2022
Though the author states he did tons of interviews, there truly doesn’t seem to be nothing new in this book versus the James Patterson version that has proof. Howard does speculate that what he was trying to hide, which would make sense BUT if that was true wouldn’t the fiancé be positive??
I would love to know what others think!
I would love to know what others think!
January 21, 2020
Needs work
I was happy to read a book about Aaron Hernandez with new information, but extremely disappointed in the very large amount of spelling errors and a couple of obvious mistakes in some "facts".
I was happy to read a book about Aaron Hernandez with new information, but extremely disappointed in the very large amount of spelling errors and a couple of obvious mistakes in some "facts".
July 22, 2020
Fantastic. I loved everything about this book. It really grabs your attention to .ind set as he was going through life
I have this book I U ,I would have liked to read more about CTE.I believe that he did most of the stuff because of CTE
I have this book I U ,I would have liked to read more about CTE.I believe that he did most of the stuff because of CTE
December 19, 2020
Underrated in my opinion compared to his other books I've read (His lawyers book and brothers). It's very detailed and provides possible accounts and interactions with Aaron and goes deep into motives. Other books and documentaries have only left me guessing, so this was a great find!
January 16, 2021
Soooo interesting! I did not want to put this down. It was like watching a murder mystery documentary. Im glad i didnt know that much about what actually happened while going into this book. Fantastic!
May 9, 2020
Does not deliver as promised.
June 23, 2021
The details are well-communicated. The supposition is just that. Intangible but possible.
January 20, 2023
So many spelling and Grammer mistakes written in this book....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
One of the most tragic stories, very well written, and thoroughly researched.
February 1, 2020
It's very annoying reading a book of any kind where there are so many error's. But I kept reading it because I had watched the documentary about Aaron on Netflix. So it piqued my interest to read more about it. I should have picked James Patterson's instead. But overall, on a good note the story was still interesting to say the least.
October 30, 2024
In my opinion, this book is poorly written. It's almost like a repetitive opinion piece. The author interviews a handful of people, quotes them and then rewrites what the quotes. It also seems based around an unproven theory about someone's sexuality. Honestly, reading it made me think of someone who didn't like jocks in school and this was their "get back." Just my take away, but it was hard for me to get thru this book & not my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews