HOMICIDE AT ROUGH POINT: The Untold Story of How Doris Duke, The Richest Woman In America, Got Away With Murder

by Peter Lance

Peter Lance, author of HOMICIDE AT ROUGH POINT, debunks Doris Duke's claim that she accidentally killed Eduardo Tirella. - NY Post

In the fall of 1966, Eduardo Tirella, close confidant of billionaire Doris Duke, informed the possessive and vindictive heiress that he was leaving her employ as chief designer and art curator to return to Hollywood where his career as a set designer was just catching fire.




Minutes later, she crushed him to death under the wheels of a two-ton station wagon as they were leaving Rough Point, her Bellevue Avenue estate in Newport, RI, the storied resort.




In a murderous quid-pro-quo, the local police quickly ruled the incident "an unfortunate accident" and Doris began giving a fortune to Newport, restoring 70 colonial-era homes that quickly turned it into a tourist Mecca. In 2018, Lance, who started his career as a cub reporter for The Newport Daily News eight months after Tirella's death, began a re-examination of the case and proved that the mercurial tobacco heiress got away with murder.




In a riveting, doggedly researched book with 105 illustrations -- including never-before seen forensic files -- Lance, a five-time Emmy winner, rewrites history and finally restores the reputation of Eduardo Tirella, a gay Renaissance man and war hero whom Duke went to great lengths to erase from the history of her troubled life.




Praise for HOMICIDE AT ROUGH POINT:

"In his meticulous new tome, Lance tells the untold story of how Doris Duke, the richest woman in America got away with murdering a gay man, her designer and art curator Eduardo Tirella." - Diane Anderson-Minshall, CEO Pride Media in The Advocate.




"This book has rocked the world of publishing, it's rocked the world of journalism and true crime junkies are talking about it from Coast to Coast." - Frank Morano WABC RADIO




"A page turning look into the world of elite influence, true crime and a systemic coverup that has rocked a New England summer resort city" - Bartholomewtown Podcast




"Homicide at Rough Point is a page-turning epic for our time. Proof that when a narcissistic billionaire assumes, they can get away with murder, there's a reporter out there willing and able to expose them." - Nicholas Pileggi, author of Goodfellas and Casino




"HOMICIDE is the best true crime book I've read in years; solving the horrific cold case murder of Eddie Tirella, a gifted Italian-American war hero who didn't deserve to die. Peter Lance is the most tenacious reporter I know. A must read!" - John A. "Junior" Gotti




Praise for Peter Lance's HarperCollins Mafia bio DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

"The perfect mix of thorough research and gripping storytelling." (NPR)




"[A] thrilling account. . . This scrupulously investigated tale. . . will have true crime fans on the edge of their seats (Publishers Weekly, starred review)




"A meticulously researched and frightening account of the long term relationship between the FBI and vicious Mafia thug Gregory Scarpa Sr. . . Stunning revelations." (Booklist)

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

443 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2021

About the author

Peter Lance is a five-time Emmy-winning investigative reporter now working as a screenwriter and novelist. With a Masters Degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, Lance spent the first 15 years of his career as a print reporter and network correspondent.

He began his career as a reporter for his hometown paper, The Newport, R.I. Daily News. There, while a student at Northeastern University in Boston, he won the coveted Sevellon Brown Award from the A.P. Managing Editors Association. Lance next moved to WNET, the PBS flagship in New York, where he won his first New York area Emmy and the Ohio State Award as a producer- reporter for Channel 13′s news magazine THE 51ST STATE.

Later, while working as a writer and producer for WABC-TV Lance won his second Emmy along with the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism prize for WILLOWBROOK: THE PEOPLE VS. THE STATE OF NEW YORK, an exposé on a notorious institution for the mentally retarded. He also was awarded The National Community Service Emmy for that same documentary.

While getting his law degree, Lance worked as a Trial Preparation Assistant in the office of the District Attorney for New York County. Moving to ABC News as a field producer, Lance won his fourth Emmy for his investigation of an arson-for-profit ring in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago: “Arson and Profit.”

In 1981 Lance became Investigative Correspondent for ABC News. For his very first investigative piece on 20/20 Lance won his fifth Emmy for “Unnecessary Surgery,” an exposé of unnecessary surgery in an Arkansas hospital. He won two more Emmy nominations in 1982 for 20/20 investigative pieces on Formaldehyde “The Danger Within” and toxic waste: “Deadly Chemicals, Deadly Oil;” a piece that also won the National Headliner Award.

Over the next five years he covered hundreds of stories worldwide for ABC NEWS 20/20, NIGHTLINE, and WORLD NEWS TONIGHT.

He was a member of the first American crew into Indochina after the end of the Vietnam War. He chased rebel insurgents through the Plaine Des Jarres in Laos and members of the Gambino Family through the toxic wastelands of New Jersey. He tracked knife-happy surgeons in the Deep South and nuclear terrorists through the twisted streets of Antwerp. Then, in 1987, he took a break from non-fiction.

Lance came to L.A. and began working as a writer and story editor for Michael Mann on two of his acclaimed NBC series: CRIME STORY and MIAMI VICE.
In 1989 Lance became the co-executive producer and “show runner” on the fourth season of WISEGUY for CBS and in 1993 he co-created MISSING PERSONS, for ABC. In recent years, he has served as a writer and consulting producer on such series as JAG (NBC) and THE SENTINEL (UPN).

In 1997 Lance’s first novel FIRST DEGREE BURN became a national best seller, ranking No. 24 on The Ingram A-List The Top 50 Requested Titles in Mystery- Detective Fiction. The film-noir mystery features FDNY Fire Marshal Eddie Burke.

Following the 9/11 attacks Lance began investigating the origins of the FBI’s original probe of World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Ahmed Yousef. He authored 4 books on counter terrorism and org. crime for HarperCollins between 2003-2013.

In 2020 his investigation of the murder of Eduardo Tirella killed in 1966 by Doris Duke was the lead piece in Vanity Fair's July/Aug. issue. During sequestration Lance expanded into a 438 page book HOMICIDE AT ROUGH POINT published in 3 editions on 2.23.21 with the Audible edition which he narrated published on 3.10.21

Email: pl@peterlance.com

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

May I start by saying that another reviewer captures my sentiments quite well. "This book is a mess of who's who in Newport that follows a seemingly random order." There is of course more to the book (including political overtones) which I didn't mind as a parallel to present day figures who "get away with murder". So, I suppose in that respect it is a timely tale.
Having grown up in Newport during the 50's and on, it's a throwback to the "old" City-by-the-Sea. It was an interesting and amusing "re-visit" on many levels. I wonder though how this reads if you never lived in Newport. I can only imagine that some might think wait, what has this or that got to do with Doris Duke. I could see the threads the author was weaving, but sometimes the pieces didn't quite align. Also, having first-hand knowledge and experience with some of the "characters" in the book, the anecdotes were somewhat off here and there.
There was a time in Newport when most of us knew each other or at least recognized names. The Lances were no exception. It was enjoyable to read about Peter's career path and also to get a sense of what direction his sister Mary took, as well as his parents. But then I digress which is on par with the writing style of this book. Maybe it's just a Newport thing. We have the gift of the gab (even those of us who have moved on).

[Carolyn Sanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be more aptly titled "Homicide at Rough Point and a Kabillion Tangents That May or May Not Have to do With this Subject". This book was all over the place. Some of the incidentals were interesting, but this book is a mess of who's who in Newport that follows a seemingly random order.

[Audrey O'Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about my hometown Newport and recognized many people and places. However I was disappointed with the book and found the title misleading.

Yes, it told the story of Doris Duke killing Tirello. It was common knowledge and we grew up joking about it when "we did The Drive" and drove past Roughpoint. "Can you open the gate for me....oops, my foot slipped off the brake onto the gas pedal!"

But for every chapter on Doris Duke, there were 2 to 3 chapters on seemingly unrelated Newport gossip about the society crowd on "The Avenue", local Newporters, and even Hollywood celebrities (I skipped those pages because it was a waste of time). These side stories were kinda fun to read, but they seemed jammed in and jumped all over the place. In fact, the last chapter had nothing at all to do with Doris Duke.

The Doris Duke story could have been told more succinctly in probably less than 100 pages. The rest could be a 2nd book completely.

Too bad, I was looking forward to reading this book and finished it disappointed.

[Robert Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read from start to finish. At first I wasn't sure how the author could write an entire book when he put forth such a convincing narrative in the first few chapters. But, his knowledge of Newport and the intricacies of the people, their relationships and history made for a really interesting read.

The argument he makes for Doris Duke murdering Eduardo Tirella is very convincing. There isn't a lead that isn't researched and he does an amazing job of exposing the corruption and lengths Doris Duke would go to ensure her innocence.

[joyce g · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a remarkable story. Having visited Newport recently it was quite amazing to be told of this book.
The twists of the story, the unique history of Newport and the people involved in the coverup were deliciously intertwined .

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, man. This book is rough. It tells you everything you need to know in the preface, then reads like a magazine article that the author inflated into a book.

The book's thesis is that Newport billionairess Doris Duke intentionally ran over one of her employees, then bought off everyone in a position to bring her to justice. Also, she wasn't a nice person.

There you go. That's it. The rest of the book is a memoir of the writer's life, an exposé of various unsavory aspects of Newport RI's past, and various meandering side trips into wealth envy.

It's hard to believe that this book was written by a professional writer. I'm giving it two stars anyway because I did learn some interesting facts about Newport history and various island landmarks. Unless you live on Aquidneck Island or really care about rich people, you're going to want to give this one a pass.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating book! My mother's caregiver recommended this book as she had read it with her book club. I was intrigued. I love true crime books to begin with. What a story! I do feel that Doris deliberately ran over her friend. She was not a nice woman, despite donation to the Newport Restoration Society. It's sad for his family because they didn't get what they should have from her in dollars. This book was eye catching and I read it quickly. I will definitely read more of Peter's books and hope to meet him in person someday as I am close to Newport.

[Andrew Sargent, PhD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Homicide at Rough Point is a sort of investigative piece into the 1966 Newport death of Hollywood up-and-comer Eduardo Tirella under an automobile driven by the wealthy heiress, Doris Duke. It is an expansion on his 2020 Vanity Fair article “Did Billionaire Tobacco Heiress Doris Duke Get Away With Murder?” The author, Peter Lance, a Newport native, began his journalism career at the Newport Daily News in the year following Eduardo’s death. He has won the News and Documentary Emmy Award five times, and received the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award in 1973. He received a B.A. from Northeastern University in 1971, and M.S. from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in 1972, and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1978. He worked for Ralph Nader’s Center for the Study of Responsive Law as one of “Nader’s Raiders” from 1969-72, has worked for WNET, WABC, Nightline, World News Tonight, and ABC News. He has written several investigative books, including 1000 Years for Revenge (2003), Cover-up (2004), Triple Cross (2006), and Deal with the Devil (2013).

Homicide at Rough Point is a “sort of” investigative piece because, as a Newport native, Lance uses the book to reminisce a good deal about his own experiences growing up there and to tell tales about the city’s history and the lives of many of its famous and infamous residents. As a Newporter in my own right, tracing my family history there back several generations, and being a relative of the first patrol officer on the scene of Eduardo’s death, I was entertained by this aspect of the book. I grew up on stories about Duke’s “accident” and had, based on how these stories were told, assumed that she had indeed gotten away with murder.

No one can fault Peter Lance for the amount of evidence that he scared up in relationship to this case, nor for the amount of time he spent doing interviews, and hunting down missing documents. He certainly seems to have brought his investigative training to bear upon the incident of Eduardo’s death and is convinced that Duke murdered Eduardo out of spite when he attempted to extract himself from her employ in order to take advantage of opening doors in Hollywood.

Having read the book, however, Lance, certainly without intending to do so, fed my doubts of Duke’s guilt more than he stoked my convictions of her guilt. Were I in a jury box in a court of law, and this book was the full testimony against Duke, I would vote, “Not Guilty!” Two people know what happened that night. One died. One used her considerable influence to protect herself. Maybe she murdered him, maybe she didn’t, but reasonable doubt continues to exist after Lance’s book, not in small part due to his unprofessional manner of presenting it.

As a whole, Homicide at Rough Point is a poorly conceived work that reveals much more about the author, himself, than it does about the intentions of Doris Duke when Eduardo Tirella perished beneath the wheels of her rented Polara Station wagon. Lance seems to suffer from Trump derangement syndrome, a common ailment of those with his undisguised political bias and its present corresponding societal commitments. He despises the wealth of those who, through their own ingenuity, built the modern world, but celebrates the lives of morally challenged and equally disturbed celebrities and Democrats. Duke’s immorality is cause for scorn, but Roman Polanski’s passes without comment. Lance is plainly star struck with wanton figures like Richard Burton, JFK, and their wives, not to mention the victim himself, whom Lance casts in the role of unrecognized saint. His ignorance of basic economics is plain, as is his own massive ego. Much of the book seems to have no other purpose than to convince you how awesome he is. He sees himself as a modern day Woodward and Bernstein, making the comparison himself. Perhaps his other books bear this out, but not Homicide at Rough Point, where his self-admiration annoyed me more than a little. Here, Lance demonstrates a libelous recklessness in his accusations. He proves unable to imagine any explanation for people’s behavior other than his own conspiracy theories. As I read, I felt like a weary defense attorney, head in hands, saying, “Objection! Conjecture. Objection! Argumentative! Objection! Assumes facts not in evidence! Objection! Lack of foundation! Objection! Irrelevant! Objection! Unqualified opinion! Objection! Leading the Witness! Objection! Unfair prejudice! Objection! Improper character witness! Objection! Misleading! Objection! Hearsay!”

What is obvious in the book is that Lance despises Doris Duke and seeks every occasion to libel her, mining here entire life for points of attack, giving the worst imaginable interpretation of her actions at every turn. He also demonstrates a penchant for rumors and innuendo. He goes far beyond the evidence relevant to the case, and instead engulfs the evidence in a fog of conjecture and irrelevant side-bars designed to convict the woman, doctors, lawyers, and police on emotional grounds alone—“She was a rotten person, so she plainly paid everyone off to cover up her obvious murder of Mr. Tirella.”

The book’s problem isn’t that Lance speculates on whether or not Doris Duke intentionally ran over Eduardo. He provides some new evidence to consider and worked hard to untangle the mess surrounding the weak investigation. So kudos on that. It is that he confuses his often malevolent speculation as evidence.

Lance puts forth his inability to imagine how anyone could mistake the gas for the break and freeze out of panic as evidence that it could not have happened. Yet, I have witnessed exactly this with potentially identical outcomes. He can’t imagine how Eduardo, on the car’s hood, could end up on the road in front of the car unless Doris Duke braked to propel him there. He never once considers the physics involved in smashing through large wrought iron gates. If Eduardo was on the hood, which Lance shows we might reasonably assume he was, in contradiction of the police report, would not the resistance of the gates to the car have propelled him forward through the existing or even opening gap? Cars have a way of slowing suddenly and behaving oddly when encountering resisting objects. Might not the car’s entanglement with the gate have affected much on its pell-mell journey into the tree across the road, tire’s catching or else slipping at points for various reasons? In spite of the fact that the car was new to her, Lance scoffs at the idea that Duke could have been confused by it. He grinds away at small details considered in calm after the fact, and cannot even entertain the possibility that trauma, grief, and shock might affect total recall. And while we are at it, I think we can safely assert that decades might alter the recall of after-the-fact witnesses.

In my personally experienced event, the van shot backwards, leaving different sorts of marks as road tar, gave way to grass and dirt, as curbs, mailboxes, and bushes manipulated the vehicle’s behavior in unexpected ways. My panicked driver only took her foot off the gas some 5-10 seconds after the van could go no further, hung up on debris as it was, both roaring and lurching for more.

Lance cannot imagine any other reason for Doris’ behavior after the fact, other than concealing murder. I, however, cannot imagine that any person would fail to use what influence and power they had to protect themselves in such a situation whether it was on purpose or accidental. Only a fool trusts themselves into the hands of the police, courts, and prosecutors. In terms of her use of money, i.e. her reluctance to settle with Eduardo’s family, one can only imagine the psychological impact of inheriting so much so young and recognizing quickly how manipulative others can be who want to take what you have.

The question is even bigger than this, however. Lance’s propensity for libelous accusation blackens the reputations of many whose actions might have perfectly innocent motives behind them. What people see and do when encountering such a scene and hearing various testimonies from weeping women and from people they know personally and professionally is quite a bit different from what a highly biased journalist imagines they should have done looking back over several decades. The investigation was sloppy, sure, but this does not mean that those involved were criminal in their intent. Lance’s failure to even consider alternatives manifests either a weakness of imagination or the blindness of prejudice. I found his “proof” of guilt for the surrounding players feeble at best and often verging on being downright unscrupulous.

Now, as for the case itself, one “new” witness has come forward after nearly 56 years of silence to back up Lance’s interpretation of the initial event… after reading the book. Bob Walker, a paper boy in the area of Rough Point back in 1966, claims to have heard the sounds of the car crash and insists that his recollection of those sounds backs up Lance’s “hit Eduardo with car, smash through gate, brake to propel Eduardo off the hood, run over Eduardo and smash into tree.” Walker offers explanations for his complete 56 year silence, but there are more than a few reasons to question the legitimacy of his claims. We have defense attorneys for a reason.

If the issues with this book where merely Doris Duke’s guilt or innocence in this matter, this testimony—though questionable after so many years and highly interpretive given his actual proximity to the event—might salvage its value, but the problems with Lance’s book only begin with his interpretation of the actual crash. Lance’s presentation becomes more disreputable as his circles of connection span outward.

In the end, I feel that the tabloid quality of Homicide at Rough Point should have been beneath a legally trained journalist. Unfortunately, this is exactly what I have come to expect from journalists, especially those like Nader’s Raiders. Too often, journalists’ activist tendencies undercut their trustworthiness as journalists.

[Nicole Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longgg book but worth the time and the read!!! If you love old hollywood, the Duke family, and/ or Newport,RI- this book is an introcate web of detailed stories contected to cover up a murder - they money The Duke family (specifically Doris) poured into Newport,RI to not only cover up and attempt to erase this man’s life to protect thier interests and also justice. You realize this detailed web of decipe and lies all connect to the Duke family and how much power they had and acted on. You learn the True, Real reason Newport is as wonder as is it, is clearly all blood money, the beauty of this town has a dark secret but nobody speaks of it, you can barely even google it bc thats how powerful thw family is and was when it came to coverups and bribs! Also anyone who lovessaa gossip and loves a good scandle will love ittt- again it all may seem confusing but everything comes together and packed and wrapped beautifully in a bow for the readers to fully understand and see how this story changed Newport forever and uncover how truely evil Doris Duke was.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in Newport and was still living there at the time of this crime. It was interesting to go back in time for a while and remember the Newport I knew, not the tourist trap that Doris Duke helped to create for self-serving reasons of her own. I was dismayed to learn that so many of the houses she paid to have renovated were not even original to their final resting spots, and that one had actually been brought up from New Jersey. The anecdotes about other Newporters like Timmy the Woodhooker were fun, and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to revisit the old Newport when the Navy fleet was still in town.

[Jennifer Ferriera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homocide at Rough Point is phenomenal! I learned so much about where I live! The author did a fantastic job uncovering the truth and put so much effort into this story. I had heard about Doris Duke but not about this accident. It also shows that if you have money you can pretty much do anything as Doris did and get away with it! This book is a book that is very hard to put down you won’t be disappointed!

[Marguerite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about the true story of Doris Duke and the Murder at Rough Point. The information about the Newport people and places was so interesting. Highly recommend if you ever lived in or around Newport, want to or just want a great read.

[Susan Longo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of new information and photos - learned new information on this murder and this imposter of a philanthropist.
There was interesting social history of Newport as well. The layout could have been a little less confusing but all in all he crammed in all sorts of well-researched new tidbits.

[Robert S. Jeniski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justice for all except a few.

A must read for anyone who has ever visited the Doris Duke, Rough Point, mansion but especially for those who don't believe that there exists a two tired Justice system in America; one for you and me and one for the privileged super rich.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have spent any time in Newport, you recognize every place and many characters, making this an interesting read. In these times of coverups and lies I applaud members of the press who seek the truth.

[Lisa Bodner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another unbelievable true story. I have visited Newport, Rhode Island. Truth is stranger than fiction. The story of one of the world's wealthiest woman and one of the unhappiest. Even though she got away with murder.

[Monica Irons-Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is one of the best books I have read about Newport. RI and the real history. Must read for people who live Newport

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

She definitely killed him.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers. Book was all over the place. A lot of names and places to keep track of. Best think about the book was the history of report and the houses.

[Micebyliz]

A book of who's who and murder most foul.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggle to understand why a friend of mine handed me this book and said I must read it. It's not that it's a bad book per se, but it certainly meandered from the topic so much that I would venture a good 50 pages had something to do with the title and the rest was just remembrances of 50's-60's Newport with heavy name checking. It would be much more compelling if it had been a book about the victim, Eduardo Tirella, and his tragic death at the hands of Doris Duke. Instead, it's a lot of stories about Newport that at best are tangentially related to the topic and at worst, unrelated know-it-all fodder.

In the forward, Lance states that Newport is a character in this book. It's not really; it could be but he handles it with such little nuance that it comes off as clumsily hammering a square peg into a round hole. I think what he's trying to do is set the stage for talking about the difference between monied people (new vs old) and then the rest of us townies (oh yes, I'm from Newport as well) but again, he fails to make his point.

In the end I feel like this is a fine book if you want some dirt on Doris Duke and some other millionaires who called Newport their summer home. But if you want a more in depth look at how this tragedy, the death of Mr. Tirella, occurred, this isn't that book.

[Linda Edmonds Cerullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1966 a man who worked for the very wealthy heiress Doris Duke was killed when the car she was driving ran over him. The incident took place at Doris' Newport Home, Rough Point. This is the first real investigative account of that day and Doris' involvement in what she referred to as an accident. I visited Rough Point in 2015 and had previously made a trip to see the other mansions on Bellevue Avenue in Newport so I was acquainted with much of the areas mentioned in this book. It definitely helps if you have been there. Peter Lance grew up in Newport and his accounts of life there are very interesting and some are quite surprising. He does drift at times into his own life growing up there and so much of the book does not concern the murder, but his stories are enjoyable enough that the book doesn't really suffer for his meanderings. I'm giving it four stars because, once again, the author reveals his hostility to Donald Trump in a book that really has nothing to do with the former President. I sure hope people soon recover from their Trump Derangement Syndrome because I am real tired of people inserting mention of how unhappy they were with him into books unrelated to him. Knock it off. Get over it.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, the Gilded Age was certainly tarnished - murder, adultery, covered up crimes and a tainted police chief all amid overwhelming wealth. If this is how the other half lives, I want no part of it. Money IS the root of all evil.

The author makes a few unflattering digs at Ms Duke, comparing her to Donald Trump!! They are like two peas in a pod - if you can’t win, then sue your opponent.

The detail in this book was overwhelming, lots of facts, dates and people, but still very readable. The author has taken name dropping to new heights - everyone who was mentioned had a pedigree and was somehow hooked up to everyone else of the same ilk. They were all the heir/heiress to some great fortune. A bunch of self centered snobs, of which Doris Duke was the worst.

She went one step further than Trump, she murdered the man who “done her wrong.” She was a miserable woman who used her money as a two edged sword.

I loved every gossipy word!

Google Rough Point Museum to see what is considered a cottage by the rich and famous. Mar a Lago on steroids!! Lots of good Newport history amid the mayhem and murder.

[Guera25 · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I saw this while browsing the e-stacks of Libby, I thought I was in for some gripping true crime, an enthralling account of dogged research and logical conclusions. Oh, boy, oh, boy.

Oh...

Oh.

Oh, hey, wait a minute, this is just some guy using an old murder case to plump his aging, white-bread rich town journalism credentials and force us all to read his unremarkable 1968 newspaper story about skeevy landlords screwing over poor people, most of whom were Black and Latino, by making them live in squalor.

Screw you, dude. If I wanted to watch some sad schlub wax his crank to fantasies of yesteryear, Pornohub is faster, cheaper, and more appealing. And it would waste less of my time.

I hope your prostate swells.

P.S. Stop abusing the concept of irony, you vainglorious hack.

[jennifer molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinated how he investigated the murder in discovered other stuff happening p

I recently scored Cape cod and Rhode Island on a bus tour in was infatuated with most of the stories and the mansions of the vanderbilts and so on. But this murder at rough point. Doris, who was actually he was murdered 3 months after I was born. I was born June 3 1966 so it was so was fascinating to me that all these rich people who got away with all this stuff is a lot to do with the way our society is today by getting away with stuff and getting people hooked on drugs and stuff. It was just fascinating and it made me realize what kind of world we live in because of these people who had old money new money and thought they were everybody

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book I would normally pick up but it was picked by a member of my book club. Overall I thought this was a very good book and I’m glad that I read it but it dragged at times for me. The authors investigative skills seem to be very thorough uncovering facts of this case that were hidden for decades and I applaud him for that. Although I understand the need to set the stage of Newport at that time I believe he went off on too many tangents that were not relevant to the story. I did like the aside of the lunch counter shooting and follow up at the end though.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this book should’ve been called “The History of Newport and some stuff that happened there, I went to De La Salle, and also Doris Duke murdered someone with a car”.

Like, seriously.

Plus there were crazy typos involving misplaced apostrophes and incorrect tenses and repetition of facts. Is there just not enough info on Eduardo Tirella, or what? I find that pretty hard to believe, considering his successful career. The man was murdered in cold blood; surely the history of Newport, which I’d totally want to read in a different context, wasn’t necessary here.

[Ronna O · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that I read it twice. Its written by a very talented man who grew up in Newport and dug into many layers of not only Newport history, but U.S. history. I’m giving it 3, not 5 stars because the author sprinkled in unnecessary comments about Trump politics. Why? Ive had it with people constantly needing to throw politics into everything. I rolled my eyes 2 or 3 times while reading wanting to smack the author. Ok, you hate Trump, no one cares. This book would be a 5 if the author would just get over himself. I will read it again and highly recommend.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting whodunnit, but even more interesting was the social, historical economic and ethnic culture of the town of Providence. Peter Lance was a local boy made good and was able to interview a lot of people he formerly knew, and knew the landscape as well. Given other books or articles written about Doris Duke, it seems Lance really got to the center of her personality and the murder.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having visited Newport many times, and recently visited Rough Point, this book peaked my interest. Guess I wanted the short story, this was long , 300 pages more or less, and nearly 100 pages of annotations, index etc. Very detailed, lots of repeated photos. I read and skimmed which worked for me.