Little Sister: My Investigation into the Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood

by Lana Wood

In this memoir, Lana Wood investigates the mysterious drowning of her sister, the actress Natalie Wood, and clears up the myths and misconceptions behind one of the most notorious celebrity deaths of our time. On the night of November 29, 1981, Natalie Wood disappeared from her yacht, the Splendour, while visiting Catalina Island with her husband, Robert “R.J.” Wagner and their friend, Christopher Walken. The beloved movie star’s tragic drowning shook America, inspiring troves of magazine covers and media pieces. What was originally believed to be an open-and-shut case of accidental drowning has been called into question over the years, and in 2011 the investigation was reopened. In 2018, at the urging of the public, it was reclassified as “suspicious.” Ever since, the question has What really happened to Natalie Wood? Lana Wood, Natalie’s younger sister, long suspected nefarious circumstances surrounding her sister’s death. Her closest confidante from childhood, Lana stood witness to Natalie’s the successes, the heartache, and her deepest pain. But there was tremendous fear about investigating the case. Uncertain of what her own search would unravel, and frightened of the possibilities, Lana stayed silent for years, until she no longer could. She realized she was ignoring what was in front of her, and that the best way to honor her sister's legacy would be uncovering the secrets behind the very end of Natalie’s life. By elucidating previously unknown complications of Natalie’s life, and offering new evidence from key parties involved in the investigation—including the boat’s captain and other witnesses —Little Sister recounts Lana’s search for the truth and brings to light explosive details that have been suppressed for decades. Ranging from the bonds that hold family together, to inconsistencies in interviews with detectives to complications with evidence, this story of sisterhood and mystery presents a fresh perspective on a night that has long been fodder for Hollywood lore.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Crime, Memoir, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2021

Reviews

[Jim Dooley · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is almost always more than “one side” in the often-tangled net of human relations. Even though the writer does not depict herself as “Saint Lana,” I was frequently reminding myself that the opinions expressed in LITTLE SISTER: MY INVESTIGATION INTO THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF NATALIE WOOD were Lana Wood’s perspective and not necessarily the verifiable truth.

Lana Wood admits that her relationship with Robert Wagner and her nieces has been frequently antagonistic. Regarding Wagner, she states that she cannot think of a reason for his active hostility. Yet, she mentions an incident regarding “leaked wedding pictures” that even estranged her from her sister for an extended period of time (despite her assertion that she was not involved). And she also paints a picture of Wagner as someone who needs to be the center of attention of those he loved. If that is true, it seems highly likely that he would resent Lana for the place she held in Natalie’s heart.

There are also details that seem to be purposefully obscured by the writer. The most jarring one involves Natalie’s reaction to Lana’s request prior to their father’s funeral. She states that Natalie gave her a flat refusal with no explanation. I don’t know … I suppose it could have happened that way, but it certainly seems that if Lana delved a bit deeper into her own memory, she would find a reason for such a strange reaction.

So much for the caveat.

On the plus side, there have been many people who have thought that “a lot was being left unsaid about what really happened to Natalie Wood on the fateful night.” This book is an excellent resource for pointing out the inconsistencies of the “official report” and what was later uncovered that lead to the case being reopened. There was a lot of information that was new to me and that remains extremely troubling. I can imagine the toll that such inconsistencies and silence would cause to Lana Wood who lost her sister, and how her reaction to find out what happened would turn to obsessive behavior.

There were some points when I pondered whether the writer was the most reliable narrator. After all, she faced events surrounding that loss and tragedies among her family that would severely test the stability of any human being. Whether Lana’s interpretation is correct or not, I am convinced that she firmly believes it … and she provides plenty of documented evidence that supports her opinion. She does not strike me as an “axe to grind” person.

The book is a brisk read and there are jaw-dropping revelations. (One that involved a great deal of pre-release press concerned Kirk Douglas … and that one directly influenced my purchase of the book.) It isn’t thoroughly investigated journalism similar to something from Bob Woodward, but it does provide fodder for reflection for those who were fans of Natalie Wood. I count myself among them.

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a senior in high school in November 1981 when I learned of the death of Natalie Wood, an actress I much respected and liked. At the time, her death by accidental drowning was presented as an open and shut case. A tragedy.

But then almost 40 years later, the case of Wood's drowning is re-opened, presenting information that had never been investigated at the time of her death. Indeed, it came out that the L.A. County Sheriff Department did a rather shoddy job in pursuing leads in the case. What's more: Natalie Wood's autopsy by the renowned L.A. County Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner Thomas Noguchi was a botched one.

Lana Wood, Natalie's younger sister, shares with the reader how her life was impacted from the moment she learned of her sister's death, as well as her own struggles and challenges during the years beyond 1981. She also highlights her determination, once she could bring herself to address some of the questions she herself had about the circumstances surrounding Natalie's death, to examine -- with the help of some media friends, one of the crew from the rented boat Natalie Wood had been aboard at the time of her death, and a couple of L.A. County Sheriff's detectives (following the re-opening of Natalie Wood's case) --- and analyze what was known to have taken place at the time of Wood's death.

From reading the book, it became clear to me for the first time that there was a rather unsavory side to Robert Wagner, someone whom I had always liked, having watched him in the TV dramas "It Takes a Thief","Switch", and "Hart to Hart" during the 1970s and 1980s. Plus, I enjoyed watching him in the role of Dr. Evil's assistant in the Austin Powers movies. Wagner and Lana Wood never got on. Indeed, he would exclude her from many family gatherings and helped undermine her career in the film industry.

Some may dismiss this book as Lana Wood simply settling scores with Robert Wagner. I don't see it that way at all. I learned a lot from reading "LITTLE SISTER" and, consequently, I've changed my mind about much of what I had previously accepted as the absolute truth about Natalie Wood's death.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lana Wood writes a compelling reexamination of the death of her sister, Natalie Wood. Forty!! years ago the tabloids and news were reporting on the mysterious, tragic death of a movie/TV star while she was in the company of her husband, film costar, and boat pilot aboard her private boat. Various versions of what happened have been put forth by Ms Wood's movie/TV star husband. The only fact known is that Natalie was found washed up in a cove dead. Lana Wood undertook the gruesome task of reminding the press and law enforcement and public of the mis justice of labeling the incident an accident, pleading for truth.
It's sad that Lana Wood's whole life has been consumed by her sister's murder. Lana writes of the difficulties, heartaches and struggles to care for her opioid addicted daughter , show biz mother, 3 grandchildren and son in law in the artificial shadow of Hollywood. May she find peace and see her family healed in her final years.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Excellent Book

I was shocked at how good this book was and am so glad to have read it. I bought into Natasha’s book and documentary making Lana, the crazy aunt, she never knew. There’s a reason Natasha didn’t know her. Lana clears up some of Natasha’s allegations and I understand a lot more. Robert Wagner really needs to come clean as does Christopher Walken.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was curious about the story because I’ve always heard the many rumors that Natalie Wood’s death was not an accident.
It’s supposed to be about Natalie but it's really more about Lana and her relationship with her sister and her attempt to dig into what happened to her. I really could care less about Lana Wood’s life story; I bought the book to read about Natalie. Lana is overly dramatic about everything, which really takes a lot away from the book. We hear all about Lana's mother, her daughter, her jobs, addictions, money problems, on and on and on. But honestly, I could care less about Lana. It was a poorly written book and it doesn't solve the unanswered questions of Nalalie's death by any means.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so heartbroken by all of the horrible things that Lana Wood had to live through. Any one of the devastating events that transpired during her lifetime would have been enough for a lifetime of despair, but to lose her sister who was so close to her, her father's death, her mother's dementia and death, followed by her loving daughter was unfathomable. Then to have her brother-in-law treat her so badly, and to have been blacklisted from her work in any capacity would have torn me apart. She is to be congratulated for her constant effort to get to the bottom of her sister's mysterious death. Being a casual observer of the facts, I was convinced early on, that Robert Wagner was guilty of assisting in her death in some way, and admired Ms. Wood for not jumping on that bandwagon from the beginning. Writing this book had to be so very difficult for her, but reading the audio version of it, had to be torture for her and I appreciate all of the time and effort that she put into it. Natalie Wood is so lucky to have her for her adoring sister and I would hope that my own two sisters would be as dedicated to preserving my legacy as she has been to her sister's.

[Regina Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Lana

I learned some new facts from this book. Lana told the story really well. Most people thought this was not an accident from the day it happened. I wish Robert Wagner would at least tell the truth but that will probably never happen.

Anyway, I enjoyed the book. I always loved Natalie Wood.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never forget the day that I heard on the news that Natalie Wood died from drowning in November 1981. The story that I heard did not make sense to me and my gut instinct told me that we were not being told the truth.

Lana Wood, Natalie's younger sister, tells us about her and Natalie's upbringing. They lived in a very dysfunctional family and their mother was a social climber who pushed both of her daughters to become famous. While Lana did not become as famous as Natalie, she did do some acting, but seemed to struggle financially most of her life. Natalie, on the other hand, became a much bigger star and was true and faithful to her younger sister, with a close bond that lasted until Natalie passed away. Robert J. Wagner, Natalie's husband, unfortunately cut ties with Lana as soon as his wife died.

Many years after Natalie's passing, Lana received a phone call from Dennis, the boat's captain, that was present on the day that Natalie died. He provided Lana with some unknown information about what he knew happened that fateful night, and Lana went forward with attempting to have the investigation into her sister's death reopened. The new investigation led to even more information coming available, making the first two-week investigation right after Natalie's death looking very shoddy and incomplete.

Lana came across as having quite an elitist attitude herself, but after she suffered many hardships with her daughter and family, she seemed to settle down a bit more, realizing that she would never reach the fame that her sister had. It also became obvious, and we all know this and have seen it happen in the past, that stars such as Robert Wagner, often receive special treatment and when they get caught in a crime, they usually get away with it.

I was hoping that this book would close the chapter on the mystery of Natalie's death, but unfortunately, it still remains the same. We might know a little more information, but nothing is obviously going to be done about it, and no one will ever be arrested. What a sad, typical Hollywood story.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was very good. I think that Christopher Walken knows more than he says he does, I think R.J.’s story has changed many times, and that Davern should have taken charge that night. I don’t think Walken and R.J. were ever questioned properly nor was the autopsy done correctly. I think Lana did an excellent job of trying to put this all together and try to answer what happened to her sister.

[Karen Lynn Jorgenson · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a train wreck you couldn't look away from. If Lana wanted us to believe her, this book did NOT help. Five minutes in, I thought she was full of it, but I couldn't "look away." Don't waste your time.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, of course, I heard of Natalie Wood. But didn’t quite realize that she was married to Robert Wagner. Or that when she disappeared off that boat, Christopher Walken was also there as he was the costar of the movie they were working on. Lana, telling her story of Natalie and trying to figure out what could’ve happened that night, and her personal stories as well. Robert, called RJ by the family, cut Lana off as soon as Natalie died. She never got any information from him, except that it was “an accident“. At the very end of this book, Lana says that she believes that after speaking to people who kept quiet and people who had never been interviewed by the investigative team way back in 1981, that there was argument between RJ and Natalie as he was jealous, thinking there was something between her and Christopher Walken. Everyone was drunk, Natalie and RJ went up on deck. he smacked her, she fell down, unconscious, and he pushed her into the water.

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Sister : THE investigation into the death of Natalie WOOD was a good book. It starts off with Natalie and Lana growing up and shows the sisterly bond between the sisters. A must read for anyone who likes non fiction

[Georgetowner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it's clear that this was/is a significantly dysfunctional family all the way around, Lana included. That said, I think Lana's theory is quite likely. So sad. It was engaging in an annoying way, but the thing I liked best was the book's brevity. sigh.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

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My first Hollywood crush was Robert Wagner when he starred in Hart to Hart on TV in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was married to the glamorous film star Natalie Wood, who starred in blockbusters like Miracle on 34th Street and West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause. But when I was 8 years old, I remember the news stories of Natalie’s tragic death, an accidental drowning off the coast of L.A. near Catalina Island. Or was it an accident?


Rumors and speculation have swirled around Natalie’s death since 1981. I’ve read all the books, seen all the documentaries, and I still don’t know what happened. Natalie’s sister, Lana, recently wrote a book detailing the circumstantial evidence that has come up since Natalie’s case was reopened in 2011 by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Little Sister is a quick read or listen, but if you expect the whole book to be about Lana’s investigation into her sister’s death, you’d be wrong. It’s mostly a memoir of Lana’s life since Natalie’s death, and only at the end do we get to new information acquired by the LAPD. Lana has done no investigation, just had detectives explain police reports to her.

There is enough compelling information provided by other investigators and the fact that the police department named Robert Wagner a person of interest in 2018 based on new information that I fear my childhood crush was, even accidentally, responsible for the death of his wife. Wagner has been uncooperative with the new investigation, and is living quietly in Aspen, Colorado with his wife, Jill St. John. His story has changed over the years, which makes one question his retelling of events. He was barely interviewed at the start of the investigation, and subsequent interviews on TV and his own memoir tell different versions of that fateful night aboard the Splendour.

But Lana comes across as slightly unhinged, much like her and Natalie’s overdramatic mother, of whom stories are legendary. It’s clear she never like RJ for taking Natalie away from her, and her nieces say she pretty much ignored them when their mom was alive. She tried to have an acting career and was even a Bond girl in Diamonds are Forever, but she just didn’t have the talent that Natalie did and her career fizzled. She ended up working on the production end of movies and TV shows instead of in front of the screen.

Natalie willed her clothing to Lana, who promptly sold most of it, she says due to space constraints and that Natalie would have approved because she needed the money more than the clothes. It seems Lana was always hustling for ways to earn money to raise her daughter. A year after Natalie’s death, Lana and a ghostwriter wrote a book about their sisterly bond, and I remember reading the book and thinking it was more about Lana and less about Natalie. That’s how this book comes across, too. And Lana reveals she always charged people anytime she did an interview about her sister.

I don’t think we are ever going to really know what happened that November night in 1981, but as long as there’s a buck to be made, Lana will be there. As for Robert Wagner, I don’t know. I’ve always suspected that he lost his temper and hit Natalie and she fell in the water. He was so stinking drunk and angry, he wasn’t thinking straight. Once he sobered up, he realized what he did and went into survival mode, telling the boat captain what to say to police. I’m not sure about Christopher Walken, who was also on the boat that weekend, but he’s been pretty mute about what happened that night, too. I guess we’ll never know the truth.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie Zacharenko was born in San Francisco, California in 1938. She began her acting career at age four, starring in many films before her death. She changed her name to Wood under the advice of directors to make it more American sounding. Her sister, the author of this book, would shorten Svetlana to Lana and also adopt Wood. Natlie married Robert Wagner, divorcing him, and then remarrying him. This second marriage was equally as miserable as the first, with instances of domestic violence, infidelity, and general rudeness. The two went on a trip with Christopher Walken, sailing around in the Pacific Ocean near the Santa Catalina Islands, when Natalie "fell off the boat" and drowned.

I one thousand percent believe that Natalie Wood did not die accidentally. I am certain that Robert Wagner and Christopher Walken and whoever it was in charge of captaining the boat know exactly what happened and are never going to tell because they would not like the implications/ramifications. It is my personal theory that she probably got into an argument with her scumbag husband, and he shoved her over either on purpose or accidently but did nothing to save her. Men like this only consider themselves and their little careers, so if this was the case, I could not generate a shocked face. The behavior of this man towards her family and everyone else in the aftermath was shameful and suspicious.

If you plan to read this book, please know that it was written by Natalie Wood's sister. She definitely has some bias that cannot be ignored. She believes what she believes with her whole heart, and though I cannot say I would not also believe that it doesn't offer the investigative quality that one normally appreciates in a true crime book. At times, if I am honest, she was a little bit insufferable. I cannot imagine losing my sister ever, especially not in circumstances like this, and I can assure everyone I would be the most insufferable person on the planet if that ever happened to me. She also threw in some regular gossip, including naming Kirk Douglas as Natalie's rapist. I have the Audible version of this and I listened to it over two days commuting to and from work. If you are interested in the case or celebrity books, it's worth checking out.

[Sanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading “Natasha” by Suzanne Finstad and “More Than Love” by Natasha Gregson Wagner, “Little Sister” by Lana Wood adds yet another layer to the heartbreaking story of Natalie Wood’s life and death.

I deeply sympathize with both Lana and Natasha. Their grief is real, and their bonds with Natalie are undeniable. Lana often comes across as hostile and vengeful (likely fueled by being cut off by RJ) and at times she seems opportunistic, benefiting from her more famous sister. But that doesn’t mean she didn’t love Natalie or that her desire for the truth isn’t genuine. On the other hand, it’s understandable that Natasha defends RJ; he helped raise her, and accepting that he might bear some responsibility for her mother’s death would be emotionally devastating.

Still, RJ’s contradictory accounts over the years make him look increasingly suspicious (especially considering that after the case was reopened in 2011, Natalie’s cause of death was changed from accidental drowning to “drowning and other undetermined factors” and in 2018 he was named a person of interest). Despite the love and loyalty on all sides, it’s clear there are powerful motives at play in keeping certain truths quiet.

Reading detailed accounts of Natalie’s final days is deeply upsetting and leaves me seething at the gross mishandling of the investigation into her death. I only wish that reading all these books could offer some answers or a sense of closure. Instead, they leave me heartbroken for Natalie all over again.

[W. Whalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Interesting Audiobook and Worthwhile Listening

For years I’ve known about the mysterious death of Natalie Wood in the early 80s. The tabloids and magazines have had a steady stream of stories and speculation. One of the closest relatives to Wood, her younger sister now tells her story in LITTLE SISTER. As I listened to this book, I was impressed with the dysfunction in Wood family typical of many families—yet lived out in the public eye. While many others have written books about this incident (which I have not read or heard), this book told the perspective of the younger sister. The case from November 29, 1981, was reopened in 2011 and in 2018 was reclassified as “suspicious” instead of an accidental drowning.

I found this audiobook interesting as each story is from Lana Wood’s perspective. The stories held my attention and I listened to the book from cover to cover. I recommend LITTLE SISTER.

W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. When Natalie Wood drowned I was 18 years old and didn’t really pay attention to the story. And somehow when the case was reopened 30 years later I just missed it. This book, written by Natalie’s younger sister Lana, 40 years later, when she’s in her seventies, reflects a lifetime of pain of not knowing what happened to her sister. There were only 4 people on that boat and the investigation into what happened was so inadequate and poorly done. Robert Wagner’s version of the “accident” certainly doesn’t ring true. In the book, Lana tells her side of years of trying to get to the truth and concludes with what she has come to believe happened that fateful night in 1981. It’s all very sad.

Ps This book mentions an episode of 48 Hours called Natalie Wood: Death in Dark Water, which aired after the investigation was reopened 30 years later. It’s readily available on YouTube and I found it quite interesting to watch.

[Amanda (bookedwithamanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 rounded up to 4

What happened to Natalie Wood and why was her death treated so carelessly? Her sister Lana tells her version of events leading up to and after Natalie's death. She talks about her childhood all the way to the LAPD naming Robert Wagner a person of interest in her death.

This book is definitely an opinion and recollection from Lana's point of view. There's some story telling that feels off to me but I think that could be a generational thing. Lana is definitely obsessed with her sister's death but I can understand why as she describes how much she loved her sister. The potential issues and estrangements in their relationship are barely touched so of course you are made to feel that all consuming need for answers. I personally get the feeling that Natalie and Lana's relationship is more complicated than is explained in this book.

It does make you wonder though, especially when the evidence is laid out like that.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was good, I loved reading about her love for her sister. Sibling stories always get me. I can’t imagine losing your sister and then feeling so alienated by her own husband and family. Her mother was never really her mother and her feelings for her father were clearly not very present. Lana seemed to be the spare that her parents didn’t put a lot of stock into that Natalie seemed to become her mother even tho she was only 8 years older than her. I feel like with that knowledge the way she holds Natalie up in her mind as someone who can’t do any wrong. She’s just a sister who wants more info on what happened that most likely will never get any more info till someone is on their death bed.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's important to state that this book will disappoint any readers hoping for some satisfactory closure into one of the most mysterious celebrity deaths ever. However, if you read it as the memoir of her younger sister with a particular focus on how her life has been affected since Natalie's death, it's quite good.

[Tambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book but sad. Makes you really miss Natalie and wish she was still here. I 100% agree Robert killed her and you wont change my mind. Jill St John has been lucky he did not bump her off. Natalie was his wife and a mother, Who does that and leaves kids with no mother. I went to here grave five years ago and I told her he killed her and I was sorry. This is just my opinion. Lana did a great job writing about her sister. Rip Natalie, You will always be missed and loved my millions.

[Jonas Schwartz-Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lana reminds me of Mia Farrow. Someone who was punished for exploring the truth involving a powerful Star. Someone who never changed her story despite all the horror she went thru for just wanting to know what happened to her best friend, her sister, Natalie Wood. The only thing that makes no sense to me is if Lana completely dismisses the RJ and Walken affair as a possibility triggering the tragic events, then WHY did Walken lie for RJ? What did he gain by helping cover up the alleged crime?

[Trish Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book but most of it I already knew from news reports. Sad that the case was never solved.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lana Wood is the only family member who is fighting for justice in the death of her sister, Natalie Wood. The circumstances surrounding the latter's death were always suspicious but ignored and swept under the rug by the authorities at the time (never underestimate the power of celebrity) to protect her husband, Robert Wagner (now 90 years old). Wagner has, along with Natalie's daughters, made something of a career out of making money off of her memory for the past several years, and yet the finger is often pointed at Lana for supposedly doing the same thing. Why does Wagner feel the need to trash his former sister-in-law and even have her black-balled if he doesn't feel threatened by her? Simple - Lana questions his lies and she is aware of things that he does not want to be made public (as other reviewers have mentioned). She has written two books (over thirty years apart) and has done interviews where she shares her opinion, and when you compare that to Wagner and the daughters writing and/or sanctioning books, producing a documentary, marketing perfume in Natalie's name, and selling her personal items at auction, it's plain to see who has profited most from Natalie and her death. Hilariously, Wagner still bears a grudge against Lana for selling some of the clothes that Natalie left Lana in her will, even though Lana lived in small apartment, and used the same shops Natalie had used to sell her clothing. People often cite this as the "straw that broke the camel's back" for Wagner, which is extremely trivial. There is clearly more to the story.

Lana recalls the events leading up to Natalie's death and what happened after. She also discloses something that many fans of Natalie were aware of but that hadn't been confirmed until now - Natalie was sexually assaulted as a teenager by Kirk Douglas. Their mother (the definition of a stage parent) told her to keep it quiet and to pretend it didn't happen. As appalling as that is, especially in the light of the #MeToo movement, this was not uncommon, particularly in the studio era. Trained from an early age to always smile in public and not let on when she was in pain or struggling, Natalie knew that her career would be ruined if she let on otherwise. This may have been why she made the fateful decision to remarry Robert Wagner even though their first marriage had ended because of jealousy and infidelity (both of which were on Wagner's part).

Lana shares her own struggles, including the death of her only child, and financial problems, as well as the phone calls she received from Dennis Davern, the captain of the yacht who has become a key witness in the re-opened investigation, and visits from investigators. She put together some pieces of the puzzle as to why Wagner behaved the way he did, why he cut her out of her nieces' lives, and why he refuses to speak to the LASD detectives. It does seem that every few years there is a new excuse (the latest is that Wagner supposedly has dementia and can't remember information, which doesn't ring true when he was interviewed for the documentary by Natalie's daughter Natasha).

Wagner needs to be held accountable and is the only person of interest, officially named by the LASD. His fans may prefer to buy his version of events (not just regarding the night in question, but about Natalie in general) but his dishonesty is very transparent. I hope it will be all out in the open before he leaves this earth.

[DiAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't imagine the pain that Lana Wood has endured for decades. In a lot of ways I feel Lana Wood was also a victim as were Natalie's mom, and Natalie's children on that dark and cold night that Natalie died. I have always felt that Robert Wagner (R.J.) was responsible and because of his money, Hollywood social status, and clout was able to avoid prosecution. Her death may have not been intended, however, even if done accidently in a fit of drunken rage ... whoever was responsible should still be held accountable. There seemed to be so many inconsistencies in R.J.'s telling of the events of that night. Even his own book contained inconsistencies when compared to his original accounting. J.R manipulating Dennis and Christopher in what they did and what they said before and after the authorities became involved points to him having something to hide. While he may never face a "real" interrogation or face a judge in a court of law in his earthly lifetime, he will answer for his actions in his afterlife. While this book is sad and tragic it is well worth reading!! My prayers are with Lana Wood and Natalie's children who still remain victims of the tragic and unsolved death of Natalie Wood.

In this memoir, Lana Wood investigates the mysterious drowning of her sister, the actress Natalie Wood, and clears up the myths and misconceptions behind one of the most notorious celebrity deaths of our time.
On the night of November 29, 1981, Natalie Wood disappeared from her yacht, the Splendour, while visiting Catalina Island with her husband, Robert “R.J.” Wagner and their friend, Christopher Walken. The beloved movie star’s tragic drowning shook America, inspiring troves of magazine covers and media pieces. What was originally believed to be an open-and-shut case of accidental drowning has been called into question over the years, and in 2011 the investigation was reopened. In 2018, at the urging of the public, it was reclassified as “suspicious.”

Ever since, the question has remained: What really happened to Natalie Wood?

Lana Wood, Natalie’s younger sister, long suspected nefarious circumstances surrounding her sister’s death. Her closest confidante from childhood, Lana stood witness to Natalie’s life: the successes, the heartache, and her deepest pain. But there was tremendous fear about investigating the case. Uncertain of what her own search would unravel, and frightened of the possibilities, Lana stayed silent for years, until she no longer could. She realized she was ignoring what was in front of her, and that the best way to honor her sister's legacy would be uncovering the secrets behind the very end of Natalie’s life.
By elucidating previously unknown complications of Natalie’s life, and offering new evidence from key parties involved in the investigation—including the boat’s captain and other witnesses—Little Sister recounts Lana’s search for the truth and brings to light explosive details that have been suppressed for decades. Ranging from the bonds that hold family together, to inconsistencies in interviews with detectives to complications with evidence, this story of sisterhood and mystery presents a fresh perspective on a night that has long been fodder for Hollywood lore.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting look into the odd and mysterious death of Natalie Wood.
I have watched a few things about this and always had questions of my own.
I believe being a superstar and having that kind of money will sometimes get your secrets swept under a carpet, conveniently.
But in the end, everything comes out in the wash as "they" say.

[Elyse (ElyseReadsandSpeaks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man I was riveted by this. Perhaps it's because I haven't followed the Natalie Wood investigation closely so all of this was new information for me.

I really liked that Lana Wood stuck close to the facts of the investigation and the discrepancies between reports. I think it makes her point of view more credible and didn't seem like sensationalism. It also makes it all the more incredible that this case hasn't been solved. To think that there are people who are still alive who were there who most likely know what happened and aren't speaking is crazy.

Also - can we talk about their mom for a second? She SUCKED. How could you just drop your young, beautiful, naive daughter at a big actor's hotel room, wait in the parking lot for hours, and not do a damn thing when she said she's been assaulted? Blows my damn mind.

This was so good. I'll be thinking about this one for a while.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie Wood died November 29, 1981 from an “accidental drowning.” Natalie, her husband Robert “R.J.” Wagner, Christopher Walken and captain of the boat Dennis Davern were on the boat the Splendour when Natalie mysteriously disappeared along with the dinghy boat. She was found in the water dressed in her nightgown, socks and puffy coat. Natalie’s sister Lana wanted to know what happened but RJ didn’t want to have anything to do with her and even blacklisted her in Hollywood. There were too many unanswered questions, unbelievable theories and the investigation was not handled correctly. One day Lana got a call from Dennis saying he didn’t tell the truth of what happened that night. According to him, Natalie and RJ got into a huge fight apparently over his jealousy of Walken. There were witnesses on a boat nearby that heard someone yelling “help me!” Dennis said RJ didn’t want to turn the searchlights on, delayed calls for help to the Coast Guard for hours, diverted searches and coached Dennis and Walken on what to tell the authorities. In 2018 the investigation was reopened. The current investigators agreed the case was mishandled. RJ was never interviewed because he was too upset and his celebrity status, the witnesses who heard them arguing was overlooked, there were bruises on Natalie’s body that were non mechanical which means they were caused by a person, her bladder was full which shows she may of been unconscious before being dumped in the water (a conscious person would empty the bladder in the water), RJ most likely let the dinghy loose after sending Dennis to look around the boat for Natalie to give him time to do it, no one heard the dinghy start up or take off, Natalie would not leave the boat dressed the way she did, she had a fear of the water and RJ had a hot and jealous temper plus an ego. The book gives insight into the investigation but also the personal loss Lana experienced of Natalie who was her best friend, her mother from dementia (FYI her mother only cared about fame) and her daughter who got addicted to pain pills and at age 42 died from cardiac arrest leaving Lana to help her son in law care for her teenage kids (none of Wagners showed up, not even the kids).

The book gave insight into the investigation and all of what went wrong or wasn’t looked into. Without reading this book I knew Robert Wagner is guilty of Natalie Wood’s death. It’s sad how he treated/ignored Lana, even evicting her and her daughter out of the condo they were staying at with her mother. He even turned his kids against her. Lana went through a lot of loss in her life but wouldn’t let the death of her sister go. Lana gives her insight of what happened that tragic night: a night filled with drinking, anger, jealousy, abuse, fear, and finally murder. They argued and RJ delivered a blow to the left side of her face that knocked her unconscious then panicked by putting her in the water to avoid responsibility. It’s very upsetting that justice wasn’t served for Natalie and her murderer is still free.

[Jennifer Larmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teenager back in the late 60s/early 70s, I remember watching several movies with Natalie Wood and wishing I was her - she seemed innocent, fresh and bright-eyed with a big beautiful smile and twinkling eyes.
When the tragic news broke in November 1981 that she had accidentally drowned after possibly falling off her and Robert Warner’s cruise-boat or from a small dinghy while making her way to the shore around midnight, I was heartbroken and also left feeling astounded that no real investigation had taken place. I remember seeking out magazines and any mention of it in TV news stories to try and make out what must’ve happened - I actually believe it was the catalyst to spark my interest in reading true crime books/ magazines for hours on end, and eventually end up as a court reporter in the Qld Justice and Attorney-General Dept for 11 years.
This is the heart-rending and absolutely shocking account of the coverup that occurred for more than 37 years as to what really happened on that fateful night. For every second of those 37 years, Lana, Natalie’s only sibling, kept digging AND discovering there was a lot more behind what had ‘officially’ occurred, including a bucketload of skullduggery that was never revealed during the mere two-week-long investigation it took for police to reach their weak and inconceivable conclusion following several eye-witness accounts that weren’t even investigated, but every single time she tried to speak to her famous TV-star brother-in-law, Robert Wagner, about what had actually occurred, he refused to discuss anything and completely shut her out of both his and her two young nieces’ lives forever.
It’s obvious Lana wasn’t going to let things lie, and her dogged determination to find out the truth by any means available, eventually led to the police reopening the case in 2011, and in February 2018 they ruled it as ‘a suspicious death investigation’.
As Lana writes while quoting Natalie’s husband, ‘“I wasn’t there for her.“ This, from the man who, when he “noticed Natalie missing,“ refused to let Dennis (the concerned skipper) turn on the searchlights. Who kept pouring scotch for himself and Dennis rather than look for his missing wife, and waited for more than an hour to call and ask people to look for her – not in the dark, stormy ocean, but in town. Who finally reluctantly called the Coast Guard more than three hours after Natalie disappeared. Who didn’t identify her body, but sent Dennis to do it instead. “I wasn’t there for her“ was perhaps the one thing R.J. (Natalie’s husband) and I could agree on.“
My only hope is that the powers that be do a proper job this time rather than the botched first one to ensure Natalie, and her blood family, receives true justice for her horrible death.
As a heartfelt homage to Natalie’s memory and for Lana’s unfailing support and determined research, I give it a well-earned 4.5 stars. Your sister would be very proud of your efforts to cut through the lies and discover the truth, Lana.