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Bombshell: The Night Bobby Kennedy Killed Marilyn Monroe
‘Bombshell reads like a James Ellroy novel with its catalogue of corruption’ Mick Brown, Telegraph
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‘Bobby called. He’s coming to California. He wants to see me.’
Drawing on secret police files, Marilyn Monroe’s private diary and never before published first-hand testimony, this book proves that Robert Kennedy was directly responsible for her death. It details the legendary star’s tumultuous personal involvement with him and his brother, President John Kennedy, and how they plotted to silence her.
The new evidence and revelatory statements are provided by Mike Rothmiller who, as a detective of the Organized Crime Intelligence Division (OCID) of the LAPD, had direct personal access to hundreds of restricted LAPD files on exactly what happened at Marilyn Monroe’s Californian home on August 5, 1962.
With his training and investigator’s knowledge, Rothmiller used that confidential information to get to the heart of the matter, to the people who were there the night Marilyn died – two of whom played major roles in the cover-up – and the wider conspiracy to protect the Kennedys whatever the collateral damage.
There will be those with doubts, but to them, the lawman – who directed international intelligence operations targeting organized crime – says the printed, forensic and oral evidence are totally convincing. He ‘If I presented my evidence in any court of law, I’d get a conviction.’
-
‘Bobby called. He’s coming to California. He wants to see me.’
Drawing on secret police files, Marilyn Monroe’s private diary and never before published first-hand testimony, this book proves that Robert Kennedy was directly responsible for her death. It details the legendary star’s tumultuous personal involvement with him and his brother, President John Kennedy, and how they plotted to silence her.
The new evidence and revelatory statements are provided by Mike Rothmiller who, as a detective of the Organized Crime Intelligence Division (OCID) of the LAPD, had direct personal access to hundreds of restricted LAPD files on exactly what happened at Marilyn Monroe’s Californian home on August 5, 1962.
With his training and investigator’s knowledge, Rothmiller used that confidential information to get to the heart of the matter, to the people who were there the night Marilyn died – two of whom played major roles in the cover-up – and the wider conspiracy to protect the Kennedys whatever the collateral damage.
There will be those with doubts, but to them, the lawman – who directed international intelligence operations targeting organized crime – says the printed, forensic and oral evidence are totally convincing. He ‘If I presented my evidence in any court of law, I’d get a conviction.’
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
November 8, 2021
Bombshell (The Night Bobby Kennedy Killed Marilyn Monroe) sounds like a National Enquirer headline. If you have any question what the theory of the book is, it’s right there in the title. Rothmiller, a former LAPD detective, who had access to the OCID’s secret files, which rivaled J Edgar’s secret files, but focused on the Hollywood elites. Those files included Marilyn’s diary and her entries detailing her shocking sexual trysts with John and Bobby Kennedy and her fury in the end at being treated as a pass-around starlet who was being dumped for political expediency.
In this well-written and absorbing narrative, Rothmiller and Thompson give us an enormous amount of background, not just of Marilyn, but of how Hollywood and Los Angeles were dens of corruption, how the vaunted OCID Division was compiling files on everyone, and how the Kennedys were connected to Hollywood, to the OCID, and to the mafia, through, among other things, Judith Exner’s three-way relationship with John Kennedy and a mafia boss.
Into this maelstrom we get young Norma Jean, discovered by a photographer while working at a defense plant and reveling in her new-found sex appeal, though it meant hours on casting couches to get the fame she desired. This narrative takes us on a tour through Marilyn’s route to super-stardom as well as her failed marriages to DiMaggio and Miller, before she fell for the Kennedy brothers.
What follows then is a tragedy be it the official story of her taking too many pills that night after the powerful Kennedys cast her aside or this theory that Bobby Kennedy fed her a concoction before tearing apart her house searching for the elusive diary. And, on that fateful night, her threats to go public about the President’s affairs with her and the state secrets he revealed to her in bed ended.
Whether or not you buy into this theory and the evidence supporting it, this is a terrific read.
In this well-written and absorbing narrative, Rothmiller and Thompson give us an enormous amount of background, not just of Marilyn, but of how Hollywood and Los Angeles were dens of corruption, how the vaunted OCID Division was compiling files on everyone, and how the Kennedys were connected to Hollywood, to the OCID, and to the mafia, through, among other things, Judith Exner’s three-way relationship with John Kennedy and a mafia boss.
Into this maelstrom we get young Norma Jean, discovered by a photographer while working at a defense plant and reveling in her new-found sex appeal, though it meant hours on casting couches to get the fame she desired. This narrative takes us on a tour through Marilyn’s route to super-stardom as well as her failed marriages to DiMaggio and Miller, before she fell for the Kennedy brothers.
What follows then is a tragedy be it the official story of her taking too many pills that night after the powerful Kennedys cast her aside or this theory that Bobby Kennedy fed her a concoction before tearing apart her house searching for the elusive diary. And, on that fateful night, her threats to go public about the President’s affairs with her and the state secrets he revealed to her in bed ended.
Whether or not you buy into this theory and the evidence supporting it, this is a terrific read.
July 31, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Bombshell: The Night Bobby Kennedy Murdered Marilyn Monroe, is a very detailed and plausible account of what possibly happened to the late Marilyn Monroe.
I have always had admiration and fascination with Marilyn Monroe and the mystery of her death. I do believe she was silenced and this book is very plausible as to what possibly happened the night she died and the build up to her death.
So many people let Marilyn down on so many levels and I hope one day there is concrete proof to what happened and who was to blame.
This book was shocking within the corruption involved back then in relation to the police departments, the mob, the presidency and even politicians. This book really opened my eyes and was fascinating yet hard to digest at times too.
The book uses unseen police files as well as Marilyn's unseen diary.
I do believe the Kennedys, especially Bobby, were involved in Marilyn's murder and demise and this book gives a strong backing to make this theory even more plausible.
A very interesting and thought provoking read.
Bombshell: The Night Bobby Kennedy Murdered Marilyn Monroe, is a very detailed and plausible account of what possibly happened to the late Marilyn Monroe.
I have always had admiration and fascination with Marilyn Monroe and the mystery of her death. I do believe she was silenced and this book is very plausible as to what possibly happened the night she died and the build up to her death.
So many people let Marilyn down on so many levels and I hope one day there is concrete proof to what happened and who was to blame.
This book was shocking within the corruption involved back then in relation to the police departments, the mob, the presidency and even politicians. This book really opened my eyes and was fascinating yet hard to digest at times too.
The book uses unseen police files as well as Marilyn's unseen diary.
I do believe the Kennedys, especially Bobby, were involved in Marilyn's murder and demise and this book gives a strong backing to make this theory even more plausible.
A very interesting and thought provoking read.
July 7, 2021
This is an awesome new book on Marilyn Monroe’s death. I’ve read several other books about her and of course I had to add this to my knowledge base on her. It’s written by a man who was part of LA’s OCID, and had access to their secret files. He found the file on Marilyn and it included a copy of her “lost” diary. The book give a lot of background on the LAPD and the chiefs who ran it from its beginning, and also on the local mobsters of the era. A wonderful read on the whole situation with Marilyn and those she was involved with, and the people around her. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Mike Rothmiller & Douglas Thompson, and the publisher.
March 9, 2022
I wanted to like this, because I love both Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedy's. Well, the cover of this book is beautiful and unfortunately that is the only good thing I can say about it.
I have two major problems with this book. The first is the writing, it is a mess. There is no clear line and it just throws all the information on one page.
The second problem is that the 'evidence'. is hardly evidence. It is all secret files and dead witnesses, conversations nobody can verify and a copy of Marilyn's lost diary.
In short, I did finish the book but I am absolutely not convinced the Kennedy's had anything to do with Marilyn's death and this book did nothing to change my mind.
I have two major problems with this book. The first is the writing, it is a mess. There is no clear line and it just throws all the information on one page.
The second problem is that the 'evidence'. is hardly evidence. It is all secret files and dead witnesses, conversations nobody can verify and a copy of Marilyn's lost diary.
In short, I did finish the book but I am absolutely not convinced the Kennedy's had anything to do with Marilyn's death and this book did nothing to change my mind.
July 25, 2021
Like many other people I have this fascination for Marilyn Monroe who died tragically before I even knew she existed. There has always been this mystery surrounding her death with lots of speculation and conspiracy theories. Well this book claims to have the truth surrounding the final days of Marilyn Monroe.
The evidence offered in this book is provided by Mike Rothmiller who worked as an agent of the Organized Crime Intelligence Division (OCID) of the LAPD. During his time at the LAPD he had direct personal access to hundreds of secret files on exactly what happened at Marilyn Monroe’s Californian home on August 5, 1962. His evidence states that Robert Kennedy was behind the death of Marilyn Monroe. The book uses unseen police files, Marilyn Monroe’s private diary, and first-hand testimony to prove that Robert Kennedy was directly responsible for her death. The book also tells details of Marilyn Monroe’s affair with Robert’s brother President John Kennedy. Rothmiller not only details the fateful night itself but of the subsequent police cover up and the campaign to protect the Kennedy family at all costs.
This book was a riveting read and certainly got me thinking. The legend of Marilyn Monroe lives on and I am sure the conspiracy stories and books will too.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Ad Lib Publishers for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The evidence offered in this book is provided by Mike Rothmiller who worked as an agent of the Organized Crime Intelligence Division (OCID) of the LAPD. During his time at the LAPD he had direct personal access to hundreds of secret files on exactly what happened at Marilyn Monroe’s Californian home on August 5, 1962. His evidence states that Robert Kennedy was behind the death of Marilyn Monroe. The book uses unseen police files, Marilyn Monroe’s private diary, and first-hand testimony to prove that Robert Kennedy was directly responsible for her death. The book also tells details of Marilyn Monroe’s affair with Robert’s brother President John Kennedy. Rothmiller not only details the fateful night itself but of the subsequent police cover up and the campaign to protect the Kennedy family at all costs.
This book was a riveting read and certainly got me thinking. The legend of Marilyn Monroe lives on and I am sure the conspiracy stories and books will too.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Ad Lib Publishers for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
This was a DNF for me. No continuity in the writing and a convoluted mess.
This was a DNF for me. No continuity in the writing and a convoluted mess.
July 7, 2021
I've always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe and the mistery of her death.
This is a hard, tough read from which no one comes out well: the Kennedys, society, politics, the system. Corruption is everywhere and is acceptable, as is the appalling treatment women get.
Eye opening, but tough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a hard, tough read from which no one comes out well: the Kennedys, society, politics, the system. Corruption is everywhere and is acceptable, as is the appalling treatment women get.
Eye opening, but tough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2024
Lots of wild information here about Marilyn, the Kennedys, the LAPD, FBI, Secret Service, CIA, OCID, Hollywood and on and on. If its all true it is a Bombshell of information. Of course, a whole lot of this book could also be rubbish. How could that much even happen and nothing ever be done about it? Can you say, ‘National Enquirer’.
It seems like the same information was told so many times throughout the book that it could be cut in half. Constantly jumps all over and in general poorly written. Rambling at times, it took forever to read. Three stars is probably pushing its worth.
It seems like the same information was told so many times throughout the book that it could be cut in half. Constantly jumps all over and in general poorly written. Rambling at times, it took forever to read. Three stars is probably pushing its worth.
August 17, 2021
I’m really torn about this book…
As many other Marilyn fans, I’ve been reading everything and anything ever published about her life (and death) ever since I can remember, and I have always believed the Kennedys had a hand in her “suicide”. I was really excited to get into this as it promised actual information compared to all those garbage conspiracy theories that aren’t even worth looking into (from all the alien stories, to people claiming to have seen her alive, escaping an asylum etc…If you know, you know). And partly, it was.
The information provided by an ex-OCID member backed by what he claims to be Peter Lawford’s confession are very convincing. It also sheds a light on LAPD’s practices and the mob culture in Cali back in the days, which draws a better picture and puts Marilyn’s death into perspective.
Having said all this, the book would deserve 5 stars, right?? So why just 3? Because it was an absolutely unbelieveable drag! I honestly can’t even believe such interesting book could be written so bad.
I wish we get a rock-solid proof of Marilyn’s murder one day, but until then, I think I will believe Mike Rothmiller’s words. So yes, I am really glad I read it and I would definitely recommend it, but I am equally glad I never have to read it again.
As many other Marilyn fans, I’ve been reading everything and anything ever published about her life (and death) ever since I can remember, and I have always believed the Kennedys had a hand in her “suicide”. I was really excited to get into this as it promised actual information compared to all those garbage conspiracy theories that aren’t even worth looking into (from all the alien stories, to people claiming to have seen her alive, escaping an asylum etc…If you know, you know). And partly, it was.
The information provided by an ex-OCID member backed by what he claims to be Peter Lawford’s confession are very convincing. It also sheds a light on LAPD’s practices and the mob culture in Cali back in the days, which draws a better picture and puts Marilyn’s death into perspective.
Having said all this, the book would deserve 5 stars, right?? So why just 3? Because it was an absolutely unbelieveable drag! I honestly can’t even believe such interesting book could be written so bad.
I wish we get a rock-solid proof of Marilyn’s murder one day, but until then, I think I will believe Mike Rothmiller’s words. So yes, I am really glad I read it and I would definitely recommend it, but I am equally glad I never have to read it again.
August 18, 2021
Bombshell by Mike Rothmiller is both unconvincing as an argument and poorly written in general. And no, if he took this to any court he would not get a conviction, unless they chose to investigate all of his crooked dealings as a cop and prosecute him instead.
Tell me if you've heard this before: A crooked cop is part of a crooked secret division and manages, almost from day one, to access and read explosive information about other crooked cops, politicians and celebrities. Years later, based on alleged documents and hearsay (assuming he ever spoke to Peter Lawford about anything other than alcohol) he (sorta) writes a book that claims he, and only he, knows the whole truth about Marilyn Monroe's death. So, what might set off bells and whistles here? Crooked cop telling on other crooked cops? No evidence? A confession he didn't bother to record? The long delay with "evidence" he claims would get a conviction yet he never produced in the book? I kept waiting for him to throw in for free the explosive story of how RFK went back in time and killed Lincoln.
Between the poor writing and the lack of concrete proof, this is largely a waste of time. I might have gotten some enjoyment reading about the inner workings of the paramilitary unit known as the LAPD if I felt I could trust anything at all Rothmiller says. But I don't, so I didn't.
If you love conspiracies, if you support Qanon and all of the crazy conspiracies currently being used to fleece the American public, you'll love this book. If you want something even remotely like proof before accepting such an accusation as this, then you will be disappointed. If you teach a writing class and you have been looking for a good example of how not to write a book, you have found a gold mine here.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
Tell me if you've heard this before: A crooked cop is part of a crooked secret division and manages, almost from day one, to access and read explosive information about other crooked cops, politicians and celebrities. Years later, based on alleged documents and hearsay (assuming he ever spoke to Peter Lawford about anything other than alcohol) he (sorta) writes a book that claims he, and only he, knows the whole truth about Marilyn Monroe's death. So, what might set off bells and whistles here? Crooked cop telling on other crooked cops? No evidence? A confession he didn't bother to record? The long delay with "evidence" he claims would get a conviction yet he never produced in the book? I kept waiting for him to throw in for free the explosive story of how RFK went back in time and killed Lincoln.
Between the poor writing and the lack of concrete proof, this is largely a waste of time. I might have gotten some enjoyment reading about the inner workings of the paramilitary unit known as the LAPD if I felt I could trust anything at all Rothmiller says. But I don't, so I didn't.
If you love conspiracies, if you support Qanon and all of the crazy conspiracies currently being used to fleece the American public, you'll love this book. If you want something even remotely like proof before accepting such an accusation as this, then you will be disappointed. If you teach a writing class and you have been looking for a good example of how not to write a book, you have found a gold mine here.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
January 25, 2024
Wow. I hope this isn't true. Either way it was so well written and it was such an exciting read. A real example where non fiction is just so much more interesting than fiction. I couldn't put it down.
July 5, 2021
“In life [Marilyn] could be anybody or anything you wanted her to be. Her ending came when she became trouble.”
Mike Rothmiller knows who killed Marilyn Monroe - it was Bobby Kennedy, and in this book he will tell you how he knows that she was silenced to prevent her going public with details of her affairs with the Kennedy brothers.
In 1978, working as a detective in the LAPD’s OCID (The Organized Crime Intelligence Division), Rothmiller had access to thousands of index cards relating to restricted files containing information on notable figures in America, not all of whom would have been seen as criminals - actors, TV newsreaders, sportsmen from Muhammad Ali to Michael Jackson. Eventually he came to an index card for President John F. Kennedy, cross-referenced with his brothers Bobby and Ted, Rat Pack actors Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford (who plays a large part in events) and, of course, Marilyn Monroe.
Before her death, Marilyn had long been a “person of interest” for the authorities due to the kind of people she was linked to. After encountering a bedraggled and boozy Lawford during a tour of the Playboy Mansion, Rothmiller contrives to interview him some weeks later. The details of this conversation, and the “truth” about Marilyn’s death resulting from it, are being presented in this book for the very first time. Also, many of JFK’s hitherto unknown sexual shenanigans are being made public within these fiery pages due to them being filmed or bugged by the OCID at the time. Once JFK’s Presidential nomination was announced, all of these details were suppressed and Marilyn’s days were numbered.
This book, written by Rothmiller with Douglas Thompson, is, basically, sleaze-city. Thanks to irresistible scene-setting, a world of mobsters, corrupt politicians and Hollywood sex parties is vividly brought to life. Bedrooms are bugged, phones are tapped. It is unputdownable in the most delicious way, but for all that it never loses sight of the tragedy of Marilyn Monroe, who was ostensibly abused by the Kennedys; indeed, by many people. Despite the enduring legend of the Kennedys, their true personas are laid bare in this book. There are many passages in the book that some may find upsetting - the abusive treatment of Marilyn sometimes beggars belief.
The evidence presented is compelling, but whether one believes it or not, noted figures such as the Kennedys, Frank Sinatra, and especially the easily-intimidated Peter Lawford don’t come out of it very well. This book starts out as a titillating thrill but becomes progressively more tragic. You will learn some things that you’d probably rather not know, but it is well-written and timely. Like a car-crash, this book is hard to stop looking at.
Mike Rothmiller knows who killed Marilyn Monroe - it was Bobby Kennedy, and in this book he will tell you how he knows that she was silenced to prevent her going public with details of her affairs with the Kennedy brothers.
In 1978, working as a detective in the LAPD’s OCID (The Organized Crime Intelligence Division), Rothmiller had access to thousands of index cards relating to restricted files containing information on notable figures in America, not all of whom would have been seen as criminals - actors, TV newsreaders, sportsmen from Muhammad Ali to Michael Jackson. Eventually he came to an index card for President John F. Kennedy, cross-referenced with his brothers Bobby and Ted, Rat Pack actors Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford (who plays a large part in events) and, of course, Marilyn Monroe.
Before her death, Marilyn had long been a “person of interest” for the authorities due to the kind of people she was linked to. After encountering a bedraggled and boozy Lawford during a tour of the Playboy Mansion, Rothmiller contrives to interview him some weeks later. The details of this conversation, and the “truth” about Marilyn’s death resulting from it, are being presented in this book for the very first time. Also, many of JFK’s hitherto unknown sexual shenanigans are being made public within these fiery pages due to them being filmed or bugged by the OCID at the time. Once JFK’s Presidential nomination was announced, all of these details were suppressed and Marilyn’s days were numbered.
This book, written by Rothmiller with Douglas Thompson, is, basically, sleaze-city. Thanks to irresistible scene-setting, a world of mobsters, corrupt politicians and Hollywood sex parties is vividly brought to life. Bedrooms are bugged, phones are tapped. It is unputdownable in the most delicious way, but for all that it never loses sight of the tragedy of Marilyn Monroe, who was ostensibly abused by the Kennedys; indeed, by many people. Despite the enduring legend of the Kennedys, their true personas are laid bare in this book. There are many passages in the book that some may find upsetting - the abusive treatment of Marilyn sometimes beggars belief.
The evidence presented is compelling, but whether one believes it or not, noted figures such as the Kennedys, Frank Sinatra, and especially the easily-intimidated Peter Lawford don’t come out of it very well. This book starts out as a titillating thrill but becomes progressively more tragic. You will learn some things that you’d probably rather not know, but it is well-written and timely. Like a car-crash, this book is hard to stop looking at.
July 8, 2021
It's almost sixty years since her death and yet there is a still a fascination with Marilyn Monroe, who is, after all, one of the most celebrated, and quite possibly, most misunderstood, icons of the twentieth century. That her life, and subsequent tragic, and unexplained, death still haunts us is the subject of this fascinating theory into just who was responsible for her death in August, 1962.
Mike Rothmiller served for ten years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and during that time he had access to certain secret files and from the knowledge gleaned from the files and from first hand testimonies and private diary entries he makes his case that Robert Kennedy, who was then, Attorney General, was responsible for Marilyn Monroe's death.
There has been much written about Marilyn Monroe's alleged suicide, and there is endless speculation and not to forget countless conspiracy theories into just what happened on the night of August 4th, 1962 when Marilyn was home alone in her Californian residence. That there are dark secrets in the life of this enigmatic actress have long been known but the authors make a convincing case of presenting their new evidence in a consistent and believable manner.
The book is complex as any investigation into an unexplained death must be and the authors give a comprehensive account of all those who featured in Marilyn's tragically short life, from the US security systems which were in place to trace her every move, to the men, in authority, and in the celebrity spotlight, who exploited and abused Marilyn for their own sexual gratification, and ultimately to the most powerful family in America, the Kennedys, who had so much to lose if Marilyn Monroe carried through her threat to expose them.
As with all speculation, I am sure that there will be those who discount this theory as just another fabrication of facts but Mike Rothmiller's argument that Robert Kennedy was responsible for Marilyn's Monroe's death is convincing and sheds a whole new light onto what happened on August 4th and 5th, 1962.
Both fascinating, and disturbing, in equal measure Bombshell is a compelling read and its theory into Marilyn Monroe's tragic death is certainly one that I shall continue to ponder over for some time to come.
Mike Rothmiller served for ten years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and during that time he had access to certain secret files and from the knowledge gleaned from the files and from first hand testimonies and private diary entries he makes his case that Robert Kennedy, who was then, Attorney General, was responsible for Marilyn Monroe's death.
There has been much written about Marilyn Monroe's alleged suicide, and there is endless speculation and not to forget countless conspiracy theories into just what happened on the night of August 4th, 1962 when Marilyn was home alone in her Californian residence. That there are dark secrets in the life of this enigmatic actress have long been known but the authors make a convincing case of presenting their new evidence in a consistent and believable manner.
The book is complex as any investigation into an unexplained death must be and the authors give a comprehensive account of all those who featured in Marilyn's tragically short life, from the US security systems which were in place to trace her every move, to the men, in authority, and in the celebrity spotlight, who exploited and abused Marilyn for their own sexual gratification, and ultimately to the most powerful family in America, the Kennedys, who had so much to lose if Marilyn Monroe carried through her threat to expose them.
As with all speculation, I am sure that there will be those who discount this theory as just another fabrication of facts but Mike Rothmiller's argument that Robert Kennedy was responsible for Marilyn's Monroe's death is convincing and sheds a whole new light onto what happened on August 4th and 5th, 1962.
Both fascinating, and disturbing, in equal measure Bombshell is a compelling read and its theory into Marilyn Monroe's tragic death is certainly one that I shall continue to ponder over for some time to come.
December 9, 2025
Very interesting read on what actually happened to Marilyn from LAPD case files.
July 24, 2021
As a long time fan of Marilyn Monroe, I couldn't pick this book up quick enough! And the contents haven't disappointed! Wow!! Talk about corruption everywhere and it has left me even more convinced that her death was murder and not a 'suicide' as originally framed.
The authors of this book had access to a number of hugely confidential police files, and the evidence is damming! Not only does it set out the events of that night clearly, through eye witness accounts along with crime scene evidence, it also looks closely at the diary entries by Marilyn herself and looks back at over her life, the highs and lows, and also looks at the goings on at LAPD over the years, alongside links to the mafia and those at the highest levels of Government. It seems that most celebrities and their houses were being bugged at the time and files kept on their behaviour.... just in case they were needed to be used against them!
And in Marilyn they had a prime target with her associations to so many in Hollywood and Washington. It really gives a damning look at the corruption at every level - from the Kennedys', to the police chiefs, the mob...... sleaze central!! I was staggered at the revelations and the research was comprehensive and exhaustive as no stone seemed to be unturned in wondering what DID happen that night, and why so many were so keen to cover up the reality and frame the scene to draw away attention from her close relationships.
There were so many red flags with this case at the time, and ever since. Telephone records going missing, issues with the autopsy not being thorough enough and evidence going missing, dodgy behaviour of people at the scene that night and why it took so long to call someone... the list goes on and this book does a wonderful job of putting the evidence all together and painting a very worrying picture of just how widespread the corruption was, and how this global superstar was seemingly 'too close for comfort' with those wanting more power and they wanted her out of the way.
Brilliantly researched and put together. One of those books that stun and shock, along make you feel very sad for this young woman who was seemingly used over all her career, even by many big names who seemed to have no compassion or care for her. It has made me think very differently about many 'star' names from the past and look at Hollywood in a very different light with the goings on documented throughout the book. A powerful book!!
The authors of this book had access to a number of hugely confidential police files, and the evidence is damming! Not only does it set out the events of that night clearly, through eye witness accounts along with crime scene evidence, it also looks closely at the diary entries by Marilyn herself and looks back at over her life, the highs and lows, and also looks at the goings on at LAPD over the years, alongside links to the mafia and those at the highest levels of Government. It seems that most celebrities and their houses were being bugged at the time and files kept on their behaviour.... just in case they were needed to be used against them!
And in Marilyn they had a prime target with her associations to so many in Hollywood and Washington. It really gives a damning look at the corruption at every level - from the Kennedys', to the police chiefs, the mob...... sleaze central!! I was staggered at the revelations and the research was comprehensive and exhaustive as no stone seemed to be unturned in wondering what DID happen that night, and why so many were so keen to cover up the reality and frame the scene to draw away attention from her close relationships.
There were so many red flags with this case at the time, and ever since. Telephone records going missing, issues with the autopsy not being thorough enough and evidence going missing, dodgy behaviour of people at the scene that night and why it took so long to call someone... the list goes on and this book does a wonderful job of putting the evidence all together and painting a very worrying picture of just how widespread the corruption was, and how this global superstar was seemingly 'too close for comfort' with those wanting more power and they wanted her out of the way.
Brilliantly researched and put together. One of those books that stun and shock, along make you feel very sad for this young woman who was seemingly used over all her career, even by many big names who seemed to have no compassion or care for her. It has made me think very differently about many 'star' names from the past and look at Hollywood in a very different light with the goings on documented throughout the book. A powerful book!!
August 12, 2021
Wow! This was quite the read. I can't say that it was super revelatory - there has been speculation for years concerning Marilyn Monroe's demise. And the Kennedy's stopped being all-American good boys for me long, long ago. But to put these two stories together and read about the reality of the 1960s entertainment industry, the workings of the Los Angeles Police Department and the activities of the Kennedy brothers was indeed a bombshell. The authors present a lot of credible evidence that makes it very easy to believe that Bobby Kennedy killed Marilyn Monroe. But whether he did or didn't, this is a tale of what still goes on to this day - powerful men in politics can be horrible to women and unsuspecting women can be destroyed by those men. It doesn't have to always end in death, but far too many women have been destroyed. I finished this book thankful that we are seeing more and more women coming into positions of leadership and with that, there is hope.
November 18, 2021
2.5 stars - While I found this story interesting, I didn't think it was particularly well written and it made sections feel like a bit of a slog to get through. But I really enjoyed the sections about Marilyn, and I am just so sad for her. Even if she wasn't murdered, she was a victim, and I wish that had been explored more (but I think you would need a female author for that).
September 8, 2021
Bombshell is one of those explosive books that have the edge of the Marilyn Monroe conspiracy like no others. There is a sense of truth and facts presented and he backs this up with facts and background information to give it that more credibility than authors in the past.
It is a fact that Marilyn Monroe’s death has led to a lot of controversy. There is the sad, lonely, desperate to be loved and then there is the sex symbol image that gave a knowing twinkle to all who seen her or watched her films. We also have the Kennedy scandals that one wonders if the two brothers had lived, would they be viewed in the sainthood that people so often accomplish after death and not during life. We have two worlds that would collide in the harsh face of politics, Hollywood, gangsters and crooked policeman.
The authors sometimes repeat themselves a few times to get their point across which sometimes is a bit too brow thumping but overall they present their case very well. The Kennedys overall though hailed as a great time in America culture was bred in lies, corruption and smoke and mirrors. Whether it was the Cuban missile crisis fully orchestrated by the Kennedys or whether it was Bobby Kennedy’s war on organised crime which is a bit of a laugh considering how much they bankrolled their rise to power. It seems that everyone was running scared of the Kennedys and they used this to their advantage.
Meanwhile we have Hollywood of the 50’s and 60’s which made Weinstein look like an angel strumming a harp on a cloud in the glory of heaven next to these jokers. Actresses where expected to give sexual favours to keep their place amongst the Hollywood stars. Sex parties, orgies and sexual favours were part of the course if you wanted your star to shine. The casting cough was in heavy rotation.
Hollywood had its organised connections and its predators and people like Marilyn Monroe worked their way through these to work to their advantage. The Kennedys were the equivalent of US Royal family and they exploited their way through the system. Young political hopefuls to change the face of US politics and selling their dreams on strong family values when in fact, they were exploiting the public.
This is an excellent read and I do not want to go into too much detail but Marilyn Monroe was used and abused by the two brothers and when she had enough and decided that she was not going to be a sexual pawn, she ended up dead from a supposed suicide. Now, whether you believe in this conspiracy or if you do not, there is a lot to read and take in and would recommend this book to anyone with a passing curiosity of Hollywood and politics to give this a try. You can’t go wrong and it sure as hell opened my eyes. Excellent.
It is a fact that Marilyn Monroe’s death has led to a lot of controversy. There is the sad, lonely, desperate to be loved and then there is the sex symbol image that gave a knowing twinkle to all who seen her or watched her films. We also have the Kennedy scandals that one wonders if the two brothers had lived, would they be viewed in the sainthood that people so often accomplish after death and not during life. We have two worlds that would collide in the harsh face of politics, Hollywood, gangsters and crooked policeman.
The authors sometimes repeat themselves a few times to get their point across which sometimes is a bit too brow thumping but overall they present their case very well. The Kennedys overall though hailed as a great time in America culture was bred in lies, corruption and smoke and mirrors. Whether it was the Cuban missile crisis fully orchestrated by the Kennedys or whether it was Bobby Kennedy’s war on organised crime which is a bit of a laugh considering how much they bankrolled their rise to power. It seems that everyone was running scared of the Kennedys and they used this to their advantage.
Meanwhile we have Hollywood of the 50’s and 60’s which made Weinstein look like an angel strumming a harp on a cloud in the glory of heaven next to these jokers. Actresses where expected to give sexual favours to keep their place amongst the Hollywood stars. Sex parties, orgies and sexual favours were part of the course if you wanted your star to shine. The casting cough was in heavy rotation.
Hollywood had its organised connections and its predators and people like Marilyn Monroe worked their way through these to work to their advantage. The Kennedys were the equivalent of US Royal family and they exploited their way through the system. Young political hopefuls to change the face of US politics and selling their dreams on strong family values when in fact, they were exploiting the public.
This is an excellent read and I do not want to go into too much detail but Marilyn Monroe was used and abused by the two brothers and when she had enough and decided that she was not going to be a sexual pawn, she ended up dead from a supposed suicide. Now, whether you believe in this conspiracy or if you do not, there is a lot to read and take in and would recommend this book to anyone with a passing curiosity of Hollywood and politics to give this a try. You can’t go wrong and it sure as hell opened my eyes. Excellent.
January 22, 2022
We all Love Jack by Bruce Robinson about Jack the Ripper, and Chaos by Tom O'Neill about Charles Manson, are two books that I've really enjoyed in the past. They are firm favourites in the expose/conspiracy genre.
I'd be at ease giving both five stars as part of a Goodreads review, and I'd now do the same with Bombshell by Mike Rothmiller and Douglas Thompson.
All three share very similar traits.
A failing is that while they're are many factually accurate jaw dropping dots revealed, the joining of them is problematic.
Sometimes all you can see is what you want to see. Conjecture is the enemy of the truth. That however doesn't take anything away from the enjoyment of these books.
The strong points are for me the pictures they paint of the eras they cover.
With this you get the point that nothing ever really changes hammered home.
How about this?
"Author Serhil Plokhy reveals, through newly available Russian and KGB archives, that Krushchev interfered with the 1960 American election, helping JFK defeat Richard Nixon."
It goes on to mention Bobby Kennedy as his brothers campaign manager meeting with a KGB agent. A Yuri Baruskov.
This is all corroborated on the Russia side from declassified records.
How familiar does that sound? Neither Trump or Putin obviously know what I'm talking about.
And I could say that Pat Lawford (nee Kennedy) is the Ghislaine Maxwell of that era. A procurer of women for her brothers and others.
Frank Sinatra could be in part another Epstien too.
That's just three of many things touched on that seem to continually echo through time under the heading of the rich and privileged are mad, bad, and dangerous to know. .
As an aside I'm now wondering if Bobby Kennedy got Jimmy Hoffa taken out?
I'd be at ease giving both five stars as part of a Goodreads review, and I'd now do the same with Bombshell by Mike Rothmiller and Douglas Thompson.
All three share very similar traits.
A failing is that while they're are many factually accurate jaw dropping dots revealed, the joining of them is problematic.
Sometimes all you can see is what you want to see. Conjecture is the enemy of the truth. That however doesn't take anything away from the enjoyment of these books.
The strong points are for me the pictures they paint of the eras they cover.
With this you get the point that nothing ever really changes hammered home.
How about this?
"Author Serhil Plokhy reveals, through newly available Russian and KGB archives, that Krushchev interfered with the 1960 American election, helping JFK defeat Richard Nixon."
It goes on to mention Bobby Kennedy as his brothers campaign manager meeting with a KGB agent. A Yuri Baruskov.
This is all corroborated on the Russia side from declassified records.
How familiar does that sound? Neither Trump or Putin obviously know what I'm talking about.
And I could say that Pat Lawford (nee Kennedy) is the Ghislaine Maxwell of that era. A procurer of women for her brothers and others.
Frank Sinatra could be in part another Epstien too.
That's just three of many things touched on that seem to continually echo through time under the heading of the rich and privileged are mad, bad, and dangerous to know. .
As an aside I'm now wondering if Bobby Kennedy got Jimmy Hoffa taken out?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2021
A heartbreaking insight into the corruption and awful treatment surrounding an absolute icon.
Monroe and the Kennedy family have always fascinated me. It's such a awful yet interesting time in our history. I've no doubt that these powerful men in her life led to her unfortunate demise.
This book was intriguing to read all the information around the culture of the LAPD in the 60's and the amount of scandalous cover-ups they caused. However, for me personally, it was laced a bit TOO much 'padding' that could have been left out... it was hard to follow at times!
If you love details, a lot of names and information in abundance that doesn't directly involve Monroe, then sure, this may be YOUR cup of tea.
Monroe and the Kennedy family have always fascinated me. It's such a awful yet interesting time in our history. I've no doubt that these powerful men in her life led to her unfortunate demise.
This book was intriguing to read all the information around the culture of the LAPD in the 60's and the amount of scandalous cover-ups they caused. However, for me personally, it was laced a bit TOO much 'padding' that could have been left out... it was hard to follow at times!
If you love details, a lot of names and information in abundance that doesn't directly involve Monroe, then sure, this may be YOUR cup of tea.
September 9, 2021
Extraordinary book about the reality and brutal violence that rich and powerful men without a conscience, choose to have over vulnerable women and who, in this case, sadly got away with murder literally. Unfortunately, not much has changed (See Harvey Weinstein, 2017 case). In the case of Marilyn, things got well out of hand.
I've added this book to my growing collection of books about Marilyn Monroe, and I'd like to thank Mike Rothmiller LAPD OCID for the courage to write this book. I admire Marilyn as an actress and I've always been attracted to her allure and fame. She was funny, intelligent and witty but she didn't learn to defend herself from predators like the Kennedys and the Mob who exploited, used and abused her, all without any remorse.
Well before reading Anthony Summers' biography of Marilyn many years ago, I always suspected foul play, I never knew why or how but some things didn't sit well with me and this book seems to be the confirmation of it.
I highly recommend this book to those real Marilyn fans interested in what really happened that night.
I've added this book to my growing collection of books about Marilyn Monroe, and I'd like to thank Mike Rothmiller LAPD OCID for the courage to write this book. I admire Marilyn as an actress and I've always been attracted to her allure and fame. She was funny, intelligent and witty but she didn't learn to defend herself from predators like the Kennedys and the Mob who exploited, used and abused her, all without any remorse.
Well before reading Anthony Summers' biography of Marilyn many years ago, I always suspected foul play, I never knew why or how but some things didn't sit well with me and this book seems to be the confirmation of it.
I highly recommend this book to those real Marilyn fans interested in what really happened that night.
July 6, 2021
Who knows whether the theory promulgated in this book is correct it cannot be denied that this is a riveting and unsettling read.
Laying bare the sleaze and depravity of Los Angeles in the 60s. Nobody really comes out well particularly the Kennedy's. The evidence of Bobby Kennedy's guilt in Marilyn Monroe's tragic death provided is cogent and Mike Rothmiller makes a convincing case for his guilt given the way he came about the evidence but this is ultimately a sad book dominated by unpleasant and crooked individuals many of them in positions of influence and power.
Laying bare the sleaze and depravity of Los Angeles in the 60s. Nobody really comes out well particularly the Kennedy's. The evidence of Bobby Kennedy's guilt in Marilyn Monroe's tragic death provided is cogent and Mike Rothmiller makes a convincing case for his guilt given the way he came about the evidence but this is ultimately a sad book dominated by unpleasant and crooked individuals many of them in positions of influence and power.
September 1, 2021
Very very interesting book, backed up with some credible and previously undisclosed evidence.
I have read a lot about Marilyn's life and tragic death, and it was always quite obvious that all was not as it seemed, however although I was always of the opinion that she was probably killed, I had never read anything leading me to conclude that she was murdered by Robert Kennedy, until now.
Having read this book I am now quite convinced by the shocking evidence put forward in it and expect there may be more evidence produced, which I will read with interest.
I have read a lot about Marilyn's life and tragic death, and it was always quite obvious that all was not as it seemed, however although I was always of the opinion that she was probably killed, I had never read anything leading me to conclude that she was murdered by Robert Kennedy, until now.
Having read this book I am now quite convinced by the shocking evidence put forward in it and expect there may be more evidence produced, which I will read with interest.
August 14, 2022
Well, now we know....I don't think anyone believed it was suicide. It was a tragedy and Rothmiller and Thompson have written a compelling account of what happened to Marilyn supported by extensive research. Angelinos should weep.. .
October 22, 2021
Very much enjoyed this and all the new information
March 20, 2022
Excellent read, writing style is impressive
June 4, 2022
A shameless book by a shameless shill. The number of the factual errors in this pile of shite is beyond appalling. Poor Marilyn.
July 16, 2025
There seems to be some interesting evidence that the death of Marilyn Monroe was not suicide. Unfortunately, ‘Bombshell: The Night Bobby Kennedy Killed Marilyn Monroe’ by Detective Mike Rothmiller and Douglas Thompson is so poorly written that any compelling research on their part becomes completely muddled, confused, and meaningless. Despite the book being a dense 327 pages, most of the evidence for the star’s murder involves a few scant pages mentioning confidential files held by the LAPD and an alleged confession by actor and Kennedy insider, Peter Lawford. The rest of the book is filled with an endless diatribe of rambling supposition, digression, speculation, and general confusion. If Marilyn Monroe was actually murdered, especially by the Kennedy’s, this ‘bombshell’ requires and deserves a far better announcement and analysis than this self-defeating mess.
February 14, 2023
A compelling page-turner. I knew relatively little of Ms. Monroe's life, but did know she had some very powerful contacts and died under mysterious circumstances. I have always been suspicious of The Kennedy Family, high-level corruption, and a power elite. Given that, I was the choir this book preached to. Obviously, we'll never know for sure what happened on the evening of August 4, 1962, but the case presented by Mr. Rothmiller is as solid as it is fascinating. The material is heavily sourced and well organzied; the writing is nothing special but doesn't need to be, considering the subject matter. I would recommend this book to anyone with a modicum of interest in the death of Marilyn Monroe or the dark side of the The Kennedys.
January 30, 2024
Mixed feeling about this book. Rothmiller is convincing in telling us that Robert Kennedy murdered Marilyn Monroe. However, he doesn't have any sources that can back up this accusation. Witness are long gone and any evidence has been destroyed or locked away. One would think that Kennedy would have been able to get someone else to do the dirty work. I really don't like having the feeling that everything has been corrupted. I did the audio version, and a few times I felt a bit of repetition of salacious details.
How did this book find me? I read another book and this one was mentioned.
How did this book find me? I read another book and this one was mentioned.
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