Blood Cold: Fame, Sex, and Murder in Hollywood

by Dennis McDougal

From the bestselling Edgar Award-nominated author comes this exclusive story of actor Robert Blake, charged with murder in the 2001 shooting death of his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley. McDougal chronicles this bizarre case with never-before-published details of Blake's and Bakley's pasts, what happened the night of the crime, and the desperate marriage that ended in cold-blooded murder.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 27, 2002

About the author

Dennis McDougal was an American author and newspaper journalist, who has been called "L.A.'s No. 1 muckraker". His book Privileged Son was described as "illuminating reading for anyone interested in 20th-century Los Angeles or modern-day newspapering" by The New York Times. A native of Southern California, he lived near Memphis, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Brendan Creecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book doesn't cover Blake's acquittal and civil trial as it was published during the trial, it does offer an in depth look at the case and its subjects. A very quick, interesting read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I knew nothing about the Bakley murder. It was just one of those weird Hollywood homicides, with the star going free again. This book was a great way to learn about it, very entertaining and informative. It is a clear and kindly look at the lives of Blake and Bakley--they come across as human, if not exactly likable.

I remember Blake from TV, and the book filled in his up-and-down life story. Sort of typical child actor story. Bakley was just something else. Really, you couldn't make that stuff up. Really fascinating to read about, but a person you'd avoid like the plague in real life.

It sounds like Blake did it, but I can see how he got off. Waaaayyy too many people had it in for Bakley, for excellent reasons. I hope the child, and other people involved, have been able to get on with their lives since the trial.

[Susann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Nice Juicy, Trashy, Hollywood Bio

Just what you would expect -- lots of seamy sleeze with some historical background about Robert Blake and his late "wife," Bonny Lee Bakeley whom someone murdered. Was it Blake, one of his minions or one or more of the men she ripped off selling porn and promises over the years. For those with prurient interests, you will love this!

[denna devillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional Writing !!!

Wow! It is a rare treat to read an account of this tragedy that is both informative and so interesting! The pace of this multilayered saga held my interest throughout. An intense delve into show biz, predilections, family origins, fame, fortune and the many DOWNS that outweigh the UPS.

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about a very twisted situation. This books comprised mostly the duelling biographies of the victim and the suspect in a famous Hollywood crime, showing us how these two unique characters became what they were and how their lives collided. Unfortunately, the book screeched to a halt before the trial started. Now I need to find a book that covers the legal proceedings!

[Monica Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opener

Creepy pair managed to meet and reproduce. This book bares the psychological mess of a marriage between two very flawed people. Strange attractions ...whew. Can't make this stuff up.

[Brian Pangburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice insight

Author does a good job giving the reader a view of the seedy part of Hollywood (is it anything other than "seedy"?). Blake is just one of many who got sucked in... and couldn't get out.

[Catherine Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you Google Bonny Lee her name comes up as an American Fraudster. I'm always fascinated by a fraudster story.

[Pamela Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intensive research shows with a lot of depth to the two people who never should have met. A fine read; but ends BEFORE the trial.

[Korena Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does not cover the trial which I was expecting to read. Otherwise covers a lot of details.

[Barbara Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. A little sad though.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like the book. It gave lots of behind info on the lives of Robert and Bonnie.
But it didn't go into depth of the trial or crime itself.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a well written book about a true crime. There was a lot of good info about this crime.

[Author Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what happens when two narcissistic people get together that have unresolved childhood traumas. My heart just breaks for their daughter.
This is a quick easy read. Very much recommend!

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate this guy.

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I followed the trial and thought this book would have nothing new. I was wrong. Both Bonny and Robert were two of the most dysfunctional people to ever find each other. Bonny and her family were grifters of the "highest level". Robert was never to blame, everything was someone else's fault, no matter what he did. Together they were gasoline and fire. Did he do It? I don't know, but her family cashed in on it. Never let a death in the family stop you from making money - after all they said that is what Bonny would want.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Semi) Spoiler Alert: This account of the events ends before the trial takes place. BTW, sometimes when you're reading non-fiction, you come across a bit of "information" so wrong it makes you wonder what else they screwed up, like this beauty regarding the film IN COLD BLOOD: "Perry Smith, whose father played himself in the movie..." Huh? It was actually (well known character actor) Charles McGraw.

[Grizel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite true crime books. Not only is it well written, but it provides a fascinating account of Bonny Lee Bakely's life as a con artist before she met Blake. It's the kind of glimpse into a world you never imagined existed that can stop you in your tracks. I see from the list that McDougal has written lots of other true crime books: I'm definitely planning to read at least one.

[BRT · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting recounting of both Robert Blake's life and the murder of his wife Bonnie Bakley. I thought it read like a Inside Hollywood kind of book and then realized it was written by a couple of T.V. Guide journalists prior to Blake's trial. The authors definitely seemed to lean towards the opinion that Blake was guilty. All in all a sad recounting of two very difficult lives.

[Jennifer Giles Hinojosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book gave some great insight into Blake and Bakley's lives and personalities. I wish a little more time had been spent on the actual murder but this book was written before the trial so I'm sure a lot of information was not yet available. Anyone who enjoys true crime should pick up this book.