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Almost Paradise: The East Hampton Murder of Ted Ammon
HE WAS A MULTIMILLIONAIRE…
On October 22, 2001, handsome multimillionaire financier Ted Ammon was found bludgeoned to death in the magnificent East Hampton mansion he'd built with his beautiful--and volatile--wife, Generosa. She stood to make millions, but it wasn't the money that made Ted's friends suspicious: Generosa Ammon had a history of violent outbursts and bizarre obsessions.
BUT EVEN HIS WEALTH AND POWER…
A talented interior decorator, Generosa had fashioned a lavish lifestyle for her husband and their two children, divided between Fifth Avenue, the Long Island estate, and a manor house in England. But when Generosa discovered Ted had a mistress, her demons were unleashed…
COULDN'T SAVE HIM…
She began a very public affair with Danny Pelosi, a strikingly handsome womanizer who was also her electrician. She called him her "tool belt guy." But he was also an ex-con who was suspected of playing a pivotal role in Ted's murder and the final destruction of a once-perfect family.
In Almost Paradise, New York Times bestselling author Kieran Crowley, who has covered the Ammon case from the time it broke, recreates the three tumultuous lives that intersected fatally in East Hampton that fall.
On October 22, 2001, handsome multimillionaire financier Ted Ammon was found bludgeoned to death in the magnificent East Hampton mansion he'd built with his beautiful--and volatile--wife, Generosa. She stood to make millions, but it wasn't the money that made Ted's friends suspicious: Generosa Ammon had a history of violent outbursts and bizarre obsessions.
BUT EVEN HIS WEALTH AND POWER…
A talented interior decorator, Generosa had fashioned a lavish lifestyle for her husband and their two children, divided between Fifth Avenue, the Long Island estate, and a manor house in England. But when Generosa discovered Ted had a mistress, her demons were unleashed…
COULDN'T SAVE HIM…
She began a very public affair with Danny Pelosi, a strikingly handsome womanizer who was also her electrician. She called him her "tool belt guy." But he was also an ex-con who was suspected of playing a pivotal role in Ted's murder and the final destruction of a once-perfect family.
In Almost Paradise, New York Times bestselling author Kieran Crowley, who has covered the Ammon case from the time it broke, recreates the three tumultuous lives that intersected fatally in East Hampton that fall.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
86 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Crowley
13 books43 followersKIERAN CROWLEY is a New York Times bestselling crime author and investigative reporter who has received communication from an actual serial killer and deciphered his secret code. Crowley has covered hundreds of trials and thousands of murders and recovered evidence missed by police at numerous crime scenes, some of which helped bring killers to Justice. He lives in New York with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 22, 2017
This book was about 200 pages longer than it needed to be. Much like other true crime I've read recently, it's hard to feel sorry for the victim, who was portrayed as a womanizer who cheated on his faithful wife and got another woman pregnant. While he didn't deserve to be murdered, of course, it's easy to understand the rage of his wife, a woman who spent decades decorating his homes, playing the perfect host to his friends and business associates, and raising their children. Only to discover she was being played--her husband didn't even have the decency to let her know he was with someone else.
Oddly enough, the only truly sympathetic character in this saga turned out to be the one person jailed for the husband's murder--the wife's lover after her marriage ended. Another skirt chaser and an alcoholic with a nasty habit of driving under the influence, Danny is far from an upstanding citizen, but somehow, as the book went on (and on and on) I began to feel sorry for him. The author did not convince me he was guilty--if anything, he showed the redeeming qualities of the man, who really did seem to be the only one who cared about the dead man's children.
Strange book. I can't help but wonder what the victim's family thought of the way their son was portrayed.
Oddly enough, the only truly sympathetic character in this saga turned out to be the one person jailed for the husband's murder--the wife's lover after her marriage ended. Another skirt chaser and an alcoholic with a nasty habit of driving under the influence, Danny is far from an upstanding citizen, but somehow, as the book went on (and on and on) I began to feel sorry for him. The author did not convince me he was guilty--if anything, he showed the redeeming qualities of the man, who really did seem to be the only one who cared about the dead man's children.
Strange book. I can't help but wonder what the victim's family thought of the way their son was portrayed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
This was a decent true crime story about a corporate pirate multi-millionaire who was murdered by his wife’s post-divorce blue-collar boyfriend. The author took a journalistic approach that did not sensationalize the murderous act, nor did he profess an opinion throughout the book that led the reader to the conclusion as to who killed the victim. I appreciated this approach as all too many true crime novels go the blood-and-guts voyeurism route and seem to be arguing the case against the alleged perpetrators. I tend to prefer a true crime experience that allows me to draw my own conclusions and presents ALL of the evidence available.
While I like the approach to the storytelling and the level of detail provided, the story itself was mediocre since it is pretty clear who did the deed.
While I like the approach to the storytelling and the level of detail provided, the story itself was mediocre since it is pretty clear who did the deed.
January 24, 2024
A true crime book that presented facts and let you get to know those involved.
July 26, 2017
This book was a long, strange, and fascinating journey. The denouement was a little underwhelming, but that's hardly the fault of the author, who did a great job of storytelling.
September 22, 2025
good read
Very engaging, fast moving account of two very mentally disturbed people. But I wish more info had been provided on the evidence at trial.
Very engaging, fast moving account of two very mentally disturbed people. But I wish more info had been provided on the evidence at trial.
July 25, 2007
A must read! This book has everything a true crime book should, I literally could not put it down!
October 18, 2013
Excellent portrayal of money contributing to the demise of family and friends.
September 24, 2024
After watching, Million Dollar Murder (2005), the movie based on the murder, I felt the need to read a book about it. The movie offered little insight and fizzled out long before the end. This book was indeed more insightful; yet I'm giving it four stars, instead of five, due to the author telling exactly what went on during Ted Ammon's murder; including stating exactly what Mr. Ammon's last thought was before he died. (He did the same sort of thing with the death of a policeman in the story.) Huh? Is Mr. Crowley a psychic or something, or did he consult a medium?
Other than that weird writing, the story moves along well, isn't repetitious, and doesn't go off in all sorts of unrelated directions. It also doesn't tell detail after detail about any trials, the practice and bane of many other true crime writers. The reader learns that Generosa Ammon's childhood is where her mental illness was rooted, as in the case of so many other unbalanced individuals. Moreover, like so many other such individuals, she refused to recognize her mental problems and get psychiatric help. She was allowed to wreck havoc on the lives of her family, friends and acquaintances, as well as spend money like there was no tomorrow.
Ted Ammon knew she was somewhat disturbed before marrying her, and that's one thing the author doesn't really explore. Is it possible that he wanted to marry someone whom everyone would blame if the marriage went south? Some men with secrets do that so their secrets are never suspected. Mr. Crowley obviously did not believe Mr. Ammon had a secret life or anything else. He was slandered by his wife who trashed everyone she didn't like. He cheated on her because he got tired of and no longer could handle her mental illness. Men with severly mentally ill wives often escape a marriage anyway they can, giving their estranged wives anything they want, in order to get rid of them.
Who killed Ted Ammon? It would be outrageous to think Generosa Ammon was not behind the killing. But was it Danny Pelosi who did it? This book actually creates doubts about that. He must have known and hired who did, however, if he did not personally do so. Mr. Crowley keeps bringing up how well he treated the adopted Ammon twins, Alexa and Greg, which made him seem like a caring sort of guy, and that he was on good terms with Mr. Ammon.
Speaking of the twins, they made a documentary in 2012 called 59 Middle Lane* about their lives, their childhood with the Ammons, and their search for their biological mother in Russia. It's apparently a film where they do not portray themselves as victims, as individuals who were dragged down and horribly scarred by their father's murder and their mother's insanity, but as children who had a pretty decent childhood.
*(Unfortunately, it cannot currently be streamed anywhere.)
Other than that weird writing, the story moves along well, isn't repetitious, and doesn't go off in all sorts of unrelated directions. It also doesn't tell detail after detail about any trials, the practice and bane of many other true crime writers. The reader learns that Generosa Ammon's childhood is where her mental illness was rooted, as in the case of so many other unbalanced individuals. Moreover, like so many other such individuals, she refused to recognize her mental problems and get psychiatric help. She was allowed to wreck havoc on the lives of her family, friends and acquaintances, as well as spend money like there was no tomorrow.
Ted Ammon knew she was somewhat disturbed before marrying her, and that's one thing the author doesn't really explore. Is it possible that he wanted to marry someone whom everyone would blame if the marriage went south? Some men with secrets do that so their secrets are never suspected. Mr. Crowley obviously did not believe Mr. Ammon had a secret life or anything else. He was slandered by his wife who trashed everyone she didn't like. He cheated on her because he got tired of and no longer could handle her mental illness. Men with severly mentally ill wives often escape a marriage anyway they can, giving their estranged wives anything they want, in order to get rid of them.
Who killed Ted Ammon? It would be outrageous to think Generosa Ammon was not behind the killing. But was it Danny Pelosi who did it? This book actually creates doubts about that. He must have known and hired who did, however, if he did not personally do so. Mr. Crowley keeps bringing up how well he treated the adopted Ammon twins, Alexa and Greg, which made him seem like a caring sort of guy, and that he was on good terms with Mr. Ammon.
Speaking of the twins, they made a documentary in 2012 called 59 Middle Lane* about their lives, their childhood with the Ammons, and their search for their biological mother in Russia. It's apparently a film where they do not portray themselves as victims, as individuals who were dragged down and horribly scarred by their father's murder and their mother's insanity, but as children who had a pretty decent childhood.
*(Unfortunately, it cannot currently be streamed anywhere.)
true-crime-books
May 8, 2022An unusual true crime story
This is not what you expect in a true crime story. This is more like watching a slasher movie and frequently screaming "Don't go there!" or "No, don't do it!". The joining of Ted Ammon and Generosa was like lighting a long fuse to dynamite and not knowing when to take cover.
Generosa became more and more unbalanced and abusive to everyone in her vicinity. When Ted was brutally murdered, there were plenty of suspects, but few who would have completely fit the clues. Of course, everyone had an alibi.
*****SPOILERS*****
I was not satisfied with the author's discussion of motives and suspects. I did not buy the 'drunken blackout' scenario because the murder was so obviously premeditated. Then everyone kept talking about the 'stun gun' that was used by the killer. It should have been obvious from the autopsy report that a stun gun was not involved. The puncture marks indicated the use of a Taser which is different from a stun gun. If the investigators and attorneys were looking for a stun gun, they missed the boat and possibly convicted an innocent person. It would be interesting to read the trial transcript to see what was actually said and what physical evidence was received.
It is an interesting case that I had not heard of, and that made it a good read. There were a lot of errors, but they were mostly punctuation errors and did not adversely affect the story.
151
This is not what you expect in a true crime story. This is more like watching a slasher movie and frequently screaming "Don't go there!" or "No, don't do it!". The joining of Ted Ammon and Generosa was like lighting a long fuse to dynamite and not knowing when to take cover.
Generosa became more and more unbalanced and abusive to everyone in her vicinity. When Ted was brutally murdered, there were plenty of suspects, but few who would have completely fit the clues. Of course, everyone had an alibi.
*****SPOILERS*****
I was not satisfied with the author's discussion of motives and suspects. I did not buy the 'drunken blackout' scenario because the murder was so obviously premeditated. Then everyone kept talking about the 'stun gun' that was used by the killer. It should have been obvious from the autopsy report that a stun gun was not involved. The puncture marks indicated the use of a Taser which is different from a stun gun. If the investigators and attorneys were looking for a stun gun, they missed the boat and possibly convicted an innocent person. It would be interesting to read the trial transcript to see what was actually said and what physical evidence was received.
It is an interesting case that I had not heard of, and that made it a good read. There were a lot of errors, but they were mostly punctuation errors and did not adversely affect the story.
151
June 15, 2023
Very interesting read. My family has a home not far from where the events of this book took place, and I remember this being all over the news at the time.
I will never believe that Ammon's soon to be ex wife had zero knowledge of what was going to happen. Obviously, she was ill and they knew she was going to die herself, so that is probably why there was never much of a case pursued against her. Ammon may have not been a saint himself, but Generosa Ammon sounds like she was a horrible person.
As for Daniel Pelosi, well, he was really his own worst enemy. He protected an awful woman, instantly making himself the number one suspect with his actions. He may as well have just walked around with a sign that said: "Look at me! Look at me! I'm a suspect! Arrest me!"
I don't think he was the mastermind of the crime by any means, I believe he certainly had a large role in the murder. Unfortunately, he was really not intelligent enough to see that he was being used. He was just a means to an end for his wife.
I feel very sorry for the children that Ammon adopted with Generosa.
I will never believe that Ammon's soon to be ex wife had zero knowledge of what was going to happen. Obviously, she was ill and they knew she was going to die herself, so that is probably why there was never much of a case pursued against her. Ammon may have not been a saint himself, but Generosa Ammon sounds like she was a horrible person.
As for Daniel Pelosi, well, he was really his own worst enemy. He protected an awful woman, instantly making himself the number one suspect with his actions. He may as well have just walked around with a sign that said: "Look at me! Look at me! I'm a suspect! Arrest me!"
I don't think he was the mastermind of the crime by any means, I believe he certainly had a large role in the murder. Unfortunately, he was really not intelligent enough to see that he was being used. He was just a means to an end for his wife.
I feel very sorry for the children that Ammon adopted with Generosa.
December 18, 2017
Darkness in the Heart
This true account of greed, mental illness and murder is stunning. I an an avid reader of true crime books, and the facts of this story describe a personality disorder so disturbing , it makes one wonder how a human being can become so sick. The book describes wealth, luxury, and money that only few people can experience in a lifetime. Yet, with all the material trappings, lavish homes, exotic vacations, the finest cars , clothes , horses, boats, and servants the power of hate and greed override any happiness or joy that these riches are meant to provide. Well written and thought provoking.
This true account of greed, mental illness and murder is stunning. I an an avid reader of true crime books, and the facts of this story describe a personality disorder so disturbing , it makes one wonder how a human being can become so sick. The book describes wealth, luxury, and money that only few people can experience in a lifetime. Yet, with all the material trappings, lavish homes, exotic vacations, the finest cars , clothes , horses, boats, and servants the power of hate and greed override any happiness or joy that these riches are meant to provide. Well written and thought provoking.
October 20, 2018
Unbelievable What One Woman Could Do to Destroy Others
You can't make this stuff up!!!!! Hate, greed,self centeredness and total disregard for innocent children trapped in this nightmare. A very disturbed woman poisoned everything around her . The book is fast-paced and keeps the reader's attention. A path to destruction is paved by one woman whose lust for money and her own vanity proves the old cliche "money can't buy you love" .
You can't make this stuff up!!!!! Hate, greed,self centeredness and total disregard for innocent children trapped in this nightmare. A very disturbed woman poisoned everything around her . The book is fast-paced and keeps the reader's attention. A path to destruction is paved by one woman whose lust for money and her own vanity proves the old cliche "money can't buy you love" .
August 25, 2018
If you're interested in abnormal psychology, here's a book with one of the main players a paranoid borderline, which makes for a series of escalating fights until she has no friends left. If you like true crime, the woman's husband, worth $95 million, is killed in his sleep. The book goes on to investigate the crime and finally convict someone. Definitely worth a read.
June 24, 2019
It was a good book, but I just wished that they would of been a little bit more about the crime and the murder. A lot of the book was about the life before and divorce. But I thought that it was still pretty good though.
September 12, 2020
3.5
Decent account of another crazy rich family and the insane shit they do to each other. Didn't know about this one and picked this up on a whim. Well written and the usual fascinating attempt to work out why people do the weird shit they do.
Decent account of another crazy rich family and the insane shit they do to each other. Didn't know about this one and picked this up on a whim. Well written and the usual fascinating attempt to work out why people do the weird shit they do.
July 4, 2017
Nice read. Fairly good, from beginning to end.
August 11, 2017
A very good True crime author. Made it feel like a novel.
March 8, 2019
3.5
Not sure evidence that led to verdict was beyond a reasonable doubt. Yes the guy was greedy, a blabber mouth and had a criminal history but I believe his wife had full knowledge.
Not sure evidence that led to verdict was beyond a reasonable doubt. Yes the guy was greedy, a blabber mouth and had a criminal history but I believe his wife had full knowledge.
Read
October 24, 2019Good crime story of Ted and Generosa Ammons and Dan Pelosi
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
WOW- Yikes! Sad and scary but excellent.
October 3, 2021
One of the best true crime novels I have read. It reads like a thriller till the end.
October 28, 2021
It was good. I wish the author had told what happened to Alexa and Grego.
April 5, 2023
Control freakishness and greed--
You can guess where that might lead.
You can guess where that might lead.
May 20, 2008
This book is good so far. I was kind of antsy about reading it because I have heard the story so many times on television but it is written well. It goes more indepth with all of the people involved and how they were raised. Good read as of now :).
This book was very well written and keep my attention through the whole thing. Even if you have seen the true crime show on television about it (i.e. 48 hours mystery) I still highly recommend it because it goes into the lives of the victim, the killer, and the wife. Very good read :).
This book was very well written and keep my attention through the whole thing. Even if you have seen the true crime show on television about it (i.e. 48 hours mystery) I still highly recommend it because it goes into the lives of the victim, the killer, and the wife. Very good read :).
August 18, 2016
It was interesting to read about this murder which I very clearly remember being that I live near East Hampton and know people involved. Kieran Crowley took much creative license with private conversations. While reading and getting so caught up in the crime story plot, I needed to remind myself that this isn't fiction. This is such a tragic story, yet so compelling. I feel bad saying it is a good read since it is about real events.
March 29, 2015
Very interesting read. As a Long Island resident I didn't know about this, because I was young when it took place. It is an expose of the lives of the rich and what money can do to a person. I felt awful for the children involved and really felt like a full portrait of the individuals involved and the situation.
April 10, 2008
If you like semi-trashy true crime reads that are impossible to put down, this book is for you! I read 60 pages the first day, and then 350 the next. I watched the hours creep by and simply couldn't STOP reading. It was so fun! And so disturbing...
February 5, 2012
This author is very engaging. The book became more interesting because it's true. You could easily recognize that many Danny Pelosis exist right close to you. It helps you to avoid more sick personalities like this.
February 20, 2009
Didn't want to put it down, especially because it happened so close to home...but sleep got the better of me. Great read.
July 17, 2011
If you like a good mystery, this is the book to read. Oh! By the way it is true. I could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews