Murder, Lies, and Cover-Ups

Uncover the real truth behind mass media accounts of how they died, and learn the reason for their murders.

These five deaths stopped the whole world in its tracks. We all famously recall where we were and what we were doing when JFK was assassinated, as well as the moments Elvis, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson died. As for Marilyn Monroe, the candle flickered out long ago, but only now can the truth be told about how—and why—she died.

After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files and interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts, and forensic experts during years of research, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information that will transform the way we look at these iconic tragedies that have long fascinated and intrigued the general public. Murder, Lies, and Cover-Ups reveals that Elvis Presley died not as a self-obsessed caricature but as a genuine hero who may have signed his death warrant going undercover for the FBI; how Marilyn Monroe's secret affairs with JFK and his brother, Robert, left her in the crosshairs of a lethal conspiracy; why Princess Diana's death was no accident; who ordered President John F. Kennedy's assassination; and how on three occasions Michael Jackson “died” of painkiller drug overdoses in the months before his death.

In the wake of new evidence and testimonies, Murder, Lies, and Cover-Ups provides many of the answers that have been elusive for so long, while explaining what it was about these enduring legends that made their legacies burn so bright.

David Gardner is a former Daily Mail foreign correspondent and author of The Last of the Hitlers, an account of his investigation to track down the last living direct descendants of Adolf Hitler in the United States. He also wrote a biography of Tom Hanks and ran international news agencies in New York and Los Angeles. He was the first British print journalist into Baghdad during the first Gulf War and has covered four presidential elections during his twenty years in America. He lives in Laguna Beach, California, with his wife, Michelle, and their three children.

"A riveting read that exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the real stories behind the most talked about deaths in modern times. If you thought you knew the truth about these legends, think again."
—Caroline Graham, journalist and bestselling author of Camilla: Her True Story

"A fascinating book that has painstakingly investigated some legendary deaths to shed new light on what really happened. I thoroughly recommend it to all crime and mystery aficionados everywhere.”
—Allan Hall, author of Monster, Girl in the Cellar, and Captive

*** Selections from NetGalley reviews ***

"If you are looking for a typical true crime novel or a crackpot book on conspiracies . . . go find something else to read. If you are looking for a detailed biopic followed by a researched yet unbiased opinion on the life and eventual deaths of some of the most loved icons in history . . . this may be the book for you. . . . If you are a true crime junkie, . . . grab this book! It is definitely worth every page. "

"Gardner really does give you food for thought. He does it without forcing his opinions upon you. He opens an envelope of clues and invites you to look for yourself and to make your own mind up."

"A light, non-restricting read for beginners of these cases. Highly recommend."

"I love a good conspiracy theory just like anyone else out there and this book definitely came through for me. I know that a lot of people will complain that these are some of the biggest cases that are surrounded by theories and that they have read it all before. In my opinion, you can always learn something new. That is just what happened when I read this book."

"I LOVED THIS BOOK. . . . [It] had a clear pattern: the known facts, followed by the speculation. It doesn't lean one way or the other; it (mostly) stays right on track and tells you almost everything you want to know. . . . If you like gossip and speculation about famous people, this is the book for you. I would especially recommend it for Marilyn and/or JFK fans."

"A riveting read that exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the real stories behind the most talked about deaths in modern times. If you thought you knew the truth about these legends, think again."
—Caroline Graham, journalist and bestselling author of Camilla: Her True Story

"A fascinating book that has painstakingly investigated some legendary deaths to shed new light on what really happened. I thoroughly recommend it to all crime and mystery aficionados everywhere.”
—Allan Hall, author of Monster, Girl in the Cellar, and Captive

*** Selections from NetGalley reviews ***

"If you are looking for a typical true crime novel or a crackpot book on conspiracies . . . go find something else to read. If you are looking for a detailed biopic followed by a researched yet unbiased opinion on the life and eventual deaths of some of the most loved icons in history . . . this may be the book for you. . . . If you are a true crime junkie, . . . grab this book! It is definitely worth every page. "

"Gardner really does give you food for thought. He does it without forcing his opinions upon you. He opens an envelope of clues and invites you to look for yourself and to make your own mind up."

"A light, non-restricting read for beginners of these cases. Highly recommend."

"I love a good conspiracy theory just like anyone else out there and this book definitely came through for me. I know that a lot of people will complain that these are some of the biggest cases that are surrounded by theories and that they have read it all before. In my opinion, you can always learn something new. That is just what happened when I read this book."

"I LOVED THIS BOOK. . . . [It] had a clear pattern: the known facts, followed by the speculation. It doesn't lean one way or the other; it (mostly) stays right on track and tells you almost everything you want to know. . . . If you like gossip and speculation about famous people, this is the book for you. I would especially recommend it for Marilyn and/or JFK fans."