Book Review: Death on Ocean Boulevard by Caitlin Rother

Caitlin Rother has done it again. This Pulitzer-nominated former investigative reporter has written another gripping true crime story that will have you turning page after page.

Death on Ocean Boulevard investigates the shocking and lurid death of Rebecca Zahau, girlfriend of pharmaceutical tycoon Jonah Shacknai. Two days before Rebecca 's naked body is found with her ankles tied and her wrists bound behind her, Jonah's six-year-old son, Max, took a devastating fall while in Rebecca's care. 

Though the authorities deemed her death a suicide, Rebecca's family believed she was murdered amid speculations of foul play and influence. 

Rother brings the reader through new details and multiple perspectives in a sensational case that shook the Coronado community. 

Wow! Rother has outdone herself this time. Drawn to this case because of its parallels to her own life, as she learned more about Rebecca's murder at the historic Spreckels Mansion, the more it haunted her. The author's attention to detail, her determination to investigate the murder from every angle, and her ability to take all that work and turn it into a fascinating narrative are all reasons I enjoy Rother's books. 

There are no clear cut answers as to what happened to Rebecca Zahau, but Rother provides the reader with a fair and balanced account that allows them to make their own decision. If you like true crime stories, Death on Ocean Boulevard is a must read. 

Highly recommended!

Publisher: Citadel (April 27, 2021)

Paperback: 368 pages

ISBN-10: 0806540893

ISBN-13: 978-0806540894

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.