The DD Group: An Online Investigation Into the Death of Marilyn Monroe [Hardcover]

David Marshall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 16, 2005

From January through October 2003, a group of individuals engaged in an in-depth discussion of the death of one of the 20th century's most beloved figures, Marilyn Monroe. The result is The DD Group, the highly detailed work of author David Marshall. It chronicles Monroe’s final day and her tragic and puzzling demise.

Using available information including police reports, vintage magazine and newspaper accounts, documentaries and biographies, and correspondence with some of the principals in the case, the group had one purpose—to reconstruct the events of Monroe's last summer and reach an understanding of what likely took place on August 4, 1962.

By verifying sources, considering agendas, and, above all else, applying logic, the DD Group was able to weed through the conflicting and often contradictory reports. Through careful research and study, they arrived at the most comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Monroe's disturbing death.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Marshall has served for three years on the executive staff of both Forever Marilyn and The DD Group. He is the author of two novels, Mr. and Mrs. Midget and the Girl From Utah and Suicide Pact of the Disneykins. Mr. Marshall also served as editor on Hometown Girl. He lives in San Francisco.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 522 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (March 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595671241
• ISBN-13: 978-0595671243
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,965,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MARILYN MONROE WAS MURDERED !....Or was she?-YOU DECIDE!, April 7, 2005

By 

Jill A. Adams "AKA Mafhoney" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The DD Group: An Online Investigation Into the Death of Marilyn Monroe (Hardcover)

David Marshall has taken on quite the task of organizing and presenting a years worth of online discussions based on Marilyn Monroe's last days in his new book, "THE DD GROUP; An Online Investigation Into the Death of Marilyn Monroe" and he has done it admirably.

Having had the privilege of starting the online club Forever Marilyn's Death Discussion (www.forevermarilyn.com) and being one of the original members that contributed to the discussion which lead to the writing of this book I am personally pleased to share with you my review of this highly unique book on Marilyn Monroe's death.

With all the controversy that still swirls around Ms. Monroe's untimely death here is FINALLY a book that takes on every theory fearlessly and without prejudice. Diving head first into Marilyn's final days is a group of educated scholars on Monroe's life, each one with a different and valid opinion on her mysterious death.

This 497 paged soft-covered book is well worth the $30.95 cover charge. Aimed at educating the reader on the facts of Marilyn's death this book goes well beyond the confines of the timeline of August 4, 1962. The cast of characters in Monroe's life, as well as the events surrounding her last days are mapped out in the 23 chapters of this hefty book. The only draw back to this nonfictional piece of work is the lack of an index. But with each chapter covering so specific of details you hardly notice this tiny omission.

Much of the material in this phenomenal book is new in presentation. Facts on Monroe's death that you thought you knew are thrown into question and material never before released is presented in a revealing and titillating light that may startle even the most educated of readers.

Mr. Marshall skillfully lays out the theories of the original ten online DD Discussion Members in a format that is easily accessible to even the most novice of fans and is backed by impeccable research. From start to finish this book is riveting, holding the reader spellbound as you are challenged to come to your own opinion by the end of the book. That is not to say conclusions are not drawn by the author himself, but Mr. Marshall allows for plenty of room for the reader to take the information available and form their own opinion.

If you have ever wondered about or questioned the death of one of the world's greatest (and most tragic of) movies stars then this is, without hesitation, THE Marilyn Monroe book for you!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Groundbreaking and Intelligent, March 17, 2006

By 

FlickFan (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The DD Group: An Online Investigation Into the Death of Marilyn Monroe (Paperback)

David Marshall's "The DD Group: An Online Investigation Into the Death of Marilyn Monroe" is a must-read for anyone interested in learning the truth about the premature demise of Hollywood's most enduring star. The book examines all aspects of Miss Monroe's death by carefully reconstructing her final hours and analyzing the facts in a logical, detailed, and organized manner. Medical and forensics evidence is carefully dissected, and the possible agendas and questionable credibility of several key associates of Miss Monroe's {as well as a number of contemporary biographers} is presented for consideration. The book contains numerous startling new facts never revealed in any other Monroe biography, information which is compelling, ground-breaking and startling in the extreme. The intense research conducted by the participants of the group is impressive and unprecedented, and Mr. Marshall did an admirable job condensing what must have been an intimidatingly vast amount of information into a concise, well-written and thoroughly gripping investigative report. I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for the truth about what happened to Marilyn Monroe on the night she died. Fact and fantasy will become very easy to discern, and readers will arrive at a possible conclusion which is credible, realistic, and devoid of sensationalism. This book is a tremendous accomplishment, and you will never look at the death of Marilyn Monroe the same way again.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST researched, most detailed Marilyn book., January 26, 2006

By 

Matthew Hunt (Salem, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The DD Group: An Online Investigation Into the Death of Marilyn Monroe (Paperback)

What a remarkable detailed account of Marilyn's last days. The book focuses mostly on the last day however gives detailed information from other times that relate to the events on Aug.4, 1962. This would be a good book for someone just beginning to research MM or for someone who has read all before it and has their own conclusions about her death, since this book references other popular biographies written about Marilyn. This book is great becuase it's only purpose is to provide detailed information both before and after death so as to help the reader decide on their own conclusion. Although the author has his own beliefs which he shares with the reader, there is absolutely no intention of pursuasion to try and promote any one idea or theory. A personal thanks goes out to David Marshall and all who helped make this book possible, as it the best read on Marilyn Monroe I have come across yet. I have read many biographies and documentaries on Marilyn, and absolutely could not put this book down. I hope all others will enjoy it as much as I have.