Customer Reviews

Who Killed Jonbenet Ramsey? (Onyx True Crime)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

There are many books on the Ramsey case. I chose Wecht's because of his solid work on the Kennedy assasination, his outstanding experience as a medical examiner, and his reputation for hard-nosed independence. On the whole, I was not disappointed, though the book does not work well as an introduction to the case. As could be expected, Wecht concentrates on his specialty - what JonBenet's autopsy reveals about the crime. His findings in this regard are very emphatic, and are underscored by a refusal to speculate about the case as a whole. Those readers looking for revealing scenarios will be disappointed; the book sticks closely to the facts without indicting anyone, though the no nonsense conclusion states that the crime was almost certainly a family affair. Neither does the author dwell on the notorious infighting inside Boulder city government, nor the contaminated crime scene itself. For a book that concentrates on physical facts, this latter seems a curious omission, since the surroundings in which the body awas found should reveal a lot about the crime itself. I suppose the scene was too disturbed by the father's movements and inept police procedure to provide the type of scientific cerainty Wecht prefers. Anyway, I think those surroundings deserved more discussion than they got. On the whole, Wecht's book is not the last word on this fascinating case and genuine tragedy, but neither can it be ignored.

I've been accused over the years of having a morbid streak because of the true crime books I read. It's probably true. Still, I'm old enough to remember when true crime was solely the subject of pulp magazines with formula writing, whose provocative covers I would sneak when my mother wasn't looking. But a curious thing has happened to crime coverage in the last thirty-five years (starting with In Cold Blood). It's become not only a respectable literary genre for those who care, but a real source of insight for readers in general. Murder is no longer just murder. A well-researched and well-written true crime book can provide rare glimpse into how lives are lived, how communities are run, and ultimately, into what we as a society value. For example, in the Ramsey case, we glimpse: the tacky world of beauty contests among little girls hardly old enough to walk, the private lives and dark psychology of a millionaire family, an ineptly run Boulder justice system failing in its primary duty, and a media that would probably pay this crime no mind were the parents of average income. In short, murder has become a type of sociology, made meaningful by people who are names, not just numbers. For writer and reader alike, a well-done crime book is like a knife cutting through a community : layers of day-to-day life are suddenly exposed that would otherwise remain hidden. Such unrehearsed revelations can provide real insight. Maybe morbid psychology got me started as a boy, but as an adult, I don't apologize to anyone for my true crime library.

I don't understand why other people have trashed this book. Cyril Wecht's analysis of the crime scene and autopsy report is the best description of the murder out yet. He is methodical, logical, and draws on years of experience. And, his scenario matches the available evidence. I think this is the best book on the JonBenet Ramsey case available now.

I believe that this book contains very well written information of facts gathered from the Ramsey's investigation. This book can not tell us who killed JonBenet, it can really only leave us to believe who we think may have killed her. I believe that this book has a great aspect on the slaying of JonBenet and I would strongly recommend this book.

The only useful information for the average reader audience was Doctor Wecht's explanation of the autopsy evidence. I agree that the death of JonBenet was probably some family member in the house that night - John, Patsy, or Burke Ramsey. Wecht states that Burke could have killed her, but rules him out because it, "did not fit with his analysis." I believe Burke does fit because common sense and logic says that John and Patsy Ramsey would cover up this killing if Burke had killed his sister by accident and/or during a sex game that got out of hand. If a golf club was the weapon that fractured JonBenet's skull that night, even a ten year old child like Burke could have done the deed with this type of instrument. Supposedly JonBenet used to sleep with her brother in his bed when she wet her own, did they ever play child sex games? Why did the parents state that Burke was asleep during Patsy's 911 call when the enhanced tape showed he was awake, and asking them questions, with his father seeeming to be annoyed by Burke's queries? In the Schiller book, "Perfect Murder, Perfect Town", he states that JonBenet received a traumatic injury to her face with a golf club, about a year BEFORE her death. Who hit her, and what were the circumstances that caused the injury? Schiller fails to tell the reader who hit her, could it be the same person that fractured her skull that fatal night in 1996? While Doctor Wecht is famous for his Sherlock Holme's detective capabilities, I think he needs to reevaluate his conclusion that Burke Ramsey doesn't fit his analyses; ditto, for all the other expert's who only see Patsy and/or John Ramsey as the only "logical" perps. Logic says that parent(s) will do most anything to protect their child, even covering up the death of a sister by a brother.

I completely disagree with readers who've called this book "disappointing" and said that it shares "nothing new." Cyril Wecht's interpretation of the forensic report sheds light on motive, opportunity, and means. Charles Bosworth's writing is of a very high quality for true-crime books. The authors do an excellent job of providing the differing points of view in the case (police, DA's office, and the Ramsey family), but they don't shy away from educated speculation (which of course is what all of us who are so interested in the case are engaged in). I would recommend it to fellow Court TV junkies and those with an interest in true-crime stories.

Dr. Cyril Wecht offers an experienced and objective analysis of the public information about the JonBenet Ramsey investigation.

It is painful to hear about the missteps of the Boulder Police Department in the crucial, intial moments of the investigation. Yet, as Wecht quoted of Sherlock Holmes, "When you have eliminated the impossible, that which remains--however improbable--must be the answer."

It is equally painful to think that the parents of this child, who have rightfully or wrongfully, and at times conspicuously, appeared as victims, would have been involved in her grisly death. Yet it is this very improbability which stands alone among the various scenarios as being the most plausible..

Wecht stops short of offering his opinion on what actually may have happened...

Hopefully justice will indeed be served and the perpetrator(s) and/or co-conspirator(s) will Who killed JonBenet Ramsey?

I found this book to be very interesting, the Dr. gave us a great opportunity to come to answer our own questions. This is an unsolved crime therefore he could not tell us "WHO" killed Jonbenet but rather he gave us his "OPINION"as to what may have taken place. I TRUELY believe the Father or Brother was the killer and the dutiful Mother helped to cover it up.Having insight to sexual abuse on a child she seemed to have many qualities of a sexually abused child and in many states there was enough of them for the parents to have been investigated. They were quite "Lucky"to have been living in such a small and trusting community and to have been percieved as "The Perfect Family". Had this family(I use that loosely) helped in the beginning since they had nothing to hide I believe they would have found Jonbenets killer. Of course in my opinion they already know who it is and time will tell. Usually the guilty can't handle the guilt if they truely loved the deceased and they come forward but saddly usually only in death.Unless they are very adapt to handling pressure and in that case it usually takes many years and then eventually death. The death of Jonbenet was horrible and it has effected many in the world, I would like to read John and Patsys version but they are Rich, Alive and in my mind cold blooded and do not deserve a penny of anyones good hard earned money! I pray they never get their hands on another little girl! I look forward to reading Thomas'book and I really did enjoy Dr.Wechts book I would definately recommend this to all true crime readers!

This book was well written and held my attention from cover to back. The book gives you many facts, yet allows you to make your own decision as to who you think did it. The authors pose some very thought provoking questions. After reading this factual book, I am still curious to hear other points of view. I will read another book on this case to cover all angles, but this book is excellent at making the wheels turn in your own head.

This book explores several different theories and the likelihood of each. Prior to the publication of this book I submitted a theory to Dr. Wecht. He actually took the time to answer me personally. Alot of thought went into his analysis of the evidence in this crime, unlike the tabloids some other readers have suggested.If you want a theory that Jon Bonet was kidnapped and killed by two headed space monkeys, then read the tabloids. But if you want the facts, read this book.

This book really kept me turning the pages. It was a very fast reader if you enjoy true crime novels. The book is basically about a forensic expert reading over JonBenet's autopsy and coming to shocking conclusions that could lead to justice for JonBenet! I would definately reccommend this terrific book. One of the best on the JonBenet Ramsey case.