Read These Books on the Menendez Brothers If You Want More Details After Watching “Monsters”
Written from the perspective of jury members to Los Angeles Times reporters.
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If you’ve found yourself binge-watching the new Netflix crime series Monsters: The Menendez Brothers, you’re not alone. The show garnered 12.3 million views over its first weekend on the platform, according to reporting by The Wrap. The brothers, and subjects of the series, Erik and Lyle Menendez, quickly became notorious in 1989 for murdering their parents: José, a successful entertainment executive, and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez. The news of how the two were shot to death in their Los Angeles home led to national interest and the boys’ highly televised trial in the early 1990s.
The case intertwined with Hollywood connections, shocking secrets, and gruesome evidence. The brothers cited a history of emotional and sexual abuse as the exact reason why they killed their parents and were each sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The national obsession has spawned no shortage of TV shows, documentaries, and books. If you want to learn more about the brothers in the wake of the renewed interest caused by the show, consider these books, now available on Amazon.
BenBella Books “The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Untold Story of the Menendez Family and the Killings that Stunned the Nation” by Robert Rand
Robert Rand is a reporter for The Miami Herald who covered both trials and the original investigation for nearly 30 years, and his book is a deep dive into the secrets of childhood abuse up until the brother’s murder conviction. It’s a number one new release in crime and criminal biographies and is available on Kindle, audiobook, or paperback.
Temple University Press “Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror” by Hazel Thornton
Hazel Thornton, who served for seven months as Juror #9 on the first Mendendez brothers’ murder trial, republished her book — Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror — in 2018. The read (available on Kindle, as a paperback and audiobook) includes Thorton’s perspective on the case, including her observations on the second trial.
Phoenix Books “The Private Diary of Lyle Menendez: In His Own Words” by Lyle Menendez
This audiobook is intriguing because it comes directly from the source: Lyle Menendez himself. The story highlights the brothers’ thought process behind the murders. It’s another first-hand account that will inspire you to dive deeper into the trials and dark life of the Menendez family.
If you’re looking for a more updated account of the Menendez brother’s story, this paperback or Kindle book is it. Published in 2024, this story covers everything from the early lives of Lyle and Erik to the night of the murders to their current reflections and plans for reduced sentences and prison reform advocacy.
Graymalkin Media “Blood Brothers: The Inside Story of the Menendez Murders” by Ron Soble and John Johnson
From two Los Angeles Times reporters who covered the case, this book gives in-depth details on the rollercoaster that was the trial of the Menendez murders. You can shop it in Kindle or paperback format to learn more of a comprehensive overview of the family and the harrowing details that led to the brothers’ prosecution.
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