“Blood and Money” by Thomas Thompson is a compelling true crime narrative that explores wealth, power, corruption, and murder. The novel is set in Houston, Texas, during the 1960s and 1970s, where the elite of society flaunt their fortunes in a city booming with oil money. Amidst this setting, Thompson delves into the twisted and tragic story of Joan Robinson Hill, a socialite and horse enthusiast, and her mysterious death that led to a chain of events unveiling the dark side of Houston’s high society.
At the center of this drama is Ash Robinson, Joan’s father, a domineering millionaire and oil magnate. Joan’s sudden death in 1969, following a short illness, raises suspicions that her husband, Dr. John Hill, a prominent plastic surgeon, may have played a role in her demise. Hill’s detached behavior and reluctance to rush Joan to the hospital immediately lead Robinson to believe his son-in-law is responsible. Fueled by grief and rage, Ash Robinson begins a relentless campaign to seek justice for Joan.
Thompson intricately weaves the investigation into Joan’s death with the legal and personal battles that follow. As Ash pursues Hill through the courts, seeking to prove that his daughter was poisoned, he hires private investigators and manipulates the media to keep the case alive. John Hill, in the meantime, remarries quickly, further adding to the suspicions surrounding him.
What follows is an intense legal drama, with allegations of medical malpractice, poison, and infidelity. But just as Hill begins to clear his name in court, the story takes another shocking turn when he is brutally murdered in his home. The murder is widely believed to have been orchestrated by Ash Robinson, although nothing is conclusively proven.
The novel also explores the life of Ann Kurth, John Hill’s second wife, whose allegations against Hill about his possible involvement in Joan’s death add more intrigue to the case. Her testimony and tell-all book create a public spectacle, further drawing attention to the bizarre nature of the case.
Thompson’s portrayal of the Hill case showcases the intersections between wealth, power, and justice in a city where the lines between right and wrong are blurred by money and influence. His detailed research and skillful storytelling immerse the reader in the lives of Houston’s elite, offering a chilling look at how wealth can protect the guilty and manipulate the legal system.
The novel’s exploration of corruption within Houston’s legal and medical establishments highlights a broader commentary on the flaws of justice when manipulated by those in positions of power. Thompson masterfully draws parallels between the personal vendettas of the wealthy and the wider institutional rot within society.
“Blood and Money” is not only a captivating true crime story but also a deep sociological study of Houston’s high society, revealing the toxic nature of power and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their status. Thompson uses the Hill case as a vehicle to explore themes of revenge, greed, and the moral ambiguities that often accompany great wealth.
Throughout the book, Thompson’s writing style is both immersive and incisive. He humanizes the larger-than-life characters involved, allowing readers to understand their motivations while maintaining a neutral tone that lets the facts of the case speak for themselves. His portrayal of Ash Robinson’s obsession with avenging his daughter and the ruthless lengths he’s willing to go to serve as a potent reminder of how grief, when mixed with power, can lead to dangerous consequences.
Review of “Blood and Money”
“Blood and Money” has received wide acclaim for its engaging narrative style and deep dive into one of the most shocking true crime stories of its time. Many readers appreciate Thomas Thompson’s ability to weave together the complex threads of the investigation, legal drama, and personal vendettas, all set against the backdrop of Houston’s wealthy elite. His meticulous research and attention to detail bring this convoluted case to life, with gripping courtroom scenes and vivid character portrayals.
Some readers have noted that the pace can slow at times due to the exhaustive amount of detail Thompson includes, but overall, the depth of his research is what gives the book its authority and immersive quality. Critics also praise Thompson for his fair and balanced treatment of the case, not allowing the more sensational aspects to overshadow the human tragedy at the heart of the story.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to transcend the typical true crime genre by exploring larger social issues such as the influence of wealth in the justice system, the media’s role in high-profile cases, and the complicated nature of personal revenge. Readers who enjoy psychological insights and legal dramas will find “Blood and Money” an absorbing read, even as it challenges their views on justice and morality.
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Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson | Goodreads
Author Bio: Thomas Thompson
Thomas Thompson was an acclaimed American journalist and author, best known for his true crime writings. Born in Texas in 1933, Thompson’s career began at Life magazine, where he covered some of the biggest stories of the 1960s, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His background in journalism lent his true crime books a sense of authenticity and rigorous research that set them apart from others in the genre.
Thompson’s writing career reached its peak with the publication of Blood and Money in 1976, which became a bestseller and established him as a significant figure in the world of true crime. He followed it with other notable works, such as Serpentine (about the international serial killer Charles Sobhraj) and Lost!, further cementing his reputation as a master of the genre. Thompson passed away in 1982, but his works continue to be read and respected for their detailed, well-researched portrayals of crime and society.
“Blood and Money” remains a standout in the true crime genre, offering readers a gripping, unsettling look at the dark side of Houston’s wealthy elite. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of power, wealth, and justice, as well as the chilling effects of revenge and obsession.
