Dylan Howard

Prior to reading this, I read All-American Murder: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez, the Superstar Whose Life Ended on Murderers' Row by Patterson, James, Abramovich, Alex, Harvkey, Mike.
In comparison, Killing Fields by Dylan Howard is not quite as well structured, feels a bit more subjective, speculative and sensational. This is not to say, it is bad. Quite the opposite, since we don’t know all the facts about Hernandez’ death, his motivations and his death count, I felt a bit more speculation and rumors did make the book interesting. This may not be the most eloquent nor objective crime reporting; it remains up to the reader to deal with the many unconfirmed rumors from interviews and hearsay in this book in an emancipated manner. Nevertheless, recommendable, even if you have already read other books on Hernandez’ . Note: this is the review of the audiobook version.… (més)

Before I commit myself to reading nonfiction about celebrities, I often research the author. What I could garner about Dylan Howard did not make me take heart. I was wondering if I would waste my time with a sensationalist, money grabbing, irresponsible attempt to milk money from gullible readers.
Eventually, I gave it a try. And was I surprised. The author managed a responsible, impartial treatise on the pop-idol. At the beginning we are treated to a description of one of the videos that Jackson shot with two boys in his bedroom. The author’s comments on Jackson’s interaction with the boys are objective and fair, but make it clear that despite all the biographical elements, all the career highlights that are to follow why this book was written.
There is plenty new to learn about Michael Jackson, and true to the title of the book, later on the focus shifts to the unsavory accusation of pedophilia that have not gone away, even after his death.
Dylan Howard does provide you with facts, some quite disturbing; though he interprets these facts, he does this from different angles. If there is not enough information to go by, the author makes it clear that one should assume innocence rather than guilt. Ultimately, one gets the distinct feeling that the author wants the reader to decide who Michael Jackson really was - sex fiend or victimized Peter Pan like pop star idol.… (més)

The author presented Meghan, Kate & Harry as problematic, with Harry getting the kindest treatment. Wills getting glowing treatment mostly, while looking like a jerk in his treatment of Kate during their courtship.
Harry is portrayed mostly as emotionally immature and troubled.
Meghan is presented as a difficult, demanding and generally unlikable social climber.
Kate is painted as the mostly boring, overachieving child of a social climbing mom but a mean girl in her treatment of Meghan.
This book doesn't include the revelation in the current lawsuits that the palace insider feeding the nasty stories to the press about Meghan worked for the Cambridges,… (més)

Lately the news has heated up with the apprehension of Ghislaine Maxwell and this could tie in much of the loose ends and unknowns posited by this book. Howard does a good job in laying out the sequencing and scope of Epsteins' crimes over a number of years.

The stunning lesson or I guess confirmation is that if you control vast wealth you can control the legal system for an extended period as Mr. Epstein did. I happen to live in Palm Beach County and the level of misconduct, deception, and influence pedaling tied to this case is truly disgraceful. Palm County has a history of hidden corruption and here is a perfect example of how wide spread it is. It will be interesting if anything becomes of the investigation into the fraud and criminality linked to officials, but it is doubtful.… (més)