Richard Hammer

Richard Hammer was an American journalist and non-fiction author known for writing extensively about crime, corruption, and historical events. His career spanned several decades from the 1960s through the early 2000s, during which he published numerous acclaimed books and worked as a reporter for various publications including The New York Times. One of Hammer's most notable works was "The Vatican Connection" (1982), which detailed an international counterfeit securities scandal involving the Vatican Bank. He also wrote "The CBS Murders" (1987), chronicling the investigation of murders connected to a CBS television documentary about insurance fraud. His book "The Court-Martial of Lt. Calley" (1971) provided a thorough account of the My Lai Massacre trial, while "One Morning in the War" (1970) offered broader coverage of the Vietnam War era. These works demonstrated Hammer's ability to handle complex political and military subjects with journalistic precision. Hammer received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for "The Vatican Connection," and his work "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano" (1974) became a significant contribution to organized crime literature. His writing style combined detailed research with narrative storytelling, establishing him as an authoritative voice in investigative non-fiction.

Readers praise Hammer's thorough research and ability to make complex investigations readable. His true crime works attract particular attention for their detail and documentation. The Vatican Connection and The CBS Murders receive specific praise for breaking down intricate criminal schemes into clear narratives. What readers liked: - Extensive primary source material and interviews - Clear explanations of complex financial crimes - Balanced reporting style on controversial topics - Attention to factual accuracy What readers disliked: - Some found the level of detail overwhelming - Older books can feel dated in writing style - Several readers note slow pacing in middle sections Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.9/5 across titles Amazon: 4.1/5 average The Vatican Connection: 4.3/5 (580 ratings) The CBS Murders: 4.0/5 (325 ratings) One reader's Amazon review captures common sentiment: "Hammer takes what could be dry subject matter and turns it into a fascinating story while maintaining journalistic integrity."

The Court-Martial of Lt. Calley (1971) Documents the legal proceedings and events surrounding William Calley's trial for his role in the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War.

The CBS Murders (1987) Chronicles the investigation of three CBS employees murdered in a Manhattan parking lot and the subsequent pursuit of Donald Nash.

The Vatican Connection (1982) Details the true story of NYPD detective Joe Coffey's investigation into a billion-dollar counterfeit securities scheme involving Vatican officials.

One Morning in the War (1970) Examines the events of a single morning in the Vietnam War, focusing on American soldiers in combat.

The Helmsleys: The Rise and Fall of Harry and Leona (1990) Traces the story of real estate moguls Harry and Leona Helmsley, including their business empire and Leona's tax evasion conviction.

The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano (1974) Presents organized crime figure Lucky Luciano's life story through interviews conducted before his death.

Mr. Jacobson's War (1983) Recounts how Holocaust survivor Jack Jacobson tracked down Nazi war criminals in South America.

Vincent Bugliosi wrote true crime books focused on high-profile murder cases, including "Helter Skelter" about the Manson murders. Like Hammer, he combined investigative journalism with detailed courtroom proceedings.

Harold Schechter specializes in historical true crime and chronicles serial killers from the 19th and early 20th centuries. His research methods and attention to historical context mirror Hammer's approach to documenting criminal cases.

Ann Rule produced detailed accounts of both famous and lesser-known criminal cases, with direct access to law enforcement sources. Her work shares Hammer's focus on the investigative process and psychological elements of crimes.

Joseph Wambaugh writes both true crime and police procedurals based on his experience as a former LAPD detective. His narrative style combines factual documentation with insights into law enforcement operations, similar to Hammer's methodology.

Gene Miller covered criminal justice stories and wrongful convictions as an investigative journalist. His work, like Hammer's, examines both the crimes themselves and the subsequent legal proceedings in detail.