A Death in Belmont

A Death in Belmont chronicles a complex murder case from 1963 Boston, when Bessie Goldberg was killed in her home during the era of the Boston Strangler murders. Sebastian Junger examines the conviction of Roy Smith, an African-American handyman who cleaned Goldberg's house on the day of her death, and explores connections to Albert DeSalvo, who later confessed to being the Boston Strangler. The book presents a personal dimension, as DeSalvo had worked as a contractor at Junger's family home in Belmont during the author's infancy. Through interviews, court documents, and historical records, Junger reconstructs the investigation, trial, and aftermath of the Goldberg murder while examining how race and fear influenced the criminal justice system in 1960s Boston. The narrative follows multiple threads, including Smith's arrest and conviction, DeSalvo's later confessions to other murders, and the broader context of the Boston Strangler case that terrorized the city. Junger presents evidence and testimony without forcing conclusions, allowing readers to consider various possibilities about the true identity of Goldberg's killer. This work raises fundamental questions about racial bias in criminal justice, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and the complex nature of truth in criminal investigations. Through its examination of a single crime, the book illuminates broader social issues that continue to resonate.

Readers found the book compelling but questioned its conclusions and journalistic methods. Many note it reads more like a novel than true crime. Readers appreciated: - The personal connection to Junger's family history - Rich historical details about 1960s Boston - Clear writing style and pacing - The parallel narratives between multiple cases Common criticisms: - Too much speculation and conjecture - Lack of concrete evidence for key claims - Excessive focus on the Boston Strangler case rather than the Belmont murder - Several factual errors noted by locals who lived through the events Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Gripping story but too many maybes and might-haves" "The author raises questions but provides few answers" "Strong on atmosphere, weak on facts" "More focused on creating suspense than presenting evidence"

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🔍 DeSalvo worked as a carpenter in the Junger family's home when Sebastian was just one year old, and a photo exists of baby Sebastian with the future Boston Strangler suspect. 🏛️ The murder of Bessie Goldberg occurred just a mile and a half from where Junger grew up, making this not just a true crime story but a deeply personal exploration of his own community. ⚖️ Roy Smith served 11 years in prison for Goldberg's murder before dying of lung cancer in 1976. He maintained his innocence until his death. 🧬 DNA evidence discovered in 2013 conclusively linked Albert DeSalvo to the murder of Mary Sullivan, one of the Boston Strangler victims, finally providing physical evidence of his connection to at least one of the murders. 📚 Junger is also the author of "The Perfect Storm," which was adapted into a successful film starring George Clooney. His work frequently explores themes of fate, justice, and human nature under extreme circumstances.