Money, Murder and Dominick Dunne

The egocentrics, intelligence and insecurities along with the inner-demons and inner strength of Dominick Dunne during his life is vividly captured in "Money, Murder, and Dominick Dunne" by Robert Hofler. Dunne was on the scene and in the know with high society, Hollywood elite and the people who brought out the dark side of fame and fortune.

Personally touched by tragedy with the murder of his only daughter, Dominique, he launched a crusade against many a high-profile murder case with his reporting and exposes for Vanity Fair magazine. A father of three children and married to a beautiful wife named Lenny, Dunne was hiding behind a mask of heterosexuality. His true nature was as a gay man, and it's revealed that by no means, did he not love his wife and children any less. This is completely obvious in discovering the emotions in Robert Hofler's biography of Dominick Dunne. As the book's subtitle states "A Life in Several Acts" is thoroughly correct, like faces, places, murder cases and the rich and famous parade through his best-selling novels and his lifetime. One of the novels written by Dominick Dunne was "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles.

A star-struck young boy during the golden age of Hollywood, Dominick was physically and verbally abused by his father. A father who never understood his son, "the sissy." This factor is the heaviest chain that Hofler exposes which led to Dunne's passion in pursuit of the golden ring of fame. Though, once he achieved it, Dunne's realization in all the "smoke and mirrors" led him to disillusionment in the understanding that all that glitters is not gold.

Disturbing and complex, there is empathy, wit and true emotions to be found within this meticulous, and well-written page-turner. The pain of the hurt, his drive and ego along life's path leave a taste that is ultimately more bitter than sweet. The "good life" is often thought of as an ideal. It's a shame that Dominick Dunne, though rightfully famous in his own way, couldn't have achieved more real happiness in his own life.

"Money, Murder, and Dominick Dunne
Robert Hofler
University of Wisconsin Press
$26.95