Book Reviewed: A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown's Most Shocking Crime by Casey Sherman

A Hollywood homicide: the Lana Turner story Casey Sherman revisits the murder of mobster Johnny Stompanato, the boyfriend of actor Lana Turner. This is one of the most notorious murders in Hollywood that continues to fascinate fans about the darker side of fame and fortune. He provides new insights from his research about the evidence and testimonies offering a new perspective on this case challenging some long-held beliefs about the night when Cheryl Crane, the14 year old daughter of Lana Turner stabbed Stompanato to death. The Sherman’s book explores the glitzy world of Hollywood in the 1950s, where the lines between fame and scandal were blurred. Stompanato, a known associate of the LA mob, became romantically involved with Turner that was marked by violence and intense passion. The book discusses the legal and public fallout from the murder. Cheryl Crane was put on trial for the killing, but the court ultimately ruled it as justifiable homicide. The murder and subsequent trial impacted Lana Turner's life and career. While she continued to work in Hollywood, the scandal impacted both her public image and personal life. The relationship between Lana Turner and Johnny Stompanato is documented in the media, but the specifics of their private communications, such as love letters, also illustrate the passion and turbulence. Mickey Cohen, the notorious Los Angeles mobster, and Johnny Stompanato's employer played a role in making the private love letters between Lana Turner and Johnny Stompanato public. He saw an opportunity to leverage the high-profile nature of the scandal for publicity and financial gain, and even cast Turner in a negative light. Several books are written about Lana Turner focusing on her life. Some of the most notable books are "Lana: The Lady, the Legend, the Truth" by Lana Turner, and the "Detour: A Hollywood Story" by Cheryl Crane, Lana Turner’s daughter. Most of the information in this book is discussed in other books or blogs.