A gripping true-crime investigation from the author of The Perfect Storm, exploring race, fear, and justice in 1960s America.
In 1963, in the quiet Boston suburb of Belmont, a woman was brutally murdered in her home — and the man convicted of the crime maintained his innocence until his death. At the same time, Boston was being terrorized by the infamous “Boston Strangler.” 
 
Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Junger reconstructs the events surrounding the murder of Bessie Goldberg and the conviction of a Black handyman, Roy Smith, who was executed despite serious doubts about his guilt. The book raises powerful questions about prejudice, evidence, and the justice system’s fallibility, all while exploring how fear and bias can shape history.
Both an intimate reflection and a masterful investigation, A Death in Belmont stands as one of the most thought-provoking true-crime books of the modern era.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A masterfully written true-crime narrative with historical and moral depth.
Blends investigative reporting with powerful social insight.
Explores themes of race, class, and justice in a pivotal era.
Written by New York Times bestselling author Sebastian Junger.
Raises enduring questions about truth, guilt, and the justice system.
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of The Boston Strangler and In Cold Blood.
Readers who appreciate literary true crime and historical investigations.
Book clubs exploring themes of justice, prejudice, and systemic failure.
Fans of The Perfect Storm and War by Sebastian Junger.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed A Death in Belmont, you might also like:
American Taboo by Philip Weiss — a shocking true story of murder and institutional secrecy.
Alligator Candy by David Kushner — a memoir of family, tragedy, and truth.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann — an epic true-crime tale of greed and injustice.