A Season in Purgatory: A Novel

I'm a big Dominick Dunne fan and I really think this novel is one of his best. Dunne seems is equally fascinated and repulsed by the excessive lifestyles of the rich and indulged. Based on the Martha Moxley murder, Dunne patiently skewers his cast of highly unlikable characters. The narrator Harrison's references to "The Great Gatsby" are apt, as the Bradleys use, and ultimately destroy, those who dare to enter their orbit. I couldn't put it down!

I really enjoyed 'A Season in Purgatory' which is based on the Martha Moxley murder. I have always been fascinated by Martha's case as I believe it received relatively little media attention when it actually happened and Dunne basically explains why. Martha was murdered during a time when money and family name meant a lot to society - enough to influence the justice system. The murderer is able to escape being prosecuted for many years because of his family's standing in society and it ways heavily on the narrator who knows the truth but feels he can't come forward. This is essentially what happened in real life with Martha's killer as well. Definitely an enjoyable read.

As you read this, you will immediately think of the Kennedys and the Skakels and the murder of Martha Moxley. It seems the rich are different and can buy their way out of anything and it doesn’t matter what it costs because they have money. Of course, they present themselves as a loving Catholic family, but appearances can be deceptive. Dunn is great with these kinds of stories.

This was my first Dominick Dunne book, and it won’t be my last. I was enthralled by this novel, and I read it in record time, considering it was a fairly lengthy book. It has everything I love about a book...romance, mystery, excellent characters, and most of all it was very well written.

Even if you know the real life story on which this book is based, this one is a page turner. Why? Because Dominick Dunne makes the reader feel invested in the characters, despite the fact that there are few like-able people in this novel. But they are believable, at least for even a casual follower of the Kennedy family. I knocked off a few stars because some of the plot coincidences were a little predictable, like the protagonist stepping out of a bar following a tense meeting with the head of the family, and a guy with a missing piece of the puzzle just happens to be waiting for him. But like all Dunne novels, this is a slow burn, but a toasty one.

The story was ok when he was younger and in school. But, as an adult, it got downright tedious. Even when he almost got killed, you knew what was going to happen. It was all very anti-climactic. Don't waste your time.

I read this quickly as one eats popcorn. It was well written with interesting twists. It ended as European movies end, non tidily. There was an obvious disdain for Catholicism , which being a lapsed Catholic, I enjoyed and concurred.

Dominick Dunne's books are my guilty pleasure. I've loved all I've read. If you enjoy a peek into the sometimes unsavory lives of the rich and famous, this is the way to go. Enjoy!

Dominick Dunne is always good. A murder in high society, as usual. Also as usual, he is firmly on the side of the victim, whatever the circumstances. His books are ones that I re-read over and over again (together with the Michael Korda books, which have the same feel about them).

Dominick Dunne is sorely missed. He was a sensational author and this is essential reading, a killer combination of can't-put-it-down tension and wonderful writing. Dunne's insight into the world of power and privelege, his outrage about the criminals who 'get away with it' and his sense of justice make this a really compelling and convincing read.

Dunne is a super author, weaving the story together with excellent character prortrayals. A long time coloumnist for Vanity Fair this particular title doesn't fail to live up to his others.

What not to like!

This was fascinating to read and to compare with the lives of the Kennedy family to the characters in the story.