Blood and Money

The Classic True Story of Murder, Passion, and Power

By: Thomas Thompson

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Joan Robinson Hill was a world-class equestrian, a glamorous member of Houston high society, and the wife of Dr. John Hill, a handsome and successful plastic surgeon. Her father, Ash Robinson, was a charismatic oil tycoon obsessed with making his daughter's every dream come true.

Rich, attractive, and reckless, Joan was one of the most celebrated women in a town infatuated with money, power, and fame. Then one morning in 1969, she fell mysteriously ill. The sordid events that followed comprise "what may be the most compelling and complex case in crime annals" (Ann Rule, best-selling author of The Stranger Beside Me).

From the elegant mansions of River Oaks, one of America's most exclusive neighborhoods, to a seedy underworld of prostitution and murder-for-hire, New York Times best-selling author Thomas Thompson tracks down every bizarre motive and enigmatic clue to weave a fascinating tale of lust and vengeance. Full of colorful characters, shocking twists, and deadly secrets, Blood and Money is "an absolute spellbinder" and true crime masterpiece (Newsweek).

©1976 Thomas Thompson (P)2018 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This is his most assured and ambitious book so far...a drama as tight as a sudden adhesive tape over your mouth in bed. Non-decaffeinated all-night reading." (Kirkus)

Complicated and sad story but true

Not a favorite narrator and not an easy story to follow, but certainly worth reading. It does give a picture of the wealthy and privileged Texans in the 1950s-1960s in particular.

Way too long.

This book could have easily been reduced by 20-50%. This is in addition to me listening to the book at 2x speed. Interesting story but lost of repetition and unnecessary detail.

Don"t mess with Fathers

First all the narration was great clear easy to listen to .Now the story was detailed and most entertaining.You get the full bio on all true characters involve with this story . From the larger than like father Ash to his beautiful and Tragic daughter Joan and the evil plastic surgeon doctor she married. I love listening to the many intertwine lives and how each one had a role to play in this haunting story. My favorite part was the descriptions of early Houston Texas and how oil made these men rich and powerful, but this father love for his Pose and grand daughter. How her horrifying murder would bring him in contact with the underbelly of life and the people that reside there. If you love Stories of Rich and the powerful and riveting courtroom drama then this is the book and listen for you .

Enjoyed for the most part

Enjoyed that it went into each characters life but didn’t care for the narrator. He did get better or maybe I just got accustomed to him.

Spoiler alert…

No real conclusion. It stops before we learn what happened to the father. Two words.