The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe is a gripping true-crime biographical account of Marilyn’s life and final days. The book doesn’t invent fictionalized scenes or characters—it’s all based on real events, research, and accounts from people close to her! James Patterson’s signature fast-paced storytelling is very much present, and the book is co-written by Imogen Edwards‑Jones, a British journalist and author known for her research expertise. Together, they’ve crafted a narrative that’s insightful, suspenseful, and binge-worthy—and more importantly, gives readers a rare glimpse into Marilyn’s early life, rise to stardom, and the mysteries surrounding her final days!

The prologue begins with Marilyn found dead under suspicious circumstances. From there, the story goes all the way back to her childhood and moves forward in what feels like a countdown to her tragic end. There’s so much detail of her life—from a teenage failed marriage to early modelling days to her determined years to make it as an actress. Her extensive film career, being caught up in Hollywood glamour/party scene (and the darker realities behind them), and multiple high-profile marriages and betrayals are depicted in an addictive way that will keep readers turning pages! The story is told from a 3rd-person POV centred on Marilyn that fully immerses readers into her world. All of her insecurities, abandonment issues, fleeting romances, and the pressures that weighed heavily on her are fully explained and make her such a compelling character!

Although the book is marketed as a true-crime thriller, it’s really a biographical nonfiction book. The only true crime aspects appear in the prologue (when she’s found dead) and in the final chapters of the days before and after her death—suspicious figures with potential motives and details “that don’t add up” are laid out for readers to mull over! If you’re someone who’s always been fascinated by Marilyn but doesn’t know much about her life, acting career, or the time before her death, this book will deliver big time! The chapters are short and punchy, and the tension steadily rises like a “race against time” narrative. The ending is reflective and poignant with some compelling last words directly from Marilyn herself—but it’s the lingering mystery of her death that’s truly being acknowledged and may lead readers on their own true-crime investigation afterwards!

Overall, The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe is a must-read for anyone fascinated by Marilyn, the Golden Age of Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the darker realities of fame! With so much detail about Marilyn’s films, costars, and marriages, readers will feel compelled to look up clips while reading for an even more immersive experience! If all of this sounds appealing, don’t hesitate on this one for a second! Marilyn’s story is really like no other!