Genealogy of a Murder: Four Generations, Three Families, One Fateful Night

Journalist Belkin (Life’s Work) offers an engrossing look at whether the murder of a police officer was fated owing to the actions and decisions of three families going back four generations. The story starts in 1960, when Joseph DeSalvo, recently released from prison on the recommendation of Dr. Alvin Tarlov, killed David Troy during a holdup. Belkin traces the history of the Troy, DeSalvo, and Tarlov families, whose lives became inextricably connected over the generations. DeSalvo was a repeat offender. The lack of support for parolees made it difficult for him to adjust to life outside the prison walls, and his bad decisions resulted in Troy’s unfortunate death. The author doesn’t resolve the question of whether it was fate or bad luck that led to the tragedy, but the results of her study are mesmerizing. Narrator Erin Bennett provides a stellar performance, employing a smooth voice to deftly capture the text’s emotional impact. At the same time, her presentation is never overwrought; taking a cue from the author, she remains objective and refrains from passing judgment.