Genealogy of a Murder

Starred review from March 20, 2023
Journalist Belkin (Life’s Work) goes deep on a tragic 1960 shooting in this outstanding true crime saga. From primary sources including diaries, letters, autobiographies, and her own interviews, Belkin retraces the steps that led ex-convict Joseph DeSalvo to kill Stamford, Conn., beat cop David Troy during a bar holdup. At the time, DeSalvo was on parole from an armed robbery sentence, during which he became friendly with a doctor named Alvin Tarlov, who conducted experiments on inmates where DeSalvo was housed. Tarlov had faith that DeSalvo was rehabilitated and supported his release, paving the way for his deadly confrontation with Troy. After meticulously detailing the crime, Belkin flashes back to trace several generations of the Troy, Tarlov, and DeSalvo families, each of whom emigrated from Europe starting in 1906. She invites readers to wonder whether, had their ancestors taken different paths, the trio might have wound up in a less deadly place. Belkin’s judicious research parlays into an engrossing, expansive narrative that reads like a real-life Greek tragedy. It will spur contemplation and debate in an audience far beyond just true crime diehards.

Starred review from June 10, 2024

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. VERDICT A deeply affecting look at a tragedy involving three families. True crime fans will be enthralled and deeply moved by this impeccably researched account.--B. Allison Gray

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