At only 22 years of age, Lionel "Frenchy" Grandison was a young African American man with everything. He had married his high school sweetheart, purchased a new home in Pacoima, and landed a highly coveted job at the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. His life was everything he ever hoped. Then, Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe died.Based on a true story about the coroner's deputy who investigated Marilyn Monroe's case in 1962, author Crystal Jackson delivers a gripping novel about this transcendent tale of love, corruption, and tragedy. Jackson's powerful book is a biographical tale about her father, whose involvement in Monroe's case has been well-documented over the years. He officially signed her death certificate, and his testimony led to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office reopening an investigation in 1982.
Jackson's eye-opening novel chronicles how her dad married the love of his life, started a family, and quickly climbed the civil service ranks to become a prestigious Deputy Coroner's Aide. He participated in several high-profile death cases during the early 60s, including TV star George Reeves (Superman), comedian Ernie Kovacs, and a Muslim man named Ronald T. Stokes, who was shot by LAPD officers in a controversial killing that led to a confrontation with Malcolm X.
However, on August 5, 1962, Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe died at her home, and a rush to judgment of suicide caused the young aide to question his boss during the investigation, after key evidence was altered or disappeared altogether, including her secret diary. Despite flawed police reports, missing body tissues, and a deadly drug mysteriously entering her system, the chief medical examiner still forced Grandison to sign her death certificate with a ruling of probable suicide.
Jackson dives into the untold saga and ultimate betrayal faced by her father when dark forces at the coroner's office and elsewhere, sought to take away everything dear because of what he knew. She provides a heart-wrenching account of his epic battle to hold onto the life he built, while influential people seek to prevent him from uncovering the truth about how the legendary Hollywood actress died.
"The Marilyn Monroe Connection" is the most compelling novel ever written about the legendary Hollywood actress and the official Los Angeles County Coroner's investigation. Crystal Jackson's story utilizes only true facts from the case, combined with personal details from her many intimate conversations with both parents. For additional backstories and photos, see "From the Publisher" below.
