Murder in Brentwood

By: Mark Fuhrman

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

For O.J. Simpson to get away with murder, an innocent cop, a brilliant detective, had to be destroyed. That was the cynical strategy of the Simpson defense. But as certainty about Simpson's guilt grew, so did the outrage about the scapegoating of Mark Fuhrman. Now the former LAPD detective tells his side of the story in a damning expose.

Fuhrman takes the listener on a detective's journey through the crucial first 24 hours of the investigation. We uncover not only the bloody glove but also explosive new evidence recorded by Fuhrman and his partner at the scene but astonishingly never presented at the trial. New revelations about the incompetence and corruption that pervaded the "Trial of the Century" will set the record straight.

©1997 Mark Fuhrman (P)1997 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"He is providing a badly needed, if one-sided retrospective on how his role unfolded." (The New York Times Book Review)

As a former cop

To the reviewers who felt there was too much whinning in the book - this mans life was ruined because he did no more than his job. He has a right to a little venting, but didn't let it get in the way of a clear recitation of the facts and of his conclusions from those. I totally agree with his conclusions based on the facts presented in this book and in Mike Gilbert's book which I read first. Watching the trial, I bet a guy O.J. Was going to get off because of the prosecuters. Thebook did change my opinion of Furman for the better.

Well done, very informative

It's true that Mark Fuhrman spends a fair amount of time pointing out the injustices to himself. If you were the author and in his position, chances are you'd use the sounding board much the same way. However, he also spends a great deal of time talking about the irrefutable evidence against Simpson and how not all of it, much of it critical, was used against him in court. I found the book interesting, eye-opening, and it wildly changed my views on Mark Fuhrman. I highly recommend it.

Culled for Information, Skipped the Philosophy

In all of the recent movies and media about the Simpson murders, I felt that I was missing a certain nuts and bolts account of the crime scene. Fuhrman's book contains the best "just the facts" description I have found. (That is providing that he has any credibility to you, of course; he is obviously a divisive figure.) I do not like the guy's opinions on social issues, so I advanced through all that. You won't find raving racism in this book - you would have to check out Jeffrey Toobin and others to see the real shocking stuff that Fuhrman has said on the record. In this book, Fuhrman presents himself much like his TV persona, which is folksy, witty, and listenable. He does have an impressive persecution complex, and he is willfully tone-deaf about the experiences of other people. But he's articulate and detail-oriented. The chapters on the crime scene and his personal experiences with media were quite illuminating. The narration was very low-budget, in my estimation, but you will know from the sample whether you can get through it or not. I'd recommend this book for the forensic perspective on the Simpson murders that is hard to find elsewhere.

Fuhrman’s Sincere Apologia

I remember where I was when the Simpson jury delivered their verdict and how I felt in that moment. Cold and numb is a good description. Fuhrman’s account spends a lot of ink supporting his actions and explaining what happened to him and why. He states that the prosecution botched the case and allowed OJ to escape punishment for the brutal murder of two people. I think his story is accurate. This is not a True Crime expose. It is rather the story of a professional, good at his work, who had OJ by his nuts from an evidentiary perspective. This professional was ruined publicly and professionally by a team of race-baiting lawyers in their zeal to win the Trial of the Century. If you want a more detailed version of the crime and subsequent legal maneuvering you will need to augment this book with additional information. I enjoyed listening to this recounting. And I am amazed today that OJ is walking the earth again.

Great Story, Terrible Narrator

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The Narrator. Other than that, I wouldn't change anything.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I found the book very interesting and honest. Fuhrman is openly critical of all mistakes made during the case, even ones he made. It's sad he was the most competent cop on the entire investigation, yet was the one that took the blame for everything that went wrong.

Would you be willing to try another one of Jeff Riggenbach’s performances?

No, Never! His quick, deep inhales before trying to blurt out an entire paragraph become annoying, quickly. He reads as though he's taking in a gasping breath to avoid drowning in his own speech.

Do you think Murder in Brentwood needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, everything involving Fuhrman in this case was addressed in the book.

Any additional comments?

If you believe Mark Fuhrman was a racist cop and fail to have an open mind or do further research, you will likely not enjoy this book.

The truth

I remember this story from my childhood all over the news. I just recently watched the Netflix retelling of The People vs 0J Simpson. I finished it feeling lost, so I decided to read Mark's book to understand what went wrong. I figured out of everyone part of the case he would be the most truthful. I was not disappointed. Marks book was full details about the case I never knew. Very well written. I will now buy Marks other book.

Good Review of what really happened-its about time

If you could sum up Murder in Brentwood in three words, what would they be?

detailed reveling enlightening

What did you like best about this story?

Mark covered not only the murders, but surrounding info we didn't know at the time. Very enlightening as to what the whole picture really was. Many of my family & four generations is in law enforcement. I believe every word Mark writes down.

Which character – as performed by Jeff Riggenbach – was your favorite?

N/A really...but -- Mark, of course.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me remember & I became sick at the goof ups--and it put the puzzle pieces together that were left dangling.

Any additional comments?

What a shame that the only one that lost in this fiasco trial was the one who did the best job and collected the most evidence. Every one should read this book, or listen to it.

It was ok.

The book was ok. My problem is, I just can’t like the guy. It seems to me that he’s trying to convince you that he’s a decent guy. And maybe he is. But he sure comes off as a prick in my opinion.

learned a lot

so I turned 9 june 13th the day after these murders. I saw and heard nearly the whole trial thanks to my mother and grandma. I had always heard mark fuhrman was a racist and he ruined the whole case.. being a child I hadn't come to any conclusions on the matter. this book was insightful and takes you into the mind of one of the most notorious members of the LAPD I'm pretty sure I believe his account of things it adds up pretty well. I felt bad for him in different ways which I wasn't expecting.

Nice to hear the other side

I can’t say for sure whether I believe every word of this. But I was curious as to hearing his side of the story.