All-American Murder: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez, the Superstar Whose Life Ended on Murderers' Row (James Patterson True Crime Book 1)

Book was terrible. Just a lousy author who jumped on writing this book before everyone for $$$.. Re told stories that have already been leaked extensively to the public. Used his shady lawyers (ESPECIALLY LEONTIRE) words who are doing nothing but trying to promote their own careers. Lawyer-Client confidentiality? As good of a lawyer Baez may be, those guys are all dirt bags. If you want some legitimate information on the life of the man, I’d suggest trusting his brother DJ’s book.

I followed this case very closely from the beginning. Sadly this is just a collection of google searches juxtaposed with elementary writing. Even the images in the middle of the book are lifted directly from a google image search. Hernandez’s tragic downfall is so fascinating that this book is readable, but Patterson really put in minimal effort. Would love to see this story told by a fantastic writer who takes their craft seriously!

This book was quite the page turner. It gives background information on Aaron Hernandez's childhood as a football star in Connecticut; takes you through his college days in Florida; his tenure in the NFL; the murder trials; and subsequent suicide.At about 400 pages, the book is lengthy and full of details, but it's still easy to read. It's the written version of a 20/20 or Dateline special.Even though I was engrossed in this book, people who have already researched the murder cases, read all of the articles about Hernandez, and watched the documentaries about his life probably won't get much out of it. I only heard tibits about the murder trials and other crimes Hernandez allegedly committed, so this book became my main source of information.Patterson and his co-authors stick to the facts but there is one lingering question that remains unanswered: was Hernandez a psychopath who was going to harm people regardless of his circumstances or did the copious amount of drug use and CTE symptoms contribute to his violent tendencies?Overall, this was a great book. There were definitely some aspects of Hernandez's personal life that were left out, but maybe the authors couldn't substantiate some of those rumors or believed that information wasn't relevant to the narrative they wanted to tell.

Sad story. Easy read. Even if you’re not a football fan. It’s still interesting. Why would someone with so much potential go out and commit heinous crimes?! It defies logic. There’s no reason. Yet everyday, people make choices that effect the rest of their lives. Good or bad. This is one of those bad decision stories and the consequences that followed.

This is an interesting story written more like a long newspaper article. It gives you the facts, but totally lacks literary quality.

This is a phenomenally researched book. I'm not a fan of football or its players. I am a fan of James Patterson. This has his trademark style as well as good guys and villains. I felt truly sorry for all of this murderers victims along with their families. I never knew Tim Tebow was such a good guy. I never knew Robert Kraft was such a good guy. I am astounded at how many details are included in the incidents. Great true crime book..

Sad but probably “true story”about Arron Hernandez. Football playerSome people in the book say he was very smart but it appears he as though he thought he was above the law and could get away with anything.It seems to demonstrate the problem of “privilege” that Some high caliber athletes get.This is an indictment on the NFL for its society of violence. Shame on the NFL for not paying attention to head trauma for many years and CTE or Traumatic encephalitis.Doctors have known and warned about this for over 30 years ,just like boxers “punch drunk “.Overall a good readVery interesting twist on the open Appeal rule if someone dies in jail.review byTom Nordstrom md

Very interesting and a good read. I'm very interested in what football does to the brain, we need to keep this in mind.

I agree with other reviewers that it's too heavy on American football in the first third of the book. Way too many details of every match which as a British woman I found as interesting as watching black paint dry! I don't mind a few details but this is ridiculous! So I just skipped a lot - checking on the way that I hadn't missed anything interesting hidden in the football stuff.I will persevere as I want to read the parts on the murders. I saw the tv film so I know it's worth finishing the book. It's a good lesson in how to ruin a very privileged life. What a waste.

The Aaron Hernandez story is so interesting and fascinating to me, but I didn't feel this book was 100% accurate and there was definitely some bias from the author. There's not much in the book that hasn't been written or said before, and I felt that Patterson had already made his mind up about Hernandez before he wrote it. He seemed to think he was a thug who threw it all away, which may be true, but I wanted more detailed facts and insight. Personally I preferred Jose Baez's book, which gave a better and more personal insight into the man, rather than the tabloid image.

Enjoyable read. Highly recommend it for a quick read at the airport or on a plane. Aaron Hernandez is a fascinating character, the trials read like a movie. The only real criticism is the many grammatical mistakes or typos were very noticeable (kindle version).Can’t wait for the movie it really has Hollywood written all over my only advice expose the NFL for the money hungry business it is, make sure CTE is explored and explained. I know CTE doesn’t exonerate violence but the cases have been piling up... let’s talk about it instead of fluffing it up!

As some have mentioned, this book is very heavy on the American football aspect which as an English man means nothing to me and I dont see why so much detail of the game is relevant. I have watched both series on Aaron hernandez, listened to a detailed podcast and read the book written by his brother DJ. This book contradicts some others and I dont feel gives the best account of many incidents. The book by his brother is way better written, much more relevant and more insightful. Unless you are really into the case I would suggest that over this.

If you like books that combine sports stars, celebrity status, murder, current affairs, social commentary that in fact are factual stories then this book is for you. I knew nothing of A Hernandez or his life story before I read this book but thoroughly enjoyed and found fascinating his story and the tragic twists of fate that caused such devastation to so many people. A tragic but gripping life story told excellently by the author. Definitely recommend.