Death in a Prairie House: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Murders

After my wife finished reading this, she turned to me and said, "I am glad that we do not own a hatchet." I was hesitant to tell her that we do, of course, own one. Having now read the book myself, I understand my wife's sentiment. Drennan has related a chilling tale. It's hard to believe that this happened in the county in which I now live! As I said in the title of this review, it is a scholarly and gripping book. It will be of interest to fans of Wright, architecture, history-- in short, most intelligent people! I highly recommend this book.

William Drennan blends brutal murder, sensational scandal, exhaustive research and thought-provoking theory in this important book. A clear style and a flair for the mot juste make this book both scholarly and page-turning. At last, an author has had the courage, persistence and skill to delve into Wisconsin's crime of the 20th century. It's a wonder no writer previously tackled this topic, given that it involves a horrific killing that claimed the paramour of America's foremost architect, as well as his signature home design, Taliesin. We're all fortunate Drennan accepted the challenge.

I couldn't believe that in all my years as a FLW fan, I had not read anything that explored this incredibly important event in the architect's life and career as thoroughly as Drennan does in "Death in a Prairie House." The amount of research done for the book ALONE is fascinating, even for the most knowledgeable FLW fan. The book gives an authoritative analysis of the murders, the motives, and the effects this monstrous event had on Wright's future designs. The author does not claim to have all the definitive answers, but offers some very likely possibilities, all well supported. Drennan's voice is both wry--many times I even laughed out loud--and thoroughly compelling. Overall, the book is both emotionally and intellectually engaging. I can't wait for the movie!

This is a book sure to please both Frank Lloyd Wright scholars and those that enjoy reading true crime. The first half of the book is a biography of Wright's life up until the murders at Taliesen. There are several mysteries explored here. Why did Wright's mother nearly suffocate him with her love and attention? Why did his father leave the family? Why did Wright, a champion of family values and a doting father, abruptly run off to Europe with the neighbor lady and nearly destroy his career in the process? Love and morality in Wright's life appeared to have about as firm a foundation as Taliesen, which had to be built three times. The remainder of the book provides the details of the horrific murders at Taliesen and tries to uncover the motive of the murderer, Julian Carlton. Drennan shows us how the murders affected Wright both emotionally and professionally. In the epilogue he intrigues us with a description of how Wright's style dramatically changed after the murders and how it may have influenced architecture in America at large. Drennan has an elegant, clear writing style, reminiscent of the best classic British detective fiction. The book does not disappoint and remains thought-provoking long after the turn of the last page.