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Love & Death: The Murder of Kurt Cobain
Draws on new forensic evidence, police reports, and the case tapes of a private investigator to explore questions surrounding the apparent suicide of Kurt Cobain.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2004
About the author
Max Wallace
15 books49 followersMAX WALLACE is a writer and journalist. His book The American Axis, about the Nazi affiliations of Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh, was endorsed by two-time Pulitzer-winner Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. Wallace co-authored the New York Timesbestseller Love & Death, about the final days of Kurt Cobain. Earlier, he wrote Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight: Cassius Clay vs. the United States of America. Ali himself wrote the foreword. From 1996-2000, Wallace worked for Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation documenting the video testimonies of Holocaust survivors. As a journalist, Wallace has contributed to the Sunday New York Times as a guest columnist as well as the BBC. He has appeared three times on NBC's Today, as well as on Dateline NBC, Anderson Cooper 360°, CBS This Morning, and Good Morning America, plus numerous appearances on CSPAN's Book TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
August 19, 2023
I have never been one for conspiracy theories, so when my boyfriend gave this to me to read I was highly doubtful. From what I knew of Cobain, he was a cocaine addicted musician from Seattle - a brilliant one, but it seemed open and shut to me.
The story is written by journalists who follow Tom Grant's story. Grant is a former cop turned PI, who was hired by Courtney Love to find her then-missing husband, Kurt.
To go into all the details of the book would take forever, but it was truly eye openeing to see how the case was handled by Seattle police (hint: not well at all), Courtney's frequent lies and deception, and the amount of people around her who have mysteriously died. After reading this book, and researching other accounts of the case and the story, I am now a believer that Kurt's death wasn't a suicide after all. I truly recommend this read not only to fans of Cobain, but to those interested in the law and the intricate, twisted lives of rock stars.
The story is written by journalists who follow Tom Grant's story. Grant is a former cop turned PI, who was hired by Courtney Love to find her then-missing husband, Kurt.
To go into all the details of the book would take forever, but it was truly eye openeing to see how the case was handled by Seattle police (hint: not well at all), Courtney's frequent lies and deception, and the amount of people around her who have mysteriously died. After reading this book, and researching other accounts of the case and the story, I am now a believer that Kurt's death wasn't a suicide after all. I truly recommend this read not only to fans of Cobain, but to those interested in the law and the intricate, twisted lives of rock stars.
July 16, 2010
This is another must-read. I went through a long phase of Kurt-Only reading a few months ago. I think this is the book that started it. It picks up, more or less, where "Who Killed Kurt Cobain?" and is by the same journalists.
The reason, then, to wrtie another book on the same topic? New evidence. It is really depressing to read, though. Courtney Love is a killer - there is no doubt that she had Kurt murdered. Instead of being the suicidal junkie he is often portrayed as, Kurt was ready to divorce her and move in new directions professionally and personally. It terrified her that, because of their impending divorce, she would be left with none of his money. So she killed him before he could carry out his plans to divorce her, leave Nirvana and begin a brighter future.
Tragic. Sad. Worth the read. Reads like a mystery/ thriller.
The reason, then, to wrtie another book on the same topic? New evidence. It is really depressing to read, though. Courtney Love is a killer - there is no doubt that she had Kurt murdered. Instead of being the suicidal junkie he is often portrayed as, Kurt was ready to divorce her and move in new directions professionally and personally. It terrified her that, because of their impending divorce, she would be left with none of his money. So she killed him before he could carry out his plans to divorce her, leave Nirvana and begin a brighter future.
Tragic. Sad. Worth the read. Reads like a mystery/ thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2007
I loved Kurt Cobain. I can remember exactly where I was the moment I heard he had died. God, it made me so sad. And to think that someone who appeared to have it all would kill himself. Well, guess what??? He didn't!! That's right, looks like someone else (can we say bitch of a whore/wife about to be divorced) had him murdered!
This book is all about how there is absolutely no way that Kurt could have or would have killed himself. Now you might be saying to yourself; "That's bullsh*t! I saw Courtney mourn for months!" Well guess what, I believed the lies too. I even went to see Courtney's band Hole on their tour following Kurt's death (strange, don't you think, that she released her album anyway, which sold exponentially more than it would have without the publicity surrounding Kurt's death, and then went on a nervous break down tour, to boot!)
I was living in Buffalo in '94, and in the later part of '95, I met a kid named Jason Pfaff. His sister was Kristin Pfaff, the late bassist for Hole. It seems she died under somewhat mysterious circumstances (Courtney was the last to see her, pages were missing from her diary, etc) and this private investigator, Tom Grant, had gotten in touch with his family to inform them of audio recordings he had of Courtney Love saying some pretty incriminating things relating to the death of Kristin.
Turns out that Courtney had hired this PI (http://www.cobaincase.com/ ) to find Kurt when he went missing from rehab in the days before he was found dead. To Grant, it quickly became apparent that all the pieces weren't adding up, and that Courtney had probably just hired him to cover her ass and make it look like she genuinely didn't know where Kurt was. (That's why she continually sent him on wild goose chases, never told him about the out building where Kurt liked to hang out and was eventually found, etc.) It seems that this very forward thinking investigator always secretly records all of his conversations with clients, interviewees, etc. Apparently, he has Courtney incriminating herself all over the place, and he allowed the family to hear some of the tapes, and really convinced them that all was not as it appeared!
It seems that Kurt and Kristin P. had hooked up while Hole was in the studio and Kurt was helping out with some of the producing, etc. It's possible that he was going somewhere with her, as he had told Courtney he wanted a divorce and had bought 2 plane tickets just after he left the rehab. Either way, there's some pretty damning evidence out there, and this book presents it in a clear and truly engaging manner. They dot their I's and cross their T's, as they say.
This book is all about how there is absolutely no way that Kurt could have or would have killed himself. Now you might be saying to yourself; "That's bullsh*t! I saw Courtney mourn for months!" Well guess what, I believed the lies too. I even went to see Courtney's band Hole on their tour following Kurt's death (strange, don't you think, that she released her album anyway, which sold exponentially more than it would have without the publicity surrounding Kurt's death, and then went on a nervous break down tour, to boot!)
I was living in Buffalo in '94, and in the later part of '95, I met a kid named Jason Pfaff. His sister was Kristin Pfaff, the late bassist for Hole. It seems she died under somewhat mysterious circumstances (Courtney was the last to see her, pages were missing from her diary, etc) and this private investigator, Tom Grant, had gotten in touch with his family to inform them of audio recordings he had of Courtney Love saying some pretty incriminating things relating to the death of Kristin.
Turns out that Courtney had hired this PI (http://www.cobaincase.com/ ) to find Kurt when he went missing from rehab in the days before he was found dead. To Grant, it quickly became apparent that all the pieces weren't adding up, and that Courtney had probably just hired him to cover her ass and make it look like she genuinely didn't know where Kurt was. (That's why she continually sent him on wild goose chases, never told him about the out building where Kurt liked to hang out and was eventually found, etc.) It seems that this very forward thinking investigator always secretly records all of his conversations with clients, interviewees, etc. Apparently, he has Courtney incriminating herself all over the place, and he allowed the family to hear some of the tapes, and really convinced them that all was not as it appeared!
It seems that Kurt and Kristin P. had hooked up while Hole was in the studio and Kurt was helping out with some of the producing, etc. It's possible that he was going somewhere with her, as he had told Courtney he wanted a divorce and had bought 2 plane tickets just after he left the rehab. Either way, there's some pretty damning evidence out there, and this book presents it in a clear and truly engaging manner. They dot their I's and cross their T's, as they say.
January 16, 2010
I read any book that I can get my hands on about Kurt Cobain. And I am indeed one of those people that are convinced he did not kill himself. This book helps prove it.
July 30, 2013
I was not even 18 when Kurt died, and yes, I remember when I heard. My heart broke when I knew he died. Like everyone, or mostly everyone, at the time, I believed Courtney's bullshit. Not for long, but for long enough, to buy her horrible new album. How could anyone believe she did not love Kurt, when we loved him so? But as time wore on, we began to see this "beloved wife" for what she was.
I will admit, because I have always loved Kurt I know have a huge soft spot for him. He was not the best musician, there is no doubt he had huge issues and he was a drug addict. But still, he spoke volumes to my generation. I have never read about anyone who met him and did not feel the truth of him. He was a beautiful soul.
Many have not understood him, but all know him. His death had such an impact on me, one I am still I am not sure I even understand. I never met him, but because of how he touched us, he was a friend regardless. That should say a lot.
When I read this book, I was not expecting the pain I felt. I personally knew people who died not long after him. A lot of families lost loved ones and it was blamed on Kurt's suicide. But what if Kurt, who had a lot to love, did not kill himself? What if he was killed?
It is funny, some say he was not a musician, some say he could not play, (I personally do not agree) but his death created more impact than any other musician. More people killed themselves in tribute to Kurt than ever before and that is just those who went on record. This just makes me sad. Those people died for a hoax.
I never believed he killed himself, I still don't. This book just made me believe it more. Yes, there are so many conspiracy theories, Elvis is still alive etc. But This book presented facts, facts that would be hard to dispute.
I will admit, because I have always loved Kurt I know have a huge soft spot for him. He was not the best musician, there is no doubt he had huge issues and he was a drug addict. But still, he spoke volumes to my generation. I have never read about anyone who met him and did not feel the truth of him. He was a beautiful soul.
Many have not understood him, but all know him. His death had such an impact on me, one I am still I am not sure I even understand. I never met him, but because of how he touched us, he was a friend regardless. That should say a lot.
When I read this book, I was not expecting the pain I felt. I personally knew people who died not long after him. A lot of families lost loved ones and it was blamed on Kurt's suicide. But what if Kurt, who had a lot to love, did not kill himself? What if he was killed?
It is funny, some say he was not a musician, some say he could not play, (I personally do not agree) but his death created more impact than any other musician. More people killed themselves in tribute to Kurt than ever before and that is just those who went on record. This just makes me sad. Those people died for a hoax.
I never believed he killed himself, I still don't. This book just made me believe it more. Yes, there are so many conspiracy theories, Elvis is still alive etc. But This book presented facts, facts that would be hard to dispute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2010
Was Kurt Cobain really murdered by his psychotic hosebeast wife? We'll probably never know for sure, but this book provides some interesting theories on what might have happened. There's oodles of information to process but it's arranged very nicely to make the book an intriguing and quick read.
September 22, 2015
I've wasted about 4-5 hours of my life reading this. This crazy theory is based on two things, no-one investigates the death of junkies properly, and Courtney love is a bit of a bitch.
July 20, 2013
I was never particularly into determining all the details about the murder theories surrounding Kurt Cobain. I had the general opinion, especially after seeing the documentary (such that it is) Kurt and Courtney, that Courtney Love killed him: either by having him murdered or driving the man to suicide. And in any case, who really cares? Nonetheless, curious about the last months of Cobain's life and his relationship with Courtney Love, and not trusting Heavier than Heaven, the Love "authorized" Cobain bio, I picked up this book. I must say, I definitely got what I was looking for. While the authors defend their thesis that Cobain was murdered, they give a decent sketch of the last years of Cobain's life. While not the book you would want to turn to to get better insight into Cobain himself (authorized or not, Heavier than Heaven is said to do that nicely), it does give ample attention to Cobain and Love's relationship.
On this topic, the authors paint a deeply disturbing picture of Love as a sociopathic, insane, lying media-whore. This is defended with transcripts of interviews between Love and her former private detective, Tom Grant, and augmented by the testimony of a score of people who have had the misfortune to know her. (Sorry, editorialized a bit there.) However, like the evidence presented in the book that presents a very compelling case Cobain was murdered, the portrayal of Love appears fairly objective. This book doesn't just make Courtney Love out to be a monster and then suggest such a person had to be behind the death of her husband. In fact, the case for murder, not suicide, is mostly supported by evidence of why a suicide in this particular case would be unlikely (e.g., his blood toxicity level, lack of fingerprints on the gun, etc.). But because motive is an issue that one must contend with, descriptions of Love and her character are necessary and relevant. All in all, this book convinced me it is highly unlikely he committed suicide, but I wouldn't go so far as to say Love hired a killer based on the evidence presented here (and neither do the authors -- directly at least). Yet, one is left with the uneasy feeling that she probably did.
For all its good points, the book does veer off into some pretty strange territory towards the end. They seem to suggest Courtney Love may be behind other "murders" and put forth a whole bunch of coincidences that decrease the authors' credibility. They also seem to defend against any potential claims they wrote this book for recognition or profit by saying that publishing this was something they had the moral obligation to do to prevent copy-cat suicides. I thought this came off as smarmy. However, overlooking these points, I say if you have interest in Cobain, Love, or his suicide/murder, you would do well to read this book.
Note to Kindle readers: This book has an annoying, reoccurring, typographical error. Every time something is italicized (which is a lot, think names of magazines, albums, etc.), there is no space between the italicized word and the preceding word. So, you get a lot of thing like "InSpin magazine...", etc. This drove me batty. If you can't stand this sort of thing, buy the hard copy.
On this topic, the authors paint a deeply disturbing picture of Love as a sociopathic, insane, lying media-whore. This is defended with transcripts of interviews between Love and her former private detective, Tom Grant, and augmented by the testimony of a score of people who have had the misfortune to know her. (Sorry, editorialized a bit there.) However, like the evidence presented in the book that presents a very compelling case Cobain was murdered, the portrayal of Love appears fairly objective. This book doesn't just make Courtney Love out to be a monster and then suggest such a person had to be behind the death of her husband. In fact, the case for murder, not suicide, is mostly supported by evidence of why a suicide in this particular case would be unlikely (e.g., his blood toxicity level, lack of fingerprints on the gun, etc.). But because motive is an issue that one must contend with, descriptions of Love and her character are necessary and relevant. All in all, this book convinced me it is highly unlikely he committed suicide, but I wouldn't go so far as to say Love hired a killer based on the evidence presented here (and neither do the authors -- directly at least). Yet, one is left with the uneasy feeling that she probably did.
For all its good points, the book does veer off into some pretty strange territory towards the end. They seem to suggest Courtney Love may be behind other "murders" and put forth a whole bunch of coincidences that decrease the authors' credibility. They also seem to defend against any potential claims they wrote this book for recognition or profit by saying that publishing this was something they had the moral obligation to do to prevent copy-cat suicides. I thought this came off as smarmy. However, overlooking these points, I say if you have interest in Cobain, Love, or his suicide/murder, you would do well to read this book.
Note to Kindle readers: This book has an annoying, reoccurring, typographical error. Every time something is italicized (which is a lot, think names of magazines, albums, etc.), there is no space between the italicized word and the preceding word. So, you get a lot of thing like "InSpin magazine...", etc. This drove me batty. If you can't stand this sort of thing, buy the hard copy.
April 28, 2024
“Blame the dead—they can’t complain.”
A well-paced investigation into the theory that Kurt Cobain was the victim of a murder rather than suicidal impulses.
I’ve subscribed to the theory that a Courtney Love had Kurt Cobain killed for years. The crime scene analysis (and lack thereof from first responders), taped conversations from Courtney, and the undeniable motive she had because of their impending divorce and prenuptial agreement is at the very least a cocktail of reasonable doubt.
The fact that to this day the case has never been re-opened for investigation is astounding. I smell a cover-up, and who better to orchestrate it than the queen of rock and roll?
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this account presents the most cohesive argument I’ve seen in regards to Kurt Cobain’s murder. Highly recommend for fans of true crime and fans of Nirvana.
A well-paced investigation into the theory that Kurt Cobain was the victim of a murder rather than suicidal impulses.
I’ve subscribed to the theory that a Courtney Love had Kurt Cobain killed for years. The crime scene analysis (and lack thereof from first responders), taped conversations from Courtney, and the undeniable motive she had because of their impending divorce and prenuptial agreement is at the very least a cocktail of reasonable doubt.
The fact that to this day the case has never been re-opened for investigation is astounding. I smell a cover-up, and who better to orchestrate it than the queen of rock and roll?
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this account presents the most cohesive argument I’ve seen in regards to Kurt Cobain’s murder. Highly recommend for fans of true crime and fans of Nirvana.
February 9, 2013
As a huge fan of Cobain and Nirvana, I've always believed the theory projected within this book to be true. Te authors present their argument and evidence in a calculated and do so in accessible terms. I enjoyed this book so much I've bought it twice.
November 5, 2013
At times creepier than fiction, this book reveals a handful of pretty damning quotes from Courtney Love and exposes some serious inconsistencies in her behavior surrounding her former husband's death. The previously undisclosed resources and information the authors got their hands on are also triumphs of the book, along with the detailed picture they paint of Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain's relationship. Unfortunately, a smoking gun directly linking Love to Cobain's murder is missing and the authors waste too many pages describing superfluous events that maybe but probably, just about definitely have nothing to do with Courtney Love (like Kristen Pfaff's death). As has been stated, the authors lose credibility toward the end when they shift focus to El Duce and Allen Wrench. The book is not going to change any minds; it serves to reaffirm those who believe Cobain was a victim of foul play and leave the suicide believers unconvinced.
January 21, 2016
The reason for the rating is as follows: this book was incredibly engaging when reading.
It is a conspiracy theory, and everything in it should be taken with a grain of salt. But it is a good read, especially when phrases such as "grunge world Inspector Javert" and "if Stephen King wrote a book in the grunge scene" crop up. And I'm not making light of a bad thing that happened, that's not my intention at all with this review - this book was just incredibly interesting. And it makes you think. So even though this is a book that you can't exactly read in public without getting a few weird looks, it is worth picking up, if you're into that sort of stuff.
It is a conspiracy theory, and everything in it should be taken with a grain of salt. But it is a good read, especially when phrases such as "grunge world Inspector Javert" and "if Stephen King wrote a book in the grunge scene" crop up. And I'm not making light of a bad thing that happened, that's not my intention at all with this review - this book was just incredibly interesting. And it makes you think. So even though this is a book that you can't exactly read in public without getting a few weird looks, it is worth picking up, if you're into that sort of stuff.
March 23, 2022
While I still think there's a lot of sexist attitudes surrounding Courtney Love, I can also say the Seattle Police Department did an absolutely SHITTY job thoroughly investigating this case. If anything has ever bothered me about this entire situation, it was the number of heroin junkies in the lives of both Kurt and Courtney, including their daughter Frances Bean's nannies. Yikes.
July 19, 2011
I met the author of this book at a presentation at the University of Windsor. His journalistic approach causes one to speculate as to the nature of Kurt Cobain's death. A must read for any Nirvana fans.
March 3, 2021
I didn't know what to make of this book when I picked it up, but I'm glad I did. Max Wallace and Ian Halperin do a fabulous job of laying out the evidence and inconsistencies of the case. They lead the reader to draw their own conclusion about the ultimate fate of a rock legend. An easy to read text that is at once captivating and disquieting.
5 stars.
5 stars.
July 29, 2023
I never believed he killed himself.
April 16, 2016
What a page turner! After reading this, I'm not sure how you can rule out the fact it might have been murder. Conspiracy theories are not facts, and this book has tons of facts. Real life scenarios that show how crooked courtney love is. She is a manipulative, lying person. So many things pointed out in the books and interviews, and so much unexplained.
The Seattle police KNOW they screwed up I believe. Unfortunately, this is another reason I think the case won't be re-opened and examined as a murder theory.
They should re-open the case and look at all the pictures, allow investigators to get more closure.
Another reason we won't ever know the truth? Courtney Love. If you read the various articles about her, she had rights to nirvana songs, and basically sounds like controls the after death of kurt cobain. People were scared of her, and she is obviously psychotic. I think this book shows so many details and facts that if the case was re-opened and properly looked at again, that we may find more details of what really happened in that week in April.
I end with my favorite question of the suicide claim: How the heck was he pumped full of that many drugs, still reach down to the trigger? But fingerprints were gone? And the gun didn't kickback. And it was in his hands, it laid so nicely against his body?
Read the book. I'm not a big conspiracy guy at all, but the book is all facts that you can't ignore. Soaked in bleach is a great documentary too!
The Seattle police KNOW they screwed up I believe. Unfortunately, this is another reason I think the case won't be re-opened and examined as a murder theory.
They should re-open the case and look at all the pictures, allow investigators to get more closure.
Another reason we won't ever know the truth? Courtney Love. If you read the various articles about her, she had rights to nirvana songs, and basically sounds like controls the after death of kurt cobain. People were scared of her, and she is obviously psychotic. I think this book shows so many details and facts that if the case was re-opened and properly looked at again, that we may find more details of what really happened in that week in April.
I end with my favorite question of the suicide claim: How the heck was he pumped full of that many drugs, still reach down to the trigger? But fingerprints were gone? And the gun didn't kickback. And it was in his hands, it laid so nicely against his body?
Read the book. I'm not a big conspiracy guy at all, but the book is all facts that you can't ignore. Soaked in bleach is a great documentary too!
September 15, 2007
i could not put this book down when i read it, and i think it was a while ago, i was re-entering my disbelief about Kurt's death (subsequently Nirvana's which was part of the tragedy). It as entertaining but did not shed any convincing light on what happened. As a fan, it is not a must-read, i don't think. It portrays his life as a cryptic conspiracy that revolves around Courtney "the best sex in his life" (i think that was a quote from the book). Kurt's legacy is so much more than all of that - he was an artist who was robbed from this world, or rather, an artist that the world needed but neglected to learn from - that is the real crux of our generation's fallen hero.
don't watch the movie either.
don't watch the movie either.
February 9, 2011
When my friend first recomended this book I was a tad apprehensive seeing as it was conspiracy based. After reading this novel, along with texts that refuted the theory I can honestly say I am convinced.The author not only interveiwed people that supported his theory but also those who disagreed with him.He was not scared to be questioned by his adversaries, in fact he welcomed it. The evidence presented was clear and concise, not to mention extremely convincing. Whether you are completely opposed to the theory or whole heartedly believe Kurt Cobain was murdered this would be a good read.
January 8, 2008
I borrowed this book from the library a long time ago. I was big with the whole 'Kurt Cobain was killed, it's all Courtney's fault.' Even though i'm a hardcore Courtney Love fan. Anyways, I thought it was a waste of time, I still don't like it, considering he died 13 years ago. We'll never know what happened to him. Let's leave it at that, and not point fingers.
January 31, 2013
What do I think? Courtney has a lot of explaining to do, that's what I think. This book only continues to fuel the conspiracy that Kurt Cobain was murdered. It also verifies what we already know: that money does the talking and when it does it gets the final word.
June 26, 2017
Investigation of Kurt Cobain's death from a drug overdose. Makes a convincing argument for murder.
May 28, 2010
Poses some interesting questions.
August 5, 2010
Oh yeah, she killed him!
December 22, 2010
if your a fan of Kurt Cobain or Nirvana then you'll enjoy this book it an investigation into the death of the formar rock star Kurt Cobain the lead singer of the band Nirvana.
August 22, 2011
Fantastic book. I wish the real truth about what happened to Cobain would come out.
November 12, 2011
The truth is out there (but the people who know stuff keep dying)…a serious book with good research that raises serious questions about the Seattle Police Department and others.
April 30, 2012
Oh, please!
May 2, 2016
Meh. Just because Courtney Love doesn't ever say anything coherent doesn't mean she had Kurt Cobain whacked. Also, this book made me feel old.
August 31, 2016
Lots and lots of words that didn't really say a whole lot. It's obvious the authors/researchers hate Courtney Love...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews