Death on Ocean Boulevard: Inside the Coronado Mansion Case

I remember being fascinated by this case about ten years ago, but was never able to dive too deeply into it. This book brought me beyond the headlines, going in depth about the complex individual that was Rebecca Zahau. The story is tragic, and Rother deserves a lot of credit for breaking through roadblocks and facing down intimidation. Sadly, we will likely never know what happened inside that mansion, but Rother’s book helps us piece things together in a way that makes us feel like we are getting the answers we can.

“Death on Ocean Boulevard, Inside the Coronado Mansion Case” is the “real-life” saga of the unique circumstances surrounding the hanging death of Rebecca Zahau in Coronado California. There were actually two tragedies in 2011 in the Spreckels Mansion, one a few days prior to the sensational death of Rebecca. How could these two unimaginable events happen? Were they independent events or were they sequentially causal with some unthinkable connection. Author Caitlin Rother knew from the start that this case would be of interest to the public, so Rother conducted extensive research and tracked the case in detail as it unfolded. The case made headlines across the nation and created enormous media frenzy. More than half a dozen news outlets and documentaries featured this controversial and hotly debated mystery. There were five possibilities in Rebecca’s death; it was not natural or accidental, and no one wanted to say “‘undetermined.” That left homicide or suicide, and everyone wanted to be very sure which one it was.Right from the start, circumstantial evidence, unreliable statements, and overlooked details clouded the already murky waters of Rebecca’s case. Someone was dishonest, or perhaps everyone was. There were a lot of people involved, so Rother systematically introduces them to readers and provides detailed information on their backgrounds and relationships to others; readers get to know them well. Most are not consistent in their recollections of these tragic events, and many have secrets to protect.“Death on Ocean Boulevard” is a comprehensive look at a disturbing and complicated series of events. This is not a mystery-thriller book that can be quickly wrapped up on the last page. The case itself lingered over multiple years, cost millions in legal fees, racked up uncountable hours of law enforcement time, and caused unimaginable grief for those left behind.

This is a hot read. Caitlin spares legalese and makes this story — perhaps a cover-up—- easily accessible.

This case was complicated from beginning to end. The author explained everything well and I appreciated the way this sad story was told.

Caitlin Rother is one of my favorite author’s and this book is just proof of why. We’ve all heard of this case, and it never did enter the criminal realm, but the controversy surrounding whether it should have or not was very high, and probably continues locally today.The tragedy that Jonah went through losing both his son and the woman who finally seemed to make him happy (at least on the surface) was not as palpable as it could have been, but as you read the story, you find that there’s a reason for that.When this happened, I didn’t follow the case closely. I did know the outcome, but I was not aware of all of the intricate details that are shared here, or of the controversy. I knew there was a wrongful death case filed, but thought it was against Jonah (the owner of the property, her bf) & had no idea it was against his brother who was only visiting and had just arrived.This case will probably forever be stuck in limbo as the only people who truly know what happened are, sadly, gone. But at least I believe that the author has given an absolutely complete account of every single bit of evidence, and spoken with absolutely every single person who was willing to speak with her about the case.Leaving no stone unturned, Ms. Rother has done a fabulous job of giving the reader all the facts to make up our own mind about whodunnit. Although I’m still wondering.I’m asking her and all other writers in this genre to PLEASE keep writing true crime! Several have begun writing mystery (like Gregg Olson, who WRONGLY markets his fiction books under the true crime category), and we NEED you to continue with true crime! We have sadly lost Ann Rule, and hopefully Leslie continues her legacy but she has her own niche, so Caitlin, please don’t betray your LOYAL TRUE CRIME FANS like “some” author’s have! I, for one, don’t want to have to choose new faves!

I hesitated at first to read this book because it dealt with the death of a child, but it was handled in such a way that was not maudlin or too overdone. I thought it told the story very well. There was a little too much backstory here and there, but all in all it was told fairly and written well !!

This is a story from the headlines. Caitlin Rother fleshes out the bones of the case with in-depth investigative reporting, looking into the backgrounds of all of those involved. By the time I finished, I was still not sure what actually happened to either Rebecca or Max. There are so many oddities in both cases, with no actual witness to either death, we will never know for sure. But Caitlin certainly gave me a lot to chew on.(I bought my copy from a book store so I could have it signed.)

I love the depth of research that the author did. I learned so much new information that I didn’t know about the case. It changed my mind on my analysis of the details.

The most comprehensive, complete and detailed account of this incident that I think you’ll find, and well-written, objective reporting overall. I can’t wait to read another of her books!

I have anxiously been awaiting Author Caitlin Rother’s unbiased account of this incident which took place on 07/31/2011 in multimillionaire Jonah Shacknai’s San Diego mansion. Shacknai’s girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau was found hanging from the balcony by house guest Adam Shacknai, Jonah’s younger brother. Two days earlier, Jonah’s son Max suffered a fall while in Rebecca’s car and was in the hospital in critical condition. Police were quick to rule the hanging a suicide but the family disagreed. They all wondered how could she tie herself up, gag herself and then throw herself over the balcony railing? This is a very complicated case that has taken all these years to try to find the answers. Author Rother does a superb job researching and presenting all sides of this tragic story.Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this very tragic page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end. When I see Caitlin Rother’s name as the author, I know I am in for an incredible story and this book did not disappoint me.

Wow! Rother has outdone herself this time. Drawn to this case because of its parallels to her own life, as she learned more about Rebecca’s murder at the historic Spreckels Mansion, the more it haunted her. The author’s attention to detail, her determination to investigate the murder from every angle, and her ability to take all that work and turn it into a fascinating narrative are all reasons I enjoy Rother’s books.There are no clear cut answers as to what happened to Rebecca Zahau, but Rother provides the reader with a fair and balanced account that allows them to make their own decision. If you like true crime stories, Death on Ocean Boulevard is a must read.Highly recommended!I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I really was not familiar with this case, guess I missed the TV shows, and I live on the East Coast, and life got in the way! That being said, the author presented the case, actually, almost as it unfolded. We get to know more that those who read about it, or listen to news reports. What an excellent job the author did in presenting this.Tragically, some facts may never be made know, and someone may get away with murder. I know reading this I was certain that I knew the answers, but with the help of Caitlin Rother we make headway, and find out about the trial. Even then, we have doubts, and keep reading!I admire how much work the author put into this book, and at times she had to really fight to get this information, including being harassed!I received this book through Net Galley and Kensington Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Really liked this book. Also it does a really nice job covering all of the court cases and recent events. Definitely would recommend

I enjoyed the reading of this well-written book by a good narrator whose speed, tone, and overall performance were top-notch. The events surrounding this true crime were researched to the point where the author was able to perform an in-depth analysis and write an intriguing account of the case.Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of this audiobook to listen to. The impressions expressed here are my own honest opinions written voluntarily.

Rebecca Zahau was found hanging from the balcony of her multimillionaire boyfriend, Jonah Shacknai’s, San Diego mansion. She was found by houseguest, Adam Shacknai, Jonah’s younger brother. Jonah’s son, Max, had suffered a fall two days earlier while in Rebecca’s care and was in critical condition in the hospital. Very quickly, the police ruled Rebecca’s hanging a suicide but the family disagreed. This is a very complicated case and Author Caitlin Rother does an excellent job researching and presenting all sides to this very tragic story.

Caitlin Rother is a lifetime impeccable journalist who has taken on many cases of true crime thrillers from the perspectives of the victim, science, law enforcement, the suspects, the friends, the witnesses, the private detectives, the families of the victims, to her personal understanding and experience of such incidents. Although my personal opinion is that Rebecca was murdered, it is important to filter in all the voices that Caitlin provides. As a natural problem solver, she has the ability to see and offer up the areas where moving forward in the case is being blocked. Unfortunately, for so many cases it takes 20 years or more for the truth to come out. When that happens, much of Caitlyn’s research will be useful in breaking open the reality of the crime and give the families justice.

I’ve read almost all of Caitlin Rother’s books and this one is a gem. I live in San Diego and thought I knew everything there was to know about the Zahou/Shaknai case, but this book proved me wrong. I highly recommend this book. It was so good, that I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely fascinating and heartbreaking.

This case has fascinated me for years and this book does not disappoint. The amount of research and time spent by the author following these two mysterious deaths for years is incredible. Every time I’d think “What about this” or “How did that? she was right there anticipating my speculations. Do I wish the questions surrounding these tragedies were fully answered? Of course. Sometimes the answers are taken to the grave. I do feel satisfied that Ms. Rother covered so much so well in this book. She is a tremendous author. I would recommend this highly as I would all of her books.

This book blew my mind. I remember when the case first happened and reading all the media accounts. This book brought to light new materials from that time, additional details that maybe weren’t released at that time, and of course, updated the reader on the more recent trials. There are still so many unanswered questions. My head was swimming with all the potential suspects brought up in this book. And yet, it reads like a best-selling mystery novel. Caitlin Rother has been compared to Ann Rule. That comparison is accurate and well-deserved.

As a former journalism professor, gave Caitlin Rother an A+ for “Death on Ocean Boulevard”. Even though the author has not specified about what officially listed as a suicide, believe most readers will see a horrible, unsolved murder. Great writing throughout book

I felt that this book was well researched and a great read. I know what happened in this case but there are still many unanswered questions and I felt that the author explored all of them.

Not much of a true crime fan, but after Caitlin showed up at a bookstore I visited I decided to give it a read. Could not put it down, and the personal touches of Caitlin’s life was a special add. Everything connects, we just don’t realize sometimes.

I have long been fascinated by this case as I’ve heard it featured on many true-crime podcasts. I’ve always thought Adam was guilty straightaway but reading here about Rebecca’s DNA being all over the pertinent places has given me pause…..I just couldn’t get on board with her hanging herself naked like that for the world to see and the spotlight it would shine both on her family and Jonah at the time. It was appalling just how long her body was left outside in full view. It reminded me of the kids in Columbine whose bodies laid in situ for hours and hours outdoors…I also wonder at the massive drop in her hanging and her neck not being broken. I find that pretty unfathomable, too.However, who can say where her mind went upon receiving the voicemail from Jonah that night ? I believe Max’s death was only a terrible accident. He was often known to play ball indoors and mess around and I believe he could’ve been playing with Rebecca’s dog or her sister and just made a grab for his ball and went over the rail. Plus he’d been diagnosed with a heart problem, something I had never heard till now…..the mention of his postmortem exhibiting an affect similar to drowning I was puzzled by, though.The message on the door I think Rebecca painted because of the broken sort of English utilised, but I don’t really know what she meant by it in all fairness. I was worried about Ocean so I am happy the author gave us an update on him as I looked online and couldn’t find any news. The table with its 3 legs also bothered me as I really can’t see how it held Adam up. I wouldn’t have climbed onto a 3-legged table !! I had spotted the lividity on the backs of her legs in close-up photos and that doesn’t ring true, either, for the hanging idea……so very, very confusing altogether. We never learned what happened to the ring Jonah had gifted Rebecca, either, which I found strange.I googled Restalyne but it seems it should read Restylane, there were a few needless spaces in words and one apostrophe error but that was all I noticed regarding mistakes, which is to be commended.The author made me laugh aloud at her Ambien aside after her conversation with Adam. I watched him on the news and he did himself no favours whatsoever, in all honesty. He came across as bloody abrasive and rude, and didn’t care about Rebecca’s death at all. I was saddened to read of her own loss, though it gave her an intriguing insight herself. She has done a lot of research but I still left the ending not really knowing what she thought had actually happened. I doubt none of us will ever know, now.

Please read this book. I believe Rebecca Zahau and her family deserve justice. The author does a great job at touching on all of the little details that help this true crime mystery come together. There are still people who have not had closure and need it. Please read this so that you can form a more educated opinion of what truly happened and who is at fault.

In her latest novel, Death On Ocean Boulevard, investigative journalist / author Caitlin Rother takes the reader behind the scenes of a riveting true crime story for an in depth look at a highly publicized mystery death case set in picturesque Coronado, California.On July 13, 2011, thirty-two year old Rebecca Zahau’s naked body was found bound, gagged, and hanging from the second-story balcony of her multimillionaire boyfriend, Jonah Shacknai’s San Diego mansion by his brother, Adam Shacknai. What ensues is an intricate and multi-layered story of Rebecca’s mysterious death, an inept investigative process, and the ongoing suicide-murder debate that continues to befuddle the public for the past ten years since her death.Death On Ocean Boulevard is a riveting story that easily draws the reader in from the start, keeping them captivated as the author weaves a thoroughly intriguing and intricate recounting of a highly publicized true crime case. I remember seeing this case profiled on the NBC Dateline investigative / mystery show, so when I saw that the author was writing an in depth true crime novel based on this case, it peaked my interest and I knew that I had to read it.You can’t help but get drawn into this complicated, fascinating, and multi-layered story, it is a gripping account into the mysterious death of Rebecca Zahau, and whether her death was a suicide or a murder. The author provides the reader with a fascinating and richly detailed and in depth look into the back stories and lives of each participant; an extensive research of the shoddy investigative, legal and financial aspects of the case.After an extensive and determined investigation into this case, the reader follows the author’s accounting of a haunting tale of one woman’s tragic and senseless death, and the ongoing pursuit of her family to change the cause of death from suicide to undetermined, with the hope to reopen the investigation focused on a criminal case. In addition, the reader is also provided with information of Jonah Shacknai’s six year old son Max’s tragic accidental death while under the care of Rebecca two days before Rebecca’s death, and the speculation that both deaths are either a coincidence or could be connected.The author provides an impartial account of the mysterious death, while leaving it up to the reader to form their own opinion on whether Rebecca’s death was a suicide or a murder. After reading both sides of the suicide-murder debate, I found myself waffling back and forth on this debate, and I fear that this conundrum will never be resolved.I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I loved the author’s vivid description of Coronado’s history, and the landmarks on this picturesque peninsula locale along the San Diego Bay.Death On Ocean Boulevard is a gripping and haunting account of a tragic and mysterious death that is a must read for all true crime fans.

If you’ve never heard of this case before, buckle up. You’re in for a ride. If, like me, you’ve heard of it, though, this in-depth coverage will fill in some of the blanks that have always existed with coverage of this case.I’ve consumed just about every podcast and newsmagazine episode on this case and still had so many questions. Before reading the book, I was 100% convinced it was murder. But after reading this book, I realize how easy it is to make a snap judgment based on limited facts. The author presents every possible fact available here, with plenty of information you simply can’t get elsewhere. I found myself going back down the rabbit hole, watching TV coverage just to remind myself what the son, the ex-wife, the boyfriend looked like and how they presented onscreen.Once you start reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down! And you’ll find yourself thinking about Rebecca and little Max. I can’t wait to read more of the author’s books.

I don’t usually leave feedback on books, although I should. But I have to say this one of the best nonfiction books I’ve ever read. If you like Ann Rule you’ll love Caitlin Rother!

“‘I think it will go down as one of the weirdest cases in American crime,’ she said. ‘It’s just too wacky, with too many holes in the “suicide scenario.”’”In Death on Ocean Boulevard, author Caitlin Rother tells the story of two deaths that occurred at the beach front property of pharmaceutical tycoon Jonah Shacknai with in a two day period. Jonah’s 6 year old son Max was killed in what was deemed accident just two days before his live in girlfriend Rebecca Zahau died in a very bizarre hanging that was categorized as suicide. Both deaths were surrounded by mysterious circumstances and the cases though closed feel very unsolved.This is a case I have been very curious about for a while and I have seen the documentaries and tv shows about it. This book tells a much more in depth story of all of the people involved, and the author does a fantastic job of sharing about it and about all of the trials and investigations surrounding the case. I will definitely be reading other books by this author. The book was very easy to read, and very informative without being dry. This will not be a book or a case that I will soon forget. I give it 4.5 stars

The majority of the book presents facts; starting with details of the investigation to the civil trial. The end of the book presents other theories considered/proposed by people directly involved in the case. Coronado is a second home to me and this case is still talked about amongst family and friends. Details portrayed by the media seemed preferential to a particular theory. Although still a complex and bizarre case, the book provided many details, not readily known to the public, and filled in many knowledge gaps that ultimately changed my opinion.

The writing, order, and chronology of this book is excellent. The editing and proofreading is also excellent (Wow!) I have been following Rebecca Zahau’s case since the beginning because calling it a suicide seemed to be such obvious absurdity. This book does a wonderful job addressing issues I hadn’t found in reading about the case online, However, two points which I didn’t find in the book, and in only one place online, are: (1) Why did Adam Shacknai immediately tell the 911 operator that Rebecca committed suicide when it appeared to be anything but a suicide, and 2) Why were Rebecca’s legs folded if she’d died while hanging, which would have been the case if she’d hung herself. Death by hanging would have made her legs hang straight down.