Thriller 'Monkey' about Marilyn Monroe and JFK: Are they still alive? [premium]

German author Jens Feuerriegel delves into the enduring mysteries surrounding Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy in his new thriller, "Monkey." The novel expands upon existing conspiracy theories, proposing that the iconic figures did not die but instead orchestrated their disappearances to live new lives under assumed identities.

Set in a suburban Arizona town in the mid-1970s, the story centers on Milton Grower, a novelist residing next door to a couple he believes are the disguised Monroe and Kennedy. Grower begins writing a novel about his suspicions, a decision that places him in grave danger. He becomes the target of various shadowy groups, including intelligence agencies, mafiosi, and ex-Cuban exiles, all of whom had conflicts with Kennedy.

Feuerriegel, a former journalist, skillfully weaves historical context and narrative tension. The novel not only provides thrilling suspense but also offers a subtle yet elegant journey through the American West of the 1970s. The author's background allows him to blend factual elements with fictional storytelling, ensuring a compelling pace with effective use of length, timing, suspense, and moments of relaxation.

"Monkey" questions the official accounts of Monroe's and Kennedy's deaths, which occurred under dubious circumstances. Monroe would have turned 100 this year, having died at 36, while President Kennedy's assassination remains a subject of intense speculation. Feuerriegel's novel invites readers to consider the possibility that these two American icons are still alive, living out their days in obscurity, and explores the perilous consequences of uncovering such a profound secret.