Kitty Genovese

November 11, 2013
In his latest book, Cook (Titanic Thompson) disproves the popular belief about the 1964 murder of Catherine “Kitty” Genovese in Kew Gardens, Queens—that 38 neighbors watched her being stabbed to death from the safety of their apartment windows, and did nothing to help, a phenomenon dubbed the “Bystander Effect” by social scientists. One neighbor did call the police immediately, but the notion that so many failed to respond struck a nerve, bolstered by the New York Times’ coverage, and Times editor A.M. Rosenthal’s book Thirty-Eight Witnesses. The ensuing clamor led to the creation of the 911 emergency phone system, “Good Samaritan” laws, and the development of the field of pro-social behavior—designed to turn bad neighbors into good ones. Cook never loses sight of the victim, tracing the arc of Genovese’s 27 years of life, and presenting the memories of her partner, Mary Ann Zielonko. Cook also offers a nuanced rendering of Genovese’s murderer, Winston Moseley, with ample details of his trial. In an especially moving section, Cook notes the chance elements that put Genovese in harm’s way. As much social history as true crime, this is an insightful probe into the notorious case, 50 years later. 16 pages of photos.

February 15, 2014

Most people would cite the story of Kitty Genovese (a young woman who was fatally stabbed in 1964 in Kew Gardens, NY) as the most infamous example of the bystander effect, or the psychological phenomenon that explains that individuals are less likely to offer help to those in need when they perceive others to be present. However, on the 50th anniversary of the murder, Cook (Titanic Thompson; Tommy's Honor) reconsiders the case, concluding that erroneous reporting by the New York Times led to the accepted belief that 38 of Genovese's neighbors heard her cries and refused to respond, when in fact the truth was much more complex. The author successfully infuses new life into a case that many know primarily as a brief chapter from introductory psychology textbooks, fleshing out Genovese and relying upon historical details and heavy use of dialog to add further color. Though this is a well-researched account of a crime, more important, it's a nuanced examination of the cultural significance of Genovese's slaying and its legacy. VERDICT True crime aficionados, sociology and psychology students, and anyone with an interest in untold stories will enjoy Cook's thought-provoking revelations.--Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

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