I was watching a football game when the news of Natalie Wood's death flashed up as a special report. Yes, Natalie's death is one of those "I remember where I was when I heard" type of events. What guy wasn't in love with Natalie Wood? IMO, she had it all over Liz, Marilyn, and all the others not even worth mentioning. Natalie Wood's elegance, spirit, and beauty shone through the most beautiful eyes ever. That's how I felt about Natalie when I was a teen. I saw many of her movies, many while dating, and girls I knew loved Natalie too. Her appeal transcended gender.
Time passed, I grew up, and I didn't think much about Natalie as life went on. I married a woman almost as beautiful as Natalie (my wife is fine with me saying that) and as the years passed, when my wife and myself would be asked: Who is your favorite actress, we both would answer, Natalie Wood.
We were shocked to learn of her death. I think we both mourned that day. I turned off the game and my wife cried. Then we accepted what we heard in the news. She tried to fix the passenger dinghy tied to their yacht, she fell and drowned. Case closed. We did not follow coverage.
Now there is this new book. My wife read it first and insisted I read it. I'm not much of a reader lately, but the tears were back in my wife's eyes for Natalie, so I agreed, and intended to skim through it so we could talk.
I didn't skim. I read every single blasted word and felt compelled to spread the word about this book. I've read the reviews here and I most agree with MysteryArtist: REOPEN THIS CASE!!!!!! I agree with each and every positive review and all of the pro debates going on in the comments. I don't understand the negative reviews because this book is a true page-turner. It is informative, it is thorough, it is locked-up BELIEVABLE!
I don't hand out credit easily. I manage a crew of 40. I keep my eye on the deserving people, the ones who give their all. The credit here goes to author Marti Rulli who spent half of her life working a case that professional incompetents spent a few days on to violate every standard procedure expected of a crime scene. The cops did NOTHING by the book. We should all be so privileged.
Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour is one of the most fascinating books my wife and I have ever come across (we both worked on this review). I have no words for this author's sheer grit. The story and details are presented intelligently, comprehensively, with dedication and sincerity, and the results compliment if not exceed the effort.
WHERE IN THE HELL ARE THE COPS? If this book doesn't turn your guts inside out, you are remorseless. Kudos to Rulli. Without Rulli, I doubt we would have a Davern. Without Davern, we would've been snowed by the cops, celebrity, and the media forever as we often are. Brave people are behind this book. We commend you all. T&L

I read a lot of books and this book (Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour) was one of the most boring books I have ever read...It took over 300 pages to tell nothing...it went on and on about nothing..Everything was repeated so many times I couldn't believe it..I am sorry I spent the money to buy this book. By the way this is the first review I have ever written for a book..

I'M OF AN AGE THAT I REMEMBER THE INCIDENT VERY WELL COUPLED WITH THE FACT THAT I'M ACQUAINTED WITH THE AUTHOR WHICH MADE THE ACCOUNT OF NATALIE'S DEMISE ESPECIALLY INTERESTING. HOWEVER, I STILL HAD A LINGERING QUESTION WHICH WASN'T ANSWERED AT THE END BUT OVERALL FOR ME THE BOOK WAS A PAGE TURNER.

I have read every book that has ever been written about Natalie Wood. It has been rumored for years that Davern was writing a book. I am so glad Davern and Marti Rulli finally finished the telling task. But I will say I was sick to my stomach to think of the torment Natalie went through in her last hour. Her worst fears realized. I wonder if part of his anger that got totally out of hand happened with the argument in the stateroom when they were alone. Could Natalie have told Wagner she was going to see a lawyer as soon as they got back to the mainland. As she had told Davern that Wagner would face the music for this and that he knew it.
I hope the case is reopened and the rightful person held accountable. Very insightful. I love reading from his prespective, and I believe every word of it. He was right to give his account to the public and many fans of Natalie Wood. Natalie will not be forgotten......

I totally agree that the Natalie Wood "accidental drowning" case needs to be revisited and re-examined by the cops. Ms. Rulli does a great job of recreating some of the events of November 28, 1981, when Natalie Wood allegedly had a drowning accident, and it leads to many unanswered questions that cannot be explained by Robert Wagner's account of what happened that night. It is unbelievable that Wagner was allowed to fly home in a helicopter on the day his wife was found drowned off Catalina Island and was not held for questioning. Incredible. Ms. Rulli does a superb job with this book. Natalie Wood brought much joy to moviegoers who watched her moving and artful performances in many movies, and still does to this day. We owe it to her to bring her killer to justice.