Becoming Clark Rockefeller: Murder, Love, Deception, and the Con Man Behind It All (Paperback or Softback)

A narrative critics have hailed as "spellbinding."

"Frank C. Girardot is the pit bull crime reporter other crime reporters wish they were." —JAMES ELLROY, author of The Black Dahlia

BECOMING CLARK ROCKEFELLER: Murder, Love, Deception, and the Conman Behind It All delves into the life of a young immigrant entangled in a multi-generational murder investigation ensnaring some of the wealthiest Americans. Posing as bogus aristocrat Clark Rockefeller, he duped the affluent, leaving a trail of deception and national headlines in his wake.

Yet the story would grow even more sinister. In 1985, Linda Sohus, a talented, outgoing artist, and her husband John, a computer geek with dreams of space, mysteriously vanished from their quiet San Marino, California life. But why? Were they on a secret government mission, chasing elusive dreams, or had something terrible happened to them? The police investigated while the public and media speculated. But all leads came to a dead end, and eventually, the mystery faded into the shadows.

Then, in 1994, a shocking backyard discovery reignited the case. Bones were unearthed, revealing a convoluted tale of murder, lust, and trickery. At its center, the same audacious grifter, whose real name was Christian Gerhartsreiter, who had conned his way into high society as Clark Rockefeller.

In this thrilling true crime masterpiece, tenacious investigative journalist and bestselling author Frank C. Girardot unveils this transcontinental, decades-long mystery with interviews from witnesses, court documents, and exclusive insights from the con man himself.

Frank Girardot (born 1961, Detroit, Michigan) is an American author, journalist, victim advocate, and radio host. He is CEO of Pegasus Communications, LLC and a former editor and columnist for the Los Angeles News Group.