Deliberate Cruelty: Truman Capote, the Millionaire's Wife, and the Murder of the Century

In 1955, Ann Woodward shot her husband, Billy Woodward, and Truman Capote became obsessed with the scandal, using it as the basis for his masterpiece, "In Cold Blood." The book led to Ann's suicide and Capote's scandalous downfall. "Deliberate Cruelty" is a haunting cross between true crime and literary history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

This captivating and vividly recounted tale, described as a "wild romp of a story" by Neal Thompson, delves into the intricately connected destinies of the infamous socialite Ann Woodward and the literary luminary Truman Capote. It transports us to the opulent realms of Manhattan's high society, where falls from grace are all the more astonishing.

In 1955, Ann Woodward's life was irrevocably altered when she took the life of her husband, banking heir Billy Woodward, in the dead of night. Despite her claims that she believed he was a prowler, skepticism surrounded her, as she had transitioned from a charismatic showgirl to a prominent socialite. The scandal that engulfed one of New York City's most affluent and renowned families captivated the attention of many, but Truman Capote was particularly intrigued by the tale.

Renowned for his bestselling nonfiction work In Cold Blood, Capote sought fresh material and closely followed the scandal from its inception to its conclusion. Like Ann, he had risen from obscurity to become a prominent figure, yet he always felt like an outsider, even among the exclusive circle of high society women who adored him. Deciding that Ann's tumultuous marriage would serve as the foundation for his masterpiece—a novel that delved into the dysfunction and sordid secrets revealed to him by his high society "swans"—Capote never imagined that it would ultimately result in Ann's tragic suicide and his own scandalous downfall.

"A 20th-century morality tale of enduring fascination," as described by Laura Thompson, Deliberate Cruelty seamlessly blends true crime and literary history, appealing to fans of Furious Hours, Empty Mansions, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This haunting and captivating narrative offers a unique perspective on the lives and legacies of Ann Woodward and Truman Capote, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982153731