A Dangerous Beauty: The Kennedys, the Mob, the FBI, and Judith Exner—the Woman Who Linked Them All

Summary

In 1960, Hollywood socialite Judith Campbell Exner was introduced to Senator John F. Kennedy in the throes of his run for president. Their secret romance soon entangled her with one of the most dangerous men in America—Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana, along with his associate, the sharply dressed "Handsome Johnny" Rosselli. What began as her passion for JFK quickly became her peril. At Kennedy's request, Judith became the secret link between him and the Mafia, carrying money and messages—first to help JFK's presidential campaign, and then to monitor the mob's progress in their CIA-sponsored attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro at the height of the Cold War.

In the decades since, Exner's claims have been dismissed, her reputation attacked by the press, and her true story buried beneath the myth of Camelot. Now, former federal attorney Mark Allen and award-winning writer Tricia Aurand have sorted through the mountain of misinformation that has hidden the facts, drawing on decades of research, original interviews, and newly released government records.

A Dangerous Beauty pieces the puzzle together by revealing Exner to be a significant part of JFK's presidency and by refuting the lies that have relegated her to a shameful footnote from the time. More than a hidden chapter in American history, this is the story of a woman who lived with secrets that could have toppled a presidency and ended a political dynasty—a woman who paid the price for both withholding and then telling the truth. Now, her voice can be heard.