The Hot One (by Carolyn Murnick)
The Hot One: A Memoir of Friendship, Sex, and Murder by Carolyn Murnick is a unique book. Carolyn describes growing up in New Jersey with her best friend, Ashley. The two girls were close and began drifting apart when they attended different high schools. Their personalities and lifestyles were drastically different. Carolyn seemed responsible with difficulty fitting in, while Ashley was popular and promiscuous. After high school, Carolyn went to college while Ashley moved to Los Angeles where she became a stripper and escort and used drugs.
The last time these women were together, Ashley visited Carolyn in New York. The visit clearly appeared tumultuous and evident of how much these friends had grown apart. They didn’t seem to have anything in common any longer, and their communications and visits seemed destined to fade away. One year later, Ashley was murdered in her home. This was quite a devastating loss for Carolyn. She begins traveling to Los Angeles for many of the court proceedings when the suspect is arrested.
I describe this book as unique because it is a memoir and a true crime story weaved together. The memoir portions of the book were reminiscent of a journal. The author included a lot of details that were irrelevant from my perspective. There was a recurrent theme that the author seemed to be using this book writing as a vehicle to process her grief. I completely support that process and hope it has been therapeutic for her personal growth. From an outsider’s point of view, it wasn’t information I found necessary to know.
I continued listening because I was interested in the true crime portion. Unfortunately, the story of the murder and subsequent trial did not flow like a typical true crime story. The author’s grief and determination to work out her emotions about her relationship with Ashley were heavily intertwined.
About halfway through the book, I remembered watching an episode of 48 Hours that covered this story. If, like me, you are interested in the true crime story, check out the television show. I have the trailer below for your convenience.
I appreciate Carolyn’s willingness to share her story and I admire how much she cared for Ashley. To live through a traumatic experience during one’s early adulthood, must be challenging. I can’t imagine being at a place in one’s life where there is so much uncertainty about a childhood friendship and then to tragically lose that friend.
I purchased this audiobook through my Audible membership. Narration by Hillary Huber made for a great listening experience.
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