Renowned author James Patterson has stirred intrigue by suggesting that the iconic Marilyn Monroe was murdered, asserting that the beloved actress was “treading in very dangerous waters.”

In an insightful conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Patterson discussed his upcoming book, The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe: A True Crime Thriller, where he delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Monroe’s death.

“She was entwined in extraordinary relationships—with President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, and even figures from the Mafia. They confided in her, and she documented what she learned. The information she possessed was potentially perilous,” Patterson revealed during the interview.

The best-selling author noted, “A lot of people are unaware of the full story behind Monroe’s life and untimely demise,” adding, “Even I discovered many unknown facets while researching.”

Marilyn Monroe, celebrated as an American actress, singer, and model, remains a captivating figure in popular culture.

Patterson said most people don’t know too much about Monroe’s death, like comments from one of the detectives assigned to her death.

“The 11 foster homes. The fact that she had a pretty bad stutter when she was a kid,” Patterson said. “I didn’t know much about the death scene, about the autopsy not being as complete as it should have been, that one of the detectives was convinced the scene was staged. The key is, a lot of people know about her a bit, but not that much. You’d be surprised.”

AMAGANSETT, NY – 1957:  Marilyn Monroe poses wearing an amber bead necklace in 1957 in Amagansett, New York. (© Shaw Family Archives Ltd)

Los Angeles police determined Monroe’s Aug. 5, 1962 death was a probable suicide “caused by a self-administered overdose of sedative drugs,” according to History.com.

American actress, singer, model and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe on the set of Niagara, directed by Henry Hathaway. (Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Image)

The book bills itself as a “true crime thriller,” but includes a disclaimer saying it’s “a work of fiction.”

“I mean, she was just a monster of a star, and she kind of threw it away,” Patterson said.