Princess Diana

‘Diana: Case Solved’ Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The death of Princess Diana has stirred up several conspiracy theories, much like the assassination of President Kennedy. “Diana: Case Solved” is an investigative book into the life and death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Writers Dylan Howard and Colin McLaren bring out many interesting facts and premises about the late princess and the investigation of her death.

There are many things included in this book that Diana followers will probably not have known prior to reading it. We all know that the princess had predicted her death by a car crash made to look like an accident. We all know that it took too long to get her to the hospital after the crash. We all know the paparazzi were taking photos of the passengers of the infamous Mercedes after the crash. But there are many important things we find out in this book.

First of all, Dylan Howard weaves together an impressive biography of the princess. Secondly, Colin McLaren, an investigator from Australia, adds his input of the crash and the investigation. He traveled to Paris to put together pieces to figure out what actually happened in the Alma Tunnel in Paris. He spoke with countless people, witnesses, police, and others. Together these men present some interesting facts about the princess, the royals, the witnesses, and the police.

What struck me was the fact that the tunnel was not preserved as a crime scene as would normally be done in the case of a high-profile accident. It was immediately cleaned and cleared as soon as possible and washed down. Any evidence was gone within hours and the tunnel was open again for drivers.

The French police immediately put the blame on the paparazzi, but this book does bring out many other facts that for most of us were previously unknown. And there are several things that just don’t add up. It is easy to blame an intoxicated driver, but there are definite facts that bring confusion to readers as they flip the pages and the story continues. Who would benefit from Diana’s death? There are plenty of people and organizations that benefitted from the princess’ death.

Did a flash go off inside the tunnel temporarily blinding Henri Paul as he drove into the Alma tunnel? According to this book, there was a police speeding camera/light positioned there, which could have done just that. Interestingly, that was taken away while the paparazzi were still there and the scene was unfolding.

Whether you believe this was an accident or something sinister was behind the crash, the book is an interesting read, however there are a few contradictions. With so much information to cover, so many facts and conjectures are presented.

In the end, both authors speak with the one person who was at the scene. This meeting is very telling!

“Diana: Case Solved – The Definitive Account That Proves What Really Happened” is an interesting look at Princess Diana and the aftermath of her death.

Publisher: Skyhorse
Hardcover: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1510755039
ISBN-13: 978-1510755031

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Diana: Queen of Hearts’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Diana: Queen of Hearts is a love story to the late princess. With archival footage as well as interviews with those who knew her, crossed paths with her and were effected by her kindness, this documentary puts together a well-rounded look at the woman who mesmerized the world.

Her friend Lord Richard Attenborough presents this tribute. He knew Princess Diana well and recounts many times when they were together, and the touching last phone conversation between them just before she was killed in that horrific accident in Paris.

The documentary does not delve into the dark side of her life and marriage, but does point out her husband’s relationship with Camilla as the reason she was so upset in her marriage. And one confidant explains that she felt Diana’s bulimia began when Charles mentioned to the young woman that she was a bit chubby. Anyone who knows anything about teenage girls/women is that you should never talk about their weight. It is a lasting thing that digs at their heart and self-confidence for years to come.

Diana’s employer Mary Robertson, who hired the young woman to be a nanny to her son, recounts incidents with Diana. She also takes viewers through the romance between Charles and Diana and discusses how truly in love she was with Charles.

This documentary does not reveal anything new about the princess nor does it intend to show the dark side of her life. Instead, it is an upbeat film about how much Diana cared about people and wanted to use her life to help others. This is the story of a woman who was thought of as being a high fashion plate, but in her heart all she wanted to do was to help others in her own way. And that is evident by how fondly those who knew her remember her.

In this time when many royal films are coming out and when the world is focusing on the royals with Diana’s third grandchild coming next month and the upcoming wedding of her youngest son, it is perhaps a good time to reflect of the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter