A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City

Murder, Secrets, and Scandal in Old Louisville

By: David Dominé

Narrated by: Tom Parks

This true crime saga - with an eccentric Southern backdrop - introduces the listener to the story of a murder in a crumbling Louisville mansion and the decades of secrets and corruption that live within the old house's walls.

On June 18, 2010, police discover a body buried in the wine cellar of a Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. James Carroll, shot and stabbed the year before, has lain for seven months in a plastic storage bin - his temporary coffin. Homeowner Jeffrey Mundt and his boyfriend, Joseph Banis, point the finger at each other in what locals dub The Pink Triangle Murder.

On the surface, this killing appears to be a crime of passion, a sordid love tryst gone wrong in a creepy old house. But as author David Domine sits in on the trials, a deeper story emerges: the struggle between hope for a better future on the one hand and the privilege and power of the status quo on the other.

David draws on the confidences of neighbors, drag queens, and other acquaintances within the city's vibrant LGBTQ community to piece together the details of the case. While uncovering the many past lives of the mansion itself, he enters a murky underworld of gossip, neighborhood scandal, and intrigue.

©2021 David Dominé (P)2021 Tantor

Thoroughly enjoyed!

I loved listening to history/gossip of a true crime story that happened in my hometown! I vaguely remember hearing about this story so it was fun catching up on all the details. The reader has a nice voice and made it an easy listen. Very nicely written!

Brilliant!

WoW - up there with midnight in the garden of good & evil. A deep dive into the crime, but even more so a vivid, amazing narrative about colourful eccentric characters, history, neighbourhood, interesting back stories and facts etc 💚💚💚 it!!! A must read/listen!

I liked it

It was well written and the reader did a good job. I live in Louisville and one of the reasons why I bought this book was to hear some Louisville history. And there is a lot of Louisville history wrapped around the story of a real murder case. When listening to it you get vibes of the book, “Midnight in the garden of good and evil.“ because of the eccentric characters. And, since the author puts himself into the story I got a little bit of Hunter S Thompson, “Fear and loathing at the Kentucky Derby“. But without the Drunkenness. I am a tough grader so I only give it four stars.

Didn’t care for narrator…

…and it felt like the whole book was trying too hard to be like “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”.

Great read!

Totally enjoyed this story. I highly recommend this book! Old Louisville is such a neat and unique area and this book does a great job describing it!

I enjoyed this!

I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and lived in Old Louisville for many years. Listening to this book was like listening to 13 hours of hometown gossip. I was shocked by how many of the characters I knew and was happy to hear their stories - along with Louisville history - accurately portrayed.

Unfortunately, the narrator butchered the pronunciation of the word "Lou- ah- vull" - which was distracting since the word came up on nearly every page.

Other than that, a solid, fun listen - very well-written, but not for the squeamish.

Very detailed, with a lot of History on the City..

I thought it was great, 👍. First time I'd ever finished a book on Audible. Overall, much different story then I typically would read but was intrigued after taking the Ghost Tour while in Louisville with David Domine to read his new book. Sorry to hear of the passing of your Brother and Mother David. Again, great book and I Highly recommend. I just purchased 2 more of his books.

Louisvillian

I loved learning about all the history of Louisville. I’ve lived here for 31 years and learned more from this book than I have in those 31 years. Thanks for the great story. And I think they probably both did it together

Glitter Ball City with Secrets

Lots of great Louisville information! Wish the killers would have granted Domine an interview.

Not much story

Too many details about things that don't add to the plot. If you are a Louisvillian, you are not going to like the way it is pronounced or how many times you have to hear it. Save your credit and purchase a physical copy.