Little Sister

My Investigation into the Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood

By: Lana Wood

Narrated by: Lana Wood

In this memoir, Lana Wood investigates the mysterious drowning of her sister, the actress Natalie Wood, and clears up the myths and misconceptions behind one of the most notorious celebrity deaths of our time.

On the night of November 29, 1981, Natalie Wood disappeared from her yacht, the Splendour, while visiting Catalina Island with her husband, Robert “R.J.” Wagner and their friend, Christopher Walken. The beloved movie star’s tragic drowning shook America, inspiring troves of magazine covers and media pieces. What was originally believed to be an open-and-shut case of accidental drowning has been called into question over the years, and in 2011 the investigation was reopened. In 2018, at the urging of the public, it was reclassified as “suspicious.”

Ever since, the question has remained: What really happened to Natalie Wood?

Lana Wood, Natalie’s younger sister, long suspected nefarious circumstances surrounding her sister’s death. Her closest confidante from childhood, Lana stood witness to Natalie’s life: the successes, the heartache, and her deepest pain. But there was tremendous fear about investigating the case. Uncertain of what her own search would unravel, and frightened of the possibilities, Lana stayed silent for years, until she no longer could. She realized she was ignoring what was in front of her, and that the best way to honor her sister's legacy would be uncovering the secrets behind the very end of Natalie’s life.

By elucidating previously unknown complications of Natalie’s life, and offering new evidence from key parties involved in the investigation — including the boat’s captain and other witnesses — Little Sister recounts Lana’s search for the truth and brings to light explosive details that have been suppressed for decades. Ranging from the bonds that hold family together, to inconsistencies in interviews with detectives to complications with evidence, this story of sisterhood and mystery presents a fresh perspective on a night that has long been fodder for Hollywood lore.

©2021 Lana Wood (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Not a bad point of view on something familiar

First, I loved that the author read the book. There were parts where her emotion came through and it felt genuine. Overall though, I finished the book feeling like the author left something out. Maybe Robert Wagner is as heartless as he seems to be in the author's telling. Maybe he disliked/distrusted her all those years for a reason. Either she didn't see the reason or she maintained her privacy by not explaining it. Still this book was well worth my time. I was a Natalie Wood fan and saw most of her movies and even read other biographies about her in the past. Hearing what her sister had to say about their relationship was, if it is all accurate, a new take on an old "story".

Lana’s new book was so worth the wait!

I am a lifelong Natalie Wood fan, and have always known that her life was ended due to foul play. Many people feel a closeness to Natalie, but Lana is her sister. She knows intimate facts the only a close family member could know, and feels such deep grief no one should have. I find her book to be frank, candid, and open, and her perspective to be spot on.-I purchased the audio book as soon as I knew that she would be doing the narration, and I’m glad I did. I have now listened to it all the way through twice, and plan to buy a physical copy to go with my Natalie Wood collection. I agree with Lana‘s conclusions, and I applaud her bravery in keeping her sister‘s name alive. I very much doubt that Natalie will get the justice that she’s so deserves here, but have no doubt that her justice will come in the hereafter by the ultimate judge. I highly recommend this book!

Heartbreaking

Very entertaining book about the love between two sisters. My heart goes out to Lana wood.

I love Lana!

Everything Lana found suspicious I always felt the same way. I agree with what she thinks happened. I appreciated Lana's honesty. Lana I am so very sorry for the loss of your daughter! I lost my son on December 12, 2023. He lived with me. He was 43 and had blood clots. It caused severe strokes. I too had to agree to take the ventilator off and let him go. Not a day goes by I don't think of him. I absolutely loved Natalie! I am so sorry that happened. She deserved better.

Bravo, Lana!

I really enjoyed this book! It is compelling and very moving. And Lana Wood did an excellent job in her narration!!

Unexpected

I wish there was somehow more detail about the case and a few more stories about Natalie -- but overall this book presents the available information about the Natalie Wood case in a compelling way, including new bits of information that may surprise you.

A very thought provoking story.

I was riveted from beginning to end. Lana tells a story about two sisters who loved each other dearly. She tried so hard to understand what happened to her sister. My heart goes out to her. I have always thought RJ did it and this book makes me think I'm right.

A compelling listen

Do not believe the 1-star review that claims this book is a trashing of Natalie Wood by a jealous woman who didn’t love her own sister. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I suspect that “review” was written by a member of RJ Wagner’s PR team, if not Mr. Wagner himself.

Ms. Wood makes a systematic, compelling case that the original investigation of Natalie Wood’s death was badly mishandled, and was instrumental in the LACSD’s eventual reopening of the case as a “suspicious drowning” in 2011, and RJ Wagner being named a”person of interest” in 2018. Unfortunately, “persons of interest” do not have to speak to investigators, and Wagner has refused to cooperate. At 91, there is virtually no chance he will ever do so, and the mystery of Natalie Wood’s death will never be solved.

RJ Did It!

Being born after her death, I had never heard Natalie Wood's story, but this book shared it fabulously! I'm now curioud to read the books of others involved.

Fascinating Must Listen for Natalie Wood Fans

I found Lana Wood to be a smart, thorough, believable, sympathetic figure. She brings a point of view that simply no one else could. She presents a very convincing case for why the investigation was re-opened. It was wonderful to hear tidbits about her and Natalie’s life outside of the public eye. Truly insightful book by a very interesting and compelling woman.