Explodes the myths surrounding the death of Brian Jones, founder of the Rolling Stones

In this definitive biography of Brian Jones, Laura Jackson - the first to insist that Jones was murdered and the first to identify his killer - rejects the stereotype of a narcissistic rock star who was doomed to self-destruct.

Instead, she spoke to the people who knew him best: his family and friends, girlfriends and confidantes, the musicians and friends who lived and worked with him right up until his death in 1969. Jones emerges as a man of immense talent, energy and humour, but crippled by insecurities and shyness - a portrayal greatly at odds with the sordid rumours that plagued him throughout his life, which continue to this day.

Jackson provides new testimony on the rivalries within the Rolling Stones and the bitter final split, together with telling details from the pathology and coroner's reports, to tell the story behind the headlines and get to the heart of the mysterious death of Brian Jones.

"This well-researched biography . . . thoroughly explores the murder and manslaughter angles" - PAPERBACK OF THE WEEK, OBSERVER

"if Mick Jagger is the beating heart of the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones was the brain . . . Jackson's examination of his life shows that, without him, Jagger and his snake hips may never have happened" - SHORTLIST

"Where Jackson excels is in bringing Jones's early years to life, tracking his path from scholarly pupil to rebellious teenager to gifted, influential musician, through letters and interviews with his teachers, friends, girlfriends, sons and fellow musicians" - CLASSIC ROCK