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80 pages 2 hours read

Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Patrick Radden Keefe

Rogues

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 2000s-2020s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Rogues by Patrick Radden Keefe is a collection of essays originally published in The New Yorker, focusing on crime, fraud, and the nature of fame with case studies of 12 individuals. The narratives explore diverse scenarios, from a case of wine fraud in “The Jefferson Bottles” to “The Worst of the Worst,” which profiles defense attorney Judy Clarke, presenting a rich tapestry of human complexities. This work includes discussions of suicide, substance use disorder, sudden death, gun violence, and domestic abuse.

Informative

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

18,732 ratings

77%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Patrick Radden Keefe's Rogues generally receives praise for its engaging storytelling and meticulous research, with many reviewers highlighting Keefe's skill in crafting compelling narratives about complex figures. Criticisms include occasional pacing issues and a perceived lack of depth in certain profiles. Overall, Rogues stands out for its incisive exploration of morally ambiguous characters.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rogues?

Readers who enjoy gripping true crime and investigative journalism will relish Patrick Radden Keefe's Rogues. Comparable to Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven and David Grann's The Devil and Sherlock Holmes, this book captivates those intrigued by the intricacies of human behavior and high-stakes intrigue.

4.2

18,732 ratings

77%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Patrick Radden Keefe

A journalist and staff writer at The New Yorker known for his acclaimed narrative nonfiction works, such as "Say Nothing" and "Empire of Pain." He is the primary narrator, exploring the complexities of crime, wealth, and human behavior.

An affluent wine collector and key figure in the investigation of counterfeit wine, highlighting his vast collections and pursuit of retribution after being defrauded.

A former railway official turned prolific wine forger, known for amassing and showcasing an extraordinary collection of vintage wines and his elaborate deception.

A Dutch writer and lawyer who gained renown for turning against her brother, Wim, becoming a chief witness in his criminal case while grappling with family loyalty and betrayal.

A notorious Dutch criminal involved in the Heineken kidnapping, known for his violent underworld activities, reliance on secrecy, and tumultuous relationship with his sister, Astrid.

A man whose life was profoundly affected by the loss of his brother in the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, leading him to a dogged pursuit of both remembrance and justice for the act.

A neurologist who became embroiled in an insider trading scandal due to his emotional vulnerability and relationship with trader Matthew Martoma.

An ambitious individual who engaged in insider trading at SAC, initially presenting an accomplished facade with a history of deception.

A high-profile investment fund manager associated with SAC, known for accumulating vast wealth amid persistent accusations of financial impropriety and insider trading.

An academic who became infamous as a mass shooter following her tenure denial, her past raising questions following her violent act.

A emblematic figure in the drug trade, recognized for his leadership of a powerful Mexican cartel and his evasion of law enforcement.

A pioneering figure in reality television, credited with creating "Survivor" and enhancing Donald Trump's image through "The Apprentice."

The 45th president of the United States, whose rise to political prominence was bolstered by his role in "The Apprentice," underlying the impact of reality television on his public persona.

A whistleblower known for stealing and distributing confidential banking data from HSBC, challenging the Swiss banking secrecy laws and impacting global tax transparency.

A wealthy Syrian arms dealer dubbed the "Prince of Marbella," involved in various international military and drug trades, noted for his ability to elude accountability.

A defense attorney renowned for mitigating death penalty sentences, dedicated to understanding and conveying the backgrounds and tragedies of her clients.

Identified as one of the Boston Marathon bombers, depicted as a complex figure under the influence of his older brother and facing severe legal and personal challenges.

A billionaire involved in controversial mining deals in Africa, facing accusations of corruption amidst his disputes with Guinean officials.

Former president of Guinea who attempted to reform the mining industry and combat corruption, while his administration faced challenges securing national integrity.

A renowned chef and writer known for his book "Kitchen Confidential," who gained fame through his evocative travel and culinary television shows.

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 2000s-2020s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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