While in the height of my true crime phase, I requested a review copy of Leopold and Loeb, the new edition of Higdon's enormous work about the death of Bobby Franks and the lives of his murderers. Somehow, I never actually got around to reading it, but then it suddenly grabbed me and it was an intriguing reading experience. Thanks to University of Illinois Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My sincere apologies for the delay in reviewing!

One thing that was fascinating about reading Leopold and Loeb was how it made me reconsider the current true crime trend. On the one hand, there absolutely has been an enormous increase in the amount of media aimed at discussing, dissecting, and documenting crimes. This attention takes different kind of forms, from those which are legitimately trying to uncover information and address injustice to those who are girlbossing their way into excusing male violence. On the other hand, however, we have always been intrigued by and obsessed with the dark underbellies of our societies. Especially crimes such as these, in which a young boy is killed by two young, well-to-do men from his own social circle, for seemingly no other reason than thrills, is bound to have people asking all kinds of questions. It is the same intrigue behind the renewed interest in the Menendez brothers, I think. I don't think there is necessarily something wrong with being interested in these kinds of things, in wanting to know why things happen and how, either to be more informed about social issues or find out ways to keep yourself safe(r), but I noticed with myself that I needed to be careful in what I actually watched/read and how. It is important to keep one's eyes on those who were victimised, rather than turning the criminals into icons. Leopold and Loeb, as the title implies, does not quite land on the right side of that line for me.

In 1924, Bobby Franks was kidnapped and killed by two young men, Leopold and Loeb. The two attempted to get a ransom from Bobby's parents, despite the boy already being dead, and were eventually caught almost by mistake. Leopold and Loeb is an extensive, detailed work-up of the entire crime, from its lead-up, what is known of the murder itself, the direct aftermath and investigation, the hearing, and the lives of Leopold and Loeb afterwards. As the title suggests, the majority of the focus is on the two young men, although much of the first part focuses on Bobby and his family as well. What is really intriguing about this entire case in, perhaps, not so much the why behind it, but the enormous question mark following the who question. It is still unclear which of the two actually killed Bobby and Higdon masterfully evades answering the question himself, although he makes a case for either. Because of that gap, some of the remaining fascination with the case can be explained, as there remains something to question.

Leopold and Loeb absolutely is well-researched, containing a mountain of details and insights in its almost 400 pages that Higdon clearly brought together from different sources. I will say that the book, for my taste, could have done with another editing round. First published in 1975, it was written for a different kind of audience, but it felt a little repetitive at times, with similar kinds of information being repeated again in full. Higdon does have a knack for hitting on the right kind of detail to drive something home and I think here he really benefitted from all the journalists who covered this case in so much detail and even added to the investigation. However, I did get a little tired of the repeated assurances of how brilliant and clever and occasionally charming both Leopold and Loeb could be. This is why it sits on the "wrong" side of the true crime genre for me, too interested in the special minds that can commit murder rather than in the lives affected and ruined. They're not special, they were spoiled young men who misread Nietzsche and thought they could do whatever they wanted. For those who want to know everything there is to know about this case, Leopold and Loeb is definitely the book. Whether I'd recommend it to general readers interested in true crime, probably no.

For what it sets out to do, which is give all the information for an infamous crime and hearing, Leopold and Loeb does an excellent job. However, in its focus, it does feel dated by now.

I've been obsessed with the Leopold and Loeb case my entire life. It's almost unthinkable: these two young men with every imaginable privilege deciding to murder someone just because. For the thrill, to get away with it, to prove that they really are smarter than everyone else. Then a dumb mistake (leaving glasses at the scene of the crime) has them almost immediately identified. It's also fascinating to learn about their relationship with each other. As with every folie a deux, there are intense psychological issues at play that affect how they see each other and the rest of the world. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the case, whether they're already familiar with it or not. Higdon's narrative is absolutely riveting.

A classic, and rightly so. The original book is just shy of the 50th anniversary of its publication, and the "crime of the century" is now a century old, but both continue to prove compelling. Definitely recommend this for most libraries and for a wide spectrum of readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

An account of the Leopold & Loeb murder of their young neighbor Bobby Franks in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago in the 20's - originally published in 1975 and rereleased.

What I liked about the book:
1. Very thorough
2. The author did a good job of keeping balance in the book
3. It was disturbing - on many levels. Their relationship, their relationship with family and friends - the way their minds worked as one.

What I didn't like:
1. Lots of repetition during the courtroom scenes - needed to be trimmed back.

For those who love true crime, psychology and Chicago History - this is a must read!

Thank you to the U of I Press and Net Galley for the chance to read this new release copy.

The book describes a crime that happened in Chicago in the 1920s and people behind it. The book is well-written and the case is deeply analyzed. Highly recommended!!!

Fascinating in depth analysis of the crime of the century. Previously published naby years ago with many other books on the aubject. This asks rhe nore difficult questions and attempts to find humanity and understanding whilist balancing out the fact we will never know who delivered the gunsl blow.
Throughly enjoyable a good read felt long in places. I had not heard of the crime so this gave me enough detail. Proper use of transcript gave this real power
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author
.

I knew little bit about this case but not a hole lot , and this book introduce the full case to me as well as making it easy for me to understand who was who and what happened.

Leopold and Loeb by Hal Higdon is a true crime about two young men who committed a notorious murder in Chicago in the 1920s .

I am familiar with Higdon's Runner's World articles and books and always found him an engaging sports writer, and was surprised to see his name associated with this true crime book. While he does over the crime, motivations, historical context, and legal case with great depth, the key details were all revealed early on in the book leading me to lose interest. It could have been shorter, more focused, and a talented true crime writer would have known how to reveal the case in a way to keep reader engagement high.

This book is not formatted to be read on a kindle and that was an issue for me. Moreover, this was an interesting read and I believe it would’ve been better, had it been a tad more succinct. Would still recommend!

This is a reissue of a book first published in 1974. It’s a true crime account of a murder in Chicago 100 years ago in a famous case which later formed the basis for a film. I’ve seen the case as a short feature on a true crime documentary in the UK and I was intrigued to learn more of the detail.

Higdon presents what feels to be a meticulously researched and authoritative account. The murder was a random act of violence and defied reason. The perpetrators were rich, privileged and had no history of violence. So why did they choose to carry out this brutal act? The book documents the background really well. I gained insight into the times, the people and the events. It is truly chilling but the facts are presented with compassion. The consequences are equally interesting; the subsequent investigation and court case in what was to become one of America’s most famed murder trials. If you love true crime, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this and it’s also an interesting journey into the depths to which humans can sink.

I selected this book because I’m a true crime lover and I was interested in this case. I found the book very informative, it was a lot more information than I expected.

This is a well researched and well written book! I learned things about the case I didn't know and was intrigued from beginning to end. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Hal Higdon, University of Illinois Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

Outside the U.S., people probably have not heard of Leopold and Loeb. But that is a shame, because this fascinating murder case riveted the U.S. a century ago., and for good reason. These two young men chose their victim at random. He was an innocent fourteen-year-old boy. Why would they do such a thing? Were they insane? Were they monsters?

This bizarre murder case has been written about in numerous books and told in movies, but by far the best account is the one that Hal Higdon wrote in 1975. This new edition has appeared in commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of this celebrated crime.

Higdon is a superb researcher, and this book is meticulously reported and written with great clarity and nuance. Perhaps more than any other account, Higdon has delved deeper into the motivations of the killers. What drove them to commit such a disgusting act of murder for no apparent reason whatsoever?

The result of his fine work is compelling, almost hypnotically so. Recommended for anyone interested in true crime.

"Leopold and Loeb: The Crime of the Century" by Hal Higdon is a gripping and meticulously researched account of one of the most infamous crimes in American history. The book stands out for its comprehensive exploration of the Leopold and Loeb case, delving into the motivations, personalities, and societal impact of the perpetrators behind what was labeled as the "crime of the century."

One commendable aspect of the book is Hal Higdon's dedication to providing a thorough and well-documented examination of the Leopold and Loeb case. The author navigates the complexities of the crime and its aftermath with precision, offering readers a detailed and insightful narrative. The exploration of the perpetrators' backgrounds, legal proceedings, and the cultural impact of the case adds depth to the historical account.

Higdon's writing style is engaging and informative, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The author successfully combines a journalistic approach with a storytelling flair, ensuring that the narrative maintains a compelling pace. The inclusion of historical context enhances the reader's understanding of the era and the societal factors that contributed to the crime's notoriety.

However, some readers may find the content intense and unsettling due to the nature of the crime and its details. Potential readers should be aware of the heavy subject matter, which involves a brutal crime and its legal aftermath.

In conclusion, "Leopold and Loeb: The Crime of the Century" is a well-crafted and comprehensive exploration of a notorious criminal case. Hal Higdon's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make the book a compelling read for those interested in true crime and historical narratives. While the intensity of the subject matter may be challenging for some readers, the book's overall impact lies in its ability to provide a detailed and nuanced perspective on the crime and its enduring legacy.

This book is one that enthralled readers when first printed. The crime still has the capacity to shock and is one to examine. The themes of nurture versus nature and poverty compared with wealth are still necessary. The death of 14 year old Bobby Frank's is an unfathomable tragedy and in this book the author takes the reader through background of offenders to their ultimate end in incarceration.
I read this years ago but it still has investigative value today.

This is one of the most intriguing true crime story I read and I read also in other books.
This is a well researched and well written book, highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Leopold and Loeb were two well-educated and highly intelligent Jewish boys from wealthy South Side families. They chose 14 year old Bobby Franks at random as their victim. They were defended by the era's most famous attorney, Clarence Darrow. He requested that they not be put to death. They were imprisoned and while in jail Loeb was killed but Leopold was finally released after 30 years and lived until 1971 age 66. This was a very interesting case that was known as The Crime of the Century. If you like true crime then you will love this book. I would like to read another book about this murder in the future.

I would love to read this, but in its current format it is very difficult to read digitally, on a phone or on a Kindle. At first I thought I had encountered an error when downloading it but after repeated attempts, they all came out the same. The whole book is printed horizontally, and cut-offs are not equal between pages, meaning even if i do try to read it sideways, I end up reading the same lines again or missing lines that have not been caught

I have consistently been interested in the Leopold and Loeb case, as I grew up right in the area – waiting for the bus directly in front of the Franks home, in fact. I’d heard many of the details as asides, the two rich boys wanting to commit the “perfect crime”, the Nietzschean super-mensch rationale, the finding of the glasses near the body. This book gave a very detailed look at the crime, the trial, and the incarceration. While I don’t believe I’d continue to argue that this was the crime of the century, I believe it is still a valuable read, a classic in the true crime genre.

This new edition of a true crime classic explores the infamous 1924 murder of Bobby Franks by privileged teenagers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Delving into the sinister plot, shocking confessions, and sensational trial, it provides a gripping, definitive account of the heinous crime.

This is a fascinating and compelling story. It’s unfortunate that this new edition retains the homophobic language of the original.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.