Scoundrel

Scoundrel tells the true story of Edgar Smith, who was convicted of murder in 1957 and sent to death row. Through letter-writing campaigns and published writing from prison, Smith built relationships with several influential figures who advocated for his release. The book traces Smith's complex manipulation of supporters, including William F. Buckley Jr. and other prominent conservatives of the era. It documents how Smith used his intelligence and charm to convince others of his innocence while orchestrating a years-long effort to win his freedom. Sarah Weinman reconstructs this mid-century case through extensive research, interviews, and previously unpublished materials. The narrative follows both Smith's calculated efforts from behind bars and the evolving perspectives of those who championed his cause. The story raises enduring questions about justice, manipulation, and the human capacity to believe what we want to believe despite evidence to the contrary. It examines how charisma and intellect can be wielded as weapons, particularly against those who are seeking meaning or connection.

Readers found this true crime account meticulously researched and compelling in its examination of how a convicted murderer manipulated his way to freedom. Many noted the book's thorough documentation and extensive use of primary sources. Readers appreciated: - Clear breakdown of the legal proceedings - Inclusion of victims' perspectives - Exploration of media influence on criminal justice - Detailed character study Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in middle sections - Too much focus on literary figures involved - Some repetitive passages - Occasional challenging shifts in timeline Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (280+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Documents how privilege and connections can corrupt justice" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets bogged down in William F. Buckley's involvement" - Amazon reviewer "Important story but needed tighter editing" - LibraryThing reviewer

American Predator by Maureen Callahan This investigation tracks the hunt for serial killer Israel Keyes while revealing how he manipulated the criminal justice system.

The Real Lolita by Sarah Weinman This true-crime account uncovers the 1948 kidnapping case that inspired Nabokov's famous novel.

The Five by Hallie Rubenhold The narrative reconstructs the lives of Jack the Ripper's victims through historical research and social context.

Lost Girls by Robert Kolker The book examines the unsolved Long Island serial killer case through the stories of five victims connected to the sex trade.

Death in the City of Light by David King This chronicle follows the investigation of Dr. Marcel Petiot, who murdered dozens in Nazi-occupied Paris while posing as a resistance fighter.

🔍 Edgar Smith spent 14 years on death row, surviving eight execution dates before his release in 1971 📚 Smith authored a bestselling book called "Brief Against Death" while in prison, which helped establish his public credibility 🎭 After his release, Smith attacked another woman in California, revealing his true nature and leading to a second imprisonment ✒️ Author Sarah Weinman previously wrote "The Real Lolita," another acclaimed work exploring true crime and literary connections 🗞️ William F. Buckley Jr.'s involvement in Smith's case marked one of the rare instances where a prominent conservative intellectual advocated for a death row inmate's release