80 pages • 2 hours read
Patrick Radden KeefeRogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.