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Nothing but the Night: Leopold & Loeb and the Truth Behind the Murder That Rocked 1920s America
Greg King and Penny Wilson turn the original crime of the century on its head in Nothing But the Night , a riveting new exploration of the murder trial of Leopold & Loeb.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two wealthy and privileged teenagers―Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb―were charged and convicted in a gruesome crime that would lead to the original “Trial of the Century”. Even in Jazz Age Chicago, the murder was uniquely shocking for the motive of the well-to-do Jewish scions, full of promise, had killed fourteen-year-old Bobby Franks for the thrill of it. The trial was made even more sensational by the revelation of a love affair between the defendants and by defense attorney Clarence Darrow, who delivered one of the most famous defense summations of all time to save the boys from the death penalty. The story of their mad folie à deux, with Loeb portrayed as the psychopathic mastermind and Leopold as his infatuated disciple, has been endlessly repeated and accepted by history as fact. And none of it is true.
Using twenty-first century investigative tools, forensics, and a modern understanding of the psychology of these infamous killers, Nothing but the Night turns history on its head. While Loeb has long been viewed as the architect behind the murders, King and Wilson’s new research points to Leopold as the dominant partner in the deadly relationship, uncovering a dark obsession with violence and sex. Nothing but the Night pulls readers into the troubled world of Leopold and Loeb, revealing a more horrifying tale of passion, obsession, and betrayal than history ever imagined.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two wealthy and privileged teenagers―Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb―were charged and convicted in a gruesome crime that would lead to the original “Trial of the Century”. Even in Jazz Age Chicago, the murder was uniquely shocking for the motive of the well-to-do Jewish scions, full of promise, had killed fourteen-year-old Bobby Franks for the thrill of it. The trial was made even more sensational by the revelation of a love affair between the defendants and by defense attorney Clarence Darrow, who delivered one of the most famous defense summations of all time to save the boys from the death penalty. The story of their mad folie à deux, with Loeb portrayed as the psychopathic mastermind and Leopold as his infatuated disciple, has been endlessly repeated and accepted by history as fact. And none of it is true.
Using twenty-first century investigative tools, forensics, and a modern understanding of the psychology of these infamous killers, Nothing but the Night turns history on its head. While Loeb has long been viewed as the architect behind the murders, King and Wilson’s new research points to Leopold as the dominant partner in the deadly relationship, uncovering a dark obsession with violence and sex. Nothing but the Night pulls readers into the troubled world of Leopold and Loeb, revealing a more horrifying tale of passion, obsession, and betrayal than history ever imagined.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2022
About the author
Greg King
33 books163 followersGreg King (born 1964) is an American author, best known for his biographies of prominent historical figures.
He is the author of eleven internationally published works of royal and social history, specializing in late Imperial Russia and Edwardian-era royalty, including The Fate of the Romanovs, The Court of the Last Tsar, and the UK bestseller The Duchess of Windsor. A frequent onscreen expert and commentator for historical documentaries, his work has appeared in Majesty Magazine, Royalty Magazine, Royalty Digest, and Atlantis Magazine.
Source: wikipedia.com & us.macmillan.com
He is the author of eleven internationally published works of royal and social history, specializing in late Imperial Russia and Edwardian-era royalty, including The Fate of the Romanovs, The Court of the Last Tsar, and the UK bestseller The Duchess of Windsor. A frequent onscreen expert and commentator for historical documentaries, his work has appeared in Majesty Magazine, Royalty Magazine, Royalty Digest, and Atlantis Magazine.
Source: wikipedia.com & us.macmillan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
Shelved as 'dnf'
November 3, 2022DNF....nothing here that couldn't be found in an article or podcast about the case. The rest is simply filler. I want facts in my non-fiction reading, not conjecture.
June 13, 2024
When I was a teen, I read Meyer Levin's book Compulsion about the Leopold/Loeb case and my parents had to drag me away from it to get to the dinner table. I was interested in this book to re-visit the "crime of the century".
I am not going into the detailed history of this heinous murder except to say that, in Chicago, two wealthy and extremely intelligent 18 year old boys(they entered college at age 14) kidnapped and murdered a young neighbor boy, Bobby Franks. Even though they had murdered and possibly sexually assaulted him, they demanded ransom from the parents. They were captured within a few days and finally confessed. Pleading guilty, they hired the most famous attorney in the US, Clarence Darrow in an attempt to dodge the death penalty.
The majority of this book is quite good but the authors then attempt to tie Leopold and Loeb to other unsolved murders that occurred in the Chicago area. They don't seem to have any viable evidence to make that assumption and the two young men denied any knowledge of these murders. That took my rating down by one star as it was not necessary to flesh out the history of this infamous case.
It is, overall, an interesting book and will be of interest, especially to those who are unfamiliar with this "crime of the century".
I am not going into the detailed history of this heinous murder except to say that, in Chicago, two wealthy and extremely intelligent 18 year old boys(they entered college at age 14) kidnapped and murdered a young neighbor boy, Bobby Franks. Even though they had murdered and possibly sexually assaulted him, they demanded ransom from the parents. They were captured within a few days and finally confessed. Pleading guilty, they hired the most famous attorney in the US, Clarence Darrow in an attempt to dodge the death penalty.
The majority of this book is quite good but the authors then attempt to tie Leopold and Loeb to other unsolved murders that occurred in the Chicago area. They don't seem to have any viable evidence to make that assumption and the two young men denied any knowledge of these murders. That took my rating down by one star as it was not necessary to flesh out the history of this infamous case.
It is, overall, an interesting book and will be of interest, especially to those who are unfamiliar with this "crime of the century".
December 3, 2022
I've obviously heard of the Leopold and Loeb case but I didn't know much about it other than the basics.
In 1920's two rich kids kidnapped and murdered and child. The motive was that they just wanted to plan the perfect murder. The case was considered "The Crime of the Century"
That's what I knew going in. Today the phrase " The Crime of the Century" has been used so many times that it no longer has any meaning. But this crime truly earned that title. It was the first crime of its kind. Today teenagers kill people all the time. Rich people kill people all the time. Little kids get killed all the time...but in 1924 this case was basically unheard-of.
Nothing in the Night sets out to set the record straight about what really made 2 rich teenagers murder a child. I got alot out this book because I didn't know really anything about it, I don't know how a reader with more knowledge of the case would like this because I don't know how much of this information is known already. I don't want to say what I learned from this book because I think it's more "fun" ( fun is a bad word to use about the case of a murdered 11 year old...even if it was 98 years ago but it's the only word I can think of) to read it yourself especially if you like me know very little about this case.
The Leopold and Loeb case may have been the first American True Crime case. Obviously England had Jack the Ripper but for the still quite young nation of the U.S.A this case was the first to really capture the nation as entertainment.
I prefer to read or watch True Crime from the past. It just feels more distant, I prefer the 1980's because I think 80's crime case are wild but lately I've been more interested in historical cases. If you know any other interesting cases that are 60 years or older, than let me know.
I highly recommend this book to True Crime enthusiasts but I will say that the reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I think it devoted to much time to the trial and it was repetitive at times. The book could have lost 30 to 50 pages and have been even better.
In 1920's two rich kids kidnapped and murdered and child. The motive was that they just wanted to plan the perfect murder. The case was considered "The Crime of the Century"
That's what I knew going in. Today the phrase " The Crime of the Century" has been used so many times that it no longer has any meaning. But this crime truly earned that title. It was the first crime of its kind. Today teenagers kill people all the time. Rich people kill people all the time. Little kids get killed all the time...but in 1924 this case was basically unheard-of.
Nothing in the Night sets out to set the record straight about what really made 2 rich teenagers murder a child. I got alot out this book because I didn't know really anything about it, I don't know how a reader with more knowledge of the case would like this because I don't know how much of this information is known already. I don't want to say what I learned from this book because I think it's more "fun" ( fun is a bad word to use about the case of a murdered 11 year old...even if it was 98 years ago but it's the only word I can think of) to read it yourself especially if you like me know very little about this case.
The Leopold and Loeb case may have been the first American True Crime case. Obviously England had Jack the Ripper but for the still quite young nation of the U.S.A this case was the first to really capture the nation as entertainment.
I prefer to read or watch True Crime from the past. It just feels more distant, I prefer the 1980's because I think 80's crime case are wild but lately I've been more interested in historical cases. If you know any other interesting cases that are 60 years or older, than let me know.
I highly recommend this book to True Crime enthusiasts but I will say that the reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I think it devoted to much time to the trial and it was repetitive at times. The book could have lost 30 to 50 pages and have been even better.
July 18, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this updated new look at the Leopold and Loeb murder of the 1920s. I’ve read about the case and was really glad to get this new book on the subject. Great research and writing here. I never knew that the 2 killers and their victim all lived in the same well to do neighborhood within just a few blocks of each other. Or that one of the killers was a first cousin to the victim, that shocked me. So much new information for me on these killers, a very good true crime read that isn't dry. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2022
3.5 stars
A well researched examination of the gruesome and chilling 1924 murder of 14 year old Bobby Franks. For almost a century, the two infamous friends, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, have been known as the two wealthy university students who painstakingly planned and carried out the cold blooded murder of Franks. When asked why upon their arrest, they said because they wanted to know what it would be like to take a human life. Doesn't get more cold-blooded than that. Although the two eventually confessed, neither admitted to wielding the vicious blows that ultimately killed Franks. Each friend said it was the other. This true crime story focuses on this aspect of the crime and leads the reader to the likelihood of who actually killed Franks. It also delves into the events leading up to the crime, the psychology of the murder and what happened to Loeb and Leopold afterwards. A fascinating account for true crime lovers. My only reason for not giving this book five stars was that the actual story seemed a bit drawn out with many details that felt unnecessary. The audio narration was in line with other nonfiction books I've listened to and was performed with credibility.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
A well researched examination of the gruesome and chilling 1924 murder of 14 year old Bobby Franks. For almost a century, the two infamous friends, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, have been known as the two wealthy university students who painstakingly planned and carried out the cold blooded murder of Franks. When asked why upon their arrest, they said because they wanted to know what it would be like to take a human life. Doesn't get more cold-blooded than that. Although the two eventually confessed, neither admitted to wielding the vicious blows that ultimately killed Franks. Each friend said it was the other. This true crime story focuses on this aspect of the crime and leads the reader to the likelihood of who actually killed Franks. It also delves into the events leading up to the crime, the psychology of the murder and what happened to Loeb and Leopold afterwards. A fascinating account for true crime lovers. My only reason for not giving this book five stars was that the actual story seemed a bit drawn out with many details that felt unnecessary. The audio narration was in line with other nonfiction books I've listened to and was performed with credibility.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2022
*The publisher has provided me with an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Whenever a murder is committed by a pair, there is a hunger to decipher which one of them was truly responsible for the crime. Did he force her? Did she force him? Was one of them crazy and the other one following along? Would that one have ever broken the law if they hadn't met up with the REAL criminal? Over the course of the near-century since the murder of Bobby Franks, gallons have ink have been spilled over this question as it related to Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Most frequently, Loeb has been cast as the dominant member of the pair; the fact that he was stabbed to death in prison, predeceasing Leopold by some thirty years, meant that Leopold had a lot more time to cement his place in history as the innocent lead astray. In this book, Greg King sets out to challenge this narrative: in his retelling of the Leopold and Loeb story, it was Leopold, not Loeb, who masterminded the crime; Leopold who manipulated Loeb into going along with it, Leopold who (unlike Loeb) felt no remorse in the aftermath. It's not a terrible premise for a book. The problem is the execution.
King falls into the trap that many "setting the record straight" books do: he swings too far in the opposite direction. Not only was Nathan Leopold awful (and he was truly awful, no argument there) but Loeb was just a sad, lonely boy who was being abused by his friend and was too much of a people-pleaser to say no to committing child murder. Loeb's kleptomania wasn't the sign of a spoiled, entitled rich kid who felt that the rules didn't apply to him; it was a cry for help from a boy who just wanted his parents to pay attention to him. His glib charm and tendency to dispose of friends once they began to bore him weren't symptomatic of what we would today call sociopathy; it was a sign that he'd never learned to connect with people because of his tragically neglectful childhood. (Note: "neglectful" here means "he was raised by a governess, as were the vast majority of his peers who DIDN'T kill any children.") His suggestion to commit murder - and King is forced to admit that okay, yeah, it probably was Loeb who first brought up the idea to kidnap and kill a child - wasn't hi fault, it was a coping mechanism because Leopold was nagging him. Who among us hasn't suggested child murder to get our annoying friend off our case! He even suggests - with zero evidence to back it up - that Leopold put a hit out on Loeb when they were in prison. In this telling of the story, every single bad thing that ever happened to Richard Loeb is directly Nathan Leopold's fault.
The thing is, the points King raises about Leopold, specifically, are entirely valid. He did have a history of sexual sadism; he did show a distinct lack of remorse after the crime; he did threaten Loeb with the exposure of their relationship, should Loeb break it off. (Which in itself is a bit of a headscratcher, because that would involve exposing BOTH of them, but I guess that's the level of logic you can expect from a teen sociopath.) I could easily see someone making a case for Leopold as the primary instigator of the crime, if we agree that either one *was* the instigator instead of the two of the getting caught up in a folie a deux fantasy world where they were smarter than everybody else and deserved to kill to prove it. The problem is, King's approach is so obviously, heavily biased that it throws the rest of his arguments into question. If he'd stuck to just the facts of the case without attempting a Richard Loeb redemption tour, it would be an interesting new take on old material. As is, it's too obviously, ludicrously biased to take seriously. The Leopold and Loeb case has always been a Rorschach test for anyone who reads about it, with so many different elements - class, race, sexuality, philosophy, morality - at play that you can take whatever lesson you want away from it. Ultimately, maybe there is no lesson; maybe these two people are examples of nothing except their own catastrophic narcissism. But one thing I am fairly certain of is that neither one was a victim.
Whenever a murder is committed by a pair, there is a hunger to decipher which one of them was truly responsible for the crime. Did he force her? Did she force him? Was one of them crazy and the other one following along? Would that one have ever broken the law if they hadn't met up with the REAL criminal? Over the course of the near-century since the murder of Bobby Franks, gallons have ink have been spilled over this question as it related to Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Most frequently, Loeb has been cast as the dominant member of the pair; the fact that he was stabbed to death in prison, predeceasing Leopold by some thirty years, meant that Leopold had a lot more time to cement his place in history as the innocent lead astray. In this book, Greg King sets out to challenge this narrative: in his retelling of the Leopold and Loeb story, it was Leopold, not Loeb, who masterminded the crime; Leopold who manipulated Loeb into going along with it, Leopold who (unlike Loeb) felt no remorse in the aftermath. It's not a terrible premise for a book. The problem is the execution.
King falls into the trap that many "setting the record straight" books do: he swings too far in the opposite direction. Not only was Nathan Leopold awful (and he was truly awful, no argument there) but Loeb was just a sad, lonely boy who was being abused by his friend and was too much of a people-pleaser to say no to committing child murder. Loeb's kleptomania wasn't the sign of a spoiled, entitled rich kid who felt that the rules didn't apply to him; it was a cry for help from a boy who just wanted his parents to pay attention to him. His glib charm and tendency to dispose of friends once they began to bore him weren't symptomatic of what we would today call sociopathy; it was a sign that he'd never learned to connect with people because of his tragically neglectful childhood. (Note: "neglectful" here means "he was raised by a governess, as were the vast majority of his peers who DIDN'T kill any children.") His suggestion to commit murder - and King is forced to admit that okay, yeah, it probably was Loeb who first brought up the idea to kidnap and kill a child - wasn't hi fault, it was a coping mechanism because Leopold was nagging him. Who among us hasn't suggested child murder to get our annoying friend off our case! He even suggests - with zero evidence to back it up - that Leopold put a hit out on Loeb when they were in prison. In this telling of the story, every single bad thing that ever happened to Richard Loeb is directly Nathan Leopold's fault.
The thing is, the points King raises about Leopold, specifically, are entirely valid. He did have a history of sexual sadism; he did show a distinct lack of remorse after the crime; he did threaten Loeb with the exposure of their relationship, should Loeb break it off. (Which in itself is a bit of a headscratcher, because that would involve exposing BOTH of them, but I guess that's the level of logic you can expect from a teen sociopath.) I could easily see someone making a case for Leopold as the primary instigator of the crime, if we agree that either one *was* the instigator instead of the two of the getting caught up in a folie a deux fantasy world where they were smarter than everybody else and deserved to kill to prove it. The problem is, King's approach is so obviously, heavily biased that it throws the rest of his arguments into question. If he'd stuck to just the facts of the case without attempting a Richard Loeb redemption tour, it would be an interesting new take on old material. As is, it's too obviously, ludicrously biased to take seriously. The Leopold and Loeb case has always been a Rorschach test for anyone who reads about it, with so many different elements - class, race, sexuality, philosophy, morality - at play that you can take whatever lesson you want away from it. Ultimately, maybe there is no lesson; maybe these two people are examples of nothing except their own catastrophic narcissism. But one thing I am fairly certain of is that neither one was a victim.
June 30, 2022
Most true crime readers/podcast listeners know the story of Nathan Leopold & Richard Loeb, but here’s a quick summary: L&L were wealthy, Nietzsche-obsessed teenagers who abducted and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago in 1924. L&L had a sexual relationship, which just added to the scandal, and everyone assumed Loeb (the ostensibly better looking and apparently less blatantly weird-seeming of the two) was the mastermind and Leopold was his sidekick. Clarence Darrow defended the pair, and they escaped the death penalty. Loeb was murdered in prison, while Leopold was eventually paroled (wtf), moved to Puerto Rico, got married (wtf), and lived to age 66.
But… there’s so much more to the story and their relationship and the trial, and King and Wilson lay it all out in a riveting, fast-paced narrative.
I especially enjoyed the section, midway through the book, where they examine the men’s behaviors through the lens of current profiling methods and consider their possible involvement in other crimes. No big surprise, but there are some big red flags for these two creeps in the budding serial killer department, but they were so inept that Leopold dropped his fussy glasses next to Bobby’s body, and they - in the way of teenage boys everywhere - did a crap job of cleaning up after themselves and left blood all over the inside of the RENTAL CAR they used for the crime. Übermensch, my ass.
The trial section is BANANAS - Clarence Darrow was awful to Bobby’s family, makes truly bizarre arguments, and overall comes off as a giant tool. The way “insanity” was used and not used to defend L&L was especially fascinating.
This is a must-read for anyone interested in a fresh look at a famous historical true crime story.
* thanks to St Martin’s Press for the review copy. Nothing but the night publishes in September!
But… there’s so much more to the story and their relationship and the trial, and King and Wilson lay it all out in a riveting, fast-paced narrative.
I especially enjoyed the section, midway through the book, where they examine the men’s behaviors through the lens of current profiling methods and consider their possible involvement in other crimes. No big surprise, but there are some big red flags for these two creeps in the budding serial killer department, but they were so inept that Leopold dropped his fussy glasses next to Bobby’s body, and they - in the way of teenage boys everywhere - did a crap job of cleaning up after themselves and left blood all over the inside of the RENTAL CAR they used for the crime. Übermensch, my ass.
The trial section is BANANAS - Clarence Darrow was awful to Bobby’s family, makes truly bizarre arguments, and overall comes off as a giant tool. The way “insanity” was used and not used to defend L&L was especially fascinating.
This is a must-read for anyone interested in a fresh look at a famous historical true crime story.
* thanks to St Martin’s Press for the review copy. Nothing but the night publishes in September!
November 27, 2022
This book might attract anyone who is not familiar with this famous murder case, however, I would suggest giving this book a pass.
There have been numerous books about Leopold and Loeb, at least two of which I read years ago so seeing this title in 2022 I thought “Oh my” these authors have uncovered some new evidence in the case. NOT SO!
The authors have set themselves up to be arm-chair psychologist to Leopold and Loeb presenting the facts as we know them and attempting to turn everything previously studied upside down. To what end I have no idea.
In spite of the pages and pages of Notes and Bibliography THERE IS NO NEW EVIDENCE!
What we have is a presentation of the author’s thoughts, suppositions and ideas on the matter, and some rather explicit and violent sexual scenes which, in my opinion, are of no value whatsoever and add nothing to this hundred year old murder case.
They make no bones about pointing out that Leopold and Loeb came from very wealthy Jewish families. Young Bobby Franks (the victim) was also Jewish and I see no reason to keep repeating this like a mantra.
If you are hearing about the case of Leopold and Loeb for the first time go find one of the older books on the subject or just Google them and find all you need to know on Wikipedia.
This book is all cock-eyed.
Surprisingly the authors “The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria” was an excellent book so I am amazed that they would now turn out such a salacious re-telling of a hundred year old case that has already been studied every which way.
There have been numerous books about Leopold and Loeb, at least two of which I read years ago so seeing this title in 2022 I thought “Oh my” these authors have uncovered some new evidence in the case. NOT SO!
The authors have set themselves up to be arm-chair psychologist to Leopold and Loeb presenting the facts as we know them and attempting to turn everything previously studied upside down. To what end I have no idea.
In spite of the pages and pages of Notes and Bibliography THERE IS NO NEW EVIDENCE!
What we have is a presentation of the author’s thoughts, suppositions and ideas on the matter, and some rather explicit and violent sexual scenes which, in my opinion, are of no value whatsoever and add nothing to this hundred year old murder case.
They make no bones about pointing out that Leopold and Loeb came from very wealthy Jewish families. Young Bobby Franks (the victim) was also Jewish and I see no reason to keep repeating this like a mantra.
If you are hearing about the case of Leopold and Loeb for the first time go find one of the older books on the subject or just Google them and find all you need to know on Wikipedia.
This book is all cock-eyed.
Surprisingly the authors “The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria” was an excellent book so I am amazed that they would now turn out such a salacious re-telling of a hundred year old case that has already been studied every which way.
January 5, 2023
Pay no attention to the advertising of "New facts, current science helps unfold the case"- Simply not true.
This is a rehash of the gruesome jazz-age murder of a young Chicago lad, who although related to one of the murders, was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The murder was, indeed, a horrendous act. The writers pull no punches and describe each detail with as much gore as a 1920's tattler paper. I have to believe a lot of their verbiage was pulled from these papers. Thus, a warning to all who have weak a stomach, pass on this one.
Besides being a rehash, the authors are not at all open minded in their telling of the story. True, hard to have an open mind when the evidence is so cut and dried, but the authors tone in the book starts out angry and never leaves that comfort zone. There is a lot of repetition of the psyche of the killers, so much so skimming is the norm for the middle section of the book
I initially picked this book up for the blurb "...Clarence Darrow, who delivered one of the most famous defense summations of all time." What? Had they found the original court documents? Sadly no, and even the small portion of the summation included was only snippets. Most likely pulled from newspaper accounts. I will voice no public opinion, for or against the death penalty. The legal counsel on both sides, in my opinion, were doing their jobs. I do however take issue with the hiding of documents and some of the crafty/wily acts on both sides.
Well, decision on rating has been decided through the written word-2 stars.
This is a rehash of the gruesome jazz-age murder of a young Chicago lad, who although related to one of the murders, was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The murder was, indeed, a horrendous act. The writers pull no punches and describe each detail with as much gore as a 1920's tattler paper. I have to believe a lot of their verbiage was pulled from these papers. Thus, a warning to all who have weak a stomach, pass on this one.
Besides being a rehash, the authors are not at all open minded in their telling of the story. True, hard to have an open mind when the evidence is so cut and dried, but the authors tone in the book starts out angry and never leaves that comfort zone. There is a lot of repetition of the psyche of the killers, so much so skimming is the norm for the middle section of the book
I initially picked this book up for the blurb "...Clarence Darrow, who delivered one of the most famous defense summations of all time." What? Had they found the original court documents? Sadly no, and even the small portion of the summation included was only snippets. Most likely pulled from newspaper accounts. I will voice no public opinion, for or against the death penalty. The legal counsel on both sides, in my opinion, were doing their jobs. I do however take issue with the hiding of documents and some of the crafty/wily acts on both sides.
Well, decision on rating has been decided through the written word-2 stars.
December 8, 2022
An intriguing, thorough, and well paced dive into the first publicized thrill killing in the United States. I'm thankful to GR for a chance to review this fascinating book. Despite being familiar with this case I learned several new things while reading this. The authors go straight to the original sources and past the rumors and myths that have clouded the facts of the infamous case for decades. Being remarkably well sourced allowed this book to critically look into the lives of both men before and after the murder. I appreciated the excellent sources which made determining how much weight to give various details easier. However, one problem I had with the author’s conclusions was their effort to paint Richard as misunderstood as opposed to simply sadistic. I appreciated the human look at both men but at a certain point I couldn’t easily reconcile the facts with the portrait the author seemed to want to paint.
I was unfamiliar with all the possible other cases the pair may have committed. As well as learning more about how the families dealt with the issue and about the behind-the-scenes defense issues Darrow dealt with. All in all it was an excellent read that anyone with an interest in the case should read.
I was unfamiliar with all the possible other cases the pair may have committed. As well as learning more about how the families dealt with the issue and about the behind-the-scenes defense issues Darrow dealt with. All in all it was an excellent read that anyone with an interest in the case should read.
September 17, 2022
This was intriguing.
I knew of the crime, but didn't know much other than the basics.
2 young dudes murdered a small boy.
Getting the history on the two killers with the before and after bits of the crime was very interesting.
King delivers this is a storyteller manner, make it easy to digest while still keeping it fact based.
Lots of disturbing bits and probably has much trigger warnings, so check them before you go in.
Much love to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio & St. Martin's Press for my ARC.
I knew of the crime, but didn't know much other than the basics.
2 young dudes murdered a small boy.
Getting the history on the two killers with the before and after bits of the crime was very interesting.
King delivers this is a storyteller manner, make it easy to digest while still keeping it fact based.
Lots of disturbing bits and probably has much trigger warnings, so check them before you go in.
Much love to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio & St. Martin's Press for my ARC.
September 12, 2022
2.5
I thought this was very thorough but I skipped through quite a few sections because they were very graphic. I don’t think it was necessary to go into such specific detail about the angry and sadistic sexual events of the boys (from age 8-12) when they were very young. A general description would have still allowed the understanding of their lives.
This was a fine non fiction and one I’m sure true crime lovers will enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was very thorough but I skipped through quite a few sections because they were very graphic. I don’t think it was necessary to go into such specific detail about the angry and sadistic sexual events of the boys (from age 8-12) when they were very young. A general description would have still allowed the understanding of their lives.
This was a fine non fiction and one I’m sure true crime lovers will enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 29, 2022An absolutely fantastic bio. I’ve long been fascinated by Leopoldo and Loeb - but this book covers new in-depth ground and gives us the true story and dynamic between the two killers. I could not put this down -
Histoey will need to do a revision of the “crime of the century” after getting a hold of this terrific well researched book.
Histoey will need to do a revision of the “crime of the century” after getting a hold of this terrific well researched book.
September 16, 2022
I have heard of Leopold and Loeb from other nonfiction/true crime books I have read. They are often referenced when the crime being written about is sexually deviant in nature or the defendants are young [I just read a book last month that referenced them several times and realized I had this book coming up to read] and I was intrigued by them, but none of the books out there on the infamous pair spoke to me [so many just seemed like speculation and hyperbole, written just to bring up the sensationalism around the case and nothing else] until I saw this one on NetGalley. Having previously read these authors [I highly recommend their book "The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria". It is a fantastic and fascinating read], I knew that it would be filled with meticulous research and also tell a compelling story. I was not wrong.
After reading this, I can understand why the murder of Bobby Franks by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb in 1924 has remained in the public mind for almost 100 years and why it continues to fascinate people, even morbidly so.
Billed as the first sensationalized murder trial ever, the brouhaha surrounding both the trial and Leopold and Loeb, it is easy to see how the "news" of today has been influenced by the circus of that time. The fact that the defendants talked to the press BEFORE the trial and boasted about all that was going on, makes it easy to see why there could have not been a jury trial and why the newspapers went crazy in the reporting of this tragic and brutal murder.
I really feel for Bobby Franks' family - they were treated abominably by both the press and the defense team and the lack of empathy by so many was just shocking. To lose your young son in such a brutal and horrific way and then have the newspaper AND the defense team drag your innocent child through the mud and make the murderers out to be victims...I CANNOT EVEN.
This was one of the better true crime books I have read - especially given that I knew almost nothing about the Leopold and Loeb, Bobby Franks and the planning and execution of the murder, as well as the trial and the aftermath. It was an enlightened read and a learning experience about just how rotten some defense lawyers can be [and don't even get me started on that judge; the fact that they didn't hang simply because they were 19 is appalling and abhorrent] and I am left with a serious distaste in my mouth [and mind] about how this all played out.
This was expertly written and researched. It is never emotional and sensationalized [the information that is here is not easy to read/listen to at times. It is taken from court records, diaries and newspaper archives. There is a lot of a lot much of the time and it CAN be graphic. The authors really work at not sensationalizing all of this. I think they accomplish it very well]. It just tells the story and lets the rest fall on the reader. All this makes it an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to any true crime or mystery fan.
This is one time where I was extremely grateful to get the ARC of the audiobook for this nonfiction read. I have not listened to this narrator before, but it will absolutely not be my last time [I will be looking for other books read by him]. He is, in my opinion, one of the best kind of nonfiction narrators. He tells the story straightforwardly and really bring the story to life. My brain works better listening sometimes [I have found it especially with nonfiction] and a really great narrator just helps with that. This was one of those times and I am forever grateful.
Thank you to NetGalley, Greg King, Penny Wilson, Armando Riesco - Narrator, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for providing this ARC and audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After reading this, I can understand why the murder of Bobby Franks by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb in 1924 has remained in the public mind for almost 100 years and why it continues to fascinate people, even morbidly so.
Billed as the first sensationalized murder trial ever, the brouhaha surrounding both the trial and Leopold and Loeb, it is easy to see how the "news" of today has been influenced by the circus of that time. The fact that the defendants talked to the press BEFORE the trial and boasted about all that was going on, makes it easy to see why there could have not been a jury trial and why the newspapers went crazy in the reporting of this tragic and brutal murder.
I really feel for Bobby Franks' family - they were treated abominably by both the press and the defense team and the lack of empathy by so many was just shocking. To lose your young son in such a brutal and horrific way and then have the newspaper AND the defense team drag your innocent child through the mud and make the murderers out to be victims...I CANNOT EVEN.
This was one of the better true crime books I have read - especially given that I knew almost nothing about the Leopold and Loeb, Bobby Franks and the planning and execution of the murder, as well as the trial and the aftermath. It was an enlightened read and a learning experience about just how rotten some defense lawyers can be [and don't even get me started on that judge; the fact that they didn't hang simply because they were 19 is appalling and abhorrent] and I am left with a serious distaste in my mouth [and mind] about how this all played out.
This was expertly written and researched. It is never emotional and sensationalized [the information that is here is not easy to read/listen to at times. It is taken from court records, diaries and newspaper archives. There is a lot of a lot much of the time and it CAN be graphic. The authors really work at not sensationalizing all of this. I think they accomplish it very well]. It just tells the story and lets the rest fall on the reader. All this makes it an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to any true crime or mystery fan.
This is one time where I was extremely grateful to get the ARC of the audiobook for this nonfiction read. I have not listened to this narrator before, but it will absolutely not be my last time [I will be looking for other books read by him]. He is, in my opinion, one of the best kind of nonfiction narrators. He tells the story straightforwardly and really bring the story to life. My brain works better listening sometimes [I have found it especially with nonfiction] and a really great narrator just helps with that. This was one of those times and I am forever grateful.
Thank you to NetGalley, Greg King, Penny Wilson, Armando Riesco - Narrator, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for providing this ARC and audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
My thoughts:
What a fascinating and shocking case! I heard about this case before from a true crime podcast but couldn't remember much about it. But I sure did learn a whole lot more after reading this book! The in-depth research was amazing. We learned about L & L family backgroud, their childhood, education, the details of their crime, arrest and trial.
I think what baffles people the most about this case is why two intelligent and wealthy young men from prominent families would commit such horrific murder? This book did not shy away from graphic details of the murder. It was difficult reading those parts.
Overall, I personally think this book was well-written and would recommend it if you want to learn about this case. The audiobook was well done too and I enjoyed the narration.
Pub. Date: Sep 20th, 2022
***Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this gifted listening copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
I think what baffles people the most about this case is why two intelligent and wealthy young men from prominent families would commit such horrific murder? This book did not shy away from graphic details of the murder. It was difficult reading those parts.
Overall, I personally think this book was well-written and would recommend it if you want to learn about this case. The audiobook was well done too and I enjoyed the narration.
Pub. Date: Sep 20th, 2022
***Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this gifted listening copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
December 18, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review Nothing but the Night.
Authors: Greg King; Penny Wilson
Narrator: Armando Riesco
Published: 09/20/22
Genre: True Crime
Disappointing. I knew in the first chapter I was going to struggle with the narration and the writing style. By the third chapter I was disgusted. This crime happened more than 100 years ago, and has a following. Leopold and Loeb were new to me, the only reason to use the profanity was for shock value by the authors. The language was not necessary.
The authors claimed to examine the case with resources available today. A psychological profile would have been sufficient. This was too long and drawn out.
There is an audio interview following the book with the authors. After listening to that, I wondered where that book was, the interview didn't match what I read. I'm still confused by the authors point.
Authors: Greg King; Penny Wilson
Narrator: Armando Riesco
Published: 09/20/22
Genre: True Crime
Disappointing. I knew in the first chapter I was going to struggle with the narration and the writing style. By the third chapter I was disgusted. This crime happened more than 100 years ago, and has a following. Leopold and Loeb were new to me, the only reason to use the profanity was for shock value by the authors. The language was not necessary.
The authors claimed to examine the case with resources available today. A psychological profile would have been sufficient. This was too long and drawn out.
There is an audio interview following the book with the authors. After listening to that, I wondered where that book was, the interview didn't match what I read. I'm still confused by the authors point.
September 12, 2022
This was my first introduction to the case of Leopold and Loeb, and I was very satisfied with how detailed Nothing but the Night was. The story was brilliantly paced with an initial intro to the crime, then backtracking to personal details of the killers and their victims. Followed by the police investigation. Finally, the trial that was headlined as "the trial of the century!" Each segment was so thoroughly detailed, and the story felt like it was brought to life by the writer. I know others felt the trial was a bit dry, but I enjoyed hearing how the different lawyers and judges dealt with the infamy of the details. It helped create a full picture of what happened. The author did have a definite idea of the details that were unconfirmed, which was interesting, and helped show both sides of the narrative. I give Nothing but the Night a solid 5/5.
September 17, 2022
Nothing but the Night: Leopold & Loeb and the Truth Behind the Murder That Rocked 1920s America by Greg King and Penny Wilson is a very highly recommended examination of the infamous 1924 murder.
The names Leopold and Loeb will immediately be familiar to true crime aficionados and bring to mind two teens who killed for the thrill of it. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb were two intelligent and wealthy teenagers who were charged and convicted for the 1924 murder of fourteen-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago. Franks was actually Loeb’s second cousin and the families had homes close to each other. The murder was shocking for its senselessness, the revelation of a love affair between the defendants, and defense attorney Clarence Darrow's defense summation which saved the boys from the death penalty. King and Wilson reexamine the case and who was the true mastermind behind the crime.
This is an exceptionally well researched inspection of the case and included are a bibliography and chapter notes. It remains a troubling and disturbing case that deserves a new look at the known facts and King and Wilson take on this task admirably. Those who appreciate the quest for the truth in psychological historical true crime cases will welcome this even approach to looking at the facts with new eyes. It also serves to look closer at Clarence Darrow's argument against the death penalty. His suggestion that experts declared Leopold and Loeb were "mentally diseased" rather than evil unleashed a media frenzy.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/0...
The names Leopold and Loeb will immediately be familiar to true crime aficionados and bring to mind two teens who killed for the thrill of it. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb were two intelligent and wealthy teenagers who were charged and convicted for the 1924 murder of fourteen-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago. Franks was actually Loeb’s second cousin and the families had homes close to each other. The murder was shocking for its senselessness, the revelation of a love affair between the defendants, and defense attorney Clarence Darrow's defense summation which saved the boys from the death penalty. King and Wilson reexamine the case and who was the true mastermind behind the crime.
This is an exceptionally well researched inspection of the case and included are a bibliography and chapter notes. It remains a troubling and disturbing case that deserves a new look at the known facts and King and Wilson take on this task admirably. Those who appreciate the quest for the truth in psychological historical true crime cases will welcome this even approach to looking at the facts with new eyes. It also serves to look closer at Clarence Darrow's argument against the death penalty. His suggestion that experts declared Leopold and Loeb were "mentally diseased" rather than evil unleashed a media frenzy.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/0...
January 25, 2024
My grandfather was fascinated by this case and after reading this new account, I can understand why the murder of Bobby Franks by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb on May 21, 1924 has remained in the public mind for almost 100 years.
These two rich, very intelligent teenagers lived lives beyond most American's wildest dreams. Richard's father had made a fortune as vice president of Sears, Roebuck and the family had a vacation home on the shores of Lake Michigan; Richard was the youngest man ever to graduate from the University of Michigan at age 18. Nathan, the son of a millionaire, had also graduated at age 18, from the University of Chicago, with plans to enter Harvard Law school that fall.
Despite their obvious intelligence, their crime was quickly solved and the two confessed to murder. Their attorney, famed lawyer Clarence Darrow, pled them guilty, but NOT by reason of insanity. Darrow walked a very thin line between claiming that the two "boys" were not insane, but because of a number of factors - bad endocrine glands, too much money (an early version of the "affluenza" defense), bad parenting, Nietzsche, their homosexuality - they were the "real victims" in this horrendous crime. It spared them from hanging, and they were sentenced to life in prison.
The authors deftly destroy the myth of Darrow's legendary closing argument. It was disjointed, rambling, wildly offensive and lasted three days. After the trial, Darrow borrowed the transcript so he could publish the argument, and streamlined the rambling, edited and revised and polished it into the "masterpiece" some claim it was.
The authors also present solid information that it was Nathan, and not Richard, who killed Bobby Franks, and Nathan had the upper hand in their relationship. Unfortunately for Richard, who died in prison in 1930, history is written by the victors, and Nathan spent the next 30 years claiming that it was all Richard's fault. Richard was not innocent in the whole matter, but as the authors state: "Richard wanted a crime partner; what he got was a sociopath."
Where this book really shines is in the details of the crime, the in-depth discussion of Leopold and Loeb's relationship and Darrow's attempt to save his clients from the death penalty. The last phrase of their lives - prison, Richard's death and Nathan's eventual parole - is quickly summarized in the final 10% of the book (the book essential ends at 71% and the rest is the bibliography and notes). Because of the careful and detailed analysis that goes before, this final stage appears rushed and more of a summary and personally I would have willingly read another 100 pages to bring the story to its conclusion! 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
These two rich, very intelligent teenagers lived lives beyond most American's wildest dreams. Richard's father had made a fortune as vice president of Sears, Roebuck and the family had a vacation home on the shores of Lake Michigan; Richard was the youngest man ever to graduate from the University of Michigan at age 18. Nathan, the son of a millionaire, had also graduated at age 18, from the University of Chicago, with plans to enter Harvard Law school that fall.
Despite their obvious intelligence, their crime was quickly solved and the two confessed to murder. Their attorney, famed lawyer Clarence Darrow, pled them guilty, but NOT by reason of insanity. Darrow walked a very thin line between claiming that the two "boys" were not insane, but because of a number of factors - bad endocrine glands, too much money (an early version of the "affluenza" defense), bad parenting, Nietzsche, their homosexuality - they were the "real victims" in this horrendous crime. It spared them from hanging, and they were sentenced to life in prison.
The authors deftly destroy the myth of Darrow's legendary closing argument. It was disjointed, rambling, wildly offensive and lasted three days. After the trial, Darrow borrowed the transcript so he could publish the argument, and streamlined the rambling, edited and revised and polished it into the "masterpiece" some claim it was.
The authors also present solid information that it was Nathan, and not Richard, who killed Bobby Franks, and Nathan had the upper hand in their relationship. Unfortunately for Richard, who died in prison in 1930, history is written by the victors, and Nathan spent the next 30 years claiming that it was all Richard's fault. Richard was not innocent in the whole matter, but as the authors state: "Richard wanted a crime partner; what he got was a sociopath."
Where this book really shines is in the details of the crime, the in-depth discussion of Leopold and Loeb's relationship and Darrow's attempt to save his clients from the death penalty. The last phrase of their lives - prison, Richard's death and Nathan's eventual parole - is quickly summarized in the final 10% of the book (the book essential ends at 71% and the rest is the bibliography and notes). Because of the careful and detailed analysis that goes before, this final stage appears rushed and more of a summary and personally I would have willingly read another 100 pages to bring the story to its conclusion! 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2022
I enjoyed this book, as much as one can the telling of horrific events. I appreciated the factual nature of the narrative. I’m always disappointed when authors share their viewpoints in a true crime. “just the facts” please.
Thank you to the publisher and net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is a recommendation from me to my friends!!
Thank you to the publisher and net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is a recommendation from me to my friends!!
September 23, 2022
I started taking notes on this book, as I do with all nonfiction books I read and review, and I think the notes I took for Part One (which consists of the first four chapters) summarize my feelings about this book almost perfectly: “Slow, dry, and rather uninteresting. Doesn’t grab your attention and is told with about as much passion as a textbook.”
Look. I know we’re not going to be reading contemporary true crime here, with fresh memories and interviews from the people who were there. Those people are long gone now. But you can still write historical true crime and make it feel fresh, interesting, relevant, malevolent, sinister, scandalous, thrilling, and horrific even if it happened even before the times of the infamous Black Dahlia.
America loves true crime. Scratch that. America loves crime. We reads tome after tome about it, both in fiction and nonfiction. We watch endless movies, documentaries, docuseries, and procedural dramas about it. We use the internet to research forensics and pathology so we know how murderers get away with it. We listen to innumerable podcasts about it. Serial killers have fan clubs. There are reality shows dedicated to loving criminals, both in jail and out. Heck, when I originally graduated high school and went to community college I was a psychology major who had her eye on being an FBI profiler, and that was before “Criminal Minds” was even a glimmer in CBS’ eye (I was actually inspired by the TV show “Profiler”).
Keeping that in mind, If you’re going to write such an intensive and research-rich book about such infamous historical killers as Leopold and Loeb, you need to give your readers something more to look forward to than a book that reads almost as dry as a college textbook.
Sure, there’s some cool little inconsequential tidbits in here: the bit about future actor Will Geer possibly having a crush on Loeb, the fact that Leopold and I are both members of Phi Beta Kappa (the academic honor society with lifelong membership). There’s no denying the sheer time and energy put into the impeccable research done for this book is not only important but impressive shouldn’t be denied. In fact, if you value the research over the story of their lives and crimes you might enjoy this book more than I did. Sadly, I found myself constantly putting it down due to sheer boredom.
I also give appreciation where appreciation is due and applaud both King and Wilson for not flinching away from any of the less savory details of the case, or from the toxic and abusive homosexual relationship between Leopold and Loeb. While it’s pretty clear from research, interviews, evaluations, and writings that Leopold was a sadistic sociopath from early on in his life, it’s equally apparent Loeb was a pretty piece of prey left in the playgrounds of Chicago for Leopold to pick up and shape to his will. There was a master, and there was a servant.
All of this could have made for some captivating and compelling writing, propelling us readers through the investigation and trial, unraveling the folie a deux between this pair of entitled and privileged rich white boys whose parents had neither time nor inclination to actually parent their own children and left them at the not-so-tender mercies of people who had no business raising children, with devastating results. Ivory towers fall every day. And this book could’ve been so much better if it had told that story instead of this slow-paced and dry retelling of almost every moment of their lives in a completely linear manner.
This book has been reviewed as part of the #SMPInfluencer Program in connection with St. Martin’s Press. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with the physical copy in advance in exchange for a fair and honest review. Due to the 3 star or lower rating this review will not be posted on any social media or bookseller websites. This is my personal policy as a ARC and book reviewer.
Look. I know we’re not going to be reading contemporary true crime here, with fresh memories and interviews from the people who were there. Those people are long gone now. But you can still write historical true crime and make it feel fresh, interesting, relevant, malevolent, sinister, scandalous, thrilling, and horrific even if it happened even before the times of the infamous Black Dahlia.
America loves true crime. Scratch that. America loves crime. We reads tome after tome about it, both in fiction and nonfiction. We watch endless movies, documentaries, docuseries, and procedural dramas about it. We use the internet to research forensics and pathology so we know how murderers get away with it. We listen to innumerable podcasts about it. Serial killers have fan clubs. There are reality shows dedicated to loving criminals, both in jail and out. Heck, when I originally graduated high school and went to community college I was a psychology major who had her eye on being an FBI profiler, and that was before “Criminal Minds” was even a glimmer in CBS’ eye (I was actually inspired by the TV show “Profiler”).
Keeping that in mind, If you’re going to write such an intensive and research-rich book about such infamous historical killers as Leopold and Loeb, you need to give your readers something more to look forward to than a book that reads almost as dry as a college textbook.
Sure, there’s some cool little inconsequential tidbits in here: the bit about future actor Will Geer possibly having a crush on Loeb, the fact that Leopold and I are both members of Phi Beta Kappa (the academic honor society with lifelong membership). There’s no denying the sheer time and energy put into the impeccable research done for this book is not only important but impressive shouldn’t be denied. In fact, if you value the research over the story of their lives and crimes you might enjoy this book more than I did. Sadly, I found myself constantly putting it down due to sheer boredom.
I also give appreciation where appreciation is due and applaud both King and Wilson for not flinching away from any of the less savory details of the case, or from the toxic and abusive homosexual relationship between Leopold and Loeb. While it’s pretty clear from research, interviews, evaluations, and writings that Leopold was a sadistic sociopath from early on in his life, it’s equally apparent Loeb was a pretty piece of prey left in the playgrounds of Chicago for Leopold to pick up and shape to his will. There was a master, and there was a servant.
All of this could have made for some captivating and compelling writing, propelling us readers through the investigation and trial, unraveling the folie a deux between this pair of entitled and privileged rich white boys whose parents had neither time nor inclination to actually parent their own children and left them at the not-so-tender mercies of people who had no business raising children, with devastating results. Ivory towers fall every day. And this book could’ve been so much better if it had told that story instead of this slow-paced and dry retelling of almost every moment of their lives in a completely linear manner.
This book has been reviewed as part of the #SMPInfluencer Program in connection with St. Martin’s Press. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with the physical copy in advance in exchange for a fair and honest review. Due to the 3 star or lower rating this review will not be posted on any social media or bookseller websites. This is my personal policy as a ARC and book reviewer.
July 24, 2022
As a former Chicago resident, the names “Leopold and Loeb” would resurface every now and then when some of those tangentially involved would die, a milestone date was observed (the 100th anniversary is approaching), or some landmark like one of the Kenwood mansions was converted to condos or demolished. When Barack Obama was elected President, his southside Chicago home was often mentioned as being in the vicinity of victim’s and perpetrators’ former residences. The story of this particular “crime of the century” endures, as does the name of the victim, Bobby Franks, and the famous attorney, Clarence Darrow, who semi-unsuccessfully defended the suspects (he did save them from the death penalty).
Full disclosure: a cousin doing genealogy research came upon the fact that our grandmother, who immigrated from Austria-Hungary in 1921, was the cook for the Franks family at the time of the kidnapping murder (she never talked about it). So, of course, I needed to re-read a narrative of the crime to see what I remembered and wonder “what’s different with this time?” King and Wilson do have a different spin and the advantage of evolving hindsight and psychological forensics.
Looking at the story with 21st century eyes, it’s unsettling to realize that the killers were really just teenaged white males (a too familiar story today— L &L’s photos always made them seem much older) who considered themselves superior “supermensch”. Their horrifying actions occurred before the rise of Hitler and they, themselves, were Jewish, but even a century ago, wealthy parents lost control of their intelligent but mentally ill sons. King and Wilson do suggest that the long lasting opinion that Loeb was the mastermind is wrong. Since Richard Loeb died long before Nathan Leopold, there was a lot of time to “rehabilitate” Leopold’s post-crime image and demonize Loeb (the first to confess). King and Wilson do examine the sexual dynamics of the relationship between the two, something that early investigations tended to either gloss over or sensationalize.
If you’re not familiar with the Leopold and Loeb tale, do take the time to read this comprehensive investigation. If you are familiar, it’s time to look at the story again with a fresh perspective. 4 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Full disclosure: a cousin doing genealogy research came upon the fact that our grandmother, who immigrated from Austria-Hungary in 1921, was the cook for the Franks family at the time of the kidnapping murder (she never talked about it). So, of course, I needed to re-read a narrative of the crime to see what I remembered and wonder “what’s different with this time?” King and Wilson do have a different spin and the advantage of evolving hindsight and psychological forensics.
Looking at the story with 21st century eyes, it’s unsettling to realize that the killers were really just teenaged white males (a too familiar story today— L &L’s photos always made them seem much older) who considered themselves superior “supermensch”. Their horrifying actions occurred before the rise of Hitler and they, themselves, were Jewish, but even a century ago, wealthy parents lost control of their intelligent but mentally ill sons. King and Wilson do suggest that the long lasting opinion that Loeb was the mastermind is wrong. Since Richard Loeb died long before Nathan Leopold, there was a lot of time to “rehabilitate” Leopold’s post-crime image and demonize Loeb (the first to confess). King and Wilson do examine the sexual dynamics of the relationship between the two, something that early investigations tended to either gloss over or sensationalize.
If you’re not familiar with the Leopold and Loeb tale, do take the time to read this comprehensive investigation. If you are familiar, it’s time to look at the story again with a fresh perspective. 4 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 2, 2022
Greg King and Penny Wilson’s Nothing but the Night* is a revisionist view of the Leopold and Loeb child murder and subsequent trial, more familiar today to all but true crime fanatics for the role of Clarence Darrow than those of the two confessed perpetrators. It is well-written** and thorough, providing considerable detailed information about the perpetrators’ childhoods, as well as the detective work that quickly led to their arrests, and the nonstop media hysteria (and participation!) the case evoked. My main problem with the book was its authors’ insistence on viewing virtually every action of either of the murderers through the distorting lens of Leopold-Was-The-Bad-Guy. One of dozens of examples is how they portrayed Loeb’s decade of good prison behavior as proof of repentance; Leopold’s three decades? A performance to disguise his unreformed nature. The irrational thing about these contortions is that at this point it doesn’t matter who seduced/threatened/blackmailed whom. In the end they were both murderers, and the matter of why Leopold (and/or Loeb) wanted to commit the crime in the first place remains as mysterious as ever. Nothing but the Night should interest true crime fans; “regular” people might find it way too deep in the weeds, although Angelinos old enough to remember the months & months & months of All OJ All the Time media could be amused to learn that it was ever thus.
* book’s title is from a lovely Housman poem. Read it! Read the rest of them!
** “psychiatrists were assessing both he and Nathan” (ch. 10). People my age are experiencing the death by torture of the nominative case. Believe I.
* book’s title is from a lovely Housman poem. Read it! Read the rest of them!
** “psychiatrists were assessing both he and Nathan” (ch. 10). People my age are experiencing the death by torture of the nominative case. Believe I.
September 12, 2022
Nothing but the Night chronicles the repugnant crimes of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb in painstaking, and often shocking, detail. From start to finish, it is clear that King and Wilson have done in-depth research and have pieced together a full picture of the crime and those who have committed it. Leopold and Loeb, who have inspired several works of fiction and non-fiction alike, have stuck in the public consciousness to this day, but as Wilson and Penny show readers in their book, the truth of the events and their crimes have become twisted. Throughout the book, Wilson and Penny not only plainly show who Leopold and Loeb truly were, they also drag much of Leopold's lies into the light by revealing the Leopold took control of the narrative long after the crime.
This book is well researched and well written. Any true crime buff will throughly enjoy the read and will cause them to question what they think they know about other infamous crimes.
The narrator does a solid job as well, though on occasion a word would cut out or drop. Hopefully that is just a product of the Netgalley player or will be fixed before release.
4/5
This book is well researched and well written. Any true crime buff will throughly enjoy the read and will cause them to question what they think they know about other infamous crimes.
The narrator does a solid job as well, though on occasion a word would cut out or drop. Hopefully that is just a product of the Netgalley player or will be fixed before release.
4/5
August 29, 2022
I was intrigued by this book, both because it is such a well known case to true crime aficionados and because it is rare that an older solved case has new info to offer. I thought it was very well researched and that it provided thoughtful and detailed insights into Richard Loeb, Nathan Leopoldo and their victim, Bobby Franks. It unfortunately felt a bit too detailed at times though, I think some of the information might have been edited back a bit (such as what people were wearing or eating) to cut back on the length a bit. Because this is such a well known crime, I already knew a lot about it but someone who doesn’t have any prior knowledge will appreciate the amount of information included. I found it did drag in parts, especially during the courtroom scenes where lengthy speeches were included in their entirety. It was an interesting read and I appreciated the new look at the infamous crime. The audio was well done and I did the majority of this on audiobook.
November 9, 2022
Lots of research here, but presented in a rather bland fashion. The first half, telling of the infamous crime, and of Leopold and Loeb's backgrounds, is interesting enough, but in the last half, the writers can't bring the courtroom transcripts to life. Also, though they mention Compulsion, the book and movie that fictionalize this case, they somehow neglect the more famous Hitchcock movie Rope, and that's a big mistake. Good for an overview of the crime, but don't expect elegant prose or an interesting style.
August 9, 2022
I came to know something about Leopold and Loeb through an interest I had in Clarence Darrow. I had seen Henry Fonda onstage in his one-man show about Darrow in the 70's and in that show Darrow talks about defending the men against the death penalty. This well researched book looks at the case in light of some new information and makes a strong case that Nathan Leopold, not Richard Loeb, was the driving force of this murder. This book is interesting, if a little dry. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book won in a Goodreads giveaway.
January 25, 2023
Before I start my review, I want to acknowledge that the title of this book is misleading. It implies that there is some startling new revelations to this case. I failed to find anything that claimed it was new found evidence and many of the reviewers of this book back that up.
Title issues aside, I rather enjoyed this book. Being a true crime junkie, it would be hard to have never heard of Leopold & Loeb or not know the basic facts of the case. They kidnapped a boy and murdered him for the thrill. They were spared the death penalty. Prior to reading this book, that's all I really knew as I never felt the need to research further. However, finding this book in the Library, I felt it was time. It turns out, that this account covers every detail regarding the case, all in one spot. Perfect for me.
4 stars due to some repetition throughout the book. I also struggled at some points throughout the trial account as it started to drag or was a bit confusing (we could just blame Darrow for that, I'm sure).
Title issues aside, I rather enjoyed this book. Being a true crime junkie, it would be hard to have never heard of Leopold & Loeb or not know the basic facts of the case. They kidnapped a boy and murdered him for the thrill. They were spared the death penalty. Prior to reading this book, that's all I really knew as I never felt the need to research further. However, finding this book in the Library, I felt it was time. It turns out, that this account covers every detail regarding the case, all in one spot. Perfect for me.
4 stars due to some repetition throughout the book. I also struggled at some points throughout the trial account as it started to drag or was a bit confusing (we could just blame Darrow for that, I'm sure).
July 25, 2023
A fairly good look into “the crime of the century.” Instead of pages and pages of court transcripts there’s more weight given to the family lives of the case’s 3 principals, and a chapter dedicated to Leopold’s life after spending 30 years in prison
August 14, 2022
3.5 stars, RTC!
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