Popular Crime

by Bill James
Popular Crime cover
Good Books rating 3.5
True Crime
Technical:
  • ID: 874
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9781416552741
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2012-05-08
  • Reviews: 3

Popular Crime delves into the enduring fascination with true crime, examining why these stories resonate so deeply with the public. The book explores the psychological and cultural aspects of our obsession, providing a unique perspective on the genre's popularity. It also includes a new addendum that updates the discussion with recent developments in the field. /n/nThrough a blend of historical analysis and contemporary case studies, the author uncovers the underlying themes and motivations that drive our interest in crime. This thought-provoking exploration offers insights into the human psyche and the societal implications of our collective curiosity about the darker side of life.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2011-06-03
engaging 4.00

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of American murder cases, blending vivid storytelling with proposals for penal and judicial reform. It is an intellectual journey through some of the most infamous crimes in history.

The reviewer highlights how the book is an intellectual walkabout, delving into major American murder cases with a mix of vivid storytelling and thoughtful analysis. They appreciate the author's ability to weave together historical accounts with proposals for reform, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that the book is thought-provoking and engaging, offering a unique perspective on the celebration of violence in popular culture. However, they might find the sheer volume of cases discussed a bit overwhelming at times.

Quick quotes

    "Popular Crime" amounts to is an intellectual walkabout consisting of James's musings on just about every major American murder case you can think of.

    Between vivid accounts of Lizzie Borden, the Boston Strangler and the Zodiac killer, Mr. James offers proposals for penal and judicial reform.

    The book is a true-crime book, and you will probably enjoy it if you've enjoyed James' other works.

Los Angeles Times · 2011-05-20
readable 3.00

The book is readable and engaging, but it has two major flaws: the author's use of numbers and words. These issues, however, do not overshadow the overall enjoyment of the book.

The reviewer praises the book for being highly readable and engaging, making it an enjoyable read despite its flaws. They point out that the author's use of numbers and words can be problematic at times, which might detract from the overall impact of the book. However, they believe that these issues do not overshadow the book's strengths, such as its ability to captivate readers with its vivid storytelling and thoughtful analysis. The reviewer might suggest that the book could benefit from a more polished approach to its presentation.

Quick quotes

    Readable to a fault, “Popular Crime” really has only two insurmountable problems: the way the author uses numbers and the way he uses words.

    The book is a true-crime book, and you will probably enjoy it if you've enjoyed James' other works.

    James has a proven ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging.

The Washington Post · 2011-04-01
entertaining 3.50

The book is highly entertaining and sparks debate, scoring many important points about the impact of crime stories. It is a serious discussion of what some might consider trash.

The reviewer finds the book to be very entertaining and capable of instigating arguments, which they see as a positive. They appreciate the important points the author makes about the impact of crime stories on society. The reviewer also notes that the book is a serious discussion of a topic that some might dismiss as trivial, highlighting its depth and relevance. They might argue that while the book is engaging, it could benefit from a more structured approach to its arguments.

Quick quotes

    "Popular Crime" is a very entertaining book, and it will instigate arguments even as it scores many important points.

    But first, it's necessary to acknowledge that what James is doing here is a serious discussion of Trash.

    James's baseball books made us take baseball seriously. Popular Crime tries to do the same for gruesome tabloid stories.

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