I was really excited to read this book because I love true crime. This book did a really good job of exposing people that are infamous. I didn’t know who a lot of the people were but still found it fascinating.

NetGalley, Kelli Laque

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I am all for informative books if it is a topic I find interesting, otherwise I tend to stick to fiction.

This is a more general umbrella topic of more specific ones I usually read within this area so I was interested but not expecting to be totally engrossed in it.

I was proven wrong however. Ended up reading it in one sitting. The information given was extremely interesting but it was presented in such a way that it really held your attention. It was amusing reading about what some of these people did, when you didn't focus too much on them being bad guys. Highly suggest it for anyone interested in the topic for some light reading.

NetGalley, Lexi Sonnekus

As featured in the article: Victorian Urban Legends

Fortean Times

History’s Most Daring Rogues and Villains by Nigel Blundell was an excellent read. This is the second book i have read from this author and I really enjoyed It's a roguish array of artful tricksters, fantastic fakers, rascally fraudsters and cunning conmen. They all bend the rules and usually the law. Yet however reprehensible their misdeeds, these thoroughly rotten scoundrels often display the very essence of enterprise and adventure. It may be only 152 pages long but full of interesting information about these Rogues and villains.

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sometimes books about historical characters can be pedestrian. They are full of fact but lack a certain verve and passion for the subject matter. That is why, when I find one that is highly entertaining as well as being informative, I am delighted.

I am delighted with this book. The stories of the various con artists, for indeed, in one form or another they all were, is told with a real affection for the colourful albeit dishonest people. There is the spy during WWII whose exploits would be dismissed as too far fetched if the proof was not in the documents. They were people who did it for fame and fortune or to make a point. They were all rogues, some more pleasant than others. Of course included were the forgers who could convince “experts” that their work was original. The book points out how many of these forgeries might be in circulation even now. There were the schemers who sold famous properties to gullible marks. One fellow sold the Brooklyn Bridge several times a week!

All in all it is light and light hearted reading, a perfect antidote to the current news. Five purrs and two paws up.

NetGalley, Susan Johnston

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Tricksters are always a fascinating type of characters and this book is a good introduction to a cast of these rogues.
Not all are nice and not all entertaining, it was an informative and well researched book.
Highly recommended.

NetGalley, Anna Maria Giacomasso

Nigel Blundell introduces us as well as reintroduces us into the disturbing world of charlatans, perverts, and all-around horrid human beings. Hopefully, this book will have all of its readers reevaluate who they emulate and admire.

NetGalley, CASPER HILEMAN

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a very interesting read to really get to know the different rogues which some I'm fascinated about.
I really enjoyed reading this book.

NetGalley, Dee A.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

In the past two hundred years, artful tricksters, fantastic fakers, rascally fraudsters and cunning con men have bent the rules and usually the law to their own gain. While no one would condone their antics, it is difficult not to admire their artifice. True stories are gathered together for one’s enjoyment.

I’m always intrigued by true tales of men and women who followed their own path. From artists who forged pictures to make a point, to men who boldly sold national monuments to naïve visitors, each story was interesting. A few I had heard, such as DB Cooper who parachuted out of an airplane with thousands of dollars and is never heard of again and Frank Abagnale, who inspired the movie Catch Me If You Can. However, most of the tales I had never heard of before.

Each story is a reasonable length, making it easy to read. Though by no means an in-depth biography of each person, it contains enough to be informative and interesting.

Readers who enjoy true tales and have an interest in the rogues of history will enjoy this one.

NetGalley, Bethany Swafford

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is an entertaining read.
What a cast of characters!
There are many people and their stories that were new to me.
This is an engaging book, I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

NetGalley, Karen Kenyon

An extremely interesting and enjoyable look at the life and times of some of the infamous, illustrious and downright dodgy. Plenty of questionable behaviour and practices!

NetGalley, Vanessa Rivington