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Murder Among Friends: How Leopold and Loeb Tried to Commit the Perfect Crime
CCBC Review:
Chicago, May 21, 1924. Brilliant, wealthy, and troubled companions Nathan Leopold (age 19) and Richard Loeb (18) set out to commit “the perfect crime.” Their unlucky victim: 14-year-old Bobby Franks, lured into the young men’s car and promptly murdered. Despite extensive corruption in the Chicago Police Department, the involvement of journalists in the investigation, and the questionable investigative practices used at the time, the not-so-perfect murder was quickly solved; the perpetrators were arrested and soon confessed. Clarence Darrow, the attorney who defended them, took a novel approach in urging Leopold and Loeb to plead guilty so that he could argue mitigating circumstances—but not insanity, which would have required a jury trial—in front of the sentencing judge, with the goal of evading the death penalty. Exhaustively researched, this gripping account covers the planning and execution of the deplorable crime, the investigation, the judicial process, and punishment for the offenders. The individual lives and personalities of Loeb, who today would be considered a psychopath, and Leopold, who was in thrall to Loeb, are compellingly detailed. (Both were gay, Jewish, and neglected by their parents as children.) Historical context is clear throughout the book, especially regarding the homophobia, antisemitism, and psychological practices of the 1920s. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 13 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
20th Century
Crime
Ethical/Moral Choices
History (Nonfiction)
Homophobia
Judicial System
Diversity subject:
Jewish
LGBTQ Character/Topic
Publishers:
Random House, Anne Schwartz Book
Publish Year: 2022
Pages: 355
ISBN: 9780593177426
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 364 Fleming