For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago

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For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago

3.69 of 5 stars 3.69 · rating details · 995 ratings · 141 reviews

It was a crime that shocked the nation, a brutal murder in Chicago in 1924 of a child, by two wealthy college students who killed solely for the thrill of the experience. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb had first met several years earlier, and their friendship had blossomed into a love affair. Both were intellectuals—too smart, they believed, for the police to catch them....more It was a crime that shocked the nation, a brutal murder in Chicago in 1924 of a child, by two wealthy college students who killed solely for the thrill of the experience. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb had first met several years earlier, and their friendship had blossomed into a love affair. Both were intellectuals—too smart, they believed, for the police to catch them. However, the police had recovered an important clue at the scene of the crime—a pair of eyeglasses—and soon both Leopold and Loeb were in the custody of Cook County. They confessed, and Robert Crowe, the state's attorney, announced to newspaper reporters that he had a hanging case. No defense, he believed, would save the two ruthless killers from the gallows.

Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, a time of prosperity, self-indulgence, and hedonistic excess, For the Thrill of It draws the reader into a lost world, a world of speakeasies and flappers, of gangsters and gin parties, that existed when Chicago was a lawless city on the brink of anarchy. The rejection of morality, the worship of youth, and the obsession with sex had seemingly found their expression in this callous murder.

But the murder is only half the story. After Leopold and Loeb were arrested, their families hired Clarence Darrow to defend their sons. Darrow, the most famous lawyer in America, aimed to save Leopold and Loeb from the death penalty by showing that the crime was the inevitable consequence of sexual and psychological abuse that each defendant had suffered during childhood at the hands of adults. Both boys, Darrow claimed, had experienced a compulsion to kill, and therefore, he appealed to the judge, they should be spared capital punishment. However, Darrow faced a worthy adversary in his prosecuting attorney: Robert Crowe was clever, cunning, and charismatic, with ambitions of becoming Chicago's next mayor—and he was determined to send Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb to their deaths.

A masterful storyteller, Simon Baatz has written a gripping account of the infamous Leopold and Loeb case. Using court records and recently discovered transcripts, Baatz shows how the pathological relationship between Leopold and Loeb inexorably led to their crime.

This thrilling narrative of murder and mystery in the Jazz Age will keep the reader in a continual state of suspense as the story twists and turns its way to an unexpected conclusion.(less)

Hardcover, 560 pages

Published August 5th 2008 by Harper (first published 2008)

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May 19, 2013 Judy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Judy by: Jeff

Shelves: biography, history, mental-health

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. When I saw the movie, I was struck by two things:

It reminded me of the Hitchcock film, Rope, because it involved two college students who wanted to kill just to experience murdering, and
It made me think of The Great Gatsby, because it took place in the 1920s and involved rich college students, whose families sounded similar to those in the novel.

So I was happy to find, at the end of the book, references to both the film and the book. And even more, on page 449, there is the record that F. Scot...more When I saw the movie, I was struck by two things:

It reminded me of the Hitchcock film, Rope, because it involved two college students who wanted to kill just to experience murdering, and
It made me think of The Great Gatsby, because it took place in the 1920s and involved rich college students, whose families sounded similar to those in the novel.

So I was happy to find, at the end of the book, references to both the film and the book. And even more, on page 449, there is the record that F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1927 was going to write a novel about the case!

"His new book, Fitzgerald confided, would be darker and more pessimistic than his previous accounts of American youth -- it would reflect his conviction that American culture and society were set inexorably on a path to self-immolation and destruction. What episode in the Jazz Age could better express Fitzgerald's pessimism and despair than the random murder of a fourteen-year-old child by two wealthy hedonistic teenage lovers?"

The great philosophical question to me throughout this book is, Are we as individuals, responsible for our actions? Are we free moral agents?

My own answer to the first question is, yes, we are responsible for the choices that we make. The answer to my second question is less clear to me. I do not believe that we are totally free moral agents because of original sin. I think that we do have some freedom, however; enough to render us responsible for our choices and actions in most cases (and certainly in this one).

While I believe that both young men (they would now be considered adults, I think) should have received the death penalty, I do not feel angry about the decision that the judge rendered. I think he was wise to not mitigate their punishment based on their emotional immaturity or mental disease or plea of guilty. As he said, these could apply to many other criminals. The judge lessened their sentence based upon their youth. I think this is done today, although for younger criminals. And even in the Loeb/Leopold case, the judge knew that other criminals of ages 18 and 19 had in fact been executed. However, I don't feel that this was a terrible decision...except that it left a door open for eventual release.

I do not understand why the Franks family received hate mail. Page 393: "...Jacob Franks was preparing to sell the family home...situation had become insufferable...each morning, the mailman would deliver hundreds of letters, some in sympathy, but the majority in hatred and anger and avarice, threatening the Franks children; demanding money; scolding the parents for some imaginary reason; or proposing fantastical theories about Bobby's death."

I do not find either Darrow or Crowe totally admirable or awful. Darrow had his agenda to push (science shows there is no personal responsibility--the causes come from society and genetics; the abolition of the death penalty). Crowe had his career to push (and philosophy as well, of punishing crime). I am sure that big egos were held by each man. Philosophically, I am closer to Crowe, and don't believe that Darrow's utopian society where crime will never happen will come about until the Creator returns to rule. However, there is something to learn from each man, and something repugnant about each as well.

It surprised me that Richard, who didn't seem as interested in sex as Nathan did, actually died in prison because of his sexual activity with the prisoner who killed him.

It surprised me that Nathan eventually was released and married. But somehow it didn't make me angry. I knew he would never kill again.

(less)

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Jan 08, 2013 David rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-books

One Sentence Summary - The true story of two sociopathic lovers, their murder plot, and how their ensuing trial showcases the legal perception of mental illness during the 1920’s.

Full Review:

In the world of notorious, romantic criminal duos, most of us are likely to recall figures like “Bonnie and Clyde,” but we would be remiss to forget about those infamous clandestine lovers and Jazz Age murders: Nathaniel Leopold and Richard Loeb. Simon Baatz’s novel, For the Thrill of It, provides us with an...more One Sentence Summary - The true story of two sociopathic lovers, their murder plot, and how their ensuing trial showcases the legal perception of mental illness during the 1920’s.

Full Review:

In the world of notorious, romantic criminal duos, most of us are likely to recall figures like “Bonnie and Clyde,” but we would be remiss to forget about those infamous clandestine lovers and Jazz Age murders: Nathaniel Leopold and Richard Loeb. Simon Baatz’s novel, For the Thrill of It, provides us with an exciting examination of the murder case with a heavy emphasis on the legal rigmarole involved therein.

The murder plot, trial, and aftermath of this novel are all riveting, but the moments in between leave something to be desired. Baatz has a comprehensive knowledgeable of legal history and the evolution of psychiatry as it relates to the case. He shares much of that knowledge to provide helpful historical context so that we better understand the proceedings, but being bombarded with so much ancillary information does, occasionally, become tiresome for the reader.

For example, if there is some sort of legal precedent for a specific element of the case, the Baatz goes into (often agonizing) detail about that case. While this is mostly informative, it does have the unfortunate consequence of ruining the pacing of the novel. Likewise, whole chapters are dedicated to the legal professional history of secondary “characters” Clarence Darrow and Robert Crowe (attorneys for the defense and prosecution respectively). We learn almost as much about them as we do Nathaniel and Leopold.

This book will probably not be a page turner for most people, but if you’re interested in either the killers or the legal history behind their case, this is likely the most thrilling/engaging novel that you’ll find on the subject.

BONUS FUN FACT: If the name Clarence Darrow (the attorney for the defense) looks familiar, it’s probably because you know him for another famous American trial, the infamous “Scopes Trial” (aka The Monkey Trial), in which a Tennessee biology teacher was indicted for teaching the theory of evolution in school. (less)

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Sep 25, 2012 Christiane rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: true-crime, kindle, non-fiction

This is one of those books that made me feel bad the whole time I was reading it. The characters are so unsavory, and their crime so horrific, that you wonder why exactly you keep reading. I suppose it is to try to find some understanding about what could cause two wealthy college students to murder a young boy, apparently just for the thrill of the experience. The crime shocked 1924 Chicago and became a judgment on a whole era of lawlessness, self-indulgence and immorality.
Baatz has written a...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Derek Davis rated it 4 of 5 stars

This one deserves at least 6 stars for effort and completeness, about 2 or 3 for the telling. Could anyone make the Leopold-Loeb case boring? Baatz, a history prof, manages it for much of the book.

There's no doubt that this is and will probably remain the definitive study of the case, and it brings out in horrific detail the socially abandoned minds of the killers. In today's terms, they would certainly be called psychopaths, but even within that category they seem unique. Garrulous, confident,...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Jenny Cawley rated it 4 of 5 stars

The author wrote this book to tell people the story of Richard Loeb and Nathon Leopold. He expressed every aspect in vivid detail. It is hard to tell what his opinion was on the matter. It seems he only wanted to inform and entertain people with the mystery and murder in the book.

The theme of my book is that there is always two sides to a situation. In the court room the two skilled lawyers battled it out. They had extremely different views, but only one could prevail. The author skillfully wro...more

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May 23, 2011 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

In 1924, the murder of fourteen year-old Bobby Franks caught the attention of the nation. Bobby was lured into a car by his seventeen year-old second cousin, Richard Loeb. Loeb and his friend, Nathan Leopold killed Bobby and dumped his body in a culvert on the Indiana border. It did not take the police long to discover the identities of the killers who readily confessed. What shocked Chicago and the rest of the country was the reason that Bobby needed to be killed.

Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, a...more

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Aug 07, 2010 Cathy Simonds rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have been fascinated with the Leopold/Loeb case since I saw the movie Compulsion in my teens. Orson Welles was splendid as Clarence Darrow.
This book is a non-fictional examination of the crime, trial, and all the characters involved. Learned much about the relationship of Leopold and Loeb - but still do not understand how two rich young Jewish kids committed a murder for a thrill. The relationship of each of the boys with their respective nannies was quite amazing. Leopold's nanny seduced hi...more

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May 19, 2010 Jim Rada rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: history

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 20, 2009 Colleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: history

A masterful, well-researched engrossing book primarily about the murder and sentencing of Leopold and Loeb. While the murder and court case are thoroughly covered (some details like the psychological profiles and tests run a bit too much maybe), I was interested more in the implications of what the public's reaction was to the case. This was alluded to in many spots but never directly addressed in a chapter format (which because of the title I was sort of expecting).

In the age of Court TV and mu...more

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Sep 04, 2009 Arnie Harris rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Simon Baatz's "For the the Thrill of It" must be considered the most authoritative account of the sensational crime of 1924, Nathan Leoplold and Richard Loeb's murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks.
Almost by default, since, as the puzzled author points out in his afterword, his book is only the second to be written about the case in 30 years.
As such, a reading of "For the Thrill of It" results in not a little bit of ambivalence.
Baatz's research and detail,are impressive---but may perhaps be c...more Simon Baatz's "For the the Thrill of It" must be considered the most authoritative account of the sensational crime of 1924, Nathan Leoplold and Richard Loeb's murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks.
Almost by default, since, as the puzzled author points out in his afterword, his book is only the second to be written about the case in 30 years.
As such, a reading of "For the Thrill of It" results in not a little bit of ambivalence.
Baatz's research and detail,are impressive---but may perhaps be considered as alittle bit too much of a good thing.
One feels that the author tells us more about the then state of endocrinology than one nees to know.
He also spends an inordinate time delving in detail into the lives and cases of the prosecutor, Robert Crowe and defense attorney Clarence Darrow. In the latter's case,however, perhaps this serves as a valuable primer for younger readers unfamiiar with the legendary attorney.
Baatz also goes into great detail presenting the testimony of the numerous psychiatrists who testify to the mental illness they found in the two defendants.
As it turns out, all of this was anti-climactic as we learn that the judge in the case had already chosen to ignore that testimony and was resolved to make his decision of a life sentences or the death penalty minus all that clinical testimony.
On feels that Baatz may have spent more time on the defendants themselves. We learn precious little about how they spent their time in jail, both during the trial and in their years in prison.
To one's amazement, Baatz just gives cursory mention of the theories of the philosopher Nietzsche and their reportedly profound effect on the two boys and its role in their personality development and in leading them to the 'perfect murder committed by super-intellects.'
(Almost comically , these 'super geniuses'' perfect crime was botched from beginning to end to the point that they were already being held as serious suspects within three days of the murder).
Also Baatz tends not to tie up some important loose ends.
His book alludes to some other serious crimes committed by the pair prior to the Franks murder--crimes which Loeb feared Leopold would hold over his head in his bid for a lighter sentence--but the matter is never pursued or resolved.
Nonetheless, this book is well worth reading for anyone wanting to learn about one of the first of many "Trials of the Century."
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Apr 21, 2013 Todd rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, chicago, crime, ebooks, history, non-fiction

Excellent book all the way around. A history that is both thorough and accessible. I suppose you could argue there was some superfluous information here, but I would disagree. I've heard criticism that every single character has an extensive back story given, no matter how minor the role. Is it really necessary, for example, to explain exactly what the importance of the psychologists employed by both the prosecution and defense? I would argue that it is. It gives a fully rounded picture of exact...more

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Aug 24, 2011 Lord Beardsley rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: read2011

*Okay this is when I press up my MwyTotal mNyuERD glasses up with my middle finger and let loose a giant rant* I am quite disappointed with this book. I have been fascinated with the Leopold and Loeb case for many years now, and have read a considerable amount on the subject matter to be pretty well-versed in it. That being said, I found some major flaws of the factual kind running throughout this book, which makes me highly doubt the validity of it.

This book is marketed in a very sensationalis...more *Okay this is when I press up my MwyTotal mNyuERD glasses up with my middle finger and let loose a giant rant* I am quite disappointed with this book. I have been fascinated with the Leopold and Loeb case for many years now, and have read a considerable amount on the subject matter to be pretty well-versed in it. That being said, I found some major flaws of the factual kind running throughout this book, which makes me highly doubt the validity of it.

This book is marketed in a very sensationalistic manner. The cover implies Jazz! Sex! Murder! Mayhem. However, the majority of it is basically hammered out in dry, vague details of the murder without really going into much about Richard Loeb or Nathan Leopold. In fact, this book is actually a strange Anti-Clarence Darrow Agenda from the get go.

The author goes into great details about the lawyers for the Defence and the State as well as every crime that could be compared at all to Leopold and Loeb. More is spent discussing previous court cases than is actually spent on the subjects. Fail.

A Couple Examples of the Questionable/False Statements Passed Off As Facts:
-Sam was the OLDER brother of Nathan Leopold, not the younger. Nathan Leopold's nickname was "Babe" because he was the BABY of the family
-There is absolutely NO documented evidence that Richard Loeb propositioned Day with sexual blackmail (which Baatz used as a motive for the murder of Loeb). Besides this, the victim-blaming of Richard Loeb's murder is heavily implied.
-Richard Loeb stated when he was 18 that he was highly indifferent to sex of any kind, that also makes it difficult to believe this fabrication of Loeb as "asking for it" in regards to Days' violent act.

If you really want to read a fantastic and (imho) definitive, thoughtful, and incredibly moving account of the Leopold and Loeb case, read "Leopold and Loeb: The Crime of the Century" by Hal Higdon. Don't waste your time with this.

I started wondering (see The Curious Case of the autobiography of Lord Alfred Douglas by Douglas Murray) at one point, "Is the guy who wrote this some kind of Neo-Con?". If I start wondering things like that about a book, then chances are, the book is (to quote The God Warrior from TV's 'Trading Spouses') "Dark-sided."

Nerd Alert, signing off. (less)

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Dec 01, 2010 Michelle Wegner rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a super interesting read on many levels. Two boys in their teens committed the "perfect crime" or so they thought. They spent the better part of a year planning to murder someone, anyone...as long as they could get away with it, just "For the Thrill of It."

On a personal level, I found this book to be fascinating, because the crime happens just blocks away from where my Grandparents and Great Grandparents were living at the time in the 1920's. All of the streets and places discussed in t...more

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Sep 08, 2009 Gena rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am always fascinated by true crime stories and moreso by those that happened when our country and crime solving methods were still young. I think it must be something about the innocence of the nation and its people when faced with the horror of certain things that seemed incomprehensible - they just seemed ill-equipped to deal with it. This novel was different in handling the very famous Leopold and Loeb murder of Bobby Franks. While there is extensive detail of the planning and execution of...more

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Feb 14, 2011 julie bs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: true-crime

Unlike many true-crime books, this one is brilliantly researched and written, with tons of of primary-source material from all sides. Absolutely gorgeous to read. Unfortunately, *like* many true crime books, it's just too damned long. When they catch the killers, and they confess, and there's still roughly 2/3 of the book to go, and the next two chapters are each dedicated to the life stories of the prosecution and defense attorneys, my head begins to spin. It's just a bit much. I have the sneak...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Jason rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: history, crime

Maybe it's not fair to criticize a story from history for lacking a unified narrative where all of the pieces fit nicely together. Real life doesn't work that way, and history is ideally the retelling of real life stories. Nevertheless, a lack of unity and overall coherence is what keeps this book, in my mind at least, from being as memorable as it could be.

The story of Leopold and Loeb--wealthy 1920s Chicago scions turned thrill killers based on some sort of Nietzschean superman egotism--is int...more Maybe it's not fair to criticize a story from history for lacking a unified narrative where all of the pieces fit nicely together. Real life doesn't work that way, and history is ideally the retelling of real life stories. Nevertheless, a lack of unity and overall coherence is what keeps this book, in my mind at least, from being as memorable as it could be.

The story of Leopold and Loeb--wealthy 1920s Chicago scions turned thrill killers based on some sort of Nietzschean superman egotism--is intriguing and told here in comprehensive detail, and the author initially does an admirable job of characterizing the two murders: Leopold, a troubled loner of superior intellect and confused sexuality, and Loeb, a charming sociopath who fantasizes about being a famous master criminal. The duo's nefarious plot to kidnap a rich local kid, kill him and attempt a daring ransom extortion scheme of the child's family is related in an effective and suspenseful way as is their subsequent arrest, confession and trial, featuring a politically ambitious prosecutor vs. America's most famous lawyer, the great Clarence Darrow. All of the ingredients are in place for a great book.

The problem is how this narrative begins to contradict itself and fall apart. At times, sociopath Loeb seems a duped unwitting participant in the crime despite being the one who actually commits the murder while depressed intellectual Leopold becomes a larger than life media villain. Leopold and Loeb's sexual relationship and suspected sexual abuse of their victim was naturally scandalous in 1920s Chicago, but the book also attempts to make it seem more scandalous than it should be to a modern reader and then at times downplays it as well. Similarly, the book seems to build up Clarence Darrow, an immensely important figure in 20th century American history (who I consider a great man because of his defense of the labor movement and the teaching of evolution in schools), and then to portray him as a blowhard, which certainly he could be. Less excusably, the author seems to editorialize too much about how Darrow's ultimate goal is overturn the justice system altogether to the point where punishment does not exist when Darrow himself states at the outset of the trail that Leopold and Loeb deserve to the imprisoned for the rest of their lives but not to be hanged.

Yes, they're nitpicky little gripes, but they're enough to keep the book from resonating as well as it could have for this reader.(less)

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Apr 19, 2011 Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Historian Simon Baatz exhaustively researched this look at the Leopold-Loeb murder case (there are 44 pages of citations at the back of the book). Despite all the detail, this is no dry account of the facts; the author gives us insight into th motives of the principals. Each character is introduced with enough background to understand his actions. In fact, each of the lead lawyers has a full chapter devoted to his career up to the time of the trial.

The attention to detail, focus on motivations,...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Abby rated it 3 of 5 stars

For The Thrill of It, a true crime narrative, aspires to join the ranks of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. It falls short. Baatz does successfully relate interesting information about the families of Leopold and Lobe; he also shines light on the oddities of the relationship between the two boys, which ultimately may have contributed to the motive behind the crime. But, the book's pace slows during the trial chapters when we are overwhelmed by the minutiae of courtroom proceedings.

The tone of the...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Aaron rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Interesting and highly-detailed look at the vicious murder of 14 year-old Bobby Franks by two petulant, rich, amoral teenage boys in 1924 Chicago. Baatz does a solid job of explaining Loeb's and Leopold's backgrounds, their plotting of the murder, and the actual murder. That part of the book was riveting.

Then, it slows down considerably when he devotes a chapter each to defense attorney Clarence Darrow, and Cook County State's Attorney Robert Crowe. I understand why he went into such detail abo...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Doug Dams rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the account of two men who committed the murder of a young boy just for the experience of it, in the 1920's. The book looks at the lives of the two murderers, and the trial that convicted them. Clarence Darrow was one of their lawyers. Both men were highly educated and intelligent and came from wealthy families. So the book tries to explain how these two men could commit such a horrible crime. The author succeeds mostly. The author also lets you know how the crime and trial affected the...more

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Jan 13, 2011 Kevin rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An incredibly well researched, meticulous account of the murder, but especially the psych exams and hearing (not trial) of these two teenage murderers. The problem is, it’s a bit too meticulous. Too much detail, whole sections of the hearing transcriptions are here. The psych exam results are especially dry. I can appreciate the historical significance of this book, apparently the only legitimate history there is. But it doesn’t make all that compelling of reading. I’d have liked more context. W...more

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Jan 18, 2009 Jessie rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book was pretty disappointing because it provides no real historical context. The jacket and all of the positive reviews refer to the book's backdrop of hedonistic 1920s Chicago, but this is hardly explored. Instead the author (Baatz) chooses to focus on the tiniest details of the case and never gives the reader the bigger picture. While the book disappoints as a history, it also lacks the intrigue endemic to the more sensationalist true crime genre. It's as if Baatz intentionally sucked al...more

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Feb 25, 2009 Vince rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pretty darn good. Well researched and the author touches on the more controversial parts of the story - homosexuality - etc. without resorting to making excuses for Leopold and Loeb or sensationalizing their heinous act. I still have a few unanswered questions about the case, what were A,B,C,D. If any of you out there do know please post as a comment. I've always found it rather odd that Loeb never lost at cards and kept depositing cash in his account. I've also always thought the State's Attorn...more

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Jul 13, 2009 Jennie rated it 3 of 5 stars

As someone who has always been fascinated by American history, especially of the twentieth century, I enjoyed the context the writer provided for the story -- Chicago in the 1920's. Against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, he sets out to tell the story of how two privileged young men perpetrated a murder of a young boy "for the thrill of it." The descriptions of the investigation, the court proceedings, the lawyers, etc. made for a compelling story. Yet, toward the end the book dragged....a...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Kristine added it

For the Thrill of It by Simon Baatz, a Kindle book I began reading on December 29th on my way back from moving my mom into a new apartment. Thanks a heap, The Girls of Murder City, you kind of already gave away the ending of this book, but I forgive you.

As the intro to this review and my previous review of The Girls of Murder City, this book was practically screaming to be read, since it dealt in the same era and the same criminal justice system of Chicago. For the Thrill of It takes a multi-dim...more

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Jul 26, 2009 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Never read anything but history book accounts of this story. The author does a great job of describing Leopold and Loeb, the murder of Bobby Franks, and what may have been the motive for it all, but gets terribly bogged down in details about evidence at the trial. I was ready for a bigger taste of the 1920s, for a connection between the "roar" of that time and the case of Leopold and Loeb. I think Baatz misses the boat here. Yes, it is a detailed history of the case, the trial, and the aftermath...more

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Aug 17, 2010 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: history

Did not find the author very good and found a couple errors (about Loeb's time at the University of Michigan). I am surprised, also, that Baatz barely ever strayed from the effects on the two murderers themselves -- very little info on the impact on the city, the law, or on the Franks family. It's jarring also how Baatz just suddenly makes a pronouncement, like "Darrow's psychological defense was a failure..." without much evidence. Baatz really painted a negative picture of Clarence Darrow that...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Mike Moore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Excellent detailed account of one of the most infamous criminal trials in American history. Some readers may find it to be overly detailed ,especially about the background of the defense attorneys and the prosecutor. It was fascinating to learn more about the key defense attorney , Clarence Darrow. After reading this book, it is still hard to believe that it is 100% non-fiction, but it is ! The author has you craving for more, perhaps because the subject is so extraordinary. One is left saying t...more

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Jun 26, 2011 Bryce rated it 4 of 5 stars

A clear and comprehensive look at the Leopold and Loeb murders and the controversy that surrounded their hearing and sentencing.

Baatz manages to be interesting and give readers a clear and understandable narrative without sacrificing historical details. This isn't just a sensationalistic true crime novel. He also presents an unbiased, well-rounded view of Leopold and Loeb and also Darrow and Crowe, the lawyers in the cases. Baatz presented the science of the day without a lot of accompanying mo...more

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Jan 10, 2009 Glenn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very informative, very thorough, well-paced, organized & readable. (NOT a quick read!) Good companion to Compulsion by Meyer Levin. Very thorough description of one of the very first high-profile cases to employ high-profile psychiatrists for both prosecution and defense sides. Lots of info about the context of Chicago's culture, politics, legal system & history of each. Appendix describes plays, films & books based on or inspired by this case, including "Rope", w/some interesting an...more

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title link	preview: For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2490073.For_the_Thrill_of_It?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347457741l/2490073.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2490073.For_the_Thrill_of_It?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago by Simon Baatz[/url]

For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Chicago

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