Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks - Patrick Radden Keefe ----------------- 4 Stars

This is now the third book I've read (and reviewed) by Patrick Radden Keefe, and I'm realizing I really enjoy his writing style and subjects. I think he's overcome Jon Krakauer as my favorite non-fiction writer (which also makes sense as Krakauer is no longer writing!). Radden Keefe has a new book coming out next year, and there is an older book I need to pick up now as well.

Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks is a collection of some his best essays during the time with the New Yorker. There are about a dozen of them, and I found each of them fascinating. I also found them to each be about a subject that I was vaguely familiar but learned so much more. Much like David Foster-Wallace's Consider the Lobster  (also, probably a record on hyper links for this blog!), a book with a number of short stories is both great and annoying. On a positive, I found myself so curious about each of these people/stories, and it was wonderful to jump from place to place and get a quick dive into something new. On the downside, I found myself wishing there was more to learn (often leading to a deep web search after finishing the essay).

Like his other books, I find Radden Keefe to have a wonderful writing style. It's engaging and well written enough to keep you hooked, and he almost never gives you too much or not enough. I'm not sure if it's a great editor, but his choices of what to include and pace is fantastic. I also enjoyed the decisions of who to cover. Like many, I'm curious about the "true crime" genre that has become so popular, and this book covers many of that type (check the title!). From the biggest drug/crime lord in Mexico, to the Boston Marathon bomber, to many, many others, this book may not be for some. If you struggle with the story of violence, death, etc., this can certainly be a tough read. 

As you can tell, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it, and his other, fuller stories, to any interested readers. While there are parts that can be tough to get through, understanding more about the types of people and stories that you don't often come across in every day life is exciting. Strong recommendation!