This was an interesting read. I liked that it was more about life than the violent crimes of the man. And mostly about the relationships within his life. The narration was excellent for a non-fiction book.  This a guide in why never to just take someone at their word when they're convicted of a crime and claim they're innocent. And why you do need proof that there was something wrong with their trial or the investigation.

 

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for sending me an advanced review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I have been a fan of the true crime genre for many years, so when I had heard of Scoundrel, it had piqued my interest. I had heard about William F. Buckley, but I had not heard about the Edgar Smith case.

This book had captured my attention immediately as I felt as if I was right there in the middle of the case. I must mention that there are huge triggers for abuse , misogyny, narcissism, murder, divorce, graphic violence.

I was extremely frustrated at how the judicial system treats minorities, yet this white dude can get bailed out of jail and then can reoffend. I found myself repulsed at the actions of Smith and while this book spanned from the 1950s to 2017, I kept shaking my head at the errors of justice. I also found it frustrating at how each of the people involved unwittingly believed Smith for only to be taken advantage of in the end.

I was finally glad to see Smith receive justice.

I do recommend this to true crime readers.