Meticulously researched, centered on the women victimized by Edgar Smith and never credulous of his account. Would have been a little more interesting with engagement with prison abolitionism

Long Story Short: In 1957, Edgar Smith was convicted of the murder of 15-year-old Victoria Zielinski and sentenced to death. While awaiting (and fighting) execution, he befriended several influential people through letters, ultimately leading to Smith becoming a published author and having his conviction overturned. Unfortunately, Smith was never innocent, and everyone who supported him was forced to face the facts when he attempted another murder in 1976. In Scoundrel, Sarah Weinman explores how Smith manipulated an entire establishment.

I suppose the more fitting title, Piece of Sh*t, wouldn’t have been approved to publish, so the less-offensive Scoundrel had to do. I somehow had no knowledge of Edgar Smith and his various cases, books, and overall nonsense. His story is very mid-century in its belief that someone “talented” couldn’t possibly be scum, the blind eye turned to domestic violence, the blatant misogyny, and the gross views and descriptions of women (a 4’11, 90lb 19-year-old described as “looking much younger than 19” who Smith says “appeared to be the last true virgin” was especially revolting).

Scoundrel is well-researched but tedious. The middle drags, with hours of correspondence between Smith and William F. Buckley Jr. and Sophie Wilkins quoted and the promise that they would live to regret their support of the convict (which doesn’t come to fruition until the last 30 minutes of the book). One of the most interesting facts is Smith’s influence on Mary Higgins Clark to write mysteries, but that is also coming from someone who has read *a lot* of Mary Higgins Clark. 

Edgar Smith was the worst kind of man. That he outlived so many of the people he abused is an abomination. 

Enjoyment: 2.5/5
Craft: 3/5
Overall: 2.75/5

This book was incredibly engaging in how it was written, but I didn't like the framing of Smith's jailhouse correspondence with the Sophie and the other women he had romantic interactions with. I understand the necessity of exploring the depth of his psyche and how he was able to portray himself in how that impacted or manipulated his public perception leading to his release, but the amount of space given to it in the book was unsettling. In some instancet, it felt as if it was attempting to make reader empathize with him and the women he manipulated, rather than framing him as the manipulator. This was a really interesting look into 20th century politics, and how greatly they differ in reference to the ability to form bonds surpassing political lines from politics and life the 21st century. It was also a very interesting look on hypocrisy.

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.

Sarah Weinman has quickly become one of the authors whose work I need to read as soon as it's out. The audiobook of this is great, I ran extra errands so I had an excuse to keep listening and finished it in a day. 

 

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.