Popular Crime: Reflections on the Celebration of Violence

Bill James, celebrated writer and contrarian, has spent his life voraciously consuming true crime stories. In Popular Crime, he shares his fascination with these tales of murder and misdeeds with readers, exploring the ways in which they have shaped our society over time. From the sensational crimes of the past that have faded into relative obscurity to the still-famous, unsolved cases that captivate us to this day, James takes a deep dive into the world of true crime and its impact on our culture.One of the things that makes Popular Crime so compelling is James’ clear, accessible writing style. Even readers who normally avoid true crime stories will find themselves engrossed in his detailed accounts of infamous cases like the Black Dahlia murder and the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. James draws on his extensive knowledge of crime history to provide context for these stories, exploring the ways in which they were investigated, prosecuted, and ultimately written about in the tabloids.James also delves into the hidden ways in which crime has shaped, and been reflected by, our society. For example, he explores the rise of serial murder in the 1970s and how this phenomenon was both a product of and a reflection of the societal upheavals of that era. He also examines the ways in which prison reform movements have been driven in large part by the public’s fascination with true crime stories.Overall, Popular Crime is a fascinating, exhaustive examination of the ways in which tabloid crime has shaped our culture over the past few centuries. James’ exploration of both famous and lesser-known cases is engrossing, and his insights into the ways in which these crimes have influenced our society will leave readers with a new appreciation for the power of true crime stories.