Books Like...

'The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man' by David W. Maurer delves into the history and evolution of confidence tricks and cons, providing a detailed account of the grift in the 1940s. The book offers insights into the different roles involved in a con, the psychology of the mark, and the intricate schemes employed by confidence men. Maurer's narrative style combines academic research with anecdotes and stories from those involved in the con game, presenting a slice of Americana that sheds light on a forgotten aspect of society.

'Charlatan: America's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam' by Pope Brock is a gripping narrative that delves into the life of John R. Brinkley, a notorious confidence man who deceived men with promises of cures for male problems using quack theories involving goat testicles. The book portrays Brinkley's rise to fame and fortune through his fraudulent medical practices, his impact on politics and entertainment, and the relentless pursuit of him by Morris Fishbein, the editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Through a captivating storytelling style, Brock exposes the dark world of medical quackery in the early 20th century, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and shedding light on the influence of marketing and celebrity in shaping public perception.

Brinkley's audacious schemes, the battle between him and Fishbein, and the historical context of the era are vividly depicted in 'Charlatan', offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of deception, credulity, and the consequences of unchecked charlatanism. With a blend of intrigue, humor, and historical insights, Pope Brock crafts a compelling narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the parallels between past and present in the realms of medicine, media, and human nature.

'A Deal with the Devil' by Blake Ellis and Melanie Hicken delves into the investigative journey of the authors as they uncover the intricate web of deceit orchestrated by the elusive French psychic Maria Duval. Through their meticulous research and relentless pursuit of the truth, Ellis and Hicken expose the long-running scam that preyed on vulnerable individuals seeking psychic advice, lottery tips, and more. The narrative takes readers on a thrilling ride, revealing the dark underbelly of the criminal underworld and the global scale of the con game.

The writing style of the book is captivating, drawing readers into the story with its detailed attention to the investigative process and the complexities of the scam. Ellis and Hicken skillfully weave together a narrative that not only educates readers about the investigative journalism process but also entertains with its gripping true crime elements and the revelation of the full extent of Maria Duval's scheme.

'The Confidence Game' by Maria Konnikova is a deep dive into the world of cons and scams, exploring the psychology behind both the grifter and the mark. The book delves into the tactics used by confidence artists to manipulate their victims, weaving together true stories of cons with insights from psychology and neuroscience. The writing style is a blend of journalism and psychology, offering a riveting look at how people can be convinced to act against their own self-interests through the power of belief and emotion.

'Empire of Deception' by Dean Jobb is a gripping account of the life of Leo Koretz, a master swindler who orchestrated one of the greatest Ponzi schemes in history during the 1920s in Chicago. Jobb's writing style immerses the reader in the opulence and corruption of the era, painting a vivid picture of a conniving yet charming con man who bilked millions of dollars without any tangible product. delves into Koretz's ability to deceive not only strangers but also his own friends and family, leaving a trail of financial ruin and shame in his wake.

'The Key Man' delves into the captivating and enthralling story of Arif Naqvi, a charismatic man who built an empire through a series of thefts that left readers on edge. The narrative follows his rise from humble beginnings in Karachi, Pakistan to becoming a figure who had world business leaders and politicians under his sway. meticulously documents the grand larceny committed by Naqvi and the unraveling of his company, Abraaj, shedding light on the dark side of the private equity world and the consequences of greed and gullibility.

'PTL: The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's Evangelical Empire' by John Wigger delves into the rise and fall of the ultimate televangelist power couple, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. The book explores the excesses of the 1980s consumer culture intertwined with religion and ambition, showcasing the deeply flawed yet oddly understandable nature of the Bakkers within the context of their unique brand of Christianity. Wigger's writing style expertly navigates through the scandalous events that led to the downfall of the PTL ministry, shedding light on the internal problems, ethical lapses, and moral breakdown that ultimately brought about the empire's collapse.

The book provides a well-researched and thought-provoking account of the PTL scandal, offering new insights into the complexities of the Bakkers' story and the unraveling of their evangelical empire. Wigger's narrative skillfully uncovers the behind-the-scenes drama and behavioral patterns that contributed to the downfall of the ministry, presenting a detailed and compelling analysis of how greed, lust, and weakness played pivotal roles in the demise of PTL and the Bakkers' legacy.