Clumsy Criminals

Theresa Walton

Translator A AI

Summary

Clumsy Criminals explores the surprisingly common phenomenon of criminal incompetence through a series of true crime case studies. It examines how flawed planning, poor decision-making under duress, and simple bad luck can lead to spectacular failures, even when success seems within reach. The book highlights that even meticulously planned crimes can unravel due to unforeseen circumstances or human error. For example, a criminal might be undone by a simple slip-up or a completely unexpected event, showcasing the unpredictability inherent in criminal activity.

 
The book analyzes these failed crimes using concepts from forensic psychology and situational crime prevention, offering insights into why criminals make the choices they do. It progresses by first establishing a theoretical framework, then delving into specific cases that illustrate the interplay of flawed planning and irrational decisions.

 
By focusing on non-violent offenses, Clumsy Criminals provides a unique and often humorous perspective on the fallibility of those who break the law, appealing to true crime enthusiasts interested in the human side of crime. The ultimate aim is to understand how these failures can inform better crime prevention strategies.

Available since: 03/29/2025.

Print length: 64 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Chained Birds - A Crimemoir

Carla Conti

Chained Birds: A Crimemoir is an author-narrated studio production of Carla Conti's award-winning true crime memoir.

FROM THE BACK COVER
After three years in Europe, former journalist Carla Conti just wanted to settle her family into the suburbs of Philadelphia. But her high school friend Scott Powell, a lawyer handling a brutal prison stabbing case, needed a favor. Before she knew it, Carla became part of the defense team and was mired in the terrifying world of federal prison gangs, penal abuse, and corruption.

Then, when she agreed to write a tell-all book on the violent machinations behind the court case—with Scott’s client as an inside source—the stakes turned deadly. Two different prison gangs issued “hit orders” against the prisoner she and Scott now considered a friend, and the journalist and defense attorney were imperiled by association.

CHAINED BIRDS: A CRIMEMOIR is the story of Carla’s 10-year journey to advocate for federal inmate Kevin Sanders and help him re-enter society after prison. But the mission came at a cost as Carla struggled to balance her own, Scott’s, and Kevin’s safety while writing an exposé on the horrific conditions that led to the shutdown of an experimental prison program in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

Part investigative thriller, part raw memoir, CHAINED BIRDS is a gripping exposé of systemic injustice and a powerful reminder of the resilience it takes to uncover the truth.

AWARDS
• Aug '25 Finalist for Book Adaptation Needed - Page Turner Awards
• June '25 Finalist True Crime - National Indie Excellence
• May '25 1st Place True Crime - Next Generation Indie Book Awards
• May '25 Silver True Crime - Independent Press Book Awards/IPPY

Show book

Catherine's Lieutenant

Mary Ward Mortensen

Throughout her life, Mary Mortensen’s father’s war trunk was a constant presence, moving with the family from home to home. Upon his passing, she discovered it held every letter exchanged between her parents during World War II, revealing a poignant story of love and courage. 
On a three-day pass from Camp Mackall, North Carolina, Second Lieutenant Frank R. Ward met Catherine Oliver on the white sands of Myrtle Beach. What began as a chance encounter sparked a lifelong love story that would endure the trials of World War II. Frank’s deployment took him across North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and the South of France, culminating in the harrowing Battle of the Bulge. 
Through Frank’s letters, Mary uncovered the extraordinary courage of "Lieutenant Frank Ward" and the often-overlooked sacrifices of the 17th Airborne Glider Unit. In Catherine’s Lieutenant, she honors her parents’ legacy and the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom.

Show book

Emperor Nero - The Treacherous...

Kelly Mass

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the fifth and final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, ruled the Roman Empire from AD 54 to 68. He was thrust into the highest seat of power at the age of sixteen after being adopted by Emperor Claudius, his stepfather. While Nero enjoyed popularity among the lower classes and the Praetorian Guard, who benefited from his patronage, the Roman aristocracy and Senate viewed him with contempt. Ancient historians portray him as a tyrannical and self-indulgent ruler, notorious for his extravagance, cruelty, and disregard for tradition. His reign ended in disgrace when the Senate declared him a public enemy, leading to his suicide at the age of thirty.  
Born in AD 37 in the coastal town of Antium, Nero was the son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger, a great-granddaughter of Emperor Augustus. His father died when he was only two years old, and his mother soon remarried, securing a position of influence at the imperial court. When Agrippina married Emperor Claudius, she maneuvered to have her son adopted as his heir, ultimately sidelining Claudius’ biological son, Britannicus. Following Claudius’ suspicious death in AD 54—widely believed to have been orchestrated by Agrippina—Nero ascended the throne with the backing of the Senate and the powerful Praetorian Guard.  
In the early years of his reign, Nero was heavily influenced by a triad of advisers: his ambitious mother Agrippina, the philosopher and statesman Seneca the Younger, and the Praetorian prefect Sextus Afranius Burrus. Initially, the empire benefited from their guidance, as Nero enacted policies that were generally seen as moderate and pragmatic. However, as he grew older, he sought to rule independently, resenting the influence of his mother.

Show book

Scimitar into Stanley - One...

Roger Field

In May 1982, Captain Roger Field, The Blues and Royals, attached to HQ 5th Infantry Brigade, sailed on the Queen Elizabeth 2 as part of the second wave to liberate the Falkland Islands. Surprised by what he saw at Brigade HQ, he started writing a diary. 
His journey took him to Fitzroy as the Argentinean aircraft struck the landing ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram. A chance meeting led him to fighting alongside the Commanding Officer of 2 Para at the Battle of Wireless Ridge. When the commander of one of the four attached armoured cars of The Blues and Royals was knocked out part way through the battle, Roger took command of that Scimitar. Next day his Scimitar was at the very tip of the spear as 2 Para and The Blues and Royals led the victorious charge into Port Stanley. 
‘Revisionist’ in places and always refreshingly candid, this account is unique as it describes the War from the viewpoint of a staff officer, infanteer and armoured vehicle commander. A gripping listen.

Show book

Taylor Swift: The Whole Story

Chas Newkey-Burden

The #1 New York Times Bestseller 
As Taylor releases her 11th album, THE TORTURED POET’S DEPARTMENT, catch up on the full story of Taylor Swift’s stratospheric rise to fame; all any dedicated Swifty needs to know about the pop superstar who’s taking over the world 
A small-town girl with incredible talent – and the strength and determination to realise her dream – Taylor Swift has gone from America’s sweetheart to global megastar. But how did she get there? And how has she coped with the realities of fame? 
Fully updated in fascinating detail, Taylor Swift: The Whole Story explores Taylor’s musical evolution and her status as a fearless businesswoman operating on her own terms. From her early beginnings in Pennsylvania to the challenges she faced on the road to success, and from her relationships with Harry Styles, Joe Alwyn and Travis Kelce to her record-breaking Eras tour, this is the unmissable account of Taylor’s journey to world domination. 
This autobiography, a Sunday Times bestseller, delves into the history of Taylor's rise in the arts and entertainment industry, highlighting her evolution as a musician and composer. It's a must-read for individuals interested in the performing arts and the stories behind the success of global megastars. 
For fans of Chloe Govan (Maroon 5), Tom Jones (Over the Top and Back), Alan Sugar (Unscripted), and Caroline Sullivan (Taylor Swift). 
HarperCollins 2024

Show book

True Crime Files: 30 Real Murder...

Yash

Step inside the darkest corners of the human mind with True Crime Files: 30 Real Murder Cases, Unsolved Mysteries & Deception Stories.
This audiobook takes you on a gripping journey through thirty shocking true-crime cases that shook the world.
Each chapter reveals a story more haunting than the last — from cold-blooded murders and chilling disappearances to twisted lies that fooled everyone. These are not fiction. These are real cases, real victims, and real killers, told with raw honesty and gripping narration that keeps you listening long after you press play.
Discover how ordinary people became monsters. Follow investigators as they piece together impossible clues. Uncover the deceptions that hid in plain sight. Every story exposes the psychology of crime — the manipulation, obsession, and darkness that drive people to kill.
Whether you’re fascinated by unsolved mysteries, obsessed with criminal psychology, or simply love stories that reveal the truth behind evil — this collection will pull you in and never let go. Perfect for fans of Mindhunter, Making a Murderer, or Serial, True Crime Files delivers the same intensity, suspense, and shocking revelations in every chapter.
🎧 Why listeners love it:Real murder cases told with cinematic detail and human emotionBalanced mix of solved crimes and still-unsolved mysteriesDeep psychological insight into the minds of killers and deceiversProfessional, clear, and immersive narration by Yash
Get ready for a dark, addictive, and eye-opening experience.
Press play — and enter a world where every truth hides a secret, and every mystery hides a killer.

Show book