The full name of the book is a mouthful: "Wanted: Gentleman Bank Robber: The True Story of Leslie Ibsen Rogge, One of the FBI's Most Elusive Criminals." The author is Dane Batty. In the Introduction, you learn that Batty is the subject's nephew. As you read further, it quickly becomes apparent that Leslie Rogge is the true author.
This is not your typical true crime book. The stories are told largely in the first person by the Gentleman Bank Robber himself. Most of the book is a compilation of Rogge's letters from prison. This makes for an intimate and unique read. There were times I wished other perspectives or more background information was included, but overall this was an interesting read.
The book reads like a how-to for robbing banks, stealing cars, and living on the run. Rogge seems to take pride and glee in his robberies. There are lessons on starting a car with no key, creating realistic car papers, false IDs, and, of course, bank robbery.
Rogge was methodical in his preparation, which likely helped him elude capture for so long. Rogge treated his bank robberies like a job. He explains that it was a job he had to do well because of the grave consequences of a mistake.
One example of what Rogge looked for in a target bank was an all-female staff. His theory was that women were less inclined to resist or play the hero. Another key aspect was a good getaway - whether by stolen car, plane, or boat.
Rogge also had a rule that he did not want to commit a robbery when he was desperate for money because desperation would lead to rushing and mistakes. His careful planning seems to have worked most of the time.
It appears Rogge was extremely successful. His robberies netted tens of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars each. Rogge and his wife traveled the country and large parts of the world for many years while he was on the FBI's top ten most wanted list and regularly featured on the television show "America's Most Wanted." (It's unclear exactly how long he was on the run because there is not much sense of time provided.)
The book sometimes skips over interesting parts of Rogge's story. For example, two attempted prison escapes were disposed of in two sentences. (Although a later successful escape is detailed and is almost unbelievable in its ease.)
This book is a good look into the mind of a criminal. Rogge was not a violent criminal, but he had no regard for the law or the people and businesses he victimized.
There is a distinct tone of admiration and pride that comes through from both author and subject. Rogge seems to have no regard for the people whose IDs he stole or the bank tellers he frightened. Not to mention the banks and car dealerships he robbed of hundreds of thousands of dollars. He almost seems to delight in his acts. Rogge shows no remorse. He even expresses confusion over why law enforcement authorities were so interested in him when he had never hurt anyone.
The book could have been better edited for ease of reading. It comes across a little amateurish. At times that is annoying and other times it is endearing.
Overall, a worthwhile read. Click below to check it out:
The book reads like a how-to for robbing banks, stealing cars, and living on the run. Rogge seems to take pride and glee in his robberies. There are lessons on starting a car with no key, creating realistic car papers, false IDs, and, of course, bank robbery.
Rogge was methodical in his preparation, which likely helped him elude capture for so long. Rogge treated his bank robberies like a job. He explains that it was a job he had to do well because of the grave consequences of a mistake.
One example of what Rogge looked for in a target bank was an all-female staff. His theory was that women were less inclined to resist or play the hero. Another key aspect was a good getaway - whether by stolen car, plane, or boat.
Rogge also had a rule that he did not want to commit a robbery when he was desperate for money because desperation would lead to rushing and mistakes. His careful planning seems to have worked most of the time.
It appears Rogge was extremely successful. His robberies netted tens of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars each. Rogge and his wife traveled the country and large parts of the world for many years while he was on the FBI's top ten most wanted list and regularly featured on the television show "America's Most Wanted." (It's unclear exactly how long he was on the run because there is not much sense of time provided.)
The book sometimes skips over interesting parts of Rogge's story. For example, two attempted prison escapes were disposed of in two sentences. (Although a later successful escape is detailed and is almost unbelievable in its ease.)
This book is a good look into the mind of a criminal. Rogge was not a violent criminal, but he had no regard for the law or the people and businesses he victimized.
There is a distinct tone of admiration and pride that comes through from both author and subject. Rogge seems to have no regard for the people whose IDs he stole or the bank tellers he frightened. Not to mention the banks and car dealerships he robbed of hundreds of thousands of dollars. He almost seems to delight in his acts. Rogge shows no remorse. He even expresses confusion over why law enforcement authorities were so interested in him when he had never hurt anyone.
The book could have been better edited for ease of reading. It comes across a little amateurish. At times that is annoying and other times it is endearing.
Overall, a worthwhile read. Click below to check it out:
If you're a writer, check out my writer's guide of The Top 7 Mistakes Made by Writers of Crime, Mystery, and Legal Drama. If you have a book you would like me to review, please contact me.
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