Ever wondered what Alexandre Dumas would write if he had a true crime blog? This book is your answer. Celebrated Crimes is a massive collection of real historical episodes that Dumas researched and retold with his signature dramatic style. He covers centuries and countries, from the Borgia family's infamous reign in Italy to the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask in France, and the bloody uprising of the Cenci family.

The Story

There's no single plot. Instead, it's a series of standalone deep dives into history's most notorious scandals and atrocities. Each story focuses on a specific crime or criminal: a poisoning, a political murder, a shocking betrayal. Dumas doesn't just list facts. He builds the world, sets the scene, and gets inside the heads of both the perpetrators and those caught in their schemes. You get the full picture—the ambition, the desperation, the twisted logic—that led to these infamous moments.

Why You Should Read It

This book completely changed how I see historical nonfiction. Dumas has a gift for making the past feel immediate and wildly entertaining. He treats these figures not as distant statues, but as complex, flawed people. You're not just learning what happened; you're pulled into the suspense of how it happened. It's history without the boring parts, full of larger-than-life characters and jaw-dropping plots that—unbelievably—are all true.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who want their facts served with drama, or fiction lovers curious about the real stories behind the legends. It's a commitment (this thing is huge!), but you can read it in bites, one shocking crime at a time. If you like your narratives dark, compelling, and based on terrifying reality, Dumas is your guide.