The Confidence Game

We're easily tricked because we want to live in an orderly world in which people tell the truth, according to the author of this timely book on manipulation and deception. As narrator, her rather flat and often overly serious performance takes something away from her lucid writing and thorough research. But her vocal tone and phrasing are good, and her writing delivers insights so compelling that most listeners will quickly get over what's missing in the performance. With its revelations and huge array of historical examples, this work is a nuanced look at the skills and motivations behind all types of con artistry. It covers a lot of ground, from grifters and family embezzlers to top-level criminals like Bernie Madoff and sociopathic political operatives. With its momentum propelled by the subject matter alone, it's an engaging lesson on how to understand our vulnerabilities and better spot deception in these ambiguous times. T.W. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine