On a much higher note, "The Man in the Rockefeller Suit" was an excellent read! Mark Seal, through interviews and meticulous research has written the story of, Christian Gerhartsreiter, a German immigrant, who came to America and wormed his way into communities, homes and businesses, resulting in fraud, kidnapping and murder.
I think the fascinating thing to me, was the ease with which he was accepted by the smartest, wealthiest people in several different communities, by simply using the name Clark Rockefeller. That people could be so easily swayed by a famous name, backed by what they thought was a huge fortune, simply amazed me.
He stole money, property and quite possible the lives of two of his victims. It seemed that he believed his own lies, nearly believing that he was an actual Rockefeller. He married a very smart woman, had a child with her, took her money and stole her child, when things started falling apart.
Extremely smart, very personable, he rode a wave of conning people, who accepted him without question. The impostor collected art, and people as he constantly improved his mannerisms and speech, so he could continue his charade.
This book works as a true crime story as well as a case study of a very disturbed personality.
I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a who done it as well as a why did he do it.
I received this book from NetGalley for review. Thank you!
Ooh I like the sound of this, thanks for the recommendation.
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