Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of True Stories of Crime From the District Attorney's Office

True Stories of Crime From the District Attorney's Office

Written by Arthur Cheney Train

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Crime

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"True Stories of Crime From the District Attorney's Office" by Arthur Cheney Train is a collection of narratives detailing actual criminal cases, published in the early 20th century. The author, who served as the District Attorney of New York County, shares insights and firsthand accounts of various individuals involved in these crimes, aiming to provide an authentic view of crime and punishment while illustrating human nature’s complexities. The opening of the book introduces the case of Mabel Parker, a clever forger who managed to deceive the authorities through her skillful writing and manipulation. It details her arrest after her husband, James Parker, was apprehended for passing bad checks. The narrative explores the complexities of their relationship, her precarious position when the detectives catch up to her, and her eventual confession to having been more instrumental in the forgeries than anyone initially realized. This engaging account sets the tone for the collection, promising a blend of thrilling detective work and human drama.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in True Stories of Crime From the District Attorney's Office, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • investigative
  • gritty
  • thought-provoking

Arthur Cheney Train's "True Stories of Crime From the District Attorney's Office" offers a compelling glimpse into the early 20th-century American legal system through the eyes of a seasoned prosecutor. This collection of true crime narratives, drawn from Train's firsthand experiences as the District Attorney of New York County, delves into various criminal cases, aiming to illuminate the intricate mechanics of justice and the profound complexities of human behavior. From the cunning deceptions of forgers like Mabel Parker to the broader societal issues that breed criminal acts, the book provides an authentic, often thrilling, account of crime, investigation, and punishment, setting a foundational tone for the true crime genre.

“The truth, as often happens in the labyrinthine ways of crime, proved far more intricate than any initial theory.”

Key themes

Justice and the Law
This theme explores the mechanisms of the legal system, the pursuit of justice, and the challenges in applying law to complex human situations. Train, as a DA, offers an insider's view of how evidence is gathered, cases are built, and judgments are rendered, often highlighting the imperfections and triumphs of the system.
Human Nature and Morality
Train delves into the motivations, flaws, and complexities of individuals on both sides of the law. He examines what drives people to commit crimes, how they rationalize their actions, and the psychological games played during investigations, revealing the intricate moral landscape of society.
Deception and Guilt
This theme explores the various forms of deception employed by criminals, from outright lies to elaborate schemes, and the eventual unmasking of guilt. It also touches upon the internal and external manifestations of guilt once exposed, and the consequences faced by those who attempt to subvert the truth.

Worth discussing

How does Train's perspective as a District Attorney shape the narratives, and how might they differ if told by a journalist or defense attorney?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!