Empire of Deception: The Incredible Story of a Master Swindler Who Seduced a City and Captivated the Nation

I had never heard of Koretz and didn't know exactly what I was getting into. Turned out to be a fascinating, well-written, bizarre tale of one of the greatest Ponzi schemes ever, right at the same time as Charles Ponzi was working his craft. History relegated Koretz to the trash heap while "Ponzi scheme" made its way into the dictionary, presumably because Ponzi lived longer.The Kindle book is filled with links to end notes that bring the book to an abrupt end at 58% (allowing room for all the notes), so it turned out to be much shorter than expected.

Largely unknown today, Leo Koretz was running Ponzi schemes before the real Ponzi was publicized and brought to justice. Dean Jobb’s Empire of Deception details Chicagoan Leo Koretz and his financial shenanigans in the 1920s. Koretz worked his deceptions for many years before finally getting caught. And that came only after he, himself, grew tired, weary, and sick. But the man was so well liked that even many of his victims refused to testify against him. Jobb has done a magnificent job of research, and the book is a delight. What sounds like a dry tale is very lively indeed. Set against the backdrop of free-wheeling, corrupt Chicago in the time of Al Capone, Jobb paints a picture of a conniving, charming con man. This is a must read for anyone who loves Chicago, as I do, and it is a must read for anyone who is still trying to understand how Bernie Madoff duped his many victims. Empire of Deception tells a great piece of history and in the process makes it clear that Koretz was nothing new and nothing that doesn’t continue to happen in the twenty-first century.

I enjoyed this book very much. If you like books like those written by Eric Larson, then you will like this. It is well written and deeply researched and the story is unbelievable but all too believable in today's world of con artists like Bernie Madoff - but this guy Leo Koretz - he was a master and he knew no boundaries. His entire existence was a fraud and people loved him. It is set in the roaring 20's in Chicago and people were looking to be millionaires and were ready suckers for Leo's game of big oil in Panama. In the end he conned himself as well. The book details the era as well as his escapades, escape from the law, capture, and the tragic effects on his friends and family. I will be looking for more books by this author.

Well written and researched story that undoubtedly few had ever heard of?! Loved the Chicago history; the Abercrombie connection and Pozi like schemes. Unbelievable that so many could be conned and that Koretz could do such to his family and friends! Definitely recommend!

This was an interesting story about money, deception, and greed. I had never heard of Koretz. He was smart, but not smart enough to stop when before his scheme was buried under the weight of debt. An lesson that more people should realize...if it sounds too good, stay away.

A well woven tale that keeps its readers attention throughout the many pages, (and all the way to the hint of sunrise). An incredible list of resources will convince the reader that this is not an embellished story. As one might think, "How can this be possible?"I look forward to reading another Dean Jobb's book.

Excellent read. Forget about the "Ponzi Scheme", it should be known as the "Leo Koretz Scheme". This con man makes Ponzi a piker. Dean Jobb did a great job researching this book and taking us through this decades long scan, probably Madoff got his ideas from Mr. Koretz. Will now have to look at other works by this author.

This was a delightful read, especially as our summer cottage is less than 10 miles (18 Km ) away from Caledonia, NS. After reading the book we went to explore the area and actually found the remnants of the "Pinehurst" hunting lodge. Amazing how few people ever heard of this story in Liverpool or in Bridgewater. Even in Caledonia we had to go searching before actually finding someone familiar with this history.Dean Jobb certainly did his research and homework - in detail. The only minor conflict found was a reference in the book regarding the writer Raddall who, in the book is quoted as referring to the library at the Pinehurst Lodge as "something for show - not for reading." At the Raddall museum in Liverpool is a reference to his visit to 'Pinehurst' and that he was more than impressed with Leo Koretz.All-in-All, a GREAT summer Read.!

Empire of Deception grabs the reader from the first chapter; first page! Dean Jobb’s extremely well researched depiction of 1920's Chicago creates a full picture of the lifestyle and corruption on every level of society. Swindler Leo Koretz was a master at bringing out the highest level of greed in everyone from friends & family to anyone looking to make a quick buck. I was amazed at how easily Koretz bilked millions of dollars without needing any proof of product. Although I believe he was one of history’s greatest swindlers, I was also very impressed at his ability to keep all his victims wanting more for so many years. Dean Jobb opens the door so the reader is immersed into the times and opulence of the 1920's. This story would make the perfect movie with all the ingredients for a block buster!

What an interesting book about this early financial scammer. The Nova Scotia element was especially interesting to discover.

It's not enough to have a great story; you also have to tell it well. Dean Jobb meets both requirements in his meticulously researched true story of a man who conjured millions of "wealth" out of thin air. Jobb gives us a vivid picture of the early 1900s and offers a lesson about greed that can never be repeated too many times.

A very interesting story and one that I knew nothing about. I found the book well researched and written.

Amazing story. Well researched and written.