The Beatle Bandit
- 216 pages
- 8 hours of reading
In 1964, bank robber Matt Smith's getaway was interrupted by Jack Blanc, an army veteran brandishing a revolver. A wild shootout left Blanc dead and Smith the object of a massive manhunt.
Nate Hendley delves into the gripping world of true crime, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and societal failings. His work often focuses on cases of wrongful conviction, shedding light on the flaws within the justice system. With a journalist's eye for detail and a storyteller's flair, Hendley crafts compelling narratives that examine organized crime, notorious figures, and intricate cons. His writing is incisive, well-researched, and adept at drawing readers into the dramatic true stories of the past.


In 1964, bank robber Matt Smith's getaway was interrupted by Jack Blanc, an army veteran brandishing a revolver. A wild shootout left Blanc dead and Smith the object of a massive manhunt.
The narrative centers on the tragic sinking of the Llandovery Castle, a Canadian hospital ship, by a German submarine during World War I, which led to widespread outrage due to violations of international law. The U-86's commander attempted to cover up the incident by attacking survivors, but one lifeboat escaped to witness the atrocity. This event was later addressed at the Leipzig War Crimes Trials, establishing a legal precedent for future war crime prosecutions, including the Nuremberg Trials. The book also examines the broader impact of this largely forgotten tragedy.