Bizarre Crimes

The execution of the perfect crime can leave you flabbergasted, thrilled, chilled, amazed, or just downright impressed. But let's face it: most lawbreakers end up shooting themselves in the foot, and that's way more fun to read about. Here we pay tribute to the comic blunderers whose antics land them in police cuffs faster than you can say "He went thatta way!" And if it won't solve the mystery of why these miscreants do what they do, at least it will aid and abet you in the laughter department.

There's a diverse and crazy crowd of fumblers and bumblers in our wacky lineup. Some fools call the cops on themselves, or dial 9-1-1 to ask where they can buy drugs. There's even a real-life Cinderella story about a girl forced to stay outdoors and do all the work while her stepsisters lived in comfort.

For a little extra credit, take the Celebrity Crime Quiz, which tests your knowledge of a cast of ego-driven stars who think they're above the law.

Joe Rhatigan has authored more than fifteen books for children and adults, including DON'T UNRAVEL WHEN YOU TRAVEL and OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD ASTRONOMY. He has also produced several best-selling books and series, including 101 PLACES YOU GOTTA SEE BEFORE YOU'RE 12!, WHITE HOUSE KIDS, and the My Very Favorite Art Book series. Joe has been a poet, a teacher, a marketing manager, and a newspaper boy. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and three children.