Below, our favorite stories of the week. Kindle users, you can also get them as a Readlist.

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1. Before the Law

Jennifer Gonnerman | The New Yorker | Sept. 29, 2014 | 28 minutes (7,016 words)

A story about a crippled legal system: Sixteen-year-old Kalief Browder spent three years imprisoned on Rikers Island on robbery charges with shaky evidence. His case never went to trial.

2. Thirteen Ways of Looking at Greg Maddux

Jeremy Collins | SB Nation | Oct. 3, 2014 | 37 minutes (9,354 words)

They were best friends, and they both loved Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux. By the end of the season, tragedy struck.

3. The Story of the Longest Held American Prisoner of War

Andrew Burt | Slate | Sept. 24, 2014 | 27 minutes (6,812 words)

The incredible story of former CIA agent John T. Downey, who was captured during the Korean War and imprisoned in China for more than twenty years.

4. Who Killed Bugsy Siegel?

Amy Wallace | Los Angeles Magazine | Sept. 29, 2014 | 35 minutes (8,884 words)

One family’s answer to one of America’s most famous unsolved Mob mysteries.

5. The Leftovers

Taffy Brodesser-Akner | Matter | Sept. 29, 2014 | 28 minutes (7,198 words)

Paula Deen is making millions as a martyr.

Cover Image: New Yorker