A book that examines the world through the principles of economics might seem an unlikely candidate for mainstream success. However, upon its initial release in 2005, Freakonomics became an instant hit, reaching number two on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list.

Critical reception of the book, when positive, was enthusiastic, with many critics noting the appeal of Levitt's unusual research in particular. In a review for Time, Amanda Ripley noted, "Each chapter is an enlightening field trip"; Benjamin Svetkey, in a review for Entertainment Weekly, called the book "the funkiest study of statistical mechanics ever by a world-renowned economist." Cass R. Sunstein from the New Republic wrote, "it is fun and even exhilarating to see how a real social scientist goes about testing competing hypotheses. Some of Levitt's inquiries read like good detective stories." An unnamed reviewer for the Economist applauded: "Far more intelligent, modest and...