I greatly enjoyed reading this book, so well researched and prepared over a decade of fact finding and interviews. The author tried to remain neutral despite the shocking and repulsive behavior of the characters in the book. It is the story of a very spoiled, selfish, narcissist enabled by his mother, maternal grandparents, and girlfriend. His mother and girlfriend were complicit in his actions. No moral compass until caught by law enforcement, but even then the thief seemed arrogant and expressed no regret!

The topic of art heists is fascinating, but I found the last third of it disturbing.

Intriguing, educational, and sad all at the same time. I don’t usually go for non-fiction but this book has me hooked.

I purchased this book from Amazon based on their recommendation. The author wrote the book with narrative through out that explains what happened after arrests are made. I believe Mr. Finkel did an excellent job leading the reader into Breitwieser's gradual lust for stealing art. I really can't imagine how he ever thought this would end of well. Then again, I don't think he really cared. Personally, I believe he had a thirst for the excitement of stealing and since he loved/studied art why not. Breitwieser had worked for a short time as a security guard at a small museum and learned security or good security is not affordable for these size museums. He of course took full advantage of this knowledge. After a bit, one theft became many and the reader may get a little fatigued reading about all of them. The detail is amazing on each theft. It seems Breitwieser has a fantastic memory with one description relayed by the author as him telling about each screw being removed to obtain a piece of art. So as I'm starting to think about skipping a few paragraphs, my attention is completely swept up by his capture. The story takes many an interesting twist and turn which had my full attention. All in all a very entertaining book. Buy it!

It was well written and reseached...amazing insanity on all the participants.

This book was amusing and shocking all at the same time. People that steal art objects are not a singular group of people - motives are as varied as the people that steal them. This particular thief, having a truly selfish love of the objects, was particularly entertaining and extremely well read and informed about his thefts. And he was innovative and adept at his thievery skills. It was also a game to steal and a challenge. The author, getting information straight from the thief himself, made the story even more intriguing. This book is very entertaining read.

I like non-fiction that reads as fiction. I read this book in one day because it was so fascinating. The writing made me feel I was there when he took the art, and if it was fiction, I would say no way could they get away with that. Museums are places I love to visit when we travel, and I can see wanting quiet and space to appreciate the pieces. But I have trouble making the jump to him, thinking he should just take them. Great book.

In the riveting world of true crime literature, few tales are as spellbinding as "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession". From the very first page, the reader is transported into a world of passion, intrigue, and high-stakes deception. This isn't just a book; it's an odyssey that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the lengths people will go for love and obsession. The narrative is as exquisitely crafted as the artworks it chronicles. The author masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, shedding light on the often shadowy underworld of art theft, where fortunes change hands in the blink of an eye and trust is as rare as a genuine Rembrandt. The characters are intricate and multi-dimensional, transcending the typical archetypes of criminals and victims. The interplay of their motivations – from love to greed, ambition to revenge – paints a vivid picture of humanity in all its flawed beauty. The love story at the heart of this saga is as mesmerizing as any of the stolen masterpieces. It reminds us that beneath the veneer of crime lies a tale as old as time: the pursuit of connection and understanding. It's a poignant reminder that love, in all its forms, can drive us to extremes, both noble and nefarious. The pacing is impeccable. Each chapter brings with it a new revelation, a twist, or a deeper insight, making it nigh impossible to put down. The balance between the meticulous details of the art world and the raw emotions of the characters is nothing short of masterful. But beyond the captivating story and the poetic prose, "The Art Thief" also raises profound questions about the value we place on art and the lengths we'll go to possess it. Is it the monetary value that drives this obsession, or is it something deeper, more primal? The book challenges us to reflect on the role of art in our lives and the price we're willing to pay for beauty. In conclusion, "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession" is a tour de force, a masterpiece in its own right. It's a tale that lingers long after the final page, urging us to look beyond the surface and find the stories hidden in the shadows. An absolute must-read for anyone who loves art, mysteries, or the complexities of the human heart.