This is a fascinating account of a single man who accomplished amazing things in the 1920s. While Jobb does excellent work laying out the facts and discrepancies, the book suffers from some pacing issues that made it feel like a slog. Recommended for fans of Catch Me If You Can or The Feather Thief.

Princess Fuzzypants here: While there is no doubt Arthur Barry committed some outlandish crimes, he was an artist at what he did. Moreover, he did it with panache and charm that set him apart from the common or garden criminal. Chameleon-like, he could insert himself into Society where he could “case” his future victims. He was so good at what he did, he convinced the Prince of Wales to go nightclubbing with him in Manhattan. In spite of a lack of education or lineage, he fit in.

His were not acts of violence or terror. Until he took a part time partner, he did not carry a weapon. He was even known to return jewellery that held sentimental value. Who else would have done something like that. As a reader, it is impossible not to like this guy and root for him. You know he is going to pay for his sins and he does. But I find it interesting that after he shunned rehabilitation until his freedom for three years after a prison break out, he did regret his life of crime. His greatest loss was not being able to spend his life with Anna, his wife. When asked late in life to sum up his career, he said he robbed the rich but he also robbed himself of a normal existence. As I said, it is hard not to like the guy- or the book.

Five purrs and two paws up.