This book is the Bible when it comes to identifying a con artist. Unfortunately, in this day and age, scammers are constant - through email, text messages, or in person. The author showcases 14 red flags to look out for when you think you're being scammed. And through each chapter, he details previous stories of victims being scammed, including himself over four years and how he brought his scammer to justice. I couldn't put this book down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

This was honestly a wild ride. It’s part true-crime, part self-help, and kind of reads like you’re being warned by a friend who’s been there, done that. I loved the whole “red flag” breakdown...it’s simple, punchy, and makes you rethink how easily someone can worm their way into your life. The personal stories sprinkled throughout were eye-opening too, though sometimes it felt like they circled back to the same points a little too often.

Still, I found myself highlighting takeaways and thinking, “huh, maybe I am too trusting sometimes.” It’s not flawless, that's for sure. The structure could’ve been tighter, but it’s informative, accessible, and definitely worth a skim if you’re into scams, cons, or just want to protect yourself.

This book is necessary for the society we live in today. The author thoughtful writes ways to spot a scammer and they will shock you. From supposed friends, neighbors , to co workers and strangers that feed on our emotions it's shocking. We all need to read this book as it helps you identify grifters in society that appear in our life to take advantage. It can happen to any of us and this book will definitely help you spot the nefarious characters
The author has his own experience which he was forced to investigate on his own after police failed to assist. His story is helpful as many scammers appear as friends.
Thank you for the ARC to the author, Net Galley and the publishers. My review is my own opinion. I highly recommend this book.

Part memoir of a scam that happened to him, and part advice on how to avoid being scammed yourself, this book outlines a dozen red flags to watch out for in your relationships to avoid being scammed. Walton's own experience with a wildly dramatic and complex scam artist is movie-worthy, and he uses his own fallibility not only to help others who have been scammed but to absolve scam victims of the shame that comes from being tricked, often for years. One of the main ways scammers get away with their crimes is that people are too ashamed to come forward; Walton assures people that it is worth it, being tricked is nothing to be ashamed of, and tells us about smart and successful people who have been scammed. Walton also advises people on how to get the police to pay attention after a scam happens. A very readable and important look at how these criminals are operating today and what we can do to stop or at least avoid it.

I was familiar with Johnathan's story from the show The Con and then his podcast Queen of the Con. You do learn a bit more about his story in this book as well, though it is mainly about the red flags to spot scammers. He also goes into a case for each red flag, which was interesting. It is definitely a helpful book if you have been scammed, as it lays out exactly what he had to do to get the police to take him seriously. It was a quick read, but I just didn't love it, I guess. I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

The subject matter of this book is very timely and interesting however I found the writing style very difficult to engage with-might be for you but it wasn't for me.

Thank you, Netgalley, Johnathan Walton, and Rodale Inc. for the eARC. This true crime exploration of what makes a con artist was both fascinating and eye-opening. I was completely drawn into the story, and the ending left me stunned—especially when I discovered the main con artist had ties to my hometown in Maine! Truly shocking.

Author Jonathan Walton is tired of you getting scammed. In his new book Anatomy of a Con Artist, Walton breaks down the "tells" that give away a con, using the hundreds of real-life cases he's read through. This book does an incredible job of highlighting red flags and reminding people who have experienced being scammed that this is not their fault and you can fight back. Walton definitely knows what he's talking about; he was one of the hundreds of thousands who gets scammed each year and managed to get justice. The writing is highly accessible, meaning you're not going to be expected to understand too much legalese.

I Just finished Anatomy of a Con Artist by Johnathan Walton, and wow — this book really opened my eyes. It’s full of real stories and the 14 red flags to watch out for when dealing with scammers, grifters, and all kinds of sneaky people. Honestly, I feel like I can spot sketchy behavior way better now.

What I loved most is how easy it is to read — Johnathan Walton doesn’t make it feel like a boring manual. The stories make it stick, and it’s actually practical too. It’s not just about being paranoid; it’s about recognizing patterns and protecting yourself.

If you’re feeling curious about scams, human behavior, or just want to be a bit more savvy, this is such an engaging read. I finished it feeling more aware and empowered — and honestly, a little amazed at how sneaky some people can be!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Books for the eARC.

An interesting look at the education everyone needs to spot scammers. It seems someone is waiting to take from us in every avenue of life. Johnathan Walton managed to teach me some new and helpful ways to spot them up front. Whether you've been scammed or know someone who has, this book should be a must read.

Very interesting book. With the amount of scammers daily that call some people need to read this!!! Very informative!

I found this book to be a very slow read but throughout it there are tidbits about how to avoid becoming the victim of a con. The author shows how he became a victim and how he went about trying to get justice for it. I found it interesting that the interaction from the police was so lacking and that he had to take it into his own hands to catch the thief. I hope that I never have to deal with such but realize from this book that everyone is a potential victim. I will take some of the suggested tips and apply them now.

This is not a feel-good book but one that will increase your awareness of the people around you.
I wish to thank Net Galley and Rodale Inc - Rodale Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Walton was scammed out of nearly $100,000 by a con artist, and the police could do nothing about it. Using his own investigative skills, he built up a case that the authorities couldn't ignore. Walton got his con artist charged, prosecuted, and convicted, then devoted his life to helping other victims do the same.

Everyone always thinks they're too smart to fall for a scam, but that's not how they operate. It's an emotional grab, and the scammer is betting on the victim being too ashamed to do anything about it, especially when police and the legal system are difficult to maneuver. This book outlines the fourteen red flags of a con in a clear, conversational style. It's full of examples for each red flag, unfortunately, for the people caught in those schemes. Equally unfortunate, this kind of crime isn't one that police or DAs tend to go after. Once scammed, most people never get their money back.

With the traits outlined in this book, Jonathan Walton hopes to teach people how to be more cautious, and he urges people not to feel shame if duped, but to come forward. There are people falling for scams every day. Hopefully, you aren't one of them.

Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves was written as an aid for identifying and protecting oneself from con artists. Walton, himself, was scammed out of nearly $100,000.00 by the person he considered to be his best friend. He was turned away by police when he tried to report it, which infuriated him. Armed with the investigative skills he’d gained from years as a TV reporter, Walton launched his own investigation and built a compelling criminal case authorities could not ignore.

While reading, it felt like many chapters about red flags or other conned individuals kept veering back towards the author's personal experiences. Also, I believe some of the repetition about the author's experiences could have been cut to maintain cohesiveness. However, there are some very helpful tips to keep in mind, which I appreciated.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Books for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

True crime at its finest!!! These are the 14 red flags to identify the scammer in your life before they con you. This is a well written tutorial by an author that was scammed himself. I really enjoyed this! It has some great tips that all of us can use.

I think it's sad that this book is necessary but, alas, here we are. Johnathan Walton was scammed by a con artist and wants to teach people what to look for so it doesn't happen to them. Informative read!

Thanks you to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

Anatomy of A Con Artist is an important book that tells Jonathan Walton’s experience with a con artist and includes tips to avoid being conned. Jonathan Walton has made a study of how con artists operate and equips readers to spot them. I think most people have no idea about the depths to which a con artist would go to influence their victims, so I was genuinely shocked at some of the true stories contained within. The devastation they cause and the lack of empathy exhibited is mind-boggling. Walton writes about how con artists rely on shame to keep their victims quiet, so I really respect that he took the time to share his story and help so many other people. Readers who love true crime podcasts and people seeking to avoid being scammed will devour Anatomy of A Con Artist!

Thank you to Jonathan Walton, Rodale Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

Anatomy of a Con Artist is written by someone who was scammed by a con artist. He will tell you his story and many others of people getting taken. The things to look out for are easy to remember and will help people from giving away their hard earned money. I think everyone should read this book and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #JohnathanWalton and #RodaleBooks for a copy of this book.
#AnatomyofaConArtist

Everyone should read this book once as a primer on con artists. Each red flag has a corresponding true story that really brings the point home. The author is also very candid and transparent about his own back story which is refreshing.

This True Crime book will keep you up at night and terrify you. So many red flags we see as everyday behaviors. Holy smokes!

Thank you NetGalley & Rodale Books for an advanced reader copy.
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