The Art Thief

The Art Thief is a New York Times bestseller and was shortlisted for The ALCS Gold Dagger Award for Non-Fiction. It is a thrilling heist caper by Michael Finkel, who brings us into the strange and fascinating world of Stéphane Breitwieser, a master thief who stole more than 300 objects over nearly ten years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2024
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

The Art Thief is a captivating novel that has been hailed as a New York Times bestseller and shortlisted for the prestigious ALCS Gold Dagger Award for Non-Fiction. This enthralling read is as compelling as a Highsmith novel, drawing readers into a world of suspense and intrigue. Maggie O Farrell, in her review, praised the book, stating, "I loved it." The Sunday Times also commended it, describing it as a thrilling heist caper reminiscent of the classic film, Oceans Eleven. The Observer aptly summed up the novel as "gripping."

Written by the bestselling author of The Stranger in the Wood, The Art Thief offers a mesmerizing portrait of obsession and flawed genius. For centuries, works of art have been stolen in countless ways from all corners of the world, but none have achieved the level of success as the master thief Stéphane Breitwieser. Over nearly ten years, Breitwieser and his girlfriend, who served as his lookout, carried out more than 200 heists, targeting museums and cathedrals across Europe. Their remarkable escapades resulted in the theft of over 300 objects, until their empire came crashing down in a spectacular fashion.

In The Art Thief, Michael Finkel takes us into the strange and fascinating world of Breitwieser. Possessed of a remarkable appreciation for art and an innate ability to assess practically any security system, Breitwieser managed to pull off a breathtaking number of audacious thefts. However, these extraordinary talents also bred a growing disregard for risk and an addiction to the thrill of the heist, leading Breitwieser to ignore his girlfriend's pleas to stop until one final act of hubris brought everything crashing down.

This is a riveting true story of art, crime, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost. As a real page-turner that seems almost unbelievable in its twists and turns, The Art Thief explores the true story of an art collector who went to extreme lengths to expand his personal collection. The thrill of the heist that kept him going is vividly depicted, providing readers with a captivating glimpse into the world of art theft and the obsession that drives it.

The Art Thief has received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike. The Economist described it as "thrilling," while The Wall Street Journal praised it as "enthralling." The book has been praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and the author's ability to bring the art world to life.

In conclusion, The Art Thief is a must-read for anyone who loves art, crime, and the pursuit of beauty. With its captivating storytelling and vivid portrayal of the art world, this novel offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the world of obsession and flawed genius.

Weight: 186g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471186264