Abigail Singrey's Reviews > A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue

The life story of a legendary jewel thief provides an interesting peek into the growing wealth of Roaring 20's America - and the lengths people will go to get their slice of the pie.

Arthur Barry was a thief with a conscience. He never hurt anyone and never stole from someone who couldn't afford it. As a polished gentleman thief, he could blend in at fancy parties, even once going clubbing with the Prince of Wales. He got a reputation as the dinner time thief, slipping into fancy houses and stealing jewelry from upstairs bedrooms while the occupants were downstairs eating dinner. But as his exploits got more and more daring, so did his chances of getting caught.

This book takes the reader on a journey through a remarkable life, as Arthur goes from teenage hoodlum to war hero and back again. Despite his bravery as a medic in the war, Arthur slips back into old habits when he returns to New York City afterwards. This meticulously researched book details his marriage to a woman he fought to protect above all else, his prison sentence and escape, and the time he briefly got caught up in the Lindbergh baby kidnapping scandal. He ended up a reformed convict, saying he regretted ever doing his crimes.

A fascinating peek at a larger-than-life figure who captured the attention and imagination of New York's wealthy elite.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.