The Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Thief

by Jenny Siler, Myles J. Connor Jr., Myles J. Connor

Book Overview

"One of the most beguiling criminal memoirs ever written. . . . A rare gem of a book." -- T. J. English, New York Times bestselling author of Havana Nocturne

How did the son of a decorated policeman grow up to be one of Boston's most notorious criminals? How did he survive a decades-long feud with the FBI? How did he escape one jail sentence with a fake gun carved out of soap? How did he trade the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061672297
• ISBN13: 9780061672293
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.6" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Best biography I’ve read

As a true crime fan from the Boston area, this was an awesome story. Other Boston crime stories have been recycled and re told, this one was a totally new one to me and pretty cool for Myles to tell his own story. Love him or hate him, believe what you want, but I can’t argue that the story was fascinating

Amazing Story

I'm puzzled by the people who gave this a bad review. This book is amazing. I grew up in and around Boston and was constantly hearing and reading news reports about the criminal mastermind Myles Connor. I could never figure out how one guy could be a master thief, rock star and dangerous gangster all at the same time. This book pulls no punches and explains it all. If I could give it 10 stars I would.

Incredible story of the road less travelled

This book is an undeniable eye-opener regarding the realities of prison and police brutality. Whether you agree with the author's lifestyle or not, you will truly be amazed at what he has suffered at the hands of "justice." Crime does have consequences, but if you can read about Myles' life and still believe that our social justice system is fair and equitable, then peace be with you. I know Myles. The stories are all true. I told him my one complaint with the book is that it does not capture the richness and depth of his character. Critiques of his life choices are understandable, but even so, he is the kindest, most gentle person you could ever know. He would literally give the shirt off his back to anyone. To such an extent that his friends actually tease him about it. Mesh that truth with his vast intelligence and life choices and you have quite a book. Read this book and understand that life is not an episode of "Law and Order."

Great Book by a Scary Guy

Myles Connor lives by a criminal code that requires taking what he wants but maintaining loyalty to his crime buddies above all else. Those buddies didn't share his code and it cost him dearly. This is a great story of criminal psychology and it's good he put it into a book. I found it fascinating. He doesn't make excuses for what he did and there doesn't seem to be any remorse whatsoever. The book conveys the thinking process of his mind convincingly and you get to understand how his reasoning is so different from the average person with scruples. The first person narrative style is effective as Connor explains his motivations and impulses and what drives him. It takes courage or a total lack of fear to pull off the crimes he performed. He says he never felt fear and I believe him. There's nothing subtle about his methods. Bank robberies, museum thefts and gun play are what he does and what he'd keep doing if not locked up. He doesn't want to shoot you but will if you endanger him during one of his jobs. His accomplices are true sociopaths. He explains how the police tried to frame him and that comes across as true. Dealing with a guy like Connor makes you understand why they'd do whatever it takes to lock him up forever. Thirty years in prison and he says he wouldn't change anything about his life. This is a very good book and I recommend it.

Outstanding

What a great book. This is a true story that keeps your attention, and keeps you wondering what's next

Absolutely engrossing

I had heard about this publication a couple of weeks prior to its release & received it the day it came out. From the moment I opened it I could not put it down. It is a remarkable true(?)account of the crime career of Myles Connor. From the first page I was caught up in his exciting & dangerous exploitations of art collections be they private or from museums. My love & knowledge of antiques & the arts garnered my interest even more. I have since loaned the book to two friends & they also were instantly mesmerized by his accounts. This true story will definatley make fine movie material & can see an actor such as Robert Carlyle playing the leading role. You will not be disappointed by your purchase & keep in mind that it is an actual account of events....unbelievable!