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zbmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
The only thing about this book that doesn't satisfy is the fact that the case is yet unsolved. Otherwise, it's a thorough explanation of all the possibilities. The culprits, other similar thefts, interviews with suspects.....the cast of characters is as entertaining as Ocean 's Eleven. The fact that no one has returned the art yet is very frustrating, but Boser leaves you with just enough hope to keep your fingers crossed.
emmabeckman's review against another edition
3.0
One of my biggest regrets from the time I lived in Boston was that I only went to the ISG Museum once, and it was for a class where we primarily looked at a special exhibit and spent almost no time in the museum proper.
This book is okay. The writing is a bit self-centered, and of course it is not a very satisfying read because there is still no solution to this mystery. I think the book explores some interesting ideas, but it focuses on the ones that the author deems most credible and therefore misses out on some that could also be possible. For example, I read an article from 3/2/22 from Smithsonian Magazine that discussed Anthony Amore following through on tips that seem highly probable to him, but were names that were only mentioned in passing in this book (or at least, other leads were zeroed in on way more). I think this book lacked a lot of detail, which meant that you were relying on what the author told you a lot more than basing your thoughts on both that and the actual details of different possibilities.
So it was interesting but generally... lacking.
This book is okay. The writing is a bit self-centered, and of course it is not a very satisfying read because there is still no solution to this mystery. I think the book explores some interesting ideas, but it focuses on the ones that the author deems most credible and therefore misses out on some that could also be possible. For example, I read an article from 3/2/22 from Smithsonian Magazine that discussed Anthony Amore following through on tips that seem highly probable to him, but were names that were only mentioned in passing in this book (or at least, other leads were zeroed in on way more). I think this book lacked a lot of detail, which meant that you were relying on what the author told you a lot more than basing your thoughts on both that and the actual details of different possibilities.
So it was interesting but generally... lacking.
awesomebrandi's review against another edition
3.0
Well, I think the history here is interesting. However, I feel like the author is a little silly and over dramatic in areas. Perhaps I just like my non-fiction a little less embellished and imaginative. He seems to have passion for it, but I found myself shaking my head a few times. I would probably give it 2.5 if I could, but I was feeling generous so I rounded up.
michelle_ltc's review against another edition
4.0
I was really torn on how to review this because I learned a lot of unexpected history from this book such as the history of Isabella Gardner, how she acquired her money, she seems like such an interesting character, how the crime occurred, why the frames remain empty, and why the masterpieces are likely ruined. I learned about why art gets stolen in the first place. I learned a lot about organized crime in Boston; now I’m paranoid since I just moved here. The lengths journalists must go thru to tell a story and the years it takes to do so. The art itself, how delicate it is, how they are preserved and restored was all fascinating. But, it took me 8 days to finish. The first part of the book was captivating; waned towards the middle. The style of writing changed mid-way and it lost me in the details. I’m still glad I read it.
jnicweb's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Super informative and interesting! Hard to keep track of all these people.
auntie_trash_panda's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
toebean5's review against another edition
3.0
This is a really interesting book- very revealing about museum life and an inside scoop on art theft. My only issue was that it was kind of like one of those Geraldo specials, where he is going to find Cleopatra's tomb... after the commercial break... and of course he never does. So this book, too, ends on a note of 'Well, I didn't solve anything, and it's still gone, but I learned stuff' which just didn't do it for me. Still interesting.