Master Thieves: The Boston Gangsters Who Pulled Off the World’s Greatest Art Heist by Stephen Kurkjian

In this book Stephen Kurkjian, an investigative reporter, recounts what happened the night of the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum heist in 1981. He then explores the different theories on what may have happened to the paintings when they were stolen and who might have them today. This art heist has become one of the most infamous in history since priceless paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Degas were taken and never found.

Kurkjian offers a very insightful breakdown of the art heist along with his theories because he has been following this story as a reporter from the very beginning. This book has a lot of interesting history not only about the museum but about Boston as well. Since Kurkjian offers so many theories about the heist it allows you to decide for yourself what could have happened. I also found it very easy to read despite having never been to the museum and ended up making a trip there when I finished the book. This is a great book for people who love true crime, art and local history.

Kelsey Fitzgerald
Library Assistant

Available on Libby in eBook and audio book format.