For years, master art thief Stéphane Breitweiser carried out bold, often reckless art thefts from museums and galleries across Europe, with his girlfriend acting as lookout. Unlike most thieves, his goal was never to steal to sell; instead he was almost pathologically obsessed with owning the best, most beautiful pieces in the world. He and his girlfriend lived in his mother’s attic, surrounded by some of the most spectacular art pieces in the world, working odd jobs and planning his next heists. Yet as time went on, pressure from the authorities grew more intense, and Breitweiser grew more and more reckless until the inevitable happened. This was an absolutely fascinating look at the pathology of someone who is compelled to steal, and the people that he drew into his orbit. It’s a great book, and an excellent listen for readers who like true crime, art, history, and psychology.
Try it if you liked: The Woman Who Stole Vermeer by Anthony Amore, The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson, or The Rescue Artist by Edward Dolnick.
Need more? Try our personalized reading suggestions and get recommendations tailored to you!