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The Rembrandt Heist: The Story of a Criminal Genius, a Stolen Masterpiece, and an Enigmatic Friendship
A true crime tale of unbelievable friendship, loyalty, criminal genius, and a staggeringly audacious plot to steal one of the world’s most valuable paintings—and return it.
On April 14, 1975, Myles Connor, already a known art thief, entered the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in disguise along with a cohort. The pair went directly the Dutch Gallery and proceeded to remove Portrait of Elsbeth van Rijn from its place on the wall. After a brief scuffle with the guards—with Myles deterring his partner from shooting a bystander—the pair was gone, leaving behind no traceable evidence amidst the mayhem.
Who was Myles Connor and what were his motivations? Most thieves are in it for the money, but Myles was far from most thieves. His motive was freedom. The summer before the heist, he was arrested by the FBI when he attempted to sell three highly valuable paintings by Andrew and N.C. Wyeth to an undercover agent. Incredibly, Myles did this while out on bail for possession of yet morestolen art. When he was arrested and placed in the back seat of a state police vehicle, the FBI agent said to him, “We’ve got you now. Let’s see you get out of this one.” Without batting an eye, Connor calmly replied, “Just you watch me.”
Again released on bail, Connor met with an old friend of his father’s, Massachusetts State Police Major John Regan. Regan worked for the District Attorney at the time, future Congressman William Delahunt. Connor asked Regan if there was any way out of the fix he was in, and the straightlaced cop told him bluntly, “It’s going to take a Rembrandt to get you out of this one.” With that, a master plan was hatched.
But there was a flip side to this story. One involving Connor’s best friend—Al Dotoli—who lived a life in the music industry, far from the world of art heists. Dotoli’s own masterpiece of a plan hinged on the Rembradt’s return.
On April 14, 1975, Myles Connor, already a known art thief, entered the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in disguise along with a cohort. The pair went directly the Dutch Gallery and proceeded to remove Portrait of Elsbeth van Rijn from its place on the wall. After a brief scuffle with the guards—with Myles deterring his partner from shooting a bystander—the pair was gone, leaving behind no traceable evidence amidst the mayhem.
Who was Myles Connor and what were his motivations? Most thieves are in it for the money, but Myles was far from most thieves. His motive was freedom. The summer before the heist, he was arrested by the FBI when he attempted to sell three highly valuable paintings by Andrew and N.C. Wyeth to an undercover agent. Incredibly, Myles did this while out on bail for possession of yet morestolen art. When he was arrested and placed in the back seat of a state police vehicle, the FBI agent said to him, “We’ve got you now. Let’s see you get out of this one.” Without batting an eye, Connor calmly replied, “Just you watch me.”
Again released on bail, Connor met with an old friend of his father’s, Massachusetts State Police Major John Regan. Regan worked for the District Attorney at the time, future Congressman William Delahunt. Connor asked Regan if there was any way out of the fix he was in, and the straightlaced cop told him bluntly, “It’s going to take a Rembrandt to get you out of this one.” With that, a master plan was hatched.
But there was a flip side to this story. One involving Connor’s best friend—Al Dotoli—who lived a life in the music industry, far from the world of art heists. Dotoli’s own masterpiece of a plan hinged on the Rembradt’s return.
244 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2025
57 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Anthony M. Amore
7 books50 followersAnthony M. Amore is the Director of Security and Chief Investigator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where he is charged with efforts to recover 13 works of art stolen on March 18, 1990.
He regularly writes on his "Big Security" Substack account and is a frequent commentator on national and international news outlets on topics ranging from security to art crime to politics.
Prior to the highly-acclaimed THE WOMAN WHO STOLE VERMEER, he wrote THE ART OF THE CON, which was a New York Times Crime Best Seller and an Amazon Best Pick of 2015. His first book, STEALING REMBRANDTS, was a Wall Street Journal Crime Best Seller and an influential work in the field of art theft investigations.
He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
He regularly writes on his "Big Security" Substack account and is a frequent commentator on national and international news outlets on topics ranging from security to art crime to politics.
Prior to the highly-acclaimed THE WOMAN WHO STOLE VERMEER, he wrote THE ART OF THE CON, which was a New York Times Crime Best Seller and an Amazon Best Pick of 2015. His first book, STEALING REMBRANDTS, was a Wall Street Journal Crime Best Seller and an influential work in the field of art theft investigations.
He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 28, 2025
Good news art heist movie lovers! There are real life friendships where people stick by each other through thick, thin, and jail time. However, basically everything else you know about art heists in media is wrong.
Anthony Amore tells the story of Myles Connor in his extremely fun The Rembrandt Heist. I think it is important to point out right away that Amore himself admits in the book that everything in the narrative sounds made up. Myles Connor was a well-known Massachusetts rock'n'roll leading man who was also a prolific thief. Not just art, either. He also robbed banks and did some "light" drug dealing (that didn't last long). It sounds crazy, but it is all true.
Now, I am not one to glorify criminals. However, Connor does have some redeeming qualities which just barely compensate enough to allow the reader to enjoy his exploits. Connor has a code which doesn't allow him to steal from friends or the downtrodden, he never snitches, and he is unfailingly loyal, especially to his best friend Al Dotoli. Poor, put upon Dotoli is not a criminal, but is consistently stuck bailing out Connor both literally and figuratively.
All of this culminates in the aforementioned Rembrandt heist of the title. I will leave the details of that completely behind the curtain. I will tell readers, that specific heist happens late in the narrative. Don't worry, there are plenty of criminal hijinks to keep you entertained while the author gives all the background you need for the big score.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Pegasus Books.)
Anthony Amore tells the story of Myles Connor in his extremely fun The Rembrandt Heist. I think it is important to point out right away that Amore himself admits in the book that everything in the narrative sounds made up. Myles Connor was a well-known Massachusetts rock'n'roll leading man who was also a prolific thief. Not just art, either. He also robbed banks and did some "light" drug dealing (that didn't last long). It sounds crazy, but it is all true.
Now, I am not one to glorify criminals. However, Connor does have some redeeming qualities which just barely compensate enough to allow the reader to enjoy his exploits. Connor has a code which doesn't allow him to steal from friends or the downtrodden, he never snitches, and he is unfailingly loyal, especially to his best friend Al Dotoli. Poor, put upon Dotoli is not a criminal, but is consistently stuck bailing out Connor both literally and figuratively.
All of this culminates in the aforementioned Rembrandt heist of the title. I will leave the details of that completely behind the curtain. I will tell readers, that specific heist happens late in the narrative. Don't worry, there are plenty of criminal hijinks to keep you entertained while the author gives all the background you need for the big score.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Pegasus Books.)
December 27, 2025
All his life, Connor had been the center of attention. As a rock and roller playing in clubs around New England, his audiences adored him. As a criminal, he had the eyes of law enforcement officers from every agency centered on him. When incarcerated, he was the inmate that the administration looked to in desperation to broker peace with the prisoners. And as a thief, he was revered by his associates and underlings. from The Rembrandt Heist
It is hard to wrap my head around Myles Connor. Brilliant, charismatic, talented, he could have applied himself to his musical career and gone to the top. But he just couldn’t stop from planning to rob museums of art he coveted, and he was wildly successful. Sure, he was arrested and served time in prison, but that didn’t stop his criminal career.
He especially loved Japanese swords and art, and he needed to own what he loved. He noted how poorly museum artefacts were protected. He assumed a fake identity as a researcher, gaining the museum staff’s trust, gaining access to the archives of items not on display. Then, returned to the museum, broke in, and systematically carried off whatever he wanted.
Myles’ best friend and successful music agent Al Dotoli knew what Myles was up to, but turned a blind eye, avoiding any specific knowledge.
He broke into mansions, as well. He took a grandfather clocks and Wyeth paintings from the Woolworth mansion. After he was arrested, a cop said, “It’s going to take a Rembrandt to get you out of this one.” Myles had a Rembrandt! And Al had a plan.
Lively and entertaining, this is a must for true crime lovers.
Anthony Amore’s job at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is to recover stolen goods. He has written several true crime books about art thefts.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through The Book Club Cook Book.
It is hard to wrap my head around Myles Connor. Brilliant, charismatic, talented, he could have applied himself to his musical career and gone to the top. But he just couldn’t stop from planning to rob museums of art he coveted, and he was wildly successful. Sure, he was arrested and served time in prison, but that didn’t stop his criminal career.
He especially loved Japanese swords and art, and he needed to own what he loved. He noted how poorly museum artefacts were protected. He assumed a fake identity as a researcher, gaining the museum staff’s trust, gaining access to the archives of items not on display. Then, returned to the museum, broke in, and systematically carried off whatever he wanted.
Myles’ best friend and successful music agent Al Dotoli knew what Myles was up to, but turned a blind eye, avoiding any specific knowledge.
He broke into mansions, as well. He took a grandfather clocks and Wyeth paintings from the Woolworth mansion. After he was arrested, a cop said, “It’s going to take a Rembrandt to get you out of this one.” Myles had a Rembrandt! And Al had a plan.
Lively and entertaining, this is a must for true crime lovers.
Anthony Amore’s job at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is to recover stolen goods. He has written several true crime books about art thefts.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through The Book Club Cook Book.
December 9, 2025
I finished The Rembrandt Heist about a week ago, and it was so much more than just about the heist. I always love when there is more depth to the book, and we get to know more about the characters or individuals who are a part of the story and the relationship between them. The characters were so well developed, which I appreciated. Yes it was about the heist, but it was also about so much more -- friendship, loyalty, trust. Looking forward to future books from Anthony Amore.
November 12, 2025
Were you captivated by the recent Louvre heist? If so, read this. It’s a gripping insider tale on the world of art crime and one of its most notorious figures. If you have any connection to Boston or interest in art, then you’ll appreciate the thorough research and vivid details that make this story come to life - nothing cooler than hearing about heists in museums we know and love.
January 6, 2026
This book really stuck with me.
Lately, I’ve been intentionally trying to read more nonfiction and deeper, more thought-provoking books and The Rembrandt Heist is exactly that kind of read. It’s fascinating, complex, and incredibly well researched. While this is not a quick or light book, every chapter felt purposeful and engaging.
This is one of those stories that makes you pause and ask how, how did these men get away with this, not just once, but repeatedly? The intelligence involved is honestly next-level. And yet, at the same time, you’re left scratching your head because their brilliance was so often misdirected. Reading this felt like watching someone who is clearly gifted but never quite channels that intelligence into something legal or sustainable.
What I appreciated most is how clearly everything is laid out. Nothing felt confusing or overly technical, even with the historical and investigative depth. The writing made it easy to follow while still respecting the intelligence of the reader.
While I usually gravitate toward true crime involving murder, this story proves you don’t need violence for a case to be gripping. The psychological elements, the ego, the loyalty, and the sheer audacity of it all kept me hooked. It’s the kind of book that makes you rethink intelligence, crime, and the thin line between genius and recklessness.
If you enjoy true crime, history, art, or stories that make you think long after you’ve finished the last page, this one is absolutely worth the time.
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape for the digital copy.
Lately, I’ve been intentionally trying to read more nonfiction and deeper, more thought-provoking books and The Rembrandt Heist is exactly that kind of read. It’s fascinating, complex, and incredibly well researched. While this is not a quick or light book, every chapter felt purposeful and engaging.
This is one of those stories that makes you pause and ask how, how did these men get away with this, not just once, but repeatedly? The intelligence involved is honestly next-level. And yet, at the same time, you’re left scratching your head because their brilliance was so often misdirected. Reading this felt like watching someone who is clearly gifted but never quite channels that intelligence into something legal or sustainable.
What I appreciated most is how clearly everything is laid out. Nothing felt confusing or overly technical, even with the historical and investigative depth. The writing made it easy to follow while still respecting the intelligence of the reader.
While I usually gravitate toward true crime involving murder, this story proves you don’t need violence for a case to be gripping. The psychological elements, the ego, the loyalty, and the sheer audacity of it all kept me hooked. It’s the kind of book that makes you rethink intelligence, crime, and the thin line between genius and recklessness.
If you enjoy true crime, history, art, or stories that make you think long after you’ve finished the last page, this one is absolutely worth the time.
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape for the digital copy.
December 17, 2025
why was this so beautiful. i love friendship
November 18, 2025
This is a great book and story. I went to a book talk with the author and was captivated by the story. So worth the read. Amazing story and well told.
December 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ This insight into the life and activities of a very well known art thief is such a breath of fresh air.
In a world where we can look up anything about (what others would deem as) ignominious figures in history, often what gets lost is what we get in this book: the portrait of the person in question, as an actual human.
Myles Connor and his BFF Al Dotoli are given a buddy cop comedy treatment. Their… adventures were as amazing as they were true.
I don’t suggest engaging in similar activities but there’s something about art heists that I just love and if you enjoy the Ocean’s 11 series or White Collar tv series, you’re gonna love this book!
In a world where we can look up anything about (what others would deem as) ignominious figures in history, often what gets lost is what we get in this book: the portrait of the person in question, as an actual human.
Myles Connor and his BFF Al Dotoli are given a buddy cop comedy treatment. Their… adventures were as amazing as they were true.
I don’t suggest engaging in similar activities but there’s something about art heists that I just love and if you enjoy the Ocean’s 11 series or White Collar tv series, you’re gonna love this book!
December 19, 2025
The friendship of Myles Connor and Al Dotoli is a thread throughout this telling of Connor’s life of crime. Myles just couldn’t not steal art and rob banks. The author’s relationship with these two is highlighted at the beginning and end, not muddled throughout the whole. The main heist telling is of a Rembrandt stolen from the museum of fine arts in Boston so that Myles could use it as a bargaining chip for his predicament with another art heist.
Now I need to find the documentary mentioned in the book!
Now I need to find the documentary mentioned in the book!
January 4, 2026
Read this book in two days because of the rush of adrenaline I got from reading about various art heists Myles Connor completed. It was a fascinating inside take on why people steal art, the plot behind them and cunning nature of certain thrives. It also pictured an endearing friendship between two men who couldn’t seem more different.
Albeit a captivating book, the narration, however, was repetitive. It seemed at times that Anthony Amore didn’t edit as much as he could have.
Albeit a captivating book, the narration, however, was repetitive. It seemed at times that Anthony Amore didn’t edit as much as he could have.
November 23, 2025
When I was a preteen in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Myles O'Conner was a legend. He was a bank robber and art thief. He was a lone wolf, outside of the Mafia and the Bulger gang. He once stopped his car on the corner of Walk Hill Street and Wenham St, a block from my home. He talked to a guy in another car for two or three minutes and drove off. We talked about it for weeks.
This is a wonderful book about O'Connor. It is an excellent telling of his criminal career and tops it off with an incredible story about his theft of a Rembrandt painting from Boston's Museum of Fine Art.
Amore is the head of security for the Gardner Museum in Boston. It was the site of one of the largest and most notorious art thefts in history. O'Conner did not commit that crime. He was in jail at the time. Amore met him because of the rumors and theories that O'Connor was somehow connected to the robberies. That theory did not pan out but, in the process, Amore ended up developing a friendship with O'Conner and with O'Conner's best friend Al Dotoli.
O'Conner and Dotoli were high school bandmates. O'Conner was a very good rock and roller. He spent years playing clubs and getting close to breaking big. At the same time, he was one of the most prolific art thieves ever. He also robbed a bunch of banks. Amore does a nice job telling the stories of the various jobs O'Conner carried out.
Dotoli became one of the most successful concert producers around. He organized a world tour for Whitney Houston. He produced concerts for Frank Sinatra and provided sound systems for huge venues. He stayed best friends with O'Conner but never got involved in his criminal activity.
The Heist in the title is a crazy story. O'Connor was finally caught by the Feds for robberies, gun possession, drugs and more. He was looking at a twenty-year Federal sentence. He set out to pull off a crazy scheme involving the Rembrandt painting that would result in his getting a five-year state sentence instead of the ten year Federal sentence.
O'Connor is a brilliant guy. He had a significant collection of Japanese swords. He had a deep knowledge of Japanese and European art. He would routinely convince museum curators that he was an art scholar. (These were pre-internet days). His jobs were clever and well thought out. The plan involving the Rembrandt was complex and required perfect co-ordination of a heist, a switch and clever legal maneuvering. It makes for a great story.
Amore has a great examination of the various techniques for art thefts. There is the stowaway where you come in during business hours then hide util the museum is closed. There is the insider who gets you access. There is overpowering the night guards and more. O'Conner's conclusion for his big job was the same as the recent Louvre robber's, "A smash-and-grab job was the surest path to success."
One thing I do not understand. Amore explains several times that the hardest part of art thefts is selling stuff that everyone knows is stolen. Fences won't take high profile pieces. O'Conner had truckloads of stuff that he kept for years. When he was in jail two big stashes got stolen from him. It seems that he robbed banks for money but that the art thefts were a compulsion. He just liked having the stuff and the excitement of the jobs.
We were wrong back when I was a kid. O'Conner was not a folk hero. He shot a cop. He dealt drugs. He was happy to commit violence when it was in his interest. He stole things. He was a bad guy and a criminal. But, as Amore shows, he led a spectacularly exciting life.
This is a wonderful book about O'Connor. It is an excellent telling of his criminal career and tops it off with an incredible story about his theft of a Rembrandt painting from Boston's Museum of Fine Art.
Amore is the head of security for the Gardner Museum in Boston. It was the site of one of the largest and most notorious art thefts in history. O'Conner did not commit that crime. He was in jail at the time. Amore met him because of the rumors and theories that O'Connor was somehow connected to the robberies. That theory did not pan out but, in the process, Amore ended up developing a friendship with O'Conner and with O'Conner's best friend Al Dotoli.
O'Conner and Dotoli were high school bandmates. O'Conner was a very good rock and roller. He spent years playing clubs and getting close to breaking big. At the same time, he was one of the most prolific art thieves ever. He also robbed a bunch of banks. Amore does a nice job telling the stories of the various jobs O'Conner carried out.
Dotoli became one of the most successful concert producers around. He organized a world tour for Whitney Houston. He produced concerts for Frank Sinatra and provided sound systems for huge venues. He stayed best friends with O'Conner but never got involved in his criminal activity.
The Heist in the title is a crazy story. O'Connor was finally caught by the Feds for robberies, gun possession, drugs and more. He was looking at a twenty-year Federal sentence. He set out to pull off a crazy scheme involving the Rembrandt painting that would result in his getting a five-year state sentence instead of the ten year Federal sentence.
O'Connor is a brilliant guy. He had a significant collection of Japanese swords. He had a deep knowledge of Japanese and European art. He would routinely convince museum curators that he was an art scholar. (These were pre-internet days). His jobs were clever and well thought out. The plan involving the Rembrandt was complex and required perfect co-ordination of a heist, a switch and clever legal maneuvering. It makes for a great story.
Amore has a great examination of the various techniques for art thefts. There is the stowaway where you come in during business hours then hide util the museum is closed. There is the insider who gets you access. There is overpowering the night guards and more. O'Conner's conclusion for his big job was the same as the recent Louvre robber's, "A smash-and-grab job was the surest path to success."
One thing I do not understand. Amore explains several times that the hardest part of art thefts is selling stuff that everyone knows is stolen. Fences won't take high profile pieces. O'Conner had truckloads of stuff that he kept for years. When he was in jail two big stashes got stolen from him. It seems that he robbed banks for money but that the art thefts were a compulsion. He just liked having the stuff and the excitement of the jobs.
We were wrong back when I was a kid. O'Conner was not a folk hero. He shot a cop. He dealt drugs. He was happy to commit violence when it was in his interest. He stole things. He was a bad guy and a criminal. But, as Amore shows, he led a spectacularly exciting life.
December 30, 2025
Great thieves have to be brilliant, crafty storytellers who believe they won't be caught. Anthony Amore was fortunate to make friends with Myles Conner, who stole the Rembrandt from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Myles's motivation for stealing this highly valuable piece of artwork was not typical of a criminal. It was used to buy his freedom!
In addition to being the most talented art thief who ever lived, he was a musician who put every ounce of his heart and soul into every performance, and people came from miles around to hear him play. He taught a young kid, Al Dotoli, how to play as he did. After tutoring him for free, Al became the best stage manager ever. He managed most of the people who were famous in the 70's.
Al was Myles's best friend and would do anything for him. The friendship between the two ranked higher than women, cars, jobs, or anything else. If Myles asked Al to do anything for him, he never asked. He just dropped everything and said yes. It was a complex relationship to understand.
The first part of the book was about character building and understanding the art world in the area where Myles and Al lived and had been robbed in their youth.
The action takes place in the second part of the book. It sets you up for how the Rembrandt heist was pulled off.
Amore is an exceptional writer, as you would expect from someone who writes technical and security reports for a living.
This is a book you don't want to miss.
In addition to being the most talented art thief who ever lived, he was a musician who put every ounce of his heart and soul into every performance, and people came from miles around to hear him play. He taught a young kid, Al Dotoli, how to play as he did. After tutoring him for free, Al became the best stage manager ever. He managed most of the people who were famous in the 70's.
Al was Myles's best friend and would do anything for him. The friendship between the two ranked higher than women, cars, jobs, or anything else. If Myles asked Al to do anything for him, he never asked. He just dropped everything and said yes. It was a complex relationship to understand.
The first part of the book was about character building and understanding the art world in the area where Myles and Al lived and had been robbed in their youth.
The action takes place in the second part of the book. It sets you up for how the Rembrandt heist was pulled off.
Amore is an exceptional writer, as you would expect from someone who writes technical and security reports for a living.
This is a book you don't want to miss.
November 29, 2025
3.5*
While this story follows an incredibly intelligent and talented thief which had a specific interest in great works of art at its essence it follows two men and their genuine friendship.
I was honestly shocked and absolutely astounded by some of the things Myles Connor has had the audacity to do during his life. The author mentioned that through the years of meeting Myles and Al that he has developed a friendship with them and this shows throughout the book. It’s so honest and pulp-able that it almost felt as if they had become my friends also.
Personally this is my kind of non-fiction. I love learning about people that have lead amazing lives (sometime bordering on the unbelievable when it comes to Myles Connor). The added benefit of giving a background on some great works of art that have been stolen from American Museums during the 70s just added another layer of intrigue.
Audiobook ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review.
While this story follows an incredibly intelligent and talented thief which had a specific interest in great works of art at its essence it follows two men and their genuine friendship.
I was honestly shocked and absolutely astounded by some of the things Myles Connor has had the audacity to do during his life. The author mentioned that through the years of meeting Myles and Al that he has developed a friendship with them and this shows throughout the book. It’s so honest and pulp-able that it almost felt as if they had become my friends also.
Personally this is my kind of non-fiction. I love learning about people that have lead amazing lives (sometime bordering on the unbelievable when it comes to Myles Connor). The added benefit of giving a background on some great works of art that have been stolen from American Museums during the 70s just added another layer of intrigue.
Audiobook ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 28, 2025
Very good
A very good examination of the numerous heists by one of the most notorious art thieves of all time, plus the particulars of one painting in particular. Extraordinary detail. Plus a criminal who loved art, and protected it. Lots of oxymorons here. A good listen.
I listened to the Audible audiobook
A very good examination of the numerous heists by one of the most notorious art thieves of all time, plus the particulars of one painting in particular. Extraordinary detail. Plus a criminal who loved art, and protected it. Lots of oxymorons here. A good listen.
I listened to the Audible audiobook
December 29, 2025
Great story library borrow
February 12, 2026
10/10! Might be the best book I’ve ever read! Very intriguing! Opened the doorway to the thought of reading more true stories of thieves and other criminals.
February 27, 2026
I went into this expecting a smart, propulsive true crime heist story. I got that. But I also got something far more tender and unexpectedly moving.
Let me just say it outright: this book absolutely teeters on admiration for a serious criminal. There were moments when I felt that wobble. And yet, I loved it anyway. Maybe because it never felt naïve. It felt clear-eyed about the damage, the ego, the chaos. But it also allowed room for complexity.
I haven’t loved a true crime heist book this much since The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. That same obsessive detail. That same sense of “how on earth did this actually happen?” That same uneasy dance between brilliance and delusion.
Yes, the book covers a great deal of Miles Connor’s escapades. The art thefts. The audacity. The sheer force of personality. His life is, frankly, nuts. Larger than life to the point of parody at times. But that’s not the story that stayed with me.
The true story here is a lifelong friendship.
Seventy-plus years. That kind of constancy feels almost mythical. Through prison sentences, ego, ambition, disaster, reinvention. Through all of it, there was Al. Steady. Loyal. Complicated. The emotional throughline of the entire book.
And somehow, in the middle of theft and swagger and criminal legend, what emerges is something really beautiful. Not romanticized crime. Not hero worship. But a portrait of loyalty that endured across decades of mess.
I closed the book thinking less about the stolen art and more about what it means to have someone who knows every version of you and stays anyway.
That surprised me. And it’s why this is an easy five stars.
Let me just say it outright: this book absolutely teeters on admiration for a serious criminal. There were moments when I felt that wobble. And yet, I loved it anyway. Maybe because it never felt naïve. It felt clear-eyed about the damage, the ego, the chaos. But it also allowed room for complexity.
I haven’t loved a true crime heist book this much since The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. That same obsessive detail. That same sense of “how on earth did this actually happen?” That same uneasy dance between brilliance and delusion.
Yes, the book covers a great deal of Miles Connor’s escapades. The art thefts. The audacity. The sheer force of personality. His life is, frankly, nuts. Larger than life to the point of parody at times. But that’s not the story that stayed with me.
The true story here is a lifelong friendship.
Seventy-plus years. That kind of constancy feels almost mythical. Through prison sentences, ego, ambition, disaster, reinvention. Through all of it, there was Al. Steady. Loyal. Complicated. The emotional throughline of the entire book.
And somehow, in the middle of theft and swagger and criminal legend, what emerges is something really beautiful. Not romanticized crime. Not hero worship. But a portrait of loyalty that endured across decades of mess.
I closed the book thinking less about the stolen art and more about what it means to have someone who knows every version of you and stays anyway.
That surprised me. And it’s why this is an easy five stars.
December 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do like a fast-paced thriller, and the real-life story of The Rembrandt Heist does not disappoint. The historical backdrop of a 1970s museum heist was right up my alley, and the character-driven investigation was fascinating. It’s a blend of true crime tension and art history detail. And the result is a fantastic thriller.
Just like the recent heist at The Louvre, The Rembrandt Heist gives a background on the crazy capers involving stolen art from museums during the 1970s. The story of Myles Connor’s life is insane; he’s one of those brilliant people doing wrong, when one wonders what he could have achieved if he put his smarts for good rather than illegal enterprises.
This was a fascinating audiobook to listen to. Narrated by Paul Heitsch, I think he really captures the essence of author Anthony Amore’s prose; I was never bored or zoned out because Heitsch did a great job. This was a lively and entertaining listen!
I do like a fast-paced thriller, and the real-life story of The Rembrandt Heist does not disappoint. The historical backdrop of a 1970s museum heist was right up my alley, and the character-driven investigation was fascinating. It’s a blend of true crime tension and art history detail. And the result is a fantastic thriller.
Just like the recent heist at The Louvre, The Rembrandt Heist gives a background on the crazy capers involving stolen art from museums during the 1970s. The story of Myles Connor’s life is insane; he’s one of those brilliant people doing wrong, when one wonders what he could have achieved if he put his smarts for good rather than illegal enterprises.
This was a fascinating audiobook to listen to. Narrated by Paul Heitsch, I think he really captures the essence of author Anthony Amore’s prose; I was never bored or zoned out because Heitsch did a great job. This was a lively and entertaining listen!
December 2, 2025
Right on the heels of the theft of jewels from The Louvre, this book is one of many I've read on art theft. Why would someone steal art, what do they do with it after they have stolen it? If caught, why would they do it again?
This book might surprise you as this art thief was a genius with a real love of art, collecting art, protecting art. He was also a musician and one who rubbed elbows with many famous musicians of the era. I am in no way supporting theft of any kind, but do find understanding those who are art thieves, what they do with what they stole, and why they even steal to begin with, does fascinate me. Every one seems a bit different and so interesting.
An interesting story I had not heard of and well done in this audiobook.
My thanks to Net Galley, Pegasus Crime and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
This book might surprise you as this art thief was a genius with a real love of art, collecting art, protecting art. He was also a musician and one who rubbed elbows with many famous musicians of the era. I am in no way supporting theft of any kind, but do find understanding those who are art thieves, what they do with what they stole, and why they even steal to begin with, does fascinate me. Every one seems a bit different and so interesting.
An interesting story I had not heard of and well done in this audiobook.
My thanks to Net Galley, Pegasus Crime and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
January 19, 2026
This book is really enjoyable. I read it quickly because I wanted to know what came next. A minor quibble: someone should edit it again - there is one page when Amore speaks of something happening in 1954 and he writes "then about 10 months later in 1964." I found an extra "and" at one point too. He also writes early on the Connor has two brothers and then speaks that his mother's mother only has him as a grandson. It is not until the end that we read that the other brothers are half-brothers.
February 15, 2026
This story is insane. Myles Connor is truly one of a kind, and the author is almost the polar opposite in terms of profession, but they are friends. This is a fun, entertaining story. My only issue with it is that you practically fall in love with an inveterate thief.
February 18, 2026
Fascinating book about Miles Connor a notorious art thief in Boston. Author is a great storyteller and good at telling the facts as they are. Not my favorite book to listen to but I think that’s more because this genre doesn’t lend itself well to captivating via audiobook
December 17, 2025
4 — Ok I'm not usually a nonfiction girlie but this true crime had me from the first chapter.
February 21, 2026
The Art Thief was one of the most interesting books I read in 2024, and this one checked the same box for me!
April 21, 2026
Private investigator Anthony Amore, who has been hired to investigate the Gardener Heist, eventually realized he needed to talk to the most prolific art thief in the New England area in the late 20th century, Myles Connor. Amore knew Connor wasn't behind the theft, as he was incarcerated at the time, but he has an ear in that world and may have heard something. In the process of their conversations, a friendship was struck up between Amore, Connor, and Connor's best friend Al Dotoli. From their conversations, the true story of how Myles stole a Rembrandt and Dotoli returned it came up. Amore got permission to tell the story, and here it is, along with Connor's life up to that point, what led him to steal the Rembrandt, and what led him to ask Dotoli to return it.
This is a rather crazy story. Amore never comes out and says it, but it seems Myles Connor probably had diagnosable kleptomania. He just never seemed to stop, even when it was getting him in hot water. And he could have had a very profitable music career (Dotoli was in the process of helping make it happen with his music management business) but all the theft kept messing up his chances at a record. The things Connor pulled off are stranger than fiction, and I understand why Amore wanted to tell this story. It's a bit crazy.
Notes on content:
Language: A handful of minor swears scattered throughout, 6 strong swears, and 1 strong use of profanity.
Sexual content: It is mentioned that Myles married once, then divorced and had a string of girlfriends afterward, but no specifics on those relationships.
Violence: Some of the robberies involved violence, usually knocking out guards, one heist by another group involved shooting a guard. Myles was once in a shootout with police trying to evade capture, and he both was shot and non-fatally shot a police officer. Both were serious but survived.
Ethnic diversity: Myles and Al are white American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: At times Myles was involved in drug trafficking but details about that aren't included much in here. Smoking and drinking are mentioned. Myles never appears apologetic for his thefts.
This is a rather crazy story. Amore never comes out and says it, but it seems Myles Connor probably had diagnosable kleptomania. He just never seemed to stop, even when it was getting him in hot water. And he could have had a very profitable music career (Dotoli was in the process of helping make it happen with his music management business) but all the theft kept messing up his chances at a record. The things Connor pulled off are stranger than fiction, and I understand why Amore wanted to tell this story. It's a bit crazy.
Notes on content:
Language: A handful of minor swears scattered throughout, 6 strong swears, and 1 strong use of profanity.
Sexual content: It is mentioned that Myles married once, then divorced and had a string of girlfriends afterward, but no specifics on those relationships.
Violence: Some of the robberies involved violence, usually knocking out guards, one heist by another group involved shooting a guard. Myles was once in a shootout with police trying to evade capture, and he both was shot and non-fatally shot a police officer. Both were serious but survived.
Ethnic diversity: Myles and Al are white American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: At times Myles was involved in drug trafficking but details about that aren't included much in here. Smoking and drinking are mentioned. Myles never appears apologetic for his thefts.
April 9, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
My favorite genre of book, non-fiction or fiction, takes place in the art world. I love a good heist story, fascinated by people's motives and how they try to get away with it.
I think The Rembrandt Heist was interesting and I love how clever Myles Connor was in stealing a Rembrandt as collateral to get off for his other art theft crimes. Aside from the parts of the book that highlighted his thefts, I was a little bored. I was not very interested in his music career. I feel like his success was maybe overplayed by the author. The climax was definitely rushed which was a bummer. I was also disappointed the author was not able to get more insight into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist; it seemed like it was going to be a pivotal point of the book.
I'm glad it was only 225 pages long, I even think it could have been shorter, which is sad to say. Maybe it would have been best suited as a feature in The New Yorker.
My favorite genre of book, non-fiction or fiction, takes place in the art world. I love a good heist story, fascinated by people's motives and how they try to get away with it.
I think The Rembrandt Heist was interesting and I love how clever Myles Connor was in stealing a Rembrandt as collateral to get off for his other art theft crimes. Aside from the parts of the book that highlighted his thefts, I was a little bored. I was not very interested in his music career. I feel like his success was maybe overplayed by the author. The climax was definitely rushed which was a bummer. I was also disappointed the author was not able to get more insight into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist; it seemed like it was going to be a pivotal point of the book.
I'm glad it was only 225 pages long, I even think it could have been shorter, which is sad to say. Maybe it would have been best suited as a feature in The New Yorker.
January 15, 2026
Thank you to LibroFM for the advanced listening copy.
There's something intriguing about art theft and this book reveals the truth for the first time of the theft of Rembrandt's Young Girl in a Gold-Trimmed Cloak from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston in 1975.
Myles Connor was a prolific musical artist who had a penchant for theft. But not just any old theft, his crimes were usually in retribution of someone who had wronged him or his family and friends or just because he was good at it and he found the lure, particularly of artwork, irresistible.
The author Anthony Amore somewhat admires Connor for his audacity and charm and delights in the friendship between Connor and his longtime musical manager and supporter Al Dotoli who saved Connor's bacon in the most daring way.
A fascinating read and expose of this intrepid art heist.
There's something intriguing about art theft and this book reveals the truth for the first time of the theft of Rembrandt's Young Girl in a Gold-Trimmed Cloak from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston in 1975.
Myles Connor was a prolific musical artist who had a penchant for theft. But not just any old theft, his crimes were usually in retribution of someone who had wronged him or his family and friends or just because he was good at it and he found the lure, particularly of artwork, irresistible.
The author Anthony Amore somewhat admires Connor for his audacity and charm and delights in the friendship between Connor and his longtime musical manager and supporter Al Dotoli who saved Connor's bacon in the most daring way.
A fascinating read and expose of this intrepid art heist.
March 27, 2026
4 stars rounded up from 3.5 stars
This book tells of Myles Connor and how he started on his life as an art thief with a side gig into being a talented musician. There are tales of some of his heists and arrests. Which makes you wonder if he is such a criminal genius how come he got caught? It tells of his loyalty to his friends and even of the one man who he respected that did not participate in the crimes. The last half of the book deals with the MFA Boston theft, the reason why he did it, the planning, the execution of the heist, and the return of the painting.
A good read but it felt a little like glorifying the life of Myles Connor as a felon.
This book tells of Myles Connor and how he started on his life as an art thief with a side gig into being a talented musician. There are tales of some of his heists and arrests. Which makes you wonder if he is such a criminal genius how come he got caught? It tells of his loyalty to his friends and even of the one man who he respected that did not participate in the crimes. The last half of the book deals with the MFA Boston theft, the reason why he did it, the planning, the execution of the heist, and the return of the painting.
A good read but it felt a little like glorifying the life of Myles Connor as a felon.
March 9, 2026
This was enjoyable but only because Myles Connor is an interesting person. The writing wasn't anything special, and felt very repetative. If I have to read "President of Rock and Roll" one more time....
I didn't enjoy this as much as the Art Thief by Michael Finkel, and I had serious problems with that book. Amore used a time line like a suggestion and hopped around a lot, making it hard to keep track of the narrative. The final heist was only about 40 pages long and was not memorable.
It's an easy read and if you enoy true crime, this will probably appeal to you.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the Art Thief by Michael Finkel, and I had serious problems with that book. Amore used a time line like a suggestion and hopped around a lot, making it hard to keep track of the narrative. The final heist was only about 40 pages long and was not memorable.
It's an easy read and if you enoy true crime, this will probably appeal to you.
December 7, 2025
4.5 stars Fascinating non-fiction book about the life and crimes of Myles Connor, a famous art thief in Boston in the 1970s. It’s also about his life-long friendship with Al Dotolli who sticks with him through it all. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. I listened to the audiobook and it was well narrated. Published in the US 11/4/2025.
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