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PINK PANTHERS: The Greatest Thieves
Ocean's Eleven meets The Godfather in this real-life story about the infamous Pink Panthers gang of diamond thieves which has it all, shocking war and political drama, sweeping dialogue, dark humor, well-placed twists and flashbacks, and sufficient heist action scenes and crime thriller suspense to keep you constantly engaged. A powerful blend of real-life situations and crime thriller.
After the thieving team of the Pink Panthers successfully carried out three large diamond robberies in Antwerp, London, and Tokyo, they are recruiting an elegant logistics expert and a top make-up artist to prepare for the robbery at the Diamond Biennale in Paris. After successfully completing the job in Paris, they carry out two more spectacular robberies together, at the Amsterdam airport and in Saint Tropez, after which discord and attrition occur within the gang over the division of the loot. If there is no reconciliation, the rest of the gang is forced to forgather and train a new crew for another robbery, this time in Dubai.
A WORD TO THE READER
Diamond. A symbol of strength, durability, value, success, happiness, and love.
Imagine the world you know as one side of the street, where diamonds on display in expensive urban neighborhoods of the world's metropolises evoke a desire for wealth, fame, and, above all, a desire for power.
Young people from the former Yugoslavia, as well as the heroes of this book, did not have the opportunity to enjoy their youth like their peers, to play basketball or football in the playground in their neighborhood. They did not have the opportunity to meet that glamorous side of the street where diamonds shine. The god of war seduced some of them into his ranks, to shed the blood of those they called brothers until yesterday, while others sought salvation in that dazzling world until they met again while creating the world's most powerful gang of diamond robbers.
You, holding this book in your hand, you likely walk down that street where everything is beautiful, happy, and great. If you have the courage, dare take the step together with our heroes. Cross the street and meet the dark world behind all that glitter and glow. Find out how diamonds are made and come to that array of glittering shops and the blood, sweat, and tears that they represent in reality.
From the hot sands of Africa where greedy corporations exploit human and mineral resources in collaboration with corrupt politicians, through shining modern Europe all the way to Dubai, embark on an action-adventure with our heroes, the Pink Panthers, and personally experience the world’s most famous diamond robberies.
If you want to know what it's like to be a Pink Panther, read this book. As well as if you are interested in how the flows of money and the destiny of diamond robbers intertwine with the interests and activities of drug cartels and human trafficking, the white-collar crime of banking and corporate magnates, and diplomatic-political machinations.
One thing is guaranteed.
For those of you who read this book, the world will never look the same again.
After the thieving team of the Pink Panthers successfully carried out three large diamond robberies in Antwerp, London, and Tokyo, they are recruiting an elegant logistics expert and a top make-up artist to prepare for the robbery at the Diamond Biennale in Paris. After successfully completing the job in Paris, they carry out two more spectacular robberies together, at the Amsterdam airport and in Saint Tropez, after which discord and attrition occur within the gang over the division of the loot. If there is no reconciliation, the rest of the gang is forced to forgather and train a new crew for another robbery, this time in Dubai.
A WORD TO THE READER
Diamond. A symbol of strength, durability, value, success, happiness, and love.
Imagine the world you know as one side of the street, where diamonds on display in expensive urban neighborhoods of the world's metropolises evoke a desire for wealth, fame, and, above all, a desire for power.
Young people from the former Yugoslavia, as well as the heroes of this book, did not have the opportunity to enjoy their youth like their peers, to play basketball or football in the playground in their neighborhood. They did not have the opportunity to meet that glamorous side of the street where diamonds shine. The god of war seduced some of them into his ranks, to shed the blood of those they called brothers until yesterday, while others sought salvation in that dazzling world until they met again while creating the world's most powerful gang of diamond robbers.
You, holding this book in your hand, you likely walk down that street where everything is beautiful, happy, and great. If you have the courage, dare take the step together with our heroes. Cross the street and meet the dark world behind all that glitter and glow. Find out how diamonds are made and come to that array of glittering shops and the blood, sweat, and tears that they represent in reality.
From the hot sands of Africa where greedy corporations exploit human and mineral resources in collaboration with corrupt politicians, through shining modern Europe all the way to Dubai, embark on an action-adventure with our heroes, the Pink Panthers, and personally experience the world’s most famous diamond robberies.
If you want to know what it's like to be a Pink Panther, read this book. As well as if you are interested in how the flows of money and the destiny of diamond robbers intertwine with the interests and activities of drug cartels and human trafficking, the white-collar crime of banking and corporate magnates, and diplomatic-political machinations.
One thing is guaranteed.
For those of you who read this book, the world will never look the same again.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2020
42 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 6, 2021
There so much to say about this book, while at the same time I am speechless, still an hour after I finished it. Yes, there is so much information here. The whole book abounds in it, from the beginning until the end. But that information is not plain or dry or boring. It is very well presented, through dialogues and stories of the main characters. Not for a single minute while reading the book did I feel overwhelmed or confused. It is all excellently presented. It is fascinating how the author intertwines the stories of the characters from the Balkans, their (in)famous robberies, together with the diamond industry in Africa.
I have to admit that before beginning the book, being from Bosnia myself, I had only heard about "our" Pink Panthers, so first I read the comprehensive article by the New Yorker and then started the book. (The article is here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20... ) I love that it made me google some events mentioned, and also go and find out more about the way in which African tribes are treated when some wealthy company gets permission by a local politician to move them to a different area without a proper compensation or negotiation.
I loved reading about the robbery in Dubai, since I live in the UAE. I've never been to the Wafi Shopping Mall but I'll go the first chance I get. Of course, as soon as I found out there was a real footage of the two Audis rushing into the mall, I went on YouTube to see it myself.
However, what I appreciate and love most about this book are the main characters' very personal stories about the loss of youth, waste of talent and the robbery of the right to live normally, peacefully. Being a refugee from Bosnia, having gone through the same war that's described in the book, I deeply felt almost everything that was happening to the characters. The author mentions couple of times how "they took the ball from our hands and gave us guns", which is the exact sentence the male members of my family say every time they recollect those first days of the Civil War in Bosnia. There is a number of episodes, or recaps, of the characters that literally brought me to tears, being so real and because I have heard similar stories from my family and our friends. One sentence goes when Gill talks to Victor: "Brother, what could possibly scare us who passed through those horrors of war? The only good thing I got out of all that hell is that we survived and that today nothing is or seems scary enough anymore." For me it this speaks volumes.
I also like the part in which Goldy says: "The dead remain dead, brother, it's up to us living to remain together."
I also have to add that i like and respect how the author described of the atrocities of that war. He is not subjective. Completely opposite - he is unbiased and fair. He doesn't protect one side, blaming the other. No. He gives an objective picture of those terrible events. Some scenes truly induce goosebumps and I'd love as many people as possible to read them so as never to think again about going to a similar war.
Finally, I'd love to point out one sentence that has nothing much to do with war, but with life in general, and that will stick with me for some time, and that is – "It's difficult to motivate a dreamless person. Avoid like the plague those people whose ambition is a beer in a plastic two-litre bottle in front of a local store as the world's best fun time."
----------------
Toliko toga želim da kažem o ovoj knjizi, a opet, jezik mi je svezan, čak sat vremena nakon što sam je pročitala. Jedno je sigurno - jedva čekam nastavke.
Od početka priča mi se dopala, iako sam o našim Panterima samo čula, nekada davno, bila sam i mala kad su bili aktivni. Ovu knjigu sam poželela da pročitam najviše zbog nekog skrivenog patriotizma, iako pljačke nisu baš nešto čime se treba ponositi. Dopalo mi se da vidim kako su to ljudi sa naših prostora uspeli da nadmudre toliko svetskih policija i bezbednosnih sistema, i da se snađu. Međutim, kako bih bila sigurna da u potpunosti razumem priču i događaje, prvo sam pročitala članak Njujorkera (evo ga link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20... ), a potom guglala sve što me je zanimalo u vezi sa trgovinom dijamantima jer je to tema o kojoj sam, takođe, samo čula, ali nisam bila bolje upućena. Zahvalna sam ovoj knjizi koja me je toliko o tome naučila.
Međutim, ono što je na mene ostavilo najveći utisak jesu lične, potresne priče glavnih junaka kojima su mladost i pravo na normalan i pristojan život grubo oduzeti i zamenjeni puškama i kasatnim bombama. Budući da je i moja porodica prebegla iz Bosne u Srbiju zbog istog rata, upoznata sam sa strahotama koje se navode u knjizi. Najviše mi je drago što je autor objektivan, realan i fer prema svima. On ne brani samo jedan narod, kriveći sve ostale, već je svestan da je u pitanju bio okrutan rat u kome je svaka strana kriva, a opet niko nije kriv, i to pokušava da nam predstavi. Strahote opisane u delovima kada se glavni likovi sećaju epizoda iz prošlosti dovodile su me do suza, jer sam slične priče slušala od svojih najbližih, i veoma mi je drago što je neko to opisao na jedan nepatetičan način.
Volela bih da mogu navesti neke citate, ali pošto sam čitala samo na engleskom, bojim se da ne mogu biti precizna. Pomenuću samo deo kada Veseli Viktoru objašnjava da je on postupio ispravnije prebegavši u Italiju uoči početka rata, gde je radio i uživao, dok je on, Viktor, godine proveo u rovovima, boreći se po naređenjima ljudi koji i dalje nemilice jade zemlju, i to sa zdravstvenim posledicama. Tu vidimo dva različita pogleda na ratni kovitlac u koji su likovi (i mi sa Balkana) bili bačeni.
Takođe, dopada mi se kako je Veseli regrutovao saradnike - tražeći ljude sa snovima, jer 'teško je motivisati osobu koja nema nikakav san'. On kad vidi da neko ima veliku želju da nešto ostvari, toj osobi nagovesti šta bi mogao imati samo ako mu pomogne, i na taj način dobija vredne, posvećene i lojalne saradnike. Takođe, Veseli dodaje i da se treba kloniti ljudi kojima je najveća zabava na svetu bomba piva pred prodavnicom, što upotpunjuje pasus koji me je sasvim kupio.
Knjigu sam kupila i roditeljima jer sam sigurna da će im se dopasti, a i jedna drugarica ju je naručila, što samo govori o tome koliko sam oduševljena njom i najtoplije, svim srcem je preporučujem.
I have to admit that before beginning the book, being from Bosnia myself, I had only heard about "our" Pink Panthers, so first I read the comprehensive article by the New Yorker and then started the book. (The article is here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20... ) I love that it made me google some events mentioned, and also go and find out more about the way in which African tribes are treated when some wealthy company gets permission by a local politician to move them to a different area without a proper compensation or negotiation.
I loved reading about the robbery in Dubai, since I live in the UAE. I've never been to the Wafi Shopping Mall but I'll go the first chance I get. Of course, as soon as I found out there was a real footage of the two Audis rushing into the mall, I went on YouTube to see it myself.
However, what I appreciate and love most about this book are the main characters' very personal stories about the loss of youth, waste of talent and the robbery of the right to live normally, peacefully. Being a refugee from Bosnia, having gone through the same war that's described in the book, I deeply felt almost everything that was happening to the characters. The author mentions couple of times how "they took the ball from our hands and gave us guns", which is the exact sentence the male members of my family say every time they recollect those first days of the Civil War in Bosnia. There is a number of episodes, or recaps, of the characters that literally brought me to tears, being so real and because I have heard similar stories from my family and our friends. One sentence goes when Gill talks to Victor: "Brother, what could possibly scare us who passed through those horrors of war? The only good thing I got out of all that hell is that we survived and that today nothing is or seems scary enough anymore." For me it this speaks volumes.
I also like the part in which Goldy says: "The dead remain dead, brother, it's up to us living to remain together."
I also have to add that i like and respect how the author described of the atrocities of that war. He is not subjective. Completely opposite - he is unbiased and fair. He doesn't protect one side, blaming the other. No. He gives an objective picture of those terrible events. Some scenes truly induce goosebumps and I'd love as many people as possible to read them so as never to think again about going to a similar war.
Finally, I'd love to point out one sentence that has nothing much to do with war, but with life in general, and that will stick with me for some time, and that is – "It's difficult to motivate a dreamless person. Avoid like the plague those people whose ambition is a beer in a plastic two-litre bottle in front of a local store as the world's best fun time."
----------------
Toliko toga želim da kažem o ovoj knjizi, a opet, jezik mi je svezan, čak sat vremena nakon što sam je pročitala. Jedno je sigurno - jedva čekam nastavke.
Od početka priča mi se dopala, iako sam o našim Panterima samo čula, nekada davno, bila sam i mala kad su bili aktivni. Ovu knjigu sam poželela da pročitam najviše zbog nekog skrivenog patriotizma, iako pljačke nisu baš nešto čime se treba ponositi. Dopalo mi se da vidim kako su to ljudi sa naših prostora uspeli da nadmudre toliko svetskih policija i bezbednosnih sistema, i da se snađu. Međutim, kako bih bila sigurna da u potpunosti razumem priču i događaje, prvo sam pročitala članak Njujorkera (evo ga link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20... ), a potom guglala sve što me je zanimalo u vezi sa trgovinom dijamantima jer je to tema o kojoj sam, takođe, samo čula, ali nisam bila bolje upućena. Zahvalna sam ovoj knjizi koja me je toliko o tome naučila.
Međutim, ono što je na mene ostavilo najveći utisak jesu lične, potresne priče glavnih junaka kojima su mladost i pravo na normalan i pristojan život grubo oduzeti i zamenjeni puškama i kasatnim bombama. Budući da je i moja porodica prebegla iz Bosne u Srbiju zbog istog rata, upoznata sam sa strahotama koje se navode u knjizi. Najviše mi je drago što je autor objektivan, realan i fer prema svima. On ne brani samo jedan narod, kriveći sve ostale, već je svestan da je u pitanju bio okrutan rat u kome je svaka strana kriva, a opet niko nije kriv, i to pokušava da nam predstavi. Strahote opisane u delovima kada se glavni likovi sećaju epizoda iz prošlosti dovodile su me do suza, jer sam slične priče slušala od svojih najbližih, i veoma mi je drago što je neko to opisao na jedan nepatetičan način.
Volela bih da mogu navesti neke citate, ali pošto sam čitala samo na engleskom, bojim se da ne mogu biti precizna. Pomenuću samo deo kada Veseli Viktoru objašnjava da je on postupio ispravnije prebegavši u Italiju uoči početka rata, gde je radio i uživao, dok je on, Viktor, godine proveo u rovovima, boreći se po naređenjima ljudi koji i dalje nemilice jade zemlju, i to sa zdravstvenim posledicama. Tu vidimo dva različita pogleda na ratni kovitlac u koji su likovi (i mi sa Balkana) bili bačeni.
Takođe, dopada mi se kako je Veseli regrutovao saradnike - tražeći ljude sa snovima, jer 'teško je motivisati osobu koja nema nikakav san'. On kad vidi da neko ima veliku želju da nešto ostvari, toj osobi nagovesti šta bi mogao imati samo ako mu pomogne, i na taj način dobija vredne, posvećene i lojalne saradnike. Takođe, Veseli dodaje i da se treba kloniti ljudi kojima je najveća zabava na svetu bomba piva pred prodavnicom, što upotpunjuje pasus koji me je sasvim kupio.
Knjigu sam kupila i roditeljima jer sam sigurna da će im se dopasti, a i jedna drugarica ju je naručila, što samo govori o tome koliko sam oduševljena njom i najtoplije, svim srcem je preporučujem.
November 14, 2021
The first thing that comes to mind after reading 'PINK PANTHERS: The Greatest Thieves in the World' is the significance of the symbolism used in the book, as the author mentions in the 'Word To The Reader' section. There are always two sides of a coin and multiple sides of a diamond. This book does a commendable job of getting that message across. Keeping the socio-historical context in mind, the book draws inspiration from the real-life gang of diamond thieves, the infamous Pink Panthers.
Although they work on the other side of the law, the gang goes by certain principles. They have their structural organizations and hierarchies. After having carried out successful operations in major international cities like Antwerp, London, and Tokyo, the team is looking for a scale-up. Their next stop is the Diamond Biennale in Paris. The actions take place against a backdrop of magnificence and glamour, but the reason remains distant. However, everything is not hunky-dory within the gang itself. There is built-up tension and divide over the loot distribution, but this cannot persist over time.
It is advisable to get some context about the history of The Pink Panthers before diving into this work. It elevates the reading experience and also provides a different perspective. The characters are well written, and the way the author brings out their individuality even though they work as a team is commendable. The story is action-packed and filled with daring escapades that are bound to keep the reader turning the pages. The story begins at a fast pace and never slows down, all the while leaving crumbs and clues for the reader to get hooked onto. It is a thriller in the true sense and makes for a remarkable start to the trilogy. The suspense would continue, and one can only hope to get their hands on the next installment as fast as possible.
Although they work on the other side of the law, the gang goes by certain principles. They have their structural organizations and hierarchies. After having carried out successful operations in major international cities like Antwerp, London, and Tokyo, the team is looking for a scale-up. Their next stop is the Diamond Biennale in Paris. The actions take place against a backdrop of magnificence and glamour, but the reason remains distant. However, everything is not hunky-dory within the gang itself. There is built-up tension and divide over the loot distribution, but this cannot persist over time.
It is advisable to get some context about the history of The Pink Panthers before diving into this work. It elevates the reading experience and also provides a different perspective. The characters are well written, and the way the author brings out their individuality even though they work as a team is commendable. The story is action-packed and filled with daring escapades that are bound to keep the reader turning the pages. The story begins at a fast pace and never slows down, all the while leaving crumbs and clues for the reader to get hooked onto. It is a thriller in the true sense and makes for a remarkable start to the trilogy. The suspense would continue, and one can only hope to get their hands on the next installment as fast as possible.
January 2, 2021
Combining crisp writing, devious, intriguing characters and daring escapades, Saikovski’s impressive series kicker in the Pink Panthers series fictionalizes the true story of a shady network of brazen robbers known as Pink Panthers.
The Pink Panthers have neatly wrapped sizeable diamond robberies in Antwerp, London, Tokyo, Paris among others grand cities across the world, but owing to a few members’ greed, friction has appeared, threatening the gang’s next significant heist in Dubai. They must complete their last task before the inner discord sends them on a separate path.
Saikovski begins the story on a fast note, weaving a hefty amount of background into the narrative while dropping tantalizing clues about his protagonists’ troubled past and uncertain future. The large cast of varied characters is adeptly drawn as is the interpersonal dynamic of the bold thieves with corporate and political elites.
Intelligent prose, a thrilling plot, and a shocking conclusion make this a winner. Readers will anxiously wait for the second installment in the series.
The Pink Panthers have neatly wrapped sizeable diamond robberies in Antwerp, London, Tokyo, Paris among others grand cities across the world, but owing to a few members’ greed, friction has appeared, threatening the gang’s next significant heist in Dubai. They must complete their last task before the inner discord sends them on a separate path.
Saikovski begins the story on a fast note, weaving a hefty amount of background into the narrative while dropping tantalizing clues about his protagonists’ troubled past and uncertain future. The large cast of varied characters is adeptly drawn as is the interpersonal dynamic of the bold thieves with corporate and political elites.
Intelligent prose, a thrilling plot, and a shocking conclusion make this a winner. Readers will anxiously wait for the second installment in the series.
May 2, 2022
The higher the political office the larger the cheating and lies. After all, they are to powerful to fail, and can always kill their dissenters.
Interesting to see how the multiple layers are so effective, until the lower rungs think they deserve a larger payout, because they have the most to loose.
Interesting to see how the multiple layers are so effective, until the lower rungs think they deserve a larger payout, because they have the most to loose.
November 25, 2021
The world of fiction becomes more interesting when they take inspiration or are loosely based on true events. 'PINK PANTHERS: The Greatest Thieves in the World' is the first in a trilogy of books set to blow your mind. It is extraordinary how much a gang of diamond thieves can teach us. They can teach us discipline, organization, working towards a common goal, and having a solid foundation irrespective of what they are doing is legal or not. After all, the entire system of legality is man-made; it is a matter of perception.
Is the ever-increasing divide between the materially rich and poor correct? Aren't these issues worthy of being discussed in the legal system? These are some of the many questions that come to mind while reading this action-packed book about a gang of diamond thieves leaving their mark on different cities around the world. On the surface, this first installment might look like a thriller waiting to get our adrenaline juices running, but beneath it, there is a grim picture of society lost amidst the glamour. This book is dedicated to those who dare to fight for their dreams.
The story-telling does shine bright like a diamond. With the diamond business at its backdrop, the show goes on. The Pink Panthers are the ones labeled as robbers, yet all sectors ranging from the conglomerate and the industry to politics and military have their hands deep in the muck. What is right and what is wrong? The story has the power to make you think. It narrates a tale and yet paints a picture of reality at the same time. Such opposites rarely do come together in harmony, but when they do they hide in plain sight. The language used is lucid and works well with the pace maintained by the plot. The next installments have big shoes to fill.
Is the ever-increasing divide between the materially rich and poor correct? Aren't these issues worthy of being discussed in the legal system? These are some of the many questions that come to mind while reading this action-packed book about a gang of diamond thieves leaving their mark on different cities around the world. On the surface, this first installment might look like a thriller waiting to get our adrenaline juices running, but beneath it, there is a grim picture of society lost amidst the glamour. This book is dedicated to those who dare to fight for their dreams.
The story-telling does shine bright like a diamond. With the diamond business at its backdrop, the show goes on. The Pink Panthers are the ones labeled as robbers, yet all sectors ranging from the conglomerate and the industry to politics and military have their hands deep in the muck. What is right and what is wrong? The story has the power to make you think. It narrates a tale and yet paints a picture of reality at the same time. Such opposites rarely do come together in harmony, but when they do they hide in plain sight. The language used is lucid and works well with the pace maintained by the plot. The next installments have big shoes to fill.
January 19, 2022
This was such a wonderful well written book. I was fully engaged from the beginning to the end. I was really able to connect to the characters with the engaging story. It was very entertaining and also provided readers with knowledge of the Infamous Pink Panthers Gang of Diamond Thieves. I thought it would be something common to read but this book is totally different. This book kept me on the edge. I wondered what was true, what was fabricated, and what was next. Regardless of anything... It definitely shed light on the thieves working.
This is a True Story of the Pink Panthers Gang and their unbelievable heists. Great book the the beginning to the end, I took a long time to read this book because I wanted to concentrate on the story. The character build up was good. I enjoyed the story line. The book was insightful. This book is perfect for you if you like mystery, crime, robbery and heist adventures.
This is a novel that is impossible to put down. Gripping and intense are only two words to describe the effect of the book. This author didn't fail to suck the reader in. This book starts off really strong with a great premise - intriguing and mysterious right away, the writing is even pretty strong. It’s really page-turner, meticulously developed, smartly written book. I cannot wait to read more books from this author.
This is a True Story of the Pink Panthers Gang and their unbelievable heists. Great book the the beginning to the end, I took a long time to read this book because I wanted to concentrate on the story. The character build up was good. I enjoyed the story line. The book was insightful. This book is perfect for you if you like mystery, crime, robbery and heist adventures.
This is a novel that is impossible to put down. Gripping and intense are only two words to describe the effect of the book. This author didn't fail to suck the reader in. This book starts off really strong with a great premise - intriguing and mysterious right away, the writing is even pretty strong. It’s really page-turner, meticulously developed, smartly written book. I cannot wait to read more books from this author.
June 5, 2022
PINK PANTHERS: The Greatest Thieves (Pink Panthers Trilogy Book 1) is an amazing book and It's an very intriguing book which kept you hooked with it throughout the end of it. There is no way back once you start reading it.
Characters, Story pace, Story Arc, It’s just all perfect to me as it’s just get a hook over you and also it’s easy for you to read it in few sitting and also you will enjoyed a lot as it just didn’t bore you.
Vocabulary of the book is very good and Writing style of the author is very good and error free and I really like the title of the book
Also the language of the book is great and author has narrated this story very nicely and also it's very easy to read even if you’re beginner.
The title is really intriguing and Interesting and it really grab my attention.
The cover is highlight for me and It's simple but still looks amazing.
Overall it’s an amazing read and I highly recommend this book to all the readers out there.
Characters, Story pace, Story Arc, It’s just all perfect to me as it’s just get a hook over you and also it’s easy for you to read it in few sitting and also you will enjoyed a lot as it just didn’t bore you.
Vocabulary of the book is very good and Writing style of the author is very good and error free and I really like the title of the book
Also the language of the book is great and author has narrated this story very nicely and also it's very easy to read even if you’re beginner.
The title is really intriguing and Interesting and it really grab my attention.
The cover is highlight for me and It's simple but still looks amazing.
Overall it’s an amazing read and I highly recommend this book to all the readers out there.
June 12, 2025
I didn't expect to be emotionally moved by a book about international jewel thieves, but here we are. Saikovski tells more than a story, he reveals the anatomy of loyalty, betrayal, and the seduction of a life just outside the law.
From the deserts of Baghdad to the glittering boutiques of Paris, the narrative scope is global but always deeply personal. I was especially taken by Victor's arc. Watching him morph from reluctant accomplice to fully immersed tactician was like watching a fire catch in slow motion.
The pacing is crisp, and there’s never a dull moment. Even during philosophical interludes, the tension is palpable. Every scene matters. Every exchange pushes the characters further into a dark but fascinating world.
Would I recommend this? Absolutely, especially if you're ready for a crime thriller that’s more than car chases and explosions. It's got brains and heart.
From the deserts of Baghdad to the glittering boutiques of Paris, the narrative scope is global but always deeply personal. I was especially taken by Victor's arc. Watching him morph from reluctant accomplice to fully immersed tactician was like watching a fire catch in slow motion.
The pacing is crisp, and there’s never a dull moment. Even during philosophical interludes, the tension is palpable. Every scene matters. Every exchange pushes the characters further into a dark but fascinating world.
Would I recommend this? Absolutely, especially if you're ready for a crime thriller that’s more than car chases and explosions. It's got brains and heart.
May 11, 2025
Explosive, gritty, and unapologetically bold, this book gripped me from the opening scene in the Baghdad desert all the way to the glittering chaos of Paris heists. The characters are sharp, morally complex, and terrifyingly charming. Jolly, in particular, is a masterclass in antihero writing.
I got this book from my book club and honestly didn't expect to be so riveted. It's cinematic, dripping with clever dialogue, criminal philosophy, and raw human emotion. Fans of Heat and Snatch, this one is for you.
I got this book from my book club and honestly didn't expect to be so riveted. It's cinematic, dripping with clever dialogue, criminal philosophy, and raw human emotion. Fans of Heat and Snatch, this one is for you.
June 11, 2025
This is one of those stories that makes you want to wear sunglasses at night and plan imaginary heists with your friends. Stylish, daring, and occasionally heart-wrenching, The Greatest Thieves is everything I want in a crime novel.
It explores the art of the con, but it never forgets the human cost. The author brilliantly walks the line between glamor and grit. Jolly might just be one of the most charismatic anti-heroes I've read in years.
Highly recommended for fans of Ocean's Eleven meets The Godfather.
It explores the art of the con, but it never forgets the human cost. The author brilliantly walks the line between glamor and grit. Jolly might just be one of the most charismatic anti-heroes I've read in years.
Highly recommended for fans of Ocean's Eleven meets The Godfather.
May 11, 2025
Got this from a book club and ended up falling for it. It’s not just a heist story—it’s about survival, identity, loyalty, and betrayal. And the storytelling? Slicker than a diamond in the Dubai sun.
The dialogue cracked with wit, the pacing was pure adrenaline, and the characters lingered in my mind long after the final page. This is what Ocean’s Eleven wishes it could be if it had a Balkan soul and a lot more blood.
The dialogue cracked with wit, the pacing was pure adrenaline, and the characters lingered in my mind long after the final page. This is what Ocean’s Eleven wishes it could be if it had a Balkan soul and a lot more blood.
May 11, 2025
Victor's inner transformation mirrors the chaos around him—one moment, he's a café owner, and the next, he's being handed a passport into a life of crime. His existential panic during the airport scene was so vivid I swear I broke a sweat.
Sakovski doesn’t just write about criminals; he writes about philosophers in disguise, men haunted by war and seduced by glory. This is not an ordinary book. It’s a full-body experience.
Sakovski doesn’t just write about criminals; he writes about philosophers in disguise, men haunted by war and seduced by glory. This is not an ordinary book. It’s a full-body experience.
May 11, 2025
Victor’s descent into the criminal world feels terrifyingly plausible. There’s a line in the book—“Thoughts determine actions”—that keeps echoing in my head. It's not just a clever scene; it’s the philosophy of the entire trilogy.
Everything from the international settings to the diamond industry insights is meticulously done. This isn’t pulp fiction—it’s high-grade, intelligent, and totally badass.
Everything from the international settings to the diamond industry insights is meticulously done. This isn’t pulp fiction—it’s high-grade, intelligent, and totally badass.
June 11, 2025
This book surprised me. Between the diamond heists and car chases are moments of poetic introspection that hit like a sucker punch. Saikovski writes like a man who's seen too much.
One of my favorite chapters involved a philosophical discussion about fear, perception, and plastic guns—and it actually made me rethink some real-world beliefs. The man knows how to layer meaning into action.
Not your typical crime story—and that’s exactly why you should read it.
One of my favorite chapters involved a philosophical discussion about fear, perception, and plastic guns—and it actually made me rethink some real-world beliefs. The man knows how to layer meaning into action.
Not your typical crime story—and that’s exactly why you should read it.
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July 12, 2025What I admire most about this book is that it doesn’t glorify crime, it explains it. It puts you inside the head of someone who doesn’t feel like they have another option, and you get to see how seductive that logic can be.
Jolly is one of the most fascinating criminals I’ve ever read. His charisma, his regrets, his fatal flaws all add up to a character that feels painfully real.
If you like intelligent thrillers, this one is a must.
Jolly is one of the most fascinating criminals I’ve ever read. His charisma, his regrets, his fatal flaws all add up to a character that feels painfully real.
If you like intelligent thrillers, this one is a must.
July 17, 2025
The Pink Panthers’ heists are brilliantly portrayed, with precise detail and suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Behind the glitter of stolen diamonds lies a deeper story of survival, loyalty, and the scars of war. It’s a rare combination of thrill and heart.
The dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity. You feel like you're eavesdropping on real conversations among seasoned criminals.
Behind the glitter of stolen diamonds lies a deeper story of survival, loyalty, and the scars of war. It’s a rare combination of thrill and heart.
The dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity. You feel like you're eavesdropping on real conversations among seasoned criminals.
July 17, 2025
Victor and Jolly are characters that leap off the page with depth, humor, and complexity. Their journey is as gripping as any blockbuster movie.
The Pink Panthers’ heists are brilliantly portrayed, with precise detail and suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Behind the glitter of stolen diamonds lies a deeper story of survival, loyalty, and the scars of war. It’s a rare combination of thrill and heart.
The Pink Panthers’ heists are brilliantly portrayed, with precise detail and suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Behind the glitter of stolen diamonds lies a deeper story of survival, loyalty, and the scars of war. It’s a rare combination of thrill and heart.
July 17, 2025
A powerful story that challenges the line between right and wrong, and makes you question your own assumptions.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotion, action, and reflection. I couldn’t stop reading.
Victor and Jolly are characters that leap off the page with depth, humor, and complexity. Their journey is as gripping as any blockbuster movie.
The Pink Panthers’ heists are brilliantly portrayed, with precise detail and suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotion, action, and reflection. I couldn’t stop reading.
Victor and Jolly are characters that leap off the page with depth, humor, and complexity. Their journey is as gripping as any blockbuster movie.
The Pink Panthers’ heists are brilliantly portrayed, with precise detail and suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
August 27, 2025
The Pink Panthers’ heists are brilliantly portrayed, with precise detail and suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Behind the glitter of stolen diamonds lies a deeper story of survival, loyalty, and the scars of war. It’s a rare combination of thrill and heart.
The dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity. You feel like you're eavesdropping on real conversations among seasoned criminals.
Behind the glitter of stolen diamonds lies a deeper story of survival, loyalty, and the scars of war. It’s a rare combination of thrill and heart.
The dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity. You feel like you're eavesdropping on real conversations among seasoned criminals.
August 27, 2025
From the very first page, I was pulled into the dangerous glamour of the Pink Panthers’ world. The pacing is tight, and every chapter brims with suspense and possibility.
What struck me was how human the thieves were. Their ambitions, their vulnerabilities, even their mistakes, it made me empathize with people I never thought I could.
The novel isn’t just thrilling; it’s layered, with reflections on loyalty, betrayal, and the high cost of ambition.
What struck me was how human the thieves were. Their ambitions, their vulnerabilities, even their mistakes, it made me empathize with people I never thought I could.
The novel isn’t just thrilling; it’s layered, with reflections on loyalty, betrayal, and the high cost of ambition.
August 27, 2025
I picked this up expecting a straight-up heist novel, but what I found was something far richer. Yes, the action is gripping and cinematic, but it’s the humanity of the characters that stays with you.
The betrayals cut deep because the bonds feel so real, and the triumphs feel earned because the risks are palpable.
It’s a book that keeps you on edge, but also makes you reflect on the choices people make under pressure.
The betrayals cut deep because the bonds feel so real, and the triumphs feel earned because the risks are palpable.
It’s a book that keeps you on edge, but also makes you reflect on the choices people make under pressure.
April 23, 2025
I picked this up expecting a cool heist story—what I got was a full-blown geopolitical crime epic. Saikovski doesn’t just tell a story about robbers; he peels back the layers of modern society and shows us how war, corruption, and desperation breed the most unlikely criminals. This book blew my mind and opened my eyes. Equal parts gripping and disturbing.
May 11, 2025
This book doesn’t pull punches. It plunges into the underground world of high-stakes heists with a philosophical and almost poetic flair. Jolly and Victor feel like mythic figures trapped in a gritty European noir.
The writing is as sharp as broken glass in a diamond case. It’s violent, funny, tragic and at times, almost romantic in its melancholy. An unforgettable read.
The writing is as sharp as broken glass in a diamond case. It’s violent, funny, tragic and at times, almost romantic in its melancholy. An unforgettable read.
May 11, 2025
I haven’t been this hooked on a crime saga since The Godfather. There’s something distinctly Eastern European here—part tragedy, part bravado, all grit. Jolly is both villain and poet, a contradiction you can’t look away from.
The humor is dark and cutting. The stakes are real. The plot dances between past and present like a thief moving through laser beams. Absolutely brilliant.
The humor is dark and cutting. The stakes are real. The plot dances between past and present like a thief moving through laser beams. Absolutely brilliant.
May 28, 2025
This book is the definition of cool. From the slow burn character development to the high-speed getaways and poetic banter, it’s pure literary jazz. Think Bukowski meets Elmore Leonard. Sakovski has a gift for slipping philosophy into chaos. You’ll laugh, sweat, and rethink everything you know about justice and survival.
Currently reading
May 28, 2025If you love true crime, international intrigue, or stories of redemption through darkness, The Greatest Thieves will become your next obsession. Every detail feels meticulously researched, yet the voice is fresh and irreverent.
The tension in this book is so real I had to take breaks just to breathe. Jolly and Victor are lightning in a bottle.
The tension in this book is so real I had to take breaks just to breathe. Jolly and Victor are lightning in a bottle.
May 28, 2025
I got this book through a book club, and wow, what a ride. Sakovski writes like a war poet who’s fallen into a life of crime. Every chapter is a bomb with a slow fuse.
The characters are painfully real, and their mistakes hurt like bruises on your own skin. You’ll cheer, gasp, and ache with them.
The characters are painfully real, and their mistakes hurt like bruises on your own skin. You’ll cheer, gasp, and ache with them.
May 28, 2025
I’ve never read a book that treated crime as a philosophical act quite like this one. The characters are shaped by war, not greed. Their choices are about meaning as much as money.
Sakovski gives us a dazzling look into a world most writers wouldn’t dare touch. It’s raw, refined, and unforgettable.
Sakovski gives us a dazzling look into a world most writers wouldn’t dare touch. It’s raw, refined, and unforgettable.
July 12, 2025
A friend in my book club sent me a copy of this, and I owe her a bottle of wine. What a ride! This book was unpredictable, emotional, and weirdly educational.
I learned more about diamond trafficking and post-war Eastern Europe than I expected, all while getting caught up in this epic story of thieves and fate.
Get this book. You won’t regret it.
I learned more about diamond trafficking and post-war Eastern Europe than I expected, all while getting caught up in this epic story of thieves and fate.
Get this book. You won’t regret it.
July 12, 2025
What starts as a fast-paced crime tale quickly becomes something richer. There’s a philosophical undertone that gives the story a weight I didn’t expect.
The friendship between Jolly and Victor is complex, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking. There were a few scenes that almost made me tear up.
I’d recommend this to fans of Don Winslow or Elmore Leonard. It has that kind of soul.
The friendship between Jolly and Victor is complex, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking. There were a few scenes that almost made me tear up.
I’d recommend this to fans of Don Winslow or Elmore Leonard. It has that kind of soul.
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