Tarakash Josh! : A website for Youth!

Armando Halder

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Bill Mason, a 'Master Jewel Thief', sensibly held off writing his autobiography until he was free and clear from long arms of the law. With the help of thriller writer Lee Gruenfeld, Mason has produced one of the more likeable criminal autobiographies.


Mason fell into the jewel theft business by default. He was attracted not only by the money, but by the thrill to do such stuff. He worked in and around Florida in the 60s & 70s, robbing the rich and bejeweled men & women. His specialty was high-rise buildings, especially hotels, and during the course of his career he managed to rob many eminent personalities of America of those times (including the city mafia boss, veteran Hollywood actors, businessmen, etc.).


Mason astonishes the reader with his accounts of not only his big scores and his planning for them, but also the times when he barely escaped death. He became a target of a nationwide manhunt and was caught after being fugitive for 5 years, spent less than 3 years in prison. His accounts of his run-up’s with the law enforcement agencies makes one wonder that “the crow’s colour is same everywhere!” The casualties of his lifestyle turned out to be his family, particularly his wife who eventually divorced him. The unattractive side of a serial thief is portrayed bravely, as Mason routinely uses his family and friends to help with the crimes he commits.


While you may not particularly like the character, and disapprove of his chosen profession, but its real-life twist & turns 'Grand Theft' is an entertaining book. This is due to the fascinating insider's look at the life of a serial robber. Grand Theft is a good read if you would like to know the working of a criminal mind.