The Napoleon of Crime

The Napoleon of Crime tells the true story of Adam Worth, a notorious Victorian-era thief who became the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes's nemesis Professor Moriarty. Following Worth from his humble beginnings to his rise as London's most sophisticated criminal mastermind, Macintyre reconstructs the exploits of this legendary figure through extensive research and historical documentation. Worth's criminal career spanned continents and decades, involving elaborate heists, daring escapes, and the theft of priceless art and jewels from society's elite. The book details his complex network of criminal associates and his careful cultivation of a respectable public persona, even as he orchestrated some of the most audacious crimes of the 19th century. The investigation and pursuit of Worth by William Pinkerton of the famous detective agency forms a central thread throughout the narrative. Their cat-and-mouse game across Europe and America exemplifies the changing nature of crime and law enforcement in the Victorian era. Beyond the historical account, the book examines themes of class mobility, identity, and the thin line between gentleman and criminal in Victorian society. Worth's story reveals how the period's rigid social structures and emerging technologies created new opportunities for those bold enough to operate outside the law.

Readers find the book well-researched but note it can get bogged down in details. Many appreciate Macintyre's portrayal of Adam Worth as a complex criminal who avoided violence and maintained a peculiar code of honor. The historical context of Victorian London and the early detective agencies resonates with true crime enthusiasts. Liked: - Thorough research and historical documentation - Engaging parallel between Worth and Holmes's Moriarty - Clear writing style makes complex heists understandable Disliked: - Excessive tangents about peripheral characters - Some sections drag with financial minutiae - Several readers wanted more focus on the heists themselves Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) "Like reading a Victorian Ocean's 11" - Amazon reviewer "Gets lost in banking details when it should focus on the crimes" - Goodreads reviewer "Strong start but loses momentum in the middle" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔍 Adam Worth, the book's subject, was Arthur Conan Doyle's inspiration for Professor Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes' arch-nemesis. 🎨 Worth orchestrated the theft of Thomas Gainsborough's famous portrait "Duchess of Devonshire" in 1876 and kept it hidden for 25 years because he became obsessed with its beauty. 🌍 Author Ben Macintyre discovered previously unseen Scotland Yard files about Worth while researching in the London Metropolitan Police archives. ⚔️ Worth served in the Union Army during the Civil War at age 14, faked his own death in battle, then deserted to become a bounty jumper—repeatedly enlisting and collecting bonuses under different names. 💎 Despite being a master criminal, Worth had a strict personal code: he never carried weapons, refused to use violence, and wouldn't work with criminals who did—earning him respect from both police and fellow thieves.