Delectably entertaining.

For all the flickering diamonds and worsted suits, for all the references to Barry as a prince or aristocrat of thieves, it’s the story of a dissolute, empty and shallow life, too much of it spent in prison, that wears thin pretty fast.

Stylish.

At times, it can feel that the buildup is too thorough, too slow, but the narrative soon gets a move on. The story of Barry’s escalating crimes... followed by his inevitable downfall, is breezily told..

A top-shelf work of true crime.

A rousing tale of true crime that elicits sympathy for both victims and perpetrator..