Very interesting memoir about Wittman's time as an undercover FBI agent dealing in the recovery of stolen paintings, sculpture, historical artifacts, and manuscripts. Each chapter or two is devoted to a mission. The final chapters of the book, about a failed attempt to retrieve the paintings stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in the 90s is the most riveting - even though it's common knowledge that the paintings are still "at large" and I knew this would be the only unsuccessful mission in the book.

Wittman's writing style is one of very short sentences, and sometimes he's a bit repetitive but overall a good story. I listened to the audiobook and it was a solid narration. Other than a couple of mispronunciations (sacrosanct and Whitey "Bulgher") the narrator was effective. I recommend Googling the images of the art they are pursuing. This would also be a great book for young adults considering a career in the FBI, no matter in what department.

As one who very much enjoys real-life spy stories and also someone who LOVES art and art history and art museums, I found "Priceless" extremely interesting. Each chapter tells a different story of an undercover operation and I found myself swept away in awe of the stories behind rescuing famous (and not-so-famous) stolen masterpieces.

I felt that the writing could have been a bit sharper—it reads like a person typing up a dictation, which is fine, but not sparkling.

Overall, if you have any interest in the above mentioned spy stories or art or art history or art museums, I'd give this a read.

A FBI agent tells of his exploits all around the world tracking down stolen works of art. It was especially interesting to me because it mentions the dealings of Stephen Reid, the former mayor of Harrisburg.

It's not that it's a bad book, it's just not for me. I found a lot of formula in it - like it was being written so he could have an A-list actor play his part in the movie. There was also a lot of detail about fine art - not out of place, but just not my cup of tea. If I hadn't been listening to the audiobook, I would have skipped pages at a time.

Interesting stories, but the author comes across as an egotistical jerk half the time. Describes women strangely (refers at one point to his FBI undercover colleagues as bimbos, etc.) sometimes. Considering a Pulitzer-nominated journalist helped write this, I'm surprise the writing isn't better. Also, lots of detours into his life, which while not irrelevant, sometimes are awkwardly inserted into the story, don't fit well, and are boring while waiting for the true purpose of the book.

Robert Wittman’s memoir about his 20-year career as an FBI agent specializing in art and cultural history crimes. He traveled internationally and worked with other countries’ law enforcement agencies to recover stolen art and antiquities, such as Geronimo’s war bonnet, North Carolina’s copy of the Bill of Rights, a Rembrandt self-portrait, a Peruvian golden backflap (from a suit of armor), and more. The book takes each case, examines the history of the stolen property, and details the covert work required to recover it. He weaves elements from his personal life into the narrative.

I found this book fascinating. It revolves around two of my personal passions: art and history. It includes intriguing elements such as art heists, fake deals, undercover subterfuge, and an insider’s view of the FBI. I flew through it. One of the most touching scenes in the book is the retrieval of the American Civil War battle flag from one of the first African American regiments to fight for the Union.

Wittman’s account gives a glimpse of the what the FBI is like, from the recognition and accolades when they resolve a high-profile case to the bureaucracy, turf wars, and personality conflicts. Wittman’s story was captivating, especially the details of his undercover work, how he gains the criminals’ confidence, appeals to their greed, and eventually obtains the necessary evidence needed to arrest them and recover the artwork. My only issue with it is the colloquial writing style (lots of discussion of facts and food). Recommended to those interested in art history, the FBI, or true crime.

I would never have picked this book up if it were not part of my yearly reading challenge to read “a book about art or an artist”, but I’m glad I did! I learned a lot about the FBI, art theft, and the artworks themselves. The book read like multiple episodes of Law & Order - short, exciting cases with great characters and, for the most part, happy endings. Hard to believe some of it was real! (A tiny bit of language but overall clean)

Almost read like a novel. Thrilling!

Facinating story about the Likely short lived undercover operation in the FBI for recovering lost or stolen paintings and artifacts. It is not all glamor as depicted in the mythology of American culture. Unfortunately the nitpicking and egos in local and international law enforcement agencies have pretty much thwarted any real possibility of a continuance of the smart operation under the author's guidance.