"Diamond Gangster is a gripping true-crime memoir that delves into the audacious 2000 Millennium Dome diamond heist, one of Britain's most infamous attempted robberies. Co-authored by Lee Wenham, a central figure in the plot, and journalist Joseph Cusack, the book offers an unfiltered look into the criminal underworld and the events leading up to the failed £350 million theft."
In this fascinating read, former bank-robber Lee Wenham recounts his upbringing a part of a notorious Gypsy family, where crime was a way of life. The narrative is candid and often darkly humorous, detailing his early forays into crime, the disasters and cost, and eventually how this led to the meticulous planning of the Dome raid. The heist itself, involving a JCB digger, nail guns, and a speedboat getaway, reads like a Hollywood script, yet it's all, mostly, true. The book doesn't shy away from the consequences, chronicling the police sting operation that led to Wenham's arrest and subsequent imprisonment. To clarify, I use the word ‘mostly’ not as a criticism but as recognition that Wenham is inevitably a little hamstrung as to what he can admit to by way of criminal activity and what he can say with regards to the activities of others involved in these and similar crimes. Nonetheless, the book remains an engaging and, at times entertaining yarn.
What sets Diamond Gangster apart from other similar works, and what was also apparent in the accompanying TV series, is Wenham's introspection. He reflects on the impact of his actions on his family and his journey towards redemption, having since built a new life as a landscape gardener. His transformation adds depth to the narrative, making this more than just a crime story. For readers interested in true crime, British history, or tales of personal transformation, Diamond Gangster offers a compelling and thought-provoking read.
| Primary Genre | Biographies & Autobiographies |
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