Have you heard of the world’s most notorious jewel thief Doris Payne? Neither did I until I read her memoir and let me just say I was not ready for this at all. I kept thinking there’s no way this is real. And even as she got up in age Doris was still out here wildin’ out lol.

Smooth criminal ain’t the word for Doris “Smooth Talking” Payne. She been that girl all her life and let’s not get it twisted auntie wasn’t a petty thief it was always go big or go home for her. What started out as a thrill stealing from local jewelers. Later turned into a lavish lifestyle of jewel stealing across the world to support her and her family. Everything she did from the way she walked, talked, and moved was all done in style.  

It took years before her crimes caught up to her because nobody wanted to admit they were swindled by a black woman. Not to mention as soon as she swiped her jewels she was on the next flight out before anyone knew something was missing. Eventually things crumble and Doris is caught off her A-game and it leads to her arrest. But guess what that didn’t stop NOTHING! Putting her in jail would be pointless because she’d get out and be right back at it. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was still out here swiping small stuff just to see if she still got it lmao. 

Overall, this was a fun read shoutout to my buddy read favs the group chat was lit as always. There were parts that were repetitive to me but it’s so engaging you can’t help but stay invested in her story. What she did may have been wrong and risky to some. But she started out with a purpose and to prove a point. And a couple hundred diamonds later I think she made it very clear. If you’re looking for a fun nonfiction read I highly recommend this one‼️