Career criminal Richard Whittemore, the prime mover of a gang of professional diamond thieves, was addicted to the high life and not above using murder to reach his goals. His glamorous flapper wife Margaret stood by his side and played a role in his crimes as well. The press dubbed the two "The Candy Kid" (for his penchant for gems and drugs, as well as his personal charm) and "Tiger Girl" (for her ferocity and devotion to her mate). The duo were 1920s celebrities and drew adoring crowds during Richard's murder trials, yet their story ended abruptly when Richard had to pay the price for his crimes. Surprisingly, Margaret, who wound up with no criminal record, went on to a new life as a working class wife and mother.

Greg Stout's true crime account Tiger Girl and the Candy Kid has an intriguing story to tell. I found that I was less interested in the details of the Whittemore gang's meticulously planned crime sprees than I was in the aftermath of all the carnage, but Stout delivers on both counts. Recommended. ( )