This book is an easy read and I finished it in two days. There is not much new information about the actual fraud; many of the events described in the book have already been discussed in various articles and newspapers. There is, however, a significant amount of information about the young Bernie Madoff - his childhood years, college experience and family background. All of this is interesting reading, but unfortunately gives little insight into the motivation behind the heinous crimes he committed later in life. The behind the scenes details, especially of the last twenty years, focused more on the outside relationships - how he connected with investors and how he built up his mystique - than on the inside workings of how the scheme was conducted. Highlights include the fascinating (and appalling) facts regarding the SEC investigation which in essence cleared Madoff just a few years before he was exposed, as well as the allegations (ignored by the government) that were raised for years by a few private citizens. All in all, it is a worthwhile read if you are keenly interested in one of the biggest frauds ever committed. ( )

Easy to read. Goes through beginnings to actual event history. Fasinating! ( )