This book was wild! It was such a great read. I couldn’t put it down. It made me want to read more books from the author. I can’t wait to see what else I find so I can binge them. My mind was blown, it’s rare for a book to be this good.

Eye-opening and gripping! Walton blends true-crime storytelling with practical advice, breaking down 14 red flags to spot scammers. A must-read for staying safe in a world full of con artists.

"Anatomy of a Con Artist" by Johnathan Walton was an amazing eye opener book! Well written, informative, interesting, and disturbing as the author had intended. I recommend this book to everyone, as a warning and an empowering tool to deal with sophisticated con artists. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Wow! This isn't the type of book I usually pick up, but I couldn't put it down! I was invited to read it, and I’m so glad I downloaded it. This is a must-read for everyone, especially since I frequently come across new scams while scrolling through Instagram. In today's world dominated by AI, it's tough to keep pace with some of the elaborate scams out there. These scammers might have legitimate jobs, but their main focus seems to be scamming you!

Johnathan Walton, a former victim of con artists who now helps others identify and avoid scams. In this book, he outlines key red flags to spot potential scammers. After being scammed out of nearly $100,000 and initially dismissed by police, Walton conducted his own investigation, leading to the prosecution of his con artist. His guide aims to educate readers on identifying and protecting themselves from con artists, emphasizing the importance of awareness in avoiding becoming a target.

The book is easy to read and incredibly eye-opening! It highlights 14 red flags that new acquaintances—whether colleagues or friends—might display, so be sure to pay attention and take notes. The value packed into this book is immense, especially the insights from a firsthand victim that truly leave you stunned.

We learn about Jonathan’s experience with his scammer, who was once his best friend, and he carefully outlines how the warning signs began to appear gradually. Toward the end, you'll discover how everything gets resolved. In addition to his case, Jonathan shares stories from other people who reached out to him through his online platform to prevent others from falling victim to similar scams. The writing is straightforward and to the point, so you can easily finish this book in a day.

I especially appreciate that Jonathan offers some helpful tips at the end about what to do if you find yourself scammed or if your credit gets compromised. The information in this book is invaluable and resonates deeply with me, as I too experienced being scammed for over $3,000 when I first arrived in the U.S. At the time, I was told there was nothing I could do. Having this book in my hands would have made a world of difference because, with the red flags outlined, I could have avoided that situation altogether. I sincerely hope you read this or consider gifting it to an elderly person or a friend. This is truly valuable information, everyone!

Thank you, Rodale Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4 stars

What an incredibly wild ride. One important lesson I learned from this book - and there were many - is that revenge can sometimes best be served cold. Walton is dishing it UP by informing the masses about the ways in which his scammer terrorized him in an effort to help the rest of us spot and avoid a similar fate. A scammer wronged him, and he will rightfully never let her forget it.

Walton mixes multiple signs of a scammer with his own personal experience. It is riveting to learn how an intelligent and relatively savvy person was (from an external perspective) easily conned out of a great deal of money and pride. A highlight of this book is the way that Walton talks about his own experiences and the roller coaster of emotions he's faced. I think many folks may get caught up with the rage they'd feel (reasonable) and do not necessarily think about the humiliation or even feelings of loss around what felt like a close personal relationship. Walton's willingness to reveal his vulnerability makes this a much richer read and definitely made me empathize with him when - transparently - a less informed version of me might have been judging him.

Another highlight? Learning about the different examples of scams and scammers Walton has now uncovered as he has proceeded on his quest to expose, rectify, and protect. I worked for a public agency many years ago that received a shocking number of complaints from elderly people about ways in which they'd been scammed, and it was both sad and terrifying. While scammers are definitely part of the zeitgeist right now, I don't think most of us associate them with the way they actually operate. Walton provides many great tips on what to look for, avoid, and do, making this both a compelling read and a useful one.

I'm very sorry about what happened to Walton and to the numerous others he references throughout this book, but I'm grateful that he took the time to share his insider info with the rest of us.

This was a fascinating read! It seems that nowadays there are many more scams often made easier with technology. The stories were great as an example of each red flag. Reading the stories I wondered how anyone could fall for that. But of course I am reading after a lengthy introduction to the person being scammed. I do know how easily an elderly person could be scammed and am always on the lookout to publicize that.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Con artists are a little bit like cults, in that no one thinks they'd be susceptible to falling for one, but everyone has a weakness that can be exploited. This is a fascinating look at the red flags thrown up by scammers that most people might not realize to look out for, with examples that are heartbreaking and informative. Since his own experience, Johnathan Walton has become very knowledgeable and informed on this topic and it shows.

“Anatomy of a Con Artist” is a non-fiction book by Johnathan Walton. Mr. Walton was scammed out of money by a con artist and wants to ensure that you aren’t conned by one too. He lists a number of bullet points noting red flags (don’t send wires, be aware of someone who overshares too early, and someone whose life is always filled with drama, drama, drama). He does note that having one red flag (such as TMI too soon) doesn’t mean the person is a con artist, but too many may mean they are. I felt that this book was interesting - he uses examples from his own story (including how he got the police to investigate, which I found possibly the most interesting part) but also includes stories from others who have been scammed by con artists. I’d say read this book (though Mr. Walton also has a podcast and blog discussing con artists) if you want to know more about how con artists operate (including the ever so helpful just because someone calls you, don’t trust who they are).

Johnathan Walton has a tale to tell. He was conned out of thousands and thousands of dollars by someone he thought was a trusted close friend. This book also describes the experiences of many other people who lost money to people they trusted.

If you read nothing else this year please read the first chapter of this book. It outlines the ways you can tell that someone is attempting to scheme some money from you. Walton tells about how YOU can avoid being conned.

This is the best book of the year.

An interesting, well written, well researched book. Walton, who was himself the victim of a con artist, lists and gives a brief description of the 14 red flags to watch out for to indicate you might be dealing with a con artist—although he does, fairly, make clear that the presence of some of these qualities does not necessarily mean you’re about to become the victim of a con artist; sometimes people are just genuinely nice. He then goes into detail about how each red flag might manifest itself with lengthy stories about real examples of people who were conned. Although these stories are well written and interesting, after a few of them I felt like I was reading those clickbait stories (albeit without any of the annoying and usually poor writing those typically employ) and decided I had gotten the idea. However, I could see many people would enjoying reading all of them and there is certainly a lot of great cautionary advice. Thank you to Rodale/Random House and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 19, 2025
After being taken advantage of by a con artist of his own, Johnathan Walton decided to write a book and tell others what to look out for, and how to avoid being scammed and conned themselves. His non-fiction book, “Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves” is informative and emotional. Not only does Johnathan share his very personal story, using his interactions with his con artist as examples, but he also talks about others who were swindled in other ways, highlighting all the practices con artists share.
This is an absolute must-read for anyone, anywhere (except maybe con artists themselves). There are always going to be some of us that laugh at those who got conned and reassure themselves that they’d “never fall for a con”, but these people, especially, should read Walton’s book. Walton gives plenty of examples of the different ways individuals can infiltrate our lives, eventually taking it over and, maybe most importantly, how to get law enforcement to pay attention and bring con artists to justice.
I was surprised (naively so, I admit) on how many different ways people actively seek out to scam or con others. All the examples Walton provides highlights how very common it is, and how anyone, anywhere, can get scammed at any time, and “Anatomy” is a sure eye-opener.
“Anatomy” was well constructed. Walton started every chapter with a specific red flag (fourteen in all), then he would provide an example of someone else who had been scammed or conned (and how) and then, of course, he would go into detail about his own scam, with each chapter revealing more details about how he was swindled. The book flowed very well and was actually entertaining to read, even if it was terrifying in its honesty.
As Walton admits, most people who have been scammed don’t come forward, due to the embarrassment of admitting this fact. So Walton’s true account speaks to his bravery, and how passionate he is about helping others avoid the same fate. If nothing else, Walton deserves props for taking the oppourtunity that few others do, advocating for not just himself, but for others who reached out to him for assistance.
“Anatomy”, again, is for anyone of any age. Scamming and conning can happen to anyone, regardless of how informed they think they are, and Walton has created a must-read on how to catch a con before it happens. Not only is “Anatomy” relevant and informative, but Walton’s writing is also engaging and fascinating, making this book accessible to everyone.

I found this book to be a very slow read but throughout it there are tidbits about how to avoid becoming the victim of a con. The author shows how he became a victim and how he went about trying to get justice for it. I found it interesting that the interaction from the police was so lacking and that he had to take it into his own hands to catch the thief. I hope that I never have to deal with such but realize from this book that everyone is a potential victim. I will take some of the suggested tips and apply them now.

This is not a feel-good book but one that will increase your awareness of the people around you.
I wish to thank Net Galley and Penguin Random House Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don't usually read books like this that border on the self help category but for some reason this one intrigued me. This is an informative and compelling read. Although it is non-fiction, with its gripping narrative, fascinating characters, and conversational writing style, I just kept turning the pages and finished the book in one day. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Books for an advanced reader copy.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

🕶️ Johnathan Walton doesn’t just write about con artists—he hunts them. In Anatomy of a Con Artist, the Emmy-winning TV producer and host of the hit podcast Queen of the Con transforms personal trauma into public service, offering readers a street-smart, emotionally charged guide to spotting deception before it drains your bank account—or your trust in humanity.

📘 What It’s About

After being swindled out of nearly $100,000 by a master manipulator, Walton turned vigilante, building a criminal case that led to conviction. This book distills his hard-earned wisdom into 14 red flags—behavioral patterns and psychological tactics used by scammers to infiltrate lives and exploit emotions. From faux generosity (“Beak Wetting”) to relentless drama, each chapter unpacks a tactic with gripping real-life examples and actionable advice.

🔍 What Makes It Stand Out

- Narrative Punch: Walton’s storytelling reads like a crime thriller—fast-paced, emotionally raw, and laced with dark humor.

- Emotional Intelligence: He emphasizes that con artists don’t outsmart you—they out-feel you. This insight reframes manipulation as emotional warfare.

- Victim-Centered Perspective: Walton’s empathy for fellow victims is palpable. He doesn’t shame—he empowers.

- Practical Tools: Each red flag is paired with real-world scenarios and reflection prompts, making the book feel like a psychological toolkit.

🧠 Themes That Resonate

- Trust & Vulnerability: The book explores how our need for connection can be weaponized—and how awareness can be armor.

- Justice Through Storytelling: Walton’s journey from victim to advocate shows how narrative can be a form of resistance.

- Emotional Literacy: Readers learn to decode manipulation not just intellectually, but emotionally.

🚨 Anatomy of a Con Artist is part memoir, part manual, and all heart. It’s a wake-up call wrapped in gripping prose—a must-read for anyone who’s ever trusted too quickly, doubted too slowly, or wondered how good people get conned. Walton doesn’t just expose the tricks—he teaches you how to see through them.

I generally find self-help books with titles like 14 ways to ... to be marginally useful, but predictable to the point that one only has to speed read because of all the filler. This book is not like that.

I selected this book on the title, thinking that it was a thriller. In many ways, it is a thriller, but it's much more than that. Author Johnathan Walton uses his own life experience of being scammed big-time by a person he loved and trusted as the frame for helping others to not get in the same mess he found himself in. I love the way that he crafted this book, structuring his own experience within the 14 red flags, but also, for each red flag, he introduces someone else's experience too.

This books read like a thriller, but it may just save you from a con artist. #Rodale #Netgalley

Anatomy of a Con Artist was a fascinating read an important lesson in how to avoid being conned.A n excellent book of advice and very interesting stories by those who were conned.#NetGalley #roedale

“Anatomy of a Con Artist” is a fascinating book that should be a “must” read. The author sets forth a series of “red flags” that may indicate you are being scammed, and how to recognize them, using his own experience as a victim of an intricate scam, as well as details of other scams and con artists. The audacity and complexity of some of the scams is astounding. Readers may wonder how anyone could fall for some of the scams or be convinced that it could never happen to them. However, the author explains how con artists use our assumptions, biases, expectations and emotions against us. Also, how the difficulty of successfully prosecuting a con artist enables them to keep finding more victims.

My first Johnathon Walton novel but definitely not my last. I went into this one totally blind and it was a great read. This was eye opening, making me realize I don’t live in a bubble and bad things happen to good people. Armed with facts and figures it was a great but unsettling read.
Thank you NetGalley, Johnathon Walton and Rodale Books for the opportunity to read and review this book

Johnathan Walton is host of the podcast, Queen of the Con, which I love, so I was excited to read Anatomy of a Con Artist. He outlines ways to spot a scammer and tells the stories of how he and others were taken in by a grifter. He's a great storyteller while also imparting wisdom that everyone needs to learn. Thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Books for the ARC.

Very informative and easy to follow. Some really good tips. It started off really great. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book