Into the Archives with Rena Pederson, Author of King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief

Author Rena Pederson will speak about her book "The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief." 

In the 1950s and ’60s, a mysterious jewel thief robbed dozens of the wealthiest families in Dallas — millionaires with oil wells and airplanes, women with unlimited accounts at Neiman-Marcus. The thief got away with millions in jewels and because of his extraordinary skill, the press dubbed the cat burglar “The King of Diamonds.” The thief was never caught (but many of the victims suspected that he was a member of their tight-knit social circle). In the book, Pederson interviewed victims' families, police, and reporters to piece together this thrilling true crime story. 

Ms. Pederson, a trailblazer for women in journalism in Texas,  served on the Pulitzer Prize Board for nine years and received national recognition during her 16 years as Vice President and Editorial Page Editor at The Dallas Morning News. During her tenure at The News, Texas Monthly named her as "One of the Most Powerful Women in Texas." She has interviewed many world figures, including: Margaret Thatcher, Fidel Castro, Princess Grace, and Julia Child. 

In addition to writing books, Pederson has recently taught at Southern Methodist University and has served as a speechwriter and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications at the U.S. Department of State.