From Thomas Perry comes a new thriller about an unlikely burglar--a young woman in her 20s--who realizes she must solve a string of murders, or else become the next victim

Elle Stowell is a young woman with an unconventional profession: burglary. But Elle is no petty thief--with just the right combination of smarts, looks, and skills, she can easily stroll through ritzy Bel Air neighborhoods and pick out the perfect home for plucking the most valuable items. This is how Elle has always gotten by--she is good at it, and she thrives on the thrill. But after stumbling upon a grisly triple homicide while stealing from the home of a wealthy art dealer, Elle discovers that she is no longer the only one sneaking around. Somebody is searching for her.

As Elle realizes that her knowledge of the high-profile murder has made her a target, she races to solve the case before becoming the next casualty, using her breaking-and-entering skills to uncover the truth about exactly who the victims were and why someone might have wanted them dead. With high-stakes action and shocking revelations, The Burglar will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they barrel towards the heart-racing conclusion.

Genre: Thriller

Author: Thomas Perry

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: January 8th, 2019

Publishing House: Mysterious Press

My Review

Unexpectedly different!

As far as professions go, I would miserably fail at burglar. For one, I am always amazed at the way thieves can think of making profits…some of these things don’t even enter my mind. And secondly, I don’t have a callus and stealth it takes to climb up walls, deal with watch dogs, alarms or the sheer anxiety of it all (Thankfully I don’t have to!). Unlike the main protagonist in this novel!

“L” or Elle, is a professional burglar. Disguised as a runner, she peruses the streets and homes of the rich and famous of Bel Air, CA. Her petite frame let’s her fit in small places and her trained runner and fitness body let’s her easily climb, jump, run, roll and become invisible.

Elle lives on borrowed time, money and goods. She uses cash to rent vehicles all the time, changes her routines constantly and leaves not trace. Her plethora of gadgetry for invisible entries without leaving DNA is abundant. But on one of her outings, she is being taped! Not only taped, but she has walked in on a murder scene of a threesome…all piled up on a bed still in position. A hunch tells her to take the tape, overhaul it at home, make copies of it and return it back to the scene. By now, enforcements are already making it to the scene and Elle barely escapes returning it.

As the murder makes the news, she is heading out of town with some loot of jewelry to bring to the right dealers. Along the way, someone is picking up her trail and Elle’s motives become somewhat changed. She knew that stumbling on the murder scene was bad news, but now she is uncovering that there is a ring of ruthless art dealers behind the crime. As more murders happen in the wake of Elle’s trail, she has to use her skills to investigate and uncover the mystery to alert the officials without being traced herself. A task that only narrowly lets her escape with life in a few sticky situations.

***

This was a fast paced, complex, suspenseful thriller with a different point of view. Very clever and interestingly spun, I enjoyed this view from the burglar side. The Cali vibe was palpable, the plot was twisted and engaging, it surpassed my expectations.
This was my first Thomas Perry novel, and I would definitely read another.

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!