Tangled Web UK Review November 2011
Thick as Thieves by
Peter Spiegelman
hbk out September 11
Published by Quercus
at £12.99
None of the formulaic, run of the mill crime stuff. that it is all too easy to
come across and peruse
when looking for an entertaining read. Here we have a clever, well written and
absorbing
story that will reward the reader with sessions, and perhaps even a read - all
- in - one go
episode of surprise, tension and ultimately satisfaction at a book well written
and absorbing
from start to finish.
Declan is the charismatic leader of a gang of thieves who go after huge amounts
of cash and jewels
that criminals higher up the scale of scoundrels than themselves amass and shift
all over the world
to turn into currency that is safe and non traceable to use. When Carr - ex CIA
– becomes available
for a job and therefore in theory ‘for a place in his outfit,’ Declan
is quick to try to persuade him to join the gang. He eventually
succeeds and immediately makes use of Carr’s considerable ability and finesse
at planning to
carry out a heist which is both successful and hugely profitable.
But when another robbery goes badly wrong, when lights and bullets are waiting
as they emerge from the job,
when their leader is taken out and the stolen cash is missing, Carr is left to
pick up the pieces and to take charge
of future operations.
Suspicions about the whole episode, what happened to the cash and who, if anyone,
blew the gaff on the operation,
plague Carr and he is left to deal with what he feels afraid might be his own
paranoia, while continuing the job of organizing
future profitable jobs.
A strong plot is not enough for me. I have to have descriptions of locations which
place me firmly in the story. The atmosphere of places in South America, Miami
and Grand Cayman Island, background to the plot, are brilliantly evoked and hugely
pleasurable to read.
Both Jeffery Deaver and Lee Child have given this author rave reviews and I must
say, I totally agree with their verdicts.
(
Phyllis Davies
)
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