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To Catch a Thief #3
Reluctant Smuggler
They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer…but what if you can’t tell the difference?
For security consultant Desiree Jacobs, the assignment was make off with an ancient Mayan artifact and hand it over to the good guys in time to plan her wedding to ultra-fine FBI agent Tony Lucano.
Yet, in a world where no one is as they seem, Desi must decipher who the good guys are–before she ends up in the hands of a ruthless enemy.
Suddenly, artifact recovery turns into archaeological espionage, and the woman who finds all the answers must now ask Who’s looting priceless antiquities underneath the nose of the baffled Mexican government? And what does a violent gang of drug and human traffickers have to do with missing artifacts?
Even with Tony on her side, Desi will need way more than luck to survive against the odds. She’ll need the truth–not just to set her free, but to liberate many innocents caught in the snare of calculating evil.
For security consultant Desiree Jacobs, the assignment was make off with an ancient Mayan artifact and hand it over to the good guys in time to plan her wedding to ultra-fine FBI agent Tony Lucano.
Yet, in a world where no one is as they seem, Desi must decipher who the good guys are–before she ends up in the hands of a ruthless enemy.
Suddenly, artifact recovery turns into archaeological espionage, and the woman who finds all the answers must now ask Who’s looting priceless antiquities underneath the nose of the baffled Mexican government? And what does a violent gang of drug and human traffickers have to do with missing artifacts?
Even with Tony on her side, Desi will need way more than luck to survive against the odds. She’ll need the truth–not just to set her free, but to liberate many innocents caught in the snare of calculating evil.
339 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2008
13 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
70 books59 followersJill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 4, 2008
Good action, interesting mystery. Cast of characters a bit daunting.
July 5, 2022
Probably closer to 3.5- 3.75, but good, adventurous and a compelling read.
August 24, 2011
THEY SAY KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER... BUT WHAT IF YOU CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE?
'Reluctant Smuggler' is the third book in Jill Elizabeth Nelson's 'To Catch a Thief' series and my favorite of the three.
Desiree Jacobs is trying to plan her wedding, run her business 'HJ Securities', and avoid dangerous situations. But her plan isn't working - it seems as though danger follows Desi everywhere.
While she's in Mexico, she was robbed three times in the same day, was held at gun point, and many other similar incidents.
Meanwhile, FBI Agent Tony Lucano was stuck in Boston...literally. A blizzard made airports close, phone lines go down, and cell phone service unavailable. And when Tony goes on a mission during the storm, he ends up in a coma fighting for his life.
"Don't even try to tell me you're a victim. The reluctant smuggler. Hah!" - Page 301
'Reluctant Smuggler' is my favorite in the series (so far). I don't know whether there will be another addition, but if there is, I will definitely want to read it.
As usual, I loved Desi's, Tony's, and Max's characters, but I also enjoyed Mama Gina and even Stevo's character.
I loved this story - it had so many twists and kept me guessing. There were many times I was "on the edge of my seat" waiting for what was going to happen next.
I won't mention one other thing that I really liked about this novel because I feel it would spoil parts of the book for you - should you decide to read it.
I recommend 'Reluctant Smuggler' if you enjoy a good, clean suspense/mystery book (with romance)!
PLEASE rate my review. Thanks in advance if you do! :)
'Reluctant Smuggler' is the third book in Jill Elizabeth Nelson's 'To Catch a Thief' series and my favorite of the three.
Desiree Jacobs is trying to plan her wedding, run her business 'HJ Securities', and avoid dangerous situations. But her plan isn't working - it seems as though danger follows Desi everywhere.
While she's in Mexico, she was robbed three times in the same day, was held at gun point, and many other similar incidents.
Meanwhile, FBI Agent Tony Lucano was stuck in Boston...literally. A blizzard made airports close, phone lines go down, and cell phone service unavailable. And when Tony goes on a mission during the storm, he ends up in a coma fighting for his life.
"Don't even try to tell me you're a victim. The reluctant smuggler. Hah!" - Page 301
'Reluctant Smuggler' is my favorite in the series (so far). I don't know whether there will be another addition, but if there is, I will definitely want to read it.
As usual, I loved Desi's, Tony's, and Max's characters, but I also enjoyed Mama Gina and even Stevo's character.
I loved this story - it had so many twists and kept me guessing. There were many times I was "on the edge of my seat" waiting for what was going to happen next.
I won't mention one other thing that I really liked about this novel because I feel it would spoil parts of the book for you - should you decide to read it.
I recommend 'Reluctant Smuggler' if you enjoy a good, clean suspense/mystery book (with romance)!
PLEASE rate my review. Thanks in advance if you do! :)
October 17, 2012
Starting with Reluctant Smuggler, book three of the To Catch a Thief Series makes me desperately want to go back and find the first two novels in the series as well as look forward to others. From college, an addiction that I had was to the Jennifer Garner television show Alias, with Sydney Bristow and all her stunts. This book with Desiree and all her actions was right up my alley! Desi is not a CIA agent like Bristow, but she is the owner of HJSecurity and a master mind at getting out of tough spots. I was hooked from the beginning, and even though I chose a busy week to make this a read, I had to get it and get my fix everyday until I was through and could find out what would happen next. From breaking into a museum, to being mugged, and pushing for marriage to the hunky FBI man Tony, this girl never quits. There is action with twists and turns and as a reader it is real and riveting page turning thrills. As a person, who has adored FBI, CIA, historical Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, and the Librarian films... I never saw that coming, or that other thing, or those things... Really, there is so much that I could tell you and go on and on... But to enjoy all that this book has to offer, you really just have to read it yourself... I kid you not. Oh, and the best part about the entire thing! With all of the action and twists and turns and incredible plot ideas, Desi and Tony keep first and foremost their faith in God and through their actions of realistic people I can relate things to my calm and semi normal life to learn to be a better more Christ-like person day-by-day.
April 14, 2008
For security consultant Desiree Jacobs, the operation should have been almost too easy: Steal an ancient Mayan artifact from a Mexican museum and then return it, thus proving the organization's security measures inadequate and acquiring the job for her own company.
Her goal is to get it done, then scoot on out of Mexico and home to Tony Lucano, her hunky FBI agent fiancé.
But powerful forces have other ideas, and Desi's simple operation soon becomes a dangerous mission to recover stolen national artifacts. With key figures in the Mexican government playing both sides of the law, it's impossible to tell friends from enemies and good guys from bad.
The heinous El Jaguar, trafficker of drugs and humans and looter of national antiquities, could be hidden behind the smiles of any number of government officials. As Desi digs closer to the truth, both she and Tony are targets for elimination, and are in danger even in their own homes on American soil.
Will either of them survive long enough to say "I do"?
A pulse-pounding, nail-biting tale of danger and intrigue...yet the author weaves in a romantic element strong enough to satisfy even the sappiest of readers. Jill Elizabeth Nelson paints a picture of evil perfectly contrasted by indomitable courage, honor, and unselfish love. Softly drawn and perfectly placed, elements of faith accent the vivid colors of this stunning masterpiece. Reluctant Smuggler is word art at its best!
Her goal is to get it done, then scoot on out of Mexico and home to Tony Lucano, her hunky FBI agent fiancé.
But powerful forces have other ideas, and Desi's simple operation soon becomes a dangerous mission to recover stolen national artifacts. With key figures in the Mexican government playing both sides of the law, it's impossible to tell friends from enemies and good guys from bad.
The heinous El Jaguar, trafficker of drugs and humans and looter of national antiquities, could be hidden behind the smiles of any number of government officials. As Desi digs closer to the truth, both she and Tony are targets for elimination, and are in danger even in their own homes on American soil.
Will either of them survive long enough to say "I do"?
A pulse-pounding, nail-biting tale of danger and intrigue...yet the author weaves in a romantic element strong enough to satisfy even the sappiest of readers. Jill Elizabeth Nelson paints a picture of evil perfectly contrasted by indomitable courage, honor, and unselfish love. Softly drawn and perfectly placed, elements of faith accent the vivid colors of this stunning masterpiece. Reluctant Smuggler is word art at its best!
January 21, 2008
Murder! Kidnapping! Smuggling! Espionage! Exotic locations! A beautiful security consultant determined to recover priceless artifacts. A handsome FBI agent determined to find priceless human cargo while protecting his lovely fiancée – who, incidentally, can take care of herself!
Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s Reluctant Smuggler is an action-packed romantic suspense that takes you to exotic locations and puts you in situations that, hopefully, you’ll never experience. This thriller presents both sides of Mexico – the lovely, welcoming tourist destinations and the cruel underground of gangs and drugs.
WARNING: Plan to read the whole thing when you start! This is fast-paced novel that has a lot going on – but don’t worry about getting lost. Nelson is an experienced storyteller. Her setting descriptions are so realistic. I’ve never been to Mexico or the Yucatan, but I had no trouble imagining myself there with Desi and Tony. Speaking of her characters, I like that they are real, with the same doubts and fears that we would have in the same situation – well, almost. (I’m a big ‘fraidy cat!)
I won’t go into details, but Desi Jacobs and her fiancé, Special Agent Tony Lucano, FBI, fight all kinds of nefarious characters at home and in Mexico. And with the prayer support of their family and co-workers, they … well, you’ll have to see for yourself what happens.
Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s Reluctant Smuggler is an action-packed romantic suspense that takes you to exotic locations and puts you in situations that, hopefully, you’ll never experience. This thriller presents both sides of Mexico – the lovely, welcoming tourist destinations and the cruel underground of gangs and drugs.
WARNING: Plan to read the whole thing when you start! This is fast-paced novel that has a lot going on – but don’t worry about getting lost. Nelson is an experienced storyteller. Her setting descriptions are so realistic. I’ve never been to Mexico or the Yucatan, but I had no trouble imagining myself there with Desi and Tony. Speaking of her characters, I like that they are real, with the same doubts and fears that we would have in the same situation – well, almost. (I’m a big ‘fraidy cat!)
I won’t go into details, but Desi Jacobs and her fiancé, Special Agent Tony Lucano, FBI, fight all kinds of nefarious characters at home and in Mexico. And with the prayer support of their family and co-workers, they … well, you’ll have to see for yourself what happens.
Read
May 3, 2008From the back cover: "For security consultant Desiree Jacobs, the assignment was simple: make off with an ancient Myan artifact and hand it to the good guys in time to plan her wedding to ultra-fine FBI agent Tony Lucano." The idea of Reluctant Smuggler just can't be put any better than that. What a fun, fun read.
Reluctant Smuggler is Nelson's third book in the To Catch a Thief series, which includes the Reluctant Burglar and the Reluctant Runaway.
Desi is equal parts Indiana Jones, Sydney Bristow (Alias), and Idgie Threadgoode (Fried Green Tomatoes). Desi's tom-boy tough, but can still shed a tear. There's a little too much wedding planning for my tastes, but any romance fan who likes action will love Desi, and Jill's To Catch A Thief series.
I have a special affinity for first person perspective. I love the intimate relationship a first-person main character can have with a reader. The weakness of first-person is that an author can't put the camera on the bad guys. The reader must learn of the evil plot to take over the world through other means, usually as the main character uncovers the diabolical plan. I read Reluctant Smuggler admiringly, as Ms Nelson crafted a third-person third person tale with a first-person level of character intimacy.
Enter Deep PoV.
Enjoy.
Reluctant Smuggler is Nelson's third book in the To Catch a Thief series, which includes the Reluctant Burglar and the Reluctant Runaway.
Desi is equal parts Indiana Jones, Sydney Bristow (Alias), and Idgie Threadgoode (Fried Green Tomatoes). Desi's tom-boy tough, but can still shed a tear. There's a little too much wedding planning for my tastes, but any romance fan who likes action will love Desi, and Jill's To Catch A Thief series.
I have a special affinity for first person perspective. I love the intimate relationship a first-person main character can have with a reader. The weakness of first-person is that an author can't put the camera on the bad guys. The reader must learn of the evil plot to take over the world through other means, usually as the main character uncovers the diabolical plan. I read Reluctant Smuggler admiringly, as Ms Nelson crafted a third-person third person tale with a first-person level of character intimacy.
Enter Deep PoV.
Enjoy.
October 14, 2009
Review by Gretchen Hoffman
I was so excited when Reluctant Smuggler came out. I started reading the series when the first two books were out, but I had to wait for this one. Book three did not disappoint.
In the final book of the trilogy, Desiree Jacobs faces her most difficult task yet. It started off simple—obtain an antique Mayan artifact and get it to the good guys. But the simple task gets complicated when espionage, people looting Mexican antiquities, corrupt government officials, and a violent gang, the Fraternidad de la Garra, find their way into the picture. How is Desi supposed to plan the perfect wedding to her fiancé, FBI agent Tony Lucano, with all this trouble?
With injuries, lots of questions, and someone close who ends up in the hospital, Desi faces a lot of “what-if” situations and must rely on more than her wits to survive. She needs to find the truth before anyone else, including herself, gets hurt.
If you’ve read book one and two, this book is a must. Ms. Nelson ties everything together in a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat package. Check it out.
I was so excited when Reluctant Smuggler came out. I started reading the series when the first two books were out, but I had to wait for this one. Book three did not disappoint.
In the final book of the trilogy, Desiree Jacobs faces her most difficult task yet. It started off simple—obtain an antique Mayan artifact and get it to the good guys. But the simple task gets complicated when espionage, people looting Mexican antiquities, corrupt government officials, and a violent gang, the Fraternidad de la Garra, find their way into the picture. How is Desi supposed to plan the perfect wedding to her fiancé, FBI agent Tony Lucano, with all this trouble?
With injuries, lots of questions, and someone close who ends up in the hospital, Desi faces a lot of “what-if” situations and must rely on more than her wits to survive. She needs to find the truth before anyone else, including herself, gets hurt.
If you’ve read book one and two, this book is a must. Ms. Nelson ties everything together in a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat package. Check it out.
February 4, 2024
As sad as I am to not have any more of these books to read, this was a VERY good conclusion!
Desi and Tony are engaged, but some major action stands between them and the altar. As I've said in my reviews of the other two books, while what happens to them may not be very realistic, the emotions they deal with totally are.
Tony is struggling with what kind of life he can offer Desiree and for her part, Desi is struggling with loss.
In case you've missed the memo, this book was super amusing. Pretty much every conversation between Tony and Steve is loaded with sarcasm and friendly jabs and it's hilarious.
A great series that I will probably own someday. A bunch of stars for the whole series!!!
Desi and Tony are engaged, but some major action stands between them and the altar. As I've said in my reviews of the other two books, while what happens to them may not be very realistic, the emotions they deal with totally are.
Tony is struggling with what kind of life he can offer Desiree and for her part, Desi is struggling with loss.
In case you've missed the memo, this book was super amusing. Pretty much every conversation between Tony and Steve is loaded with sarcasm and friendly jabs and it's hilarious.
A great series that I will probably own someday. A bunch of stars for the whole series!!!
January 6, 2023
Full review can be found at: C Jane Read.
So much happens with Desi’s case and the FBI case, which should be two separate cases, but they intermingle again. I didn’t care that much about the actual cases themselves, I was invested in the story because of the characters.
So much happens with Desi’s case and the FBI case, which should be two separate cases, but they intermingle again. I didn’t care that much about the actual cases themselves, I was invested in the story because of the characters.
September 29, 2015
Finally Desi and Tony are getting married… Or are they? As usual, trouble has followed Desi and is not looking at letting go of her. How can she and Tony get on with their lives when they are pulled into danger at every turn. This was a good suspenseful read. Not only was there external conflict between them due to their jobs, there was internal conflict as they question whether their love for each other is enough to have a life together.
May 9, 2014
They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer . . . but what if you can't tell the difference?
Even with Tony at her side, Desiree needs more than luck to survive in this final novel of the series.
I loved this series, and shared it with all my friends. Thank you for a fascinating trio of books, Jill. Keep up the good work!
Even with Tony at her side, Desiree needs more than luck to survive in this final novel of the series.
I loved this series, and shared it with all my friends. Thank you for a fascinating trio of books, Jill. Keep up the good work!
May 31, 2008
This book has so many twists, turns and detours that it felt a little too jumbled for me. It would have read better without the long hospital scenes in the middle. I did enjoy it, just not as much as I was expecting to.
January 20, 2012
Oy, this was good! It would get more than 5 stars, tons better than the second book. These books reminded me of Lynn Gardner's Emeralds and Espionage series. (Which reminds me, I should add Lynn's books to my list of books read :-)
April 23, 2020
The third book in the To Catch a Thief series. Christian fiction. Adventure and mystery. Entertaining.
May 10, 2016
Well done. Another great book filled with art, actiom and adventure from Jill Nelson.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews