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To Catch a Thief #2
Reluctant Runaway
Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs is back in this sequel to Reluctant Burglar , and only she can unearth the horrifying secret that links together stolen Indian artifacts, a murdered museum guard, a missing woman, and a baby in danger.
Desiree "Desi" Jacobs doesn’t mean to get in danger’s path. Really she doesn’t. But when a friend is in trouble you don’t just walk away, no matter what your overprotective FBI agent boyfriend says. So when Desi and Tony’s date at a presidential ball is interrupted by a frantic Maxine Webb, Desi doesn’t hesitate to jump in.
Soon Desi is neck-deep in a confusing array of villains. Did Maxine’s niece run away or was she taken? Is she still alive or the victim of a perverse ritual? And who wants her infant son--and why? Then Tony’s organized crime case collides with Desi’s investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister. Something that craves blood.
From the streets of Desi’s beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces and save a young woman and her baby from a villain more evil than any of them can imagine.
Desiree "Desi" Jacobs doesn’t mean to get in danger’s path. Really she doesn’t. But when a friend is in trouble you don’t just walk away, no matter what your overprotective FBI agent boyfriend says. So when Desi and Tony’s date at a presidential ball is interrupted by a frantic Maxine Webb, Desi doesn’t hesitate to jump in.
Soon Desi is neck-deep in a confusing array of villains. Did Maxine’s niece run away or was she taken? Is she still alive or the victim of a perverse ritual? And who wants her infant son--and why? Then Tony’s organized crime case collides with Desi’s investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister. Something that craves blood.
From the streets of Desi’s beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces and save a young woman and her baby from a villain more evil than any of them can imagine.
346 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2007
11 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
78 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
September 12, 2014
Second in series. Desi is in art security and Tony is in the FBI. They investigate. Good spiritual element, but the rest is just ok.
June 7, 2017
There are not a lot of books that will keep me up until 10 and then get me out of bed at 6:30 to read for an hour and a half before starting my day. This one did. It's just as amazing and funny as the first one.
And I do mean funny. This exchange had me clapping a hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud in the library: "Put me down, you lummox! People are starin'." "They're staring because you fainted." "Texans don't faint." "Then you did a world-class impersonation."
Oh my. And that's just chapter two.
There are so many amazing things about this book - the action, the humor (have I mentioned the humor yet?), and the realness. Yes, realness.
See, in between the FBI investigations, crazy disappearances, and Desi's constant near-death experiences, there are very real relationships going on. I like how Nelson makes Desi and Tony deal with real relationship struggles. How does the other person fit into their own life? Would they be willing to give up a job promotion or their home to be with the other? And the communication issue!!!! Nelson delves right into how communication makes or breaks a relationship. THANK YOU! Communication is vital and it's a two-way street.
The Christian element is more prevalent in this book than the first, but it doesn't feel forced. Even when the characters are discussing the Gospel point-blank, it's a natural part of the conversation they are having. It's never, "I'm going to put some God in here now".
I am totally a fan of this series. On to book three!!!!
*Psst, Julianne. I think you might like these.*
And I do mean funny. This exchange had me clapping a hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud in the library: "Put me down, you lummox! People are starin'." "They're staring because you fainted." "Texans don't faint." "Then you did a world-class impersonation."
Oh my. And that's just chapter two.
There are so many amazing things about this book - the action, the humor (have I mentioned the humor yet?), and the realness. Yes, realness.
See, in between the FBI investigations, crazy disappearances, and Desi's constant near-death experiences, there are very real relationships going on. I like how Nelson makes Desi and Tony deal with real relationship struggles. How does the other person fit into their own life? Would they be willing to give up a job promotion or their home to be with the other? And the communication issue!!!! Nelson delves right into how communication makes or breaks a relationship. THANK YOU! Communication is vital and it's a two-way street.
The Christian element is more prevalent in this book than the first, but it doesn't feel forced. Even when the characters are discussing the Gospel point-blank, it's a natural part of the conversation they are having. It's never, "I'm going to put some God in here now".
I am totally a fan of this series. On to book three!!!!
*Psst, Julianne. I think you might like these.*
June 24, 2022
Good read, fast paced mystery, but faith crunching. Good adventure, forvsure.
July 4, 2023
The second book in the To Catch a Thief series. Christian fiction. Adventure and mystery. Entertaining.
August 24, 2011
Stolen Indian artifacts...A murdered museum guard...A missing woman...A baby in danger...Only Desiree can unearth the horrifying secret that links them all.
'Reluctant Runaway' - the second book in the 'To Catch a Thief' series by Jill Elizabeth Nelson - continues Desi and Tony's relationship.
They both have strong feelings for each other - maybe love? - but Desi feels Tony is shutting her out and not sharing stuff from his life with her. Tony doesn't know if he can handle being with Desi when she continues taking risks and getting in danger.
Karen (Desi's best friend's niece) was either kidnapped or has runaway - abandoning her husband and baby. She is one of the lead suspects in a museum robbery that was secured by HJ Securities - which makes Desi somewhat involved in the case.
"She had to be wrong about the reason those artifacts were stolen, because being right was an alternative too awful to imagine." - Page 173
I really liked 'Reluctant Runaway' - more so than 'Reluctant Burglar'. There is more drama and (clean) romance, plus I loved the plot/mystery.
With a TV ministry that's more like a cult, talk of cannibalism, kidnapping, drugging, and evil spirits - 'Reluctant Runaway' leaves the reader with much to ponder.
I really liked a theme in this book that Jill mentioned in her letter to the reader at the end of the book. She talks about how Christianity is unique from other religions because Christians believe that God Himself became a man - Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human.
Overall, I really liked 'Reluctant Runaway' and I recommend it if you like reading books that have suspense with romance and a good message.
PLEASE RATE MY REVIEW!
'Reluctant Runaway' - the second book in the 'To Catch a Thief' series by Jill Elizabeth Nelson - continues Desi and Tony's relationship.
They both have strong feelings for each other - maybe love? - but Desi feels Tony is shutting her out and not sharing stuff from his life with her. Tony doesn't know if he can handle being with Desi when she continues taking risks and getting in danger.
Karen (Desi's best friend's niece) was either kidnapped or has runaway - abandoning her husband and baby. She is one of the lead suspects in a museum robbery that was secured by HJ Securities - which makes Desi somewhat involved in the case.
"She had to be wrong about the reason those artifacts were stolen, because being right was an alternative too awful to imagine." - Page 173
I really liked 'Reluctant Runaway' - more so than 'Reluctant Burglar'. There is more drama and (clean) romance, plus I loved the plot/mystery.
With a TV ministry that's more like a cult, talk of cannibalism, kidnapping, drugging, and evil spirits - 'Reluctant Runaway' leaves the reader with much to ponder.
I really liked a theme in this book that Jill mentioned in her letter to the reader at the end of the book. She talks about how Christianity is unique from other religions because Christians believe that God Himself became a man - Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human.
Overall, I really liked 'Reluctant Runaway' and I recommend it if you like reading books that have suspense with romance and a good message.
PLEASE RATE MY REVIEW!
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June 24, 2014From a dinner at the White House to a home in Boston to the reservations of Albuquerque, Reluctant Runaway takes readers on a wild ride alongside Desiree Jacobs, head of an art security company. This second installment in Jill Elizabeth Nelson's To Catch a Thief series assumes you have read the first novel, Reluctant Burglar. Although I think this sequel would be enjoyable by itself, having read Reluctant Burglar made it easier for me to understand some of the relationships going on throughout the novel (and details such as why Desiree is wary of her best friend's husband and her boyfriend's retired partner).
Desiree and boyfriend Tony Lucano, an FBI agent, are at a formal dinner at the White House when Desi's best friend Max comes in and collapses on the floor. Max's niece has disappeared in New Mexico; Max and Desi make immediate plans to go there and be with Max's sister Jo. As the novel progresses, Desi finds herself deep in all kinds of mysteries ... Who took the art that Max's niece Karen is accused of stealing, and why? Where is Karen? And what is going on with the cult group Inner Witness, which has entangled both Jo and Karen? Meanwhile, Tony is in Boston dealing with the loss of a fellow agent and trying to determine what part Gordon Trucking is playing in a drug and illegal media trade. These complicated questions swirl around until the final pages of the mystery, when all comes together.
Well, sort of. These situations were all so complex I am not sure all the loose ends were tied up. I was a little confused as to how everything came together. I think it did, but there were just so many problems circumventing the novel that I'm not sure I followed Nelson's conclusion as well as I might have with a simpler plot.
Desiree and boyfriend Tony Lucano, an FBI agent, are at a formal dinner at the White House when Desi's best friend Max comes in and collapses on the floor. Max's niece has disappeared in New Mexico; Max and Desi make immediate plans to go there and be with Max's sister Jo. As the novel progresses, Desi finds herself deep in all kinds of mysteries ... Who took the art that Max's niece Karen is accused of stealing, and why? Where is Karen? And what is going on with the cult group Inner Witness, which has entangled both Jo and Karen? Meanwhile, Tony is in Boston dealing with the loss of a fellow agent and trying to determine what part Gordon Trucking is playing in a drug and illegal media trade. These complicated questions swirl around until the final pages of the mystery, when all comes together.
Well, sort of. These situations were all so complex I am not sure all the loose ends were tied up. I was a little confused as to how everything came together. I think it did, but there were just so many problems circumventing the novel that I'm not sure I followed Nelson's conclusion as well as I might have with a simpler plot.
December 26, 2008
Review by Gigi Hoffman
Book two in Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s To Catch a Thief series is just as gripping as book one. Nelson packs murder, stolen artifacts, a missing woman, and an endangered baby in the can’t-put-it-down novel.
Desiree Jacobs is always there for a friend in need, especially when her close friend, Maxine Webb, interrupts a presidential ball with news of her niece’s disappearance. Despite her FBI boyfriend’s objections, Desi gets involved in discovering why Maxine’s niece would run off. Desi soon finds herself in a mess of villains, eerie rituals, and something sinister. Then, when Tony’s case collides with Desi’s investigation, it is up to them to discover just what bloodthirsty entity is out there. They must rely on God to keep them safe and put all the pieces together before it’s too late.
If you’ve read book one, this is a must read! The characters are just as interactive as in book one; and I for one, can’t wait to get my hands on book three.
Book two in Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s To Catch a Thief series is just as gripping as book one. Nelson packs murder, stolen artifacts, a missing woman, and an endangered baby in the can’t-put-it-down novel.
Desiree Jacobs is always there for a friend in need, especially when her close friend, Maxine Webb, interrupts a presidential ball with news of her niece’s disappearance. Despite her FBI boyfriend’s objections, Desi gets involved in discovering why Maxine’s niece would run off. Desi soon finds herself in a mess of villains, eerie rituals, and something sinister. Then, when Tony’s case collides with Desi’s investigation, it is up to them to discover just what bloodthirsty entity is out there. They must rely on God to keep them safe and put all the pieces together before it’s too late.
If you’ve read book one, this is a must read! The characters are just as interactive as in book one; and I for one, can’t wait to get my hands on book three.
September 24, 2015
This was a good story. Poor Desi. Every time it seems like she is going to be done with the trouble or danger, something else happens and pulls her back in. It was like Murphy’s law was in effect for her. Sometimes it was her own doing and sometimes it was others, but the story kept me coming back for more right up to the end. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery along with Desiree and Tony. I will say that I did not care for the ritualistic story line about cults but that is just a personal preference.
January 6, 2023
Full review can be found at: C Jane Read.
So much happens to Desi that I could not put this down, I had to know that she would survive. There are big cult vibes happening, dead people turning up alive, and secrets being unveiled. Both main characters had to learn to lean on God and put trust that He would help them. I grew to really like the main characters together.
So much happens to Desi that I could not put this down, I had to know that she would survive. There are big cult vibes happening, dead people turning up alive, and secrets being unveiled. Both main characters had to learn to lean on God and put trust that He would help them. I grew to really like the main characters together.
April 15, 2008
This second book in the series took longer in developing the story before the action started, but it was a race to the finish line! Where is this relationship going? Can Tony and Desi recognize that God is in control, even with all the craziness? Not only a good suspense, a true message that it is only the blood of Jesus which saves.
May 9, 2014
Stolen Indian artifacts . . . A murdered museum guard . . . A missing woman . . . A baby in danger . . . Only Desiree can unearth the horrifying secret that links them all. A gripping story high in suspense and romance.
Once again, I loved this series and was sorry there were only three books! Thank you for a good read, Jill.
Once again, I loved this series and was sorry there were only three books! Thank you for a good read, Jill.
August 9, 2008
I liked the story line but there is way too much religion. I liked the Reluctant Burglar much better. This book is similar to an LDS author except she is Christian. Believed she went a little too overboard.
January 17, 2012
I was glad to see Desi and Tony back. And the opening scene left you hanging in suspense (literally!). This one wasn't as intense as the first one and there were times where I laughed out-lound. The story line was disturbing though, with cults and blood sacrifices...
May 9, 2008
This one was worse in the religious themes than the first one. I can usually ignore or accept those sorts of things in books (I did like the Love Comes Softly books), but this was just too much.
December 26, 2009
This book had enough action and character development to keep me intrigued. I like the interaction between Desi and Tony. It was a light and easy read.
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August 30, 2013gripping read...just like csi/ncis
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews