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Stealing Stanley: A Margot & Harley Caper
FIVE RANDOM STRANGERS • THREE EURO MOBSTERS • ONE IMPOSSIBLE HEIST
It’s not everyone who brings pizza to a gunfight.
But for cat burglar Margot Croft, when a routine job goes wrong, that’s exactly what happens.
A fateful ride in an elevator takes Margot—and the five strangers with her—to the wrong floor at the wrong time. When the doors open they find themselves with front row seats to a mob execution. Only Margot is remotely equipped to deal with the demands of gun-wielding gangsters. For the others, an aging florist, an electrician, an IT geek, and a single mom and her son, it’s all beyond imagining. Particularly when they learn that the price of their freedom is to steal the Stanley Cup.
It’s a week of chaos as Margot navigates through a maze of mobsters, a secret agent, her suspicious uncle, and the distractions of a very free-spirited roommate. With everyone’s fate in her hands and time counting down, Margot is left with two unthinkable options. Can she take down an entire crime organization? Or will she need to actually try to steal the most hallowed trophy in sports history?
It’s not everyone who brings pizza to a gunfight.
But for cat burglar Margot Croft, when a routine job goes wrong, that’s exactly what happens.
A fateful ride in an elevator takes Margot—and the five strangers with her—to the wrong floor at the wrong time. When the doors open they find themselves with front row seats to a mob execution. Only Margot is remotely equipped to deal with the demands of gun-wielding gangsters. For the others, an aging florist, an electrician, an IT geek, and a single mom and her son, it’s all beyond imagining. Particularly when they learn that the price of their freedom is to steal the Stanley Cup.
It’s a week of chaos as Margot navigates through a maze of mobsters, a secret agent, her suspicious uncle, and the distractions of a very free-spirited roommate. With everyone’s fate in her hands and time counting down, Margot is left with two unthinkable options. Can she take down an entire crime organization? Or will she need to actually try to steal the most hallowed trophy in sports history?
293 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2023
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Courtin
2 books2 followersChristopher Courtin was educated as a scientist but has worked primarily in visual storytelling as a cameraman, editor and director. A keen observer of detail, with an ear for humour and an eye for the eccentric, Christopher weaves his interest in solving puzzles into the craft of writing and storytelling.
Christopher lives in Victoria BC, with his wife and two children.
Christopher lives in Victoria BC, with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 20, 2023
Anyone looking for an entertaining and cheerful escape should definitely read this book as the author crafts a fun and adventurous story full of oddball characters, clever repartee, and some great belly-laugh-inducing disasters. This novel has the ideal balance of heart, humour, and tension that will make readers grin, and give them a whole new respect for the Stanley Cup. If you're in the market for a lighthearted adventure this is the one.
May 24, 2025
My introduction to "Stealing Stanley: A Margot & Harley Caper" came in an unexpected way. The author, Christopher Courtin, responded to my Marketplace ad, entitled "Pretend to be a scientist with this vintage lamp"- for (you guessed it) a vintage lamp.
Not only is Christopher evidently a real scientist (Potentially because of my lamp? We'll never know.) but he created a book is an absolute pleasure to read, with snappy dialogue empathetic characters, and best of all- shenanigans.
Not only is Christopher evidently a real scientist (Potentially because of my lamp? We'll never know.) but he created a book is an absolute pleasure to read, with snappy dialogue empathetic characters, and best of all- shenanigans.
November 7, 2023
I was engaged by this story from beginning to end. The characters are vivid and the plot is fast moving. It's a light hearted detective tale that made me smile. These detectives are funny and likeable. I look forward to their next wild adventure.
June 11, 2024
Really enjoyed this well-written book! The plot moves swiftly along, keeping your interest captured as the characters try to reach their goals. Also, it was interesting to learn about the Stanley Cup, a great part of Canadian history.
November 27, 2023
A fun and fast read. Action pack with great characters. Particularly enjoyed following the protagonist who has wit, humour and pizzazz! Can’t wait to read more books from this author.
April 5, 2025
What a fun romp of a read. Enjoyed spending some time with Margot and Harley. Worth a read.
October 26, 2025
Super cute novel - light read. Perfect even for no -hockey fans.
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January 1, 2024I love this fun adventure. A unique heroine and cast of great characters race to save themselves from their predicament. Set in and around Victoria, BC and Washington state, the author weaves an enjoyable tale that had me caught up in their race against the clock.
November 5, 2023
A great read! Loved the pace of the story and the unexpected humour amidst the tension and intrigue. The dialogue really drew me in and I felt I got to know the characters. As a hockey fan it was fun to have NHL highlights thrown in too- they made me nostalgic! I look forward to the next Margot & Harley caper!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews