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Safecracker
Jesse Deroy’s debut is a taut and deeply inhabited dive into the criminal netherworld that unfurls with surprising heart, wild specificity, and the tactile pleasure of an intricate well-executed plan.
Grantchester “Duke" Ducaine was born and raised a thief, so working the straight and narrow the last two years has felt like surfing without water. His dad is in the pen and his sister is . . . well, Duke doesn’t like to think about all of the things that are his fault. He’s got more pressing problems, like a bookie who wants to break his thumbs, and a couple of possibly shady Feds who want him to break into an unbreakable safe. When Duke agrees to take the job, thinking he might have the answer to his problems, he discovers that some things are best left unopened.
Grantchester “Duke" Ducaine was born and raised a thief, so working the straight and narrow the last two years has felt like surfing without water. His dad is in the pen and his sister is . . . well, Duke doesn’t like to think about all of the things that are his fault. He’s got more pressing problems, like a bookie who wants to break his thumbs, and a couple of possibly shady Feds who want him to break into an unbreakable safe. When Duke agrees to take the job, thinking he might have the answer to his problems, he discovers that some things are best left unopened.
416 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2024
16 people are currently reading
3690 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 9, 2024
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jesse DeRoy, RBmedia, and Recorded Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Jesse DeRoy storms onto the scene with this solid debut novel. Eager to impress, he does so with a mix of grit and determination. Duke Ducaine has had quite the life and is seeking to correct it. While his personal stuff is a little murky, he also has a bookie who wants his head and two feds who have made a deal with him, should he be able to crack into an impenetrable safe. Duke lives for a challenge and is eager to impress. DeRoy dazzles in this debut and leave some hoping for more in a series!
While Grantchester “Duke" Ducaine loved his early life surrounded by the criminal element, he’s chosen to turn straight. It warms his heart, but the lack of tension creates a missing piece within Duke’s chest. He stays busy handling a few things in his life, with his father locked away in prison and a bookie who has been threatening if the vig is not upheld. However, staying clear of the law is the best way to be for the time being.
Serving as a safecracker, Duke has mastered his craft and impressed many who saw him in action. Duke’s abilities reach a pair of federal agents, who strike up an idea that is almost too good to be true. When Duke is tasked with opening an impenetrable safe and delivering the contents back to them, he cannot help but feel as though things might be getting better. Then a gut feeling comes over him and he discovers that he’s being played and left as the scapegoat.
Working to ensure he is not the target of reprisals, Duke puts it all on the line.
He seeks to ensure his father’s safety, but also holds into the one thing he has to keep the upper hand. It is now a race to see who will blink first and the fallout of any action that could have larger implications. DeRoy delivers with this debut and kept me hooked until the final pages.
I enjoy finding new authors to read and follow, as one can never be sure what to expect. DeRoy offers up a great story and ideas that flow with ease. The narrative is gripping from the outset and never wanes as the tension mounts. Strong characters and wonderful technical jargon help ensure the story and its nuances are intriguing, leaving the reader to bask in the intricacies and lap it all up. I was quite impressed with the plot and how it worked in many levels, keeping the reader hooked and guessing. I will be keeping an eye out for future novels and hope Jesse DeRoy has more ideas with Duke soon!
Kudos, Mr. DeRoy, for a great debut novel.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jesse DeRoy storms onto the scene with this solid debut novel. Eager to impress, he does so with a mix of grit and determination. Duke Ducaine has had quite the life and is seeking to correct it. While his personal stuff is a little murky, he also has a bookie who wants his head and two feds who have made a deal with him, should he be able to crack into an impenetrable safe. Duke lives for a challenge and is eager to impress. DeRoy dazzles in this debut and leave some hoping for more in a series!
While Grantchester “Duke" Ducaine loved his early life surrounded by the criminal element, he’s chosen to turn straight. It warms his heart, but the lack of tension creates a missing piece within Duke’s chest. He stays busy handling a few things in his life, with his father locked away in prison and a bookie who has been threatening if the vig is not upheld. However, staying clear of the law is the best way to be for the time being.
Serving as a safecracker, Duke has mastered his craft and impressed many who saw him in action. Duke’s abilities reach a pair of federal agents, who strike up an idea that is almost too good to be true. When Duke is tasked with opening an impenetrable safe and delivering the contents back to them, he cannot help but feel as though things might be getting better. Then a gut feeling comes over him and he discovers that he’s being played and left as the scapegoat.
Working to ensure he is not the target of reprisals, Duke puts it all on the line.
He seeks to ensure his father’s safety, but also holds into the one thing he has to keep the upper hand. It is now a race to see who will blink first and the fallout of any action that could have larger implications. DeRoy delivers with this debut and kept me hooked until the final pages.
I enjoy finding new authors to read and follow, as one can never be sure what to expect. DeRoy offers up a great story and ideas that flow with ease. The narrative is gripping from the outset and never wanes as the tension mounts. Strong characters and wonderful technical jargon help ensure the story and its nuances are intriguing, leaving the reader to bask in the intricacies and lap it all up. I was quite impressed with the plot and how it worked in many levels, keeping the reader hooked and guessing. I will be keeping an eye out for future novels and hope Jesse DeRoy has more ideas with Duke soon!
Kudos, Mr. DeRoy, for a great debut novel.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 19, 2024
I think that this may just be the best surprise debut of the year! I found Safecracker, by Jesse DeRoy, to be a high-adrenaline, action packed, thriller that will definitely be added to my personal favorites list. I literally could not put this book down from start to end, listening to it with all the gusto I could muster so as not to miss a word! Phenomenal, fast paced, interesting, laced with tidbits of the trade.
In the early part of the book, you catch the family dynamics or the why and how. Family is everything! Proven when the young protagonist (Duke) has to put a bullet in the brain of a man who is intent on killing his father and sister when he was just 10 years old. But when now older sister and brother are double-crossed on a job, it puts one of them in grave danger fighting for their life in a coma. Team of two, has just become the team of one, and things have changed drastically. The family is in danger, and It's a game of cat and mouse played in an extremely high-stakes environment.
So much action packed in this book! Who can you trust? Who works for whom, and how far up the criminal chain does it go? How far up does the government chain go? For that matter, how far up does it go in the family chain? Will impossible circumstances become possible to get what is to be acquired inside an impenetrable safe by THE safecracker? It's like "Mission Impossible" meets "Fugitive" meet "Ocean's 1",
This brilliant novel does it all without foul obscenities and/or sex scenes.
An overall thrilling debut that packs a stirring punch in every direction! Don't miss it. Can't wait to see the next in the series!
5 Well deserved starts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My extreme thanks to NetGalley, Jesse DeRoy, and RBMedia for an AAC of this publication in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In the early part of the book, you catch the family dynamics or the why and how. Family is everything! Proven when the young protagonist (Duke) has to put a bullet in the brain of a man who is intent on killing his father and sister when he was just 10 years old. But when now older sister and brother are double-crossed on a job, it puts one of them in grave danger fighting for their life in a coma. Team of two, has just become the team of one, and things have changed drastically. The family is in danger, and It's a game of cat and mouse played in an extremely high-stakes environment.
So much action packed in this book! Who can you trust? Who works for whom, and how far up the criminal chain does it go? How far up does the government chain go? For that matter, how far up does it go in the family chain? Will impossible circumstances become possible to get what is to be acquired inside an impenetrable safe by THE safecracker? It's like "Mission Impossible" meets "Fugitive" meet "Ocean's 1",
This brilliant novel does it all without foul obscenities and/or sex scenes.
An overall thrilling debut that packs a stirring punch in every direction! Don't miss it. Can't wait to see the next in the series!
5 Well deserved starts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My extreme thanks to NetGalley, Jesse DeRoy, and RBMedia for an AAC of this publication in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2024
Badass debut.
Well written.
Short chapters.
Likeable characters.
Fast paced.
Twisty to the last page.
4.5 ⭐️
Well written.
Short chapters.
Likeable characters.
Fast paced.
Twisty to the last page.
4.5 ⭐️
November 8, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. I must say I am pleasantly surprised this was the authors debut novel. Jesse did such a great job weaving in the past and present and kept me on my toes all the way til the end! I can’t believe how much story was in the novel. I went in expecting a pretty simple crack safe have a little more to the story, and move on, but it was sooooo much more jam packed then that. After reading this book it made me want to go and watch oceans 11 hehehhehe. But I could also see this book as a perfect start to a pretty cool series. The author had a ton of knowledge on safes and just heists in general. Really hoping this does become a series because loved getting to know all of the different characters in the book. Fun and fast glad I got a chance to read it:)
November 11, 2024
Finished reading: November 10th 2024
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and RB Media in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
November 10, 2024
I did not realize that this was a debut novel! Holy smokes! Well, where do we go from here??
Duke was raised in a family of thieves. His father taught he and his sister everything they know. And, Duke had his first kill when he was 11. 😮😮
But, things have changed since those days…
His father is now behind bars, and his sister…well, she’s not in the business any more, and Duke blames himself for everything!
This was a fast-paced, ever-changing, action-packed novel! It also spans a few counties too! (And a few years…). And, although Duke is on the straight and narrow now, he seems to be in high demand for some shady jobs!
Oh…did I mention his job? He’s a safecracker!!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Terrific debut novel!!
#Safecracker by #JesseDeroy and narrated nicely by #DanJohnMiller.
Apparently, this is book #1! So, yay…there will be more!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #RBMedia and #RecordedBooksMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which is being released in a few short days on 11/12/24, so look 👀 for it then!!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Duke was raised in a family of thieves. His father taught he and his sister everything they know. And, Duke had his first kill when he was 11. 😮😮
But, things have changed since those days…
His father is now behind bars, and his sister…well, she’s not in the business any more, and Duke blames himself for everything!
This was a fast-paced, ever-changing, action-packed novel! It also spans a few counties too! (And a few years…). And, although Duke is on the straight and narrow now, he seems to be in high demand for some shady jobs!
Oh…did I mention his job? He’s a safecracker!!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Terrific debut novel!!
#Safecracker by #JesseDeroy and narrated nicely by #DanJohnMiller.
Apparently, this is book #1! So, yay…there will be more!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #RBMedia and #RecordedBooksMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which is being released in a few short days on 11/12/24, so look 👀 for it then!!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
January 11, 2025
This book was a great start to a writing career. I hope he continues as I look forward to more adventures of “Duke”!
February 8, 2025
It was interesting for sure but not my thing. It was very informative and the author had so much knowledge on safes and how they worked.
June 18, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Safecracker. Wow. Great debut. This is a well written fast paced novel about a crime family of safecrackers and thieves. Duke is the son of the family boss. A major error on a job cost his family dearly. But Duke has gone straight but only till he is offered a job too good to be true, an offer that is too hard to refuse does he consider to go back to a life of crime.
The money and the possibility to make things right again are tempting to Duke. And although he has his doubts he takes the job and he soon finds himself in trouble with bad guys who will do anything to get what they want and Duke maybe just a pawn in this dangerous game. Great dialog and plot. Could be a series. 4 stars
The money and the possibility to make things right again are tempting to Duke. And although he has his doubts he takes the job and he soon finds himself in trouble with bad guys who will do anything to get what they want and Duke maybe just a pawn in this dangerous game. Great dialog and plot. Could be a series. 4 stars
December 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Duke is one of the worlds elite safecrackers and he should be since his father raised Duke and his sister Jenny to be the best career criminals. He has always lived outside the law until two years ago when a job he set up turned tragic. It ended with his father in prison, Jenny in a coma and Duke on the straight and narrow boring path. The only thing that has kept him going is some illegal gambling which has him up to his eyeballs in debt and he's about to lose his thumbs if he cant come up with a payment. Enter a pair of government suits looking to hire him for a secret job with one of the best safe's in the world, its a highly dangerous location and noone can know he was ever there but the payout would right his wrongs and release his father. In and out was all he was supposed to do but when the job goes awry Duke finds himself in the middle of a government shitstorm. Double crossing, governments, treason, guns and billionaires has Duke scrambling to save his life.
This is a debut novel from Jesse DeRoy and it is a very strong thriller. The POV is from Duke and he is a very likable thief. The characters are all strong and interesting since no one seems to be as they first appear. The pace of the story is done well with the back story unfurling throughout. I really enjoyed the first safe cracking scene as it was great detail and a world I know nothing about so it would have been nice to have a few more of those scenes, given the title. Considering how the previous job he took ended I was surprised he did not ask more questions before taking this mission, it seemed unrealistic. I thought the ending was a little over the top and the final connections too contrived but overall I really enjoyed this "spy" style thriller. I could see why Duke is turning into a series, and would continue to follow this character. I would read more work from DeRoy.
I had the audio version read by Dan John Miller. He does a very nice job, was easy to listen to and had good timing.
3.5 Stars
Duke is one of the worlds elite safecrackers and he should be since his father raised Duke and his sister Jenny to be the best career criminals. He has always lived outside the law until two years ago when a job he set up turned tragic. It ended with his father in prison, Jenny in a coma and Duke on the straight and narrow boring path. The only thing that has kept him going is some illegal gambling which has him up to his eyeballs in debt and he's about to lose his thumbs if he cant come up with a payment. Enter a pair of government suits looking to hire him for a secret job with one of the best safe's in the world, its a highly dangerous location and noone can know he was ever there but the payout would right his wrongs and release his father. In and out was all he was supposed to do but when the job goes awry Duke finds himself in the middle of a government shitstorm. Double crossing, governments, treason, guns and billionaires has Duke scrambling to save his life.
This is a debut novel from Jesse DeRoy and it is a very strong thriller. The POV is from Duke and he is a very likable thief. The characters are all strong and interesting since no one seems to be as they first appear. The pace of the story is done well with the back story unfurling throughout. I really enjoyed the first safe cracking scene as it was great detail and a world I know nothing about so it would have been nice to have a few more of those scenes, given the title. Considering how the previous job he took ended I was surprised he did not ask more questions before taking this mission, it seemed unrealistic. I thought the ending was a little over the top and the final connections too contrived but overall I really enjoyed this "spy" style thriller. I could see why Duke is turning into a series, and would continue to follow this character. I would read more work from DeRoy.
I had the audio version read by Dan John Miller. He does a very nice job, was easy to listen to and had good timing.
November 28, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
Jesse DeRoy’s Safecracker is a thrilling dive into the criminal underworld, filled with tension, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Narrated by the versatile Dan John Miller, this audiobook offers a gripping and immersive experience that will keep listeners hooked from start to finish.
The story follows Grantchester “Duke” Ducaine, a master safecracker who has been trying to live a straight life for the past two years. However, Duke’s past catches up with him when a bookie threatens to break his thumbs, and a pair of shady federal agents offer him a deal he can’t refuse: break into an unbreakable safe. As Duke takes on the job, he discovers that some secrets are best left hidden.
Dan John Miller’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His ability to capture the gritty, noir atmosphere of the story and bring the characters to life is impressive. Miller’s deep, resonant voice perfectly matches Duke’s tough exterior and inner turmoil, while his nuanced performance adds depth to the supporting characters.
DeRoy’s writing is sharp and evocative, with a keen eye for detail and a talent for building suspense. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, adding authenticity to the characters and their interactions. DeRoy’s ability to weave intricate plotlines and maintain a steady pace ensures that the story remains engaging throughout.
Safecracker explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s past actions. It delves into the moral complexities of living a life of crime and the struggle to break free from it.
Safecracker is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and heist stories. Jesse DeRoy has created a memorable protagonist in Duke Ducaine, whose journey is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Dan John Miller’s exceptional narration elevates the audiobook, making it a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a good crime caper.
Jesse DeRoy’s Safecracker is a thrilling dive into the criminal underworld, filled with tension, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Narrated by the versatile Dan John Miller, this audiobook offers a gripping and immersive experience that will keep listeners hooked from start to finish.
The story follows Grantchester “Duke” Ducaine, a master safecracker who has been trying to live a straight life for the past two years. However, Duke’s past catches up with him when a bookie threatens to break his thumbs, and a pair of shady federal agents offer him a deal he can’t refuse: break into an unbreakable safe. As Duke takes on the job, he discovers that some secrets are best left hidden.
Dan John Miller’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His ability to capture the gritty, noir atmosphere of the story and bring the characters to life is impressive. Miller’s deep, resonant voice perfectly matches Duke’s tough exterior and inner turmoil, while his nuanced performance adds depth to the supporting characters.
DeRoy’s writing is sharp and evocative, with a keen eye for detail and a talent for building suspense. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, adding authenticity to the characters and their interactions. DeRoy’s ability to weave intricate plotlines and maintain a steady pace ensures that the story remains engaging throughout.
Safecracker explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s past actions. It delves into the moral complexities of living a life of crime and the struggle to break free from it.
Safecracker is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and heist stories. Jesse DeRoy has created a memorable protagonist in Duke Ducaine, whose journey is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Dan John Miller’s exceptional narration elevates the audiobook, making it a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a good crime caper.
November 10, 2024
Duke is kind of the last person standing in his nuclear family. His father is in jail. His sister is in a coma. His mother died years ago, knowing his dad was going to train their children to be world class criminals. And they are. Duke is 22 and his sister a little older. His Aunt Paulie, Dad's sister, runs a gambling racket and various other highly lucrative operations and Duke cannot make the vig on his large debt to her. She not only won't play favorites with her nephew, she argues she can't play favorites or everyone will peg her as a softie. So they have family dinners together and threatening conversations that almost result in the worst.. Paulie is not happy that Duke has gone straight. He can barely pay any bills with his gambling habit and the income of a legitimate safecracker. He opens safes for estates, for people who forgot the combination and for... the government. Just when he faces having his thumbs seriously damaged by Paulie's collectors, Duke lands a very hush, hush government job. And while he is very observant and attuned to his surroundings and the people in it and always plans for every contingency he can imagine, this job lands Duke in an international thriller. This is the series debut and I am very happy that in addition to giving us great characters and an excellent plot, DeRoy provided a really interesting and thorough back story. I'd enjoy more flashbacks of their past, as appropriate, involving how they were trained and what their father viewed as their prospects. Duke is too hesitant and it did not bode well. He feels totally responsible for his sister's coma and that a his father, in a rush to get to them overseas, got picked up on a traffic violation when he had a lot of warrants out related to his bigger business. Definitely a great debut. I'd keep reading this series.
November 12, 2024
4.25⭐️
Wow! I was floored when I read that this was a debut author because this book was so well written that it had the polish that veteran authors have. I love safe cracking material. I’ve loved movies and books that have safe cracking as it just interests me in a bizarre sort of way. The main character was great that he was raised and had lived his life in the criminal element, but was trying to go straight and all of the emotions he had the guilt that he had on him due to certain situation and trying to help his dad and walk the straight narrow and Has a very complicated family structure and a gambling problem. This created a unique individual that seemed so real that you couldn’t help a route for him throughout.
I had received the audio ALC for this one and I really enjoyed the narration. Sometimes I don’t overly enjoy male voices for my audiobooks for some reason but this gentleman I thoroughly enjoyed. As always I sped this up for my own preference to 1.75 the speed rate and it was perfect , listening speed for me. I will say that it took me a couple nights because I would fall asleep to the narrators voice because it was so calming and soothing.
I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Netgalley and Recorded Books to enjoy which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review. The title comes out on November 12, 2024. I really suggest getting this on your TV if this is the genre that you like because you’ll be glad that you did..
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
Wow! I was floored when I read that this was a debut author because this book was so well written that it had the polish that veteran authors have. I love safe cracking material. I’ve loved movies and books that have safe cracking as it just interests me in a bizarre sort of way. The main character was great that he was raised and had lived his life in the criminal element, but was trying to go straight and all of the emotions he had the guilt that he had on him due to certain situation and trying to help his dad and walk the straight narrow and Has a very complicated family structure and a gambling problem. This created a unique individual that seemed so real that you couldn’t help a route for him throughout.
I had received the audio ALC for this one and I really enjoyed the narration. Sometimes I don’t overly enjoy male voices for my audiobooks for some reason but this gentleman I thoroughly enjoyed. As always I sped this up for my own preference to 1.75 the speed rate and it was perfect , listening speed for me. I will say that it took me a couple nights because I would fall asleep to the narrators voice because it was so calming and soothing.
I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Netgalley and Recorded Books to enjoy which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review. The title comes out on November 12, 2024. I really suggest getting this on your TV if this is the genre that you like because you’ll be glad that you did..
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
November 9, 2024
Woohoo this is my 224 book this year so I completed my challenge!
3.7 stars
What a terrific debut! Overall? This was great! Loved the short chapters and that the plot never stopped moving. A true « thriller »
Sometimes « spy » or « bad govt » books are too over the top for me and this wasn’t. I appreciated that he was « normal » and hope this becomes a series.
I would have liked more safe cracking since that was the cover and point of the book. The narrator did a great job. I also liked the slight social commentary on billionaires
Thanks netgalley for my ALC
SUMMARY: a few years ago a brother and sister theif team were double crossed, resulting in their father going to jail and the sister in a coma. The brother has tried to live a straight life but is struggling with a gambling addiction.
Now the govt has contracted him to use his skills (breaking into safes) to retrieve an object. His reward included papa going free and sister getting better care. He agrees.
The whole thing seems sketchy and when he’s about to be killed/double crossed AGAIN he escapes. The rest of the book is him finding out exactly who hired him and why (he also has leverage, of course).
This leads to him going on more missions, one of which brings him face-to-face with the person responsible for putting his sister in a coma.
Then it all resolves but bot without a cracked open door for another installment
3.7 stars
What a terrific debut! Overall? This was great! Loved the short chapters and that the plot never stopped moving. A true « thriller »
Sometimes « spy » or « bad govt » books are too over the top for me and this wasn’t. I appreciated that he was « normal » and hope this becomes a series.
I would have liked more safe cracking since that was the cover and point of the book. The narrator did a great job. I also liked the slight social commentary on billionaires
Thanks netgalley for my ALC
SUMMARY: a few years ago a brother and sister theif team were double crossed, resulting in their father going to jail and the sister in a coma. The brother has tried to live a straight life but is struggling with a gambling addiction.
Now the govt has contracted him to use his skills (breaking into safes) to retrieve an object. His reward included papa going free and sister getting better care. He agrees.
The whole thing seems sketchy and when he’s about to be killed/double crossed AGAIN he escapes. The rest of the book is him finding out exactly who hired him and why (he also has leverage, of course).
This leads to him going on more missions, one of which brings him face-to-face with the person responsible for putting his sister in a coma.
Then it all resolves but bot without a cracked open door for another installment
November 10, 2024
Safecracker by Jesse DeRoy and expertly narrated by Dan John Miller is a fast-paced heist thriller with just the right blend of smarta$$ wisecracking, chicanery and plot with a lovable MMC in Grantchester "Duke" Ducaine (you can see exactly why he prefers his nickname!) - This audiobook was a perfect match between author and narrator, the flow was absolutely on point
Duke and his sisster were raised to be criminals by their renowned safecracker father. However, when a heist goes wrong, ginny ends up on a coma and their father in jail. Duke is left bereft, trying to resolve his gambling debts ( owed to aunt Paulie who is deliciously savage) and avoid a life of crime when he is contacted by agents claiming to be FBI, asking him to crack a safe. This has to be legit thinks our dandy hero, but, is it? Especially when there is another set of agents, a switchback, and oh so very much more
I. Loved. Every. Minute!!! Yes, it deserves three exclamations marks, indeed, I almost went all caps on this one/ Let alone that it is a debut! Flipping glorious. Jesse DeRoy is going to be an author to watch and hat is for sure
Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia | Recorded Books, Jese DeRoy and the narrator Dan John Miller for this excellent ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Duke and his sisster were raised to be criminals by their renowned safecracker father. However, when a heist goes wrong, ginny ends up on a coma and their father in jail. Duke is left bereft, trying to resolve his gambling debts ( owed to aunt Paulie who is deliciously savage) and avoid a life of crime when he is contacted by agents claiming to be FBI, asking him to crack a safe. This has to be legit thinks our dandy hero, but, is it? Especially when there is another set of agents, a switchback, and oh so very much more
I. Loved. Every. Minute!!! Yes, it deserves three exclamations marks, indeed, I almost went all caps on this one/ Let alone that it is a debut! Flipping glorious. Jesse DeRoy is going to be an author to watch and hat is for sure
Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia | Recorded Books, Jese DeRoy and the narrator Dan John Miller for this excellent ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
October 26, 2025
If you enjoy heist thrillers with lots of technical detail then read this book. I was hooked by Duke, the man behind the heist, as well as the excitement of the actual heist from the very first chapter. He is tired, has more to him than he shows and is now attempting to escape his past. He is not the type of thief we see in thrillers and hat made him incredibly easy to root for.
The story starts with "Duke" our Ducaine, who grew up in a life of crime. His childhood revolved around lock picks and guns, not school and sports. His father is in prison and his sister is stuck in the criminal world, a part of his past he prefers to forget. Duke tried to live a straight life for a while, but in Los Angeles, he returns to what he knows best, opening safes for cash while trying to stay ahead from who are after him. Then, two government agents approach Duke with a proposal to break into an "unbreakable" safe. The job seems like a way to resolve his all his troubles, his debts and even his past. However, the moment he agrees to it everything starts to unfold.
The plot is solid, engaging and works well for the thriller/heist-lover. It gives you the satisfaction of reading a well executed heist plan and the tension of stepping into danger. I hate too much technical details and it didn't work out for me to provide a 5 star.
The story starts with "Duke" our Ducaine, who grew up in a life of crime. His childhood revolved around lock picks and guns, not school and sports. His father is in prison and his sister is stuck in the criminal world, a part of his past he prefers to forget. Duke tried to live a straight life for a while, but in Los Angeles, he returns to what he knows best, opening safes for cash while trying to stay ahead from who are after him. Then, two government agents approach Duke with a proposal to break into an "unbreakable" safe. The job seems like a way to resolve his all his troubles, his debts and even his past. However, the moment he agrees to it everything starts to unfold.
The plot is solid, engaging and works well for the thriller/heist-lover. It gives you the satisfaction of reading a well executed heist plan and the tension of stepping into danger. I hate too much technical details and it didn't work out for me to provide a 5 star.
November 5, 2025
5 stars ~
The Safecracker is an action-packed, hooking story following Duke in his wild ride coming out of retirement for some special reasons.
He was raised off cold blood and stealth. Learning to shoot by 10, steal before middle school, and open even the most secure safes built.
But when his father gets caught up in a job gone bad and his sister is nearly killed on the clock, Duke called it quits. Vowing he would stay on the right side of the law, finding a humble living as a safe repairman. Helping people who accidentally lock themselves out of their homes or safes.
Approached by some mysterious people with a questionable amount of cash, Duke is lured out of retirement and into a job his ego couldn't resist. Thousands of dollars in debt he can only dream of a life where he for once doesn't owe anyone anything. Little does he know his "Work now.. Ask later." approach gets him wrapped up in some deep water.
You follow Duke for a week long rollercoaster ride that is this job & all that comes with it. His ego becomes almost charming as you reveal just how smart and calculated he is. Learning about his past, himself now & the man he's trying to become. One with a clean slate that keeps his nose out of theiving and his feet in the sand.
If you are looking for action, betrayal & whit.. you will love Duke and this book.
The Safecracker is an action-packed, hooking story following Duke in his wild ride coming out of retirement for some special reasons.
He was raised off cold blood and stealth. Learning to shoot by 10, steal before middle school, and open even the most secure safes built.
But when his father gets caught up in a job gone bad and his sister is nearly killed on the clock, Duke called it quits. Vowing he would stay on the right side of the law, finding a humble living as a safe repairman. Helping people who accidentally lock themselves out of their homes or safes.
Approached by some mysterious people with a questionable amount of cash, Duke is lured out of retirement and into a job his ego couldn't resist. Thousands of dollars in debt he can only dream of a life where he for once doesn't owe anyone anything. Little does he know his "Work now.. Ask later." approach gets him wrapped up in some deep water.
You follow Duke for a week long rollercoaster ride that is this job & all that comes with it. His ego becomes almost charming as you reveal just how smart and calculated he is. Learning about his past, himself now & the man he's trying to become. One with a clean slate that keeps his nose out of theiving and his feet in the sand.
If you are looking for action, betrayal & whit.. you will love Duke and this book.
November 24, 2024
This is a perfectly good airport thriller popcorn nonsense book if you like that kind of thing. Our hero (and his sister) were raised from birth by their master criminal father to be master criminals (the comparison is made to the father of Venus and Serena Williams). Having killed his first man at 11, committed innumerable heists since, and become a top ten safecracker in the world , "Duke" is now trying to live the straight life in LA. It seems that year or so ago, a job went sour, leaving his sister in a coma. his father in jail, and him deeply in debt to his loanshark/gangster aunt. So when some Feds come along dangling a bunch of cash and a get-of-jail card for his father if he pulls off a job for them, he realizes it's probably a terrible idea, and does it anyway.
Which is kind of the running gag of the book -- Duke knows X is a bad idea, and does X anyway. It's all kind of loosey-goosey charming I guess -- there's a macguffin that everyone wants, there's a whipsmart lady agent, there's his on-again, off-again athletic love interest, and the most generic of villains at the end of it all. It all felt like off-brand Jason Bourne, and while the plot drives ahead at breakneck speed, it's all pretty silly stuff. Solid escapist fun I guess, just don't expect too much from it.
Which is kind of the running gag of the book -- Duke knows X is a bad idea, and does X anyway. It's all kind of loosey-goosey charming I guess -- there's a macguffin that everyone wants, there's a whipsmart lady agent, there's his on-again, off-again athletic love interest, and the most generic of villains at the end of it all. It all felt like off-brand Jason Bourne, and while the plot drives ahead at breakneck speed, it's all pretty silly stuff. Solid escapist fun I guess, just don't expect too much from it.
November 9, 2024
"Duke" Duccain was raised by his father to be a thief, just like his sister. They spent their lives perfecting their craft until one heist went horribly wrong. After that setback, Duke decided to leave his criminal life behind and pursue a more legitimate path. However, he struggled with a gambling problem and found himself in debt to his bookie. Just when things seemed bleak, the feds approached him with a tempting offer: they wanted him to carry out a heist for them. Little did he know, this would only be the beginning of a series of complications.
This debut heist thriller is an engaging read. Duke is charming and skilled, but despite his confidence, he often finds himself outsmarted. He attempts to stay two steps ahead but consistently falls behind. Chaos reigns in his life, and Murphy's Law seems to be in full effect. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns; just when you think you have the ending figured out, something twists in the narrative. Although Duke is meant to be the hero, he exists in a morally gray area. If you enjoy a good heist story, this book is definitely one to check out. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Grantchester Duccain.
This debut heist thriller is an engaging read. Duke is charming and skilled, but despite his confidence, he often finds himself outsmarted. He attempts to stay two steps ahead but consistently falls behind. Chaos reigns in his life, and Murphy's Law seems to be in full effect. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns; just when you think you have the ending figured out, something twists in the narrative. Although Duke is meant to be the hero, he exists in a morally gray area. If you enjoy a good heist story, this book is definitely one to check out. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Grantchester Duccain.
December 8, 2024
Probably the easiest 5 stars I’ve given this year!
Firstly: the narration by Dan John Miller was excellent, it was easy to get lost in the story and understand. Dan’s energy carried over audio very well and the tone of his voice was an easy listen.
The plot: this was such a unique plot line and the level of details and research Jesse DeRoy must have done to include all the information on safecracking was impressive. I loved all the detail included on different types of safes. The inclusion of corrupt federal agents and different agencies was quite enjoyable as well.
The characters: I thought the author wrote the characters in a way to really make the reader invested in their story and success. I also enjoyed the single POV storyline without too many side stories to track.
The ending: I liked how a few storylines were wrapped up in the end and did not feel like any loose ends were outstanding.
I truly hope we get to see the sibling dynamic duo back for another book soon!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jesse DeRoy and RBmedia for this ARC.
Firstly: the narration by Dan John Miller was excellent, it was easy to get lost in the story and understand. Dan’s energy carried over audio very well and the tone of his voice was an easy listen.
The plot: this was such a unique plot line and the level of details and research Jesse DeRoy must have done to include all the information on safecracking was impressive. I loved all the detail included on different types of safes. The inclusion of corrupt federal agents and different agencies was quite enjoyable as well.
The characters: I thought the author wrote the characters in a way to really make the reader invested in their story and success. I also enjoyed the single POV storyline without too many side stories to track.
The ending: I liked how a few storylines were wrapped up in the end and did not feel like any loose ends were outstanding.
I truly hope we get to see the sibling dynamic duo back for another book soon!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jesse DeRoy and RBmedia for this ARC.
February 17, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. You really get to understand and root for Duke. Match that with a host of captivating characters and a mysterious mission Duke must embark on and it makes for a really fun read. However, there was no reason for this book to be as long as it was. After a certain point, I felt like Duke was making bad decisions for the sake of keeping the plot going (why blindly trust Baker but try to undermine Greaves at every turn?). Even with the large run time, the final villain went u redeveloped (despite being a great character) and the final “twist” that it was him who put out the hit for Ginny could be seen coming a mile away. If this book was 100 pages shorter and cut some of the fluff, it might have been a 5/5. I was especially annoyed when it was revealed that the cipher financial storyline wasn’t real (they spent so long explaining it and I thought it was a really cool premise). Overall though, its problems definitely didn’t ruin the book. I had a lot of fun with it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
Duke was raised to be a career criminal. But after one job leaves his dad in jail and his sister in a coma, he goes straight. Except being straight is not very lucrative. Then some feds show up and make him an offer he can't refuse- enough money to pay off his debts plus some, and more importantly- his father's release for time served. He knows it is too good to be true... and he is right.
I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this. Duke is an interesting character- very likeable, very capable, but also kind of an idiot. Then we got to the last third and my eyes glazed over often. The action stopped and we got into the why of it all, and I didn't care for the why. Personal opinion. But there was a definite shift in the pace/tension.
I will probably pick up book two. I enjoyed Duke and the first half enough to give it another try.
Dan John Miller did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this. Duke is an interesting character- very likeable, very capable, but also kind of an idiot. Then we got to the last third and my eyes glazed over often. The action stopped and we got into the why of it all, and I didn't care for the why. Personal opinion. But there was a definite shift in the pace/tension.
I will probably pick up book two. I enjoyed Duke and the first half enough to give it another try.
Dan John Miller did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2024
In the book Safecracker, new author Jesse DeRoy writes about Grantchester “Duke" Ducaine who was born and raised a thief, his specialty is safe-cracking. But for the past two years he has gone straight. With his dad in prison and his sister in a coma for which he blames himself, life has been a struggle. His gambling debts have not helped. So when he gets a chance to clear his debt, get his sister a better care facility, and spring his dad from prison, he jumps at the chance. But who is he really working for? The Feds or someone else? And will he get out alive? Has he put a target on his friends and families back? This was a great fast paced story with lots of twists and turns. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2024
I truly enjoyed it but it wasn’t what I expected. I expected so many heists but there was only one. I looooved the narrator of the audiobook! Duke, the main character, is struggling with paying his gambling debt and trying to find people who hurt his sister so he takes a risky (legal?) job from the government to get his dad released from prison and pay the debt.
There was a bit too much safe stuff going on, explaining how everything works was a bit too much for me. A bit of a too much chapters that I think weren’t necessary - a few of them could work amazingly as one. We got 1pov from Duke and past and present timeline.
There was so much going on but all in all I enjoyed it and would recommend.
thank you NetGalley for gifting me this arc.
November 27, 2024
Safecracker is the author's debut novel about Duke, our MMC who grew up surrounded by criminals. He is clean of criminal life however, with the exception of safecracking. He is a very smart and good safecracker, who gets tapped by federal agents to get into a uncrackable safe and get what's inside back to then. But something comes up and he is not willing to be left behind. He will be the one who is in charge of everything not the other way around. His family is in danger and that is unacceptable to Duke!
The author has a lot going on in this story. We get very well written characters, the language of safecracking was a great and well written research point. The author made a solid debut book in Safecracker and I hope it may be a series to follow soon thereafter!
The author has a lot going on in this story. We get very well written characters, the language of safecracking was a great and well written research point. The author made a solid debut book in Safecracker and I hope it may be a series to follow soon thereafter!
March 28, 2025
Very enjoyable, high energy packed, 007 Ian Fleming type deal sort of, but the technicality and understanding of lock picking/safe cracking was super interesting. I can definitley tell this one’s got a sequel coming, hadn’t heard of this author, and doesn’t have as many reads as I think this should. Very solid character building and dynamics created, and there wasn’t much fluff that often puts me off of some books. I found this super easy to read, very short chapters which I’m not sure why but it allows me to keep reading much easier than say ones that are 20-30 pages long each. This was a good action/thriller overall and I’ll certainly be on the look out for others by this author.
November 9, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to review Safecracker.
I would like to give a fair and honest review.
For a debut novel, it is great. Duke was described well. Really got to understand him. The storyline did not jump around so it was easy to follow.
Summary:
Duccain and his sister started their lives as a career criminal under the tutelage of their father. They are double crossed and everything goes left for all parties.
Duke decides to go on the straight and narrow path.
He was offered a job that was too good to be true... and so in there the fun begins.
I would like to give a fair and honest review.
For a debut novel, it is great. Duke was described well. Really got to understand him. The storyline did not jump around so it was easy to follow.
Summary:
Duccain and his sister started their lives as a career criminal under the tutelage of their father. They are double crossed and everything goes left for all parties.
Duke decides to go on the straight and narrow path.
He was offered a job that was too good to be true... and so in there the fun begins.
November 8, 2024
I really enjoyed Safecracker by Jesse DeRoy. This debut novel is a fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I finished the book quickly because I couldn’t put it down. This heist story focuses on Duke who was raised to be a thief , can crack any safe and will do anything for his family.
Dan John Miller did an excellent job with the narration.
Thank you to NetGalley & RB Media for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Dan John Miller did an excellent job with the narration.
Thank you to NetGalley & RB Media for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 29, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review
It was funny, it was mysterious and it had a great amount of action. Just a great crime novel I enjoyed the characters the writing was great and I hope there’s more like these !! Definitely gonna add this one to my library.
It was funny, it was mysterious and it had a great amount of action. Just a great crime novel I enjoyed the characters the writing was great and I hope there’s more like these !! Definitely gonna add this one to my library.
January 7, 2025
A fast-paced, well-done thriller that takes a safecracker Duke (who is on the straight path) on a deceptive trail. The plot had a lot of twists and turns. My only qualm with this book was that Duke was supposedly one of the best in his field but still fooled at every turn. Like really, dude!!
The narration was well done.
#netgalley #Safecracker
The narration was well done.
#netgalley #Safecracker
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