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Molly Miranda #1
Thief for Hire
Molly Miranda makes very good money doing very bad things.
(I only steal stuff from rich people. Mostly. Calm down.)
Jewels, art, historical artifacts—nothing is safe when this professional thief is on the job.
(That makes it sound so sinister.)
Lying to everyone you love is second nature when you work in that particular industry. The truth, however, becomes a little harder to hide when she falls into bed with her roommate/crush.
Avoiding dealing with the unpleasantness of feelings, Molly takes an assignment in Scotland and is paired up with an untrustworthy wildcard. It doesn’t help that her new partner-in-crime is super annoying. And devastatingly handsome…
(Are you suggesting there’s something between me and him? hahahahaha No. Just no.)
When a mission doesn’t go according to plan, she wonders if it’s time to hang up her burglar mask for good and try having a normal life with a normal job. And a lot less trespassing.
(Snore. Borrrring.)
Join Molly on her hilarious adventures as she dodges bullets, wears disguises, and steals her way into trouble.
(I only steal stuff from rich people. Mostly. Calm down.)
Jewels, art, historical artifacts—nothing is safe when this professional thief is on the job.
(That makes it sound so sinister.)
Lying to everyone you love is second nature when you work in that particular industry. The truth, however, becomes a little harder to hide when she falls into bed with her roommate/crush.
Avoiding dealing with the unpleasantness of feelings, Molly takes an assignment in Scotland and is paired up with an untrustworthy wildcard. It doesn’t help that her new partner-in-crime is super annoying. And devastatingly handsome…
(Are you suggesting there’s something between me and him? hahahahaha No. Just no.)
When a mission doesn’t go according to plan, she wonders if it’s time to hang up her burglar mask for good and try having a normal life with a normal job. And a lot less trespassing.
(Snore. Borrrring.)
Join Molly on her hilarious adventures as she dodges bullets, wears disguises, and steals her way into trouble.
227 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2015
589 people are currently reading
1304 people want to read
About the author
Jillianne Hamilton
11 books88 followersJillianne Hamilton writes entertaining historical fiction and historical romance novels with happy endings. Her stories feature feisty female protagonists and plenty of sass and wit, using the past as an exciting backdrop. Her debut novel was shortlisted for the 2016 PEI Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 19, 2019
What a BLAST!
Rating System:
4 Stars - Pretty Fabulous Book. No, I would not set up a trust fund to ensure this book's care for the next hundred years but all things considered, I enjoyed it. I'm emotionally invested and marginally devastated if the rest of the series doesn't pan out.
Rating System:
4 Stars - Pretty Fabulous Book. No, I would not set up a trust fund to ensure this book's care for the next hundred years but all things considered, I enjoyed it. I'm emotionally invested and marginally devastated if the rest of the series doesn't pan out.
April 11, 2015
Molly Miranda is my favourite kind of heroine. Full of spunk and sass, courageous and smart. I loved her so much and can't wait for her story to continue. Jillianne Hamilton is a brilliant story teller and master craftsperson when it comes to building suspense and keeping you on the edge of your seat. Molly had me completely gripped from beginning to end. I won't say much about the supporting characters as I don't want to give too much away, but all of them were, well, just perfect for the story. I loved them as much as I loved Molly. I love this book and I want more!
December 30, 2014
I couldn't put it down. When I was forced to eventually stop and attend to life, kids, food, etc, when I picked it back up again I was gleefully reminded why I couldn't put it down in the first place. You find non-stop action, delicious boys, and twists and turns in every chapter. Molly is a fresh character, young and sarcastic and she made me laugh out loud a few times. My only wish was that it was longer; however there seemed to be a few hints that a sequel is coming. I'll be watching for it.
December 3, 2018
Fun and exciting!
I really enjoyed this funny quirky book. The characters were endearing, especially Molly, and the action exciting enough to keep me up past my bed time!
I really enjoyed this funny quirky book. The characters were endearing, especially Molly, and the action exciting enough to keep me up past my bed time!
July 18, 2019
An anti-heroine with four first names – Betty Bruce, aka Molly Miranda – gives the reader a fairly good idea of the problems with this book.
It is an intriguing concept. A millennial, booted from college for stealing exam answers, takes up cat burglary as a profession. Comes by it honestly, as that’s how her dad made enough money to semi-retire early. Is mentored by a pawn shop owner with a heart of gold who takes requests for rare and expensive items. Makes enough money at it that she can afford a fabulous New York apartment and hire a crooked accountant (herself a millennial “success story”) to hide the rest. Can now command work from a gorgeous, female, upper-crust British version of her mentor. Shouldn’t need a partner for these jobs, but sometimes the new boss insists.
Enter Rhys, the gorgeous asshole of a thief long on role-playing, hacking, and blackmail and short on the physical skills BB/MM brings to the party. Enter also a second burglar (Rhys? Another?) who keeps showing up at BB/MM’s solo jobs and relieving her of the stolen goods. And enter (and exit and enter and exit and enter) BB/MM’s gorgeous, straight, strait-laced male roommate who might become our anti-heroine’s lover.
Can BB/MM resolve her lover conundrum, get out from under her blackmailer, and shake her unwanted “partner” without getting killed or impoverished in the process?
Our author chooses to color in this complex plot using the chunky, pack-of-eight crayons issued to first graders: broad strokes, caricatures, no shading, no subtlety. Add in ideas that work as well as a pink-and-purple penguin (our very athletic cat burglar subsists on a junk food diet and spends days off binge watching Netflix) and a cool plot outline is pretty much wasted.
It is an intriguing concept. A millennial, booted from college for stealing exam answers, takes up cat burglary as a profession. Comes by it honestly, as that’s how her dad made enough money to semi-retire early. Is mentored by a pawn shop owner with a heart of gold who takes requests for rare and expensive items. Makes enough money at it that she can afford a fabulous New York apartment and hire a crooked accountant (herself a millennial “success story”) to hide the rest. Can now command work from a gorgeous, female, upper-crust British version of her mentor. Shouldn’t need a partner for these jobs, but sometimes the new boss insists.
Enter Rhys, the gorgeous asshole of a thief long on role-playing, hacking, and blackmail and short on the physical skills BB/MM brings to the party. Enter also a second burglar (Rhys? Another?) who keeps showing up at BB/MM’s solo jobs and relieving her of the stolen goods. And enter (and exit and enter and exit and enter) BB/MM’s gorgeous, straight, strait-laced male roommate who might become our anti-heroine’s lover.
Can BB/MM resolve her lover conundrum, get out from under her blackmailer, and shake her unwanted “partner” without getting killed or impoverished in the process?
Our author chooses to color in this complex plot using the chunky, pack-of-eight crayons issued to first graders: broad strokes, caricatures, no shading, no subtlety. Add in ideas that work as well as a pink-and-purple penguin (our very athletic cat burglar subsists on a junk food diet and spends days off binge watching Netflix) and a cool plot outline is pretty much wasted.
December 17, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. Really.
Books about thieves are my favorite kind of fiction. Not because I want to be a thief or condone thieving - but because as characters they can play the role of a jester. At their most profound, thieving characters subvert moral platitudes (think Lynch's Lock Lamora) and personify mankind as the only creatures that steal from gods (think Turner's The Thief). That can be serious business, but it can also be conveyed light-heartedly (think Rachel's Eli Monpress).
No matter what flavour, thieves always have the potential to tell great stories to me. Unfortunately, this is not one of those stories.
I DNF'd this book at 70% because the characters had potential, but were vapid. The main character's struggle for honor among thieves, and whether her identity is tied to being a thief, is excellent story-fodder. However, it comes across in a 2D plot that smothers any interesting introspection with breezy scene transitions and two love interests that wouldn't know boundaries if it hit them upside the head.
That love triangle by the way? Textbook definition of rape culture. I'm sick of reading this stuff passed off as romantic.
I give it two stars because the writing was solid - no awkward POV shifts, a good delineation between inner thoughts and narrator, no spelling or grammar issues to bog down your reading.
But I wouldn't recommend this book. I understand it's meant to be a light summer read, but even swimming pools have some depth.
Books about thieves are my favorite kind of fiction. Not because I want to be a thief or condone thieving - but because as characters they can play the role of a jester. At their most profound, thieving characters subvert moral platitudes (think Lynch's Lock Lamora) and personify mankind as the only creatures that steal from gods (think Turner's The Thief). That can be serious business, but it can also be conveyed light-heartedly (think Rachel's Eli Monpress).
No matter what flavour, thieves always have the potential to tell great stories to me. Unfortunately, this is not one of those stories.
I DNF'd this book at 70% because the characters had potential, but were vapid. The main character's struggle for honor among thieves, and whether her identity is tied to being a thief, is excellent story-fodder. However, it comes across in a 2D plot that smothers any interesting introspection with breezy scene transitions and two love interests that wouldn't know boundaries if it hit them upside the head.
That love triangle by the way? Textbook definition of rape culture. I'm sick of reading this stuff passed off as romantic.
I give it two stars because the writing was solid - no awkward POV shifts, a good delineation between inner thoughts and narrator, no spelling or grammar issues to bog down your reading.
But I wouldn't recommend this book. I understand it's meant to be a light summer read, but even swimming pools have some depth.
February 26, 2021
This was such a fun book! It started off strong and immediately drew me in. I listened to this story on audiobook and the narrator was great—very pleasing to my ears. The main character, Molly, seems like she would be a fun person to know and the narrator totally nailed her youth and energy. She is the perfect voice for Molly. I found myself wanting to stay in her world. I think I finished listening to this book in record time.
The story is awesome too. Molly is just trying to live her life, continuing to be the best thief she can be but obstacles, mainly one charming man thief, keep getting in her way. As her challenging adventures continue to unravel, she's a trooper and just keeps going, always ready for that next job.
Jillianne is a new-to-me author and Molly Miranda is a new character to me. I loved my peek into Molly's world and I will be checking out more about Molly and her fun and entertaining adventures.
The story is awesome too. Molly is just trying to live her life, continuing to be the best thief she can be but obstacles, mainly one charming man thief, keep getting in her way. As her challenging adventures continue to unravel, she's a trooper and just keeps going, always ready for that next job.
Jillianne is a new-to-me author and Molly Miranda is a new character to me. I loved my peek into Molly's world and I will be checking out more about Molly and her fun and entertaining adventures.
June 13, 2015
I finished this book in less than a day - engaging story, great main character. I will definitely read the next in the series when it comes out.
May 31, 2019
Good protagonist. Decent story for very light reading.
February 8, 2020
Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire (Book 1) — Jillianne Hamilton (20 chapters) February 6-7, 2020
This book had a sort of slow start. Throughout the story there were funny parts, but there were parts that kind of repeated the same idea/sentence over several times.
I got confused about relationships a few times, but that might have been because I read this over two days.
The characters were engaging enough; I liked the very accurate portrayal of the intimate scene between Molly and Nate. It was so true of how my experience usually is! ( :o ) And Ruby literally stole the show…but she wasn’t present very often and she felt like a one-off character.
The title says it all; the story is a series of thieving, which actually is a build up to the last heist.
The story seems to conclude at once and there are pieces that did connect well.
I’ll admit that I’m curious about what happens next, but I don’t think it's enough for me to read on to find out.
There was one typo I spotted and it was during the last part of the book. Decent, but disappointing.
Three stars.
This book had a sort of slow start. Throughout the story there were funny parts, but there were parts that kind of repeated the same idea/sentence over several times.
I got confused about relationships a few times, but that might have been because I read this over two days.
The characters were engaging enough; I liked the very accurate portrayal of the intimate scene between Molly and Nate. It was so true of how my experience usually is! ( :o ) And Ruby literally stole the show…but she wasn’t present very often and she felt like a one-off character.
The title says it all; the story is a series of thieving, which actually is a build up to the last heist.
The story seems to conclude at once and there are pieces that did connect well.
I’ll admit that I’m curious about what happens next, but I don’t think it's enough for me to read on to find out.
There was one typo I spotted and it was during the last part of the book. Decent, but disappointing.
Three stars.
May 22, 2018
Welcome to the world of professional thief Molly Miranda a.k.a. Betty Bruce. Only Betty doesn't steal things, she acquires them. Doesn't that sound better? Whatever you call it, there is big money to be made, and Molly likes the thrill. Besides she is darn good at her job. All of a sudden her boss pairs her up with a man for a job overseas. He picks her out of the crowd easily, knows everything about her, and is thoroughly irritating. Fortunately he is good at his job and knows how to hack into security systems, etc. Job well done, or so she thinks until she gets a blackmail demand or her share of the money from the job---a half of million dollars!
Ms Hamilton has done a wonderful job of casting Molly's life with supporting characters both likeable and not. One of which is her roommate Nate, another is her boss. The trips to foreign locals are sprinkled with descriptions that make you feel like you are on the job with Molly.
I was thrilled to see other books in the series have been completed, and as soon as I finished this book I went on to the next. A fun book that alludes to sex but is not graphic, glamorizes thievery, and is exciting to the very end!
Ms Hamilton has done a wonderful job of casting Molly's life with supporting characters both likeable and not. One of which is her roommate Nate, another is her boss. The trips to foreign locals are sprinkled with descriptions that make you feel like you are on the job with Molly.
I was thrilled to see other books in the series have been completed, and as soon as I finished this book I went on to the next. A fun book that alludes to sex but is not graphic, glamorizes thievery, and is exciting to the very end!
February 4, 2017
I stumbled upon this book when I was searching for something good to read. I loved that it was free of course! Right away I was caught up in Molly's personality as well as her tenacity. I laughed so hard several times through out the book, and really enjoyed the story line. The cast of supporting characters were a perfect addition! I mean who knew Rhys would end up being someone she could count on, right? Audrey's snobbish 'tude made me want to be snobbish back to her! Overall, I really really enjoyed this book. I finished it in one sitting (a few hours) even. Once I was done, I went and snagged the second one! Jillianee adds the perfect amount of humor and action. Her characters are definitely memorable on their own, but together they're unforgettable. I'm excited to read more by Jilliane. She's gained a fan for sure!
November 17, 2019
I liked the espionage action, though it's far too often interrupted with the MC thinking about her guy roommate that she attracted to. She spends too much time tripping herself up over this guy who she's not even dating. And the fact that douche Rhys was revealed to "be in love" with the MC towards the end with no backstory makes him an annoying, blackmailing a-hole that's presumably stalking the MC like a creep. Aside from the fact that he had no issue flirting with, and suggested partaking in even further sexual actions, with other women while he is supposedly "in love" with Molly. In my reading journal I gave this book a B.
February 15, 2019
Good story but if I could give it 3.5stars I would. Although I enjoyed the story and liked the characters, after checking out the next book, I discovered that its the last book.
Having read some of the reviews and a question that was asked, it appears that the author may have abandoned the series after the second book. I’m not interested in devoting my time and energy in another series that the author couldn’t be bothered to finish properly.
I have way too many other books in my queue to read.
Having read some of the reviews and a question that was asked, it appears that the author may have abandoned the series after the second book. I’m not interested in devoting my time and energy in another series that the author couldn’t be bothered to finish properly.
I have way too many other books in my queue to read.
August 18, 2019
What can you say about a "fluff" book....it is well worth a read because it is entertaining and funny. It reminds me a lot of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum...Molly is spunky and sassy and maybe a bit naive. But she's an accomplished thief who gets into a bit of trouble. The "scary" parts are not so scary, and the technical points are not too technical, and you pretty well can tell how the relationships between Molly and Rhys and Nate are going to work out. Despite all this, it's a definite fun read. You don't need to put any thought into it....just read and enjoy.
April 3, 2018
Has action and adventure. Not sure about comedy
I got it on a free promo meant to pull us into series. Not for me. Story is told in first person with her thoughts--things she doesn't say out loud--frequently intruding. Pov from main character ought to make her sympathetic. I liked her less and less. I couldn't suspend disbelief with some situations, as well. Maybe it's just me, but I won't get the next book.
I got it on a free promo meant to pull us into series. Not for me. Story is told in first person with her thoughts--things she doesn't say out loud--frequently intruding. Pov from main character ought to make her sympathetic. I liked her less and less. I couldn't suspend disbelief with some situations, as well. Maybe it's just me, but I won't get the next book.
April 12, 2018
After reading 2 dark thrillers, I wanted a change and this book provided that nice little break.
This book provides for Good, light and fun reading. Its funny at places.
Many ways similar to Take the Monkeys & Run (which again I had read to take a small break from reading mysteries and thrillers) but much better and sharper.
However, this book is not for those who want vivid imagery, in depth characters to feel for, verbose description etc
This book provides for Good, light and fun reading. Its funny at places.
Many ways similar to Take the Monkeys & Run (which again I had read to take a small break from reading mysteries and thrillers) but much better and sharper.
However, this book is not for those who want vivid imagery, in depth characters to feel for, verbose description etc
December 5, 2018
This is a light action/comedy about a thief for hire and her misadventures both romantic and criminal. It's a fun premise, but unfortunately the book is a shadow of what it could have been. There's quite a lot going on, but it's all addressed at only the most superficial level, whether it be relationships or robberies. Which is a shame, because there are glimmers of promise here. If only the time and effort had been applied to take those glimmers and really make them shine.
January 11, 2019
This was a super fun, quick read. There isn't a whole lot of depth to the characters, so as long as you aren't expecting that - just enjoy the ride. It's full of suspense and even when nothing is happening, I had a hard time putting it down. There is a lot of witty banter (many times within the main character's head) so you always know what she's thinking. I needed a palette cleanser before moving into my next lengthy book and this was perfect.
February 9, 2019
What a fantastic story of a professional thief, Molly Miranda!. It had me laughing at the witty remarks of the character, and amused at the sudden, totally unexpected twists in the story. I think this is the first book am giving 5 stars in 2019.
I really felt like am watching a movie rather than reading a story. It had action, humour, romance, even murder!. There never was a dull moment. I didn't want this book to end. I love this author 💖
I really felt like am watching a movie rather than reading a story. It had action, humour, romance, even murder!. There never was a dull moment. I didn't want this book to end. I love this author 💖
March 20, 2019
This is a fast-paced, adventurous story that takes place in the world of thievery. Molly meets her match when she is forced into a partnership with Rhys.
The main characters are quite a pair, both feisty and strong-willed. I like the way the relationship builds.
The story is an interesting look into what it might be like to live in the world of professional thieves. Quite different from what I normally read, but I enjoyed it.
The main characters are quite a pair, both feisty and strong-willed. I like the way the relationship builds.
The story is an interesting look into what it might be like to live in the world of professional thieves. Quite different from what I normally read, but I enjoyed it.
August 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book. Molly is a thief and has many adventures in robbery. She has a live-in man who she becomes romantically involved in. He finds out what she really does for a living and moves out. Another thief hooks up with her for a job and then takes her for her part of the reward by threatening to turn her into the police.
The writer has an excellent sense of humor. Really good characters, good plot. A fun read.
The writer has an excellent sense of humor. Really good characters, good plot. A fun read.
November 23, 2019
😊
The start of the story was kind of slow but it did pick up quickly. Kind of all over the place and jumps a little too much. In saying that though the book was funny most of the time. As a professional thief Molly Miranda gets herself in trouble quite quick and often. Is someone out to get her or is it due to the handsome associate she was forced to hook up with for that one job in Scotland? Does it get better for Molly after that job or does it get worse?
The start of the story was kind of slow but it did pick up quickly. Kind of all over the place and jumps a little too much. In saying that though the book was funny most of the time. As a professional thief Molly Miranda gets herself in trouble quite quick and often. Is someone out to get her or is it due to the handsome associate she was forced to hook up with for that one job in Scotland? Does it get better for Molly after that job or does it get worse?
August 23, 2019
This was probably more of a 2.5 rounded up. It reminded me of the Stephanie Evanovich series, but not nearly as good as the early ones. It was too much of a light read. There were a couple chuckles in it, but not enough substance. Things were just a bit too easy. I doubt I'll continue the series. I think I'll stick with Carl Hiaasen for this genre.
April 29, 2020
Thief for Hire by Jillianne Hamilton
Molly Miranda is a thief. This is her story on how and why she is the person she has become.
Molly falls afoul of a fellow thief and roommate. She finds herself in stressful situations and has a “boss” she hates and envies.
It is an amusing and very light read.
Molly Miranda is a thief. This is her story on how and why she is the person she has become.
Molly falls afoul of a fellow thief and roommate. She finds herself in stressful situations and has a “boss” she hates and envies.
It is an amusing and very light read.
November 28, 2021
A hired professional thief named Molly Miranda who was taught the business by her father also a thief for hire winds up partnering with another thief that she has a love hate relationship with. I won't give away the story line except to say that this a planet wide theft ring and the boss is a very savvy thief herself! Enjoy the book as much as I did!
October 24, 2016
What a great author. I so enjoyed reading about Molly and her adventures. Molly is a character that I wish I could meet in person. Well as long as she was not trying to steal from me. Will look for more in this series.
March 26, 2018
Extremely quick and easy read. Very pedestrian writing style, and I rolled my eyes in many places. Three stars because I did enjoy the story, and found Molly very likeable, but don’t expect it to win any writing awards. It was amusing in places. I probably wouldn’t read the sequel.
November 30, 2018
Loved it
I loved the cute quirky characters. Molly makes for a great fast paced read. She struggles with being a thief. But she realizes it is a part of her. She does redeem herself in the end. I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what happens to Rhys.
I loved the cute quirky characters. Molly makes for a great fast paced read. She struggles with being a thief. But she realizes it is a part of her. She does redeem herself in the end. I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what happens to Rhys.
December 1, 2018
A good read
A nicely paced story with interesting characters that we believe in. What more is there to say?
Really - a truck catching an Aston Martin, well it is supposed to be humorous.
A nicely paced story with interesting characters that we believe in. What more is there to say?
Really - a truck catching an Aston Martin, well it is supposed to be humorous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews