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Kick Keswick #2
Priceless
Auction-house maven and master jewel thief Kick Keswick gives up her life of crime when she falls in love and settles down with Scotland Yard commander Thomas Curtis, but her complacency is shattered when another thief begins emulating her old techniques and Thomas disappears with her secret cache of gems. Reprint.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 11, 2013
I've been reading such heavy things lately; I needed something light! This book fit the bill. If you'd like something light and entertaining, this will do it. The plot is a bit contrived in many places, but just go with it. It's part of the fun. This story includes excellent descriptions of elegant travel destinations, food, fashion and of course jewels. My travels are more budget-oriented, so I enjoyed staying at fancy places in Portofino. I found out after I finished that it is not the first book in its series, so you might want to start with "Brilliant." The book is written in many short chapters. It was my "pack along paperback" to read in spare moments. It was always easy to pick up where I left off.
August 29, 2021
The book is a fast read. It is kind of a novel idea about a jewel thief who marries a Scotland Yard inspector and she retires but is called us to clear her name as a jewel thief. Of course funny business happens and in the end, she clears her name, helps a suspected jewel thief stop and her husband to come home. Life is good.
April 13, 2012
I just love Kick Keswick and her lifestyle! Makes me want to move to a little farm in France and spend my days reading, cooking and drinking wine! Love the mystery and twists in this series. Can't wait to read the next one!
May 19, 2009
I just love living vicariously through Kick Keswick! Another great caper steeped in decadent luxury.
August 2, 2011
I really enjoyed this mystery and had a hard time putting it down.
March 5, 2018
I checked out this book from the library thinking it was the first in the series. Somehow, I have a copy of Priceless which is the third book. It was not until I was was 3/4 of the way through that I discovered this is the second book in the series.
I found this book to be a light read. The character Kick is a retired jewel thief. Her husband is a retired Scotland Yard detective. They live in France.
The story is about a copycat thief using Kick’s signature shamrock calling card.
Kick’s husband appears to have left her. She thinks that he thinks she is robbing again. She sets out to Portofino to find out out who is copying her.
There are detailed descriptions of famous jewelry, fine clothing, and exquisite dinners.
Some chapters dragged on while others were super short.
If you are looking for a light read, this book is for you!
I found this book to be a light read. The character Kick is a retired jewel thief. Her husband is a retired Scotland Yard detective. They live in France.
The story is about a copycat thief using Kick’s signature shamrock calling card.
Kick’s husband appears to have left her. She thinks that he thinks she is robbing again. She sets out to Portofino to find out out who is copying her.
There are detailed descriptions of famous jewelry, fine clothing, and exquisite dinners.
Some chapters dragged on while others were super short.
If you are looking for a light read, this book is for you!
February 26, 2022
This was just pure fun and I loved it!
Kick Keswick is a delightful character. A woman "of a certain age" she may be, but she's wonderful. Smart, strong, capable and she has built a life for herself that anyone might envy. If that happened through her abilities as a high-end jewel thief, well, nobody's perfect, right?
There is no reality whatsoever in this series, but it sure is a lot of fun to tag along with a visit to how the other half lives. High end cars, villas in Italy, designer clothes, champagne, and most importantly jewelry, oh the jewelry! The descriptions of all these as Kick goes on her adventures in this book are simply a blast and I really enjoyed every page.
Escapist, entertaining fantasy is what this book was. This series is absolutely perfect as a beach or travel read and I recommend it for anyone looking for unadulterated cheeky fun!
Kick Keswick is a delightful character. A woman "of a certain age" she may be, but she's wonderful. Smart, strong, capable and she has built a life for herself that anyone might envy. If that happened through her abilities as a high-end jewel thief, well, nobody's perfect, right?
There is no reality whatsoever in this series, but it sure is a lot of fun to tag along with a visit to how the other half lives. High end cars, villas in Italy, designer clothes, champagne, and most importantly jewelry, oh the jewelry! The descriptions of all these as Kick goes on her adventures in this book are simply a blast and I really enjoyed every page.
Escapist, entertaining fantasy is what this book was. This series is absolutely perfect as a beach or travel read and I recommend it for anyone looking for unadulterated cheeky fun!
March 4, 2021
Very fun read, dipping back into my favorite jewel thief's life, or retirement, in her little French cottage. Happily married now, Kick wakes one morning to learn her husband, retired police inspector Thomas, has gone to London to help in a criminal investigation. When Kick discovers her home safe has been emptied, she assumes the worst - that Thomas has been asked to unmask and arrest the 'Shamrock Burglar'.
July 2, 2018
2.5 stars. A popcorn read—light and fluffy without much substance. Writing is marginal—a lot of simply telling us what happened: “This followed this and then this happened.” I prefer books where the story develops without having everything spelled out.
May 25, 2019
I love love Kick! I love everything about this character and her indulgence and guilty pleasures and everything lavish about her! I can’t wait to start the next novel. Thank you Marne Davis Kellogg! Keep them coming!!!
January 21, 2018
Just so fun! Suspend your disbelief and go on another adventure with Kick. These are some of my favorite light reading.
September 25, 2018
Perfect summer/beach read. Light and entertaining. Love the female protagonist who is very Kicky. Plot keeps the pages turning quickly.
February 17, 2019
The perfect follow up to a stellar debut! I adore this heroine and this series.
February 17, 2019
Marne Davis Kellogg is an excellent author!
March 28, 2019
Loved the first book in this series so much I jumped right into this one. Kick sets out to nab an imposter tarnishing her name. Fab clothes, exotic locales, jewel heists. Another great ride.
January 2, 2020
I absolutely adore this book, the characters, and the story!
May 26, 2020
Wish she was still writing. Love her style and stories.
May 28, 2020
Kick is the perfect antihero!
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June 21, 2020I really liked this book. It held my interest all the way!
June 22, 2020
Delightful glittering fluff! Like reading candy. I'm onto the third book in this series now: Perfect
August 18, 2020
I loved it! Super fun, engaging summer read.
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April 23, 2021January 2008
Recommended by Tori R
Recommended by Tori R
June 9, 2017
I liked this book and it was entertaining most of the time, but I got tired of all the references to her and food. I know that's what she likes, and it was fine at first, but then it got tiring.
May 9, 2017
#41/2017 .. love these books!
August 15, 2010
The next book in the Kick Keswick series, this one finds Kick living her dream life, now retired as the famous Shamrock Burglar, a jewel thief. She is living in her farmhouse in Provence, married to Thomas Curtis, formerly a detective in Scotland Yard, and retired as well from that position and as the art thief known as the Good Samaritan.
They have settled into life in their little house, where they enjoy good food, a relaxed happy existence, and friendships with many of their neighbors.
One day though, Kick discovers a note from Thomas, saying that he is gone, does not have any idea when he might return, and that she should not try to find him. It's like a kick in the gut to Kick, who is puzzled, heartbroken, and angry that she let him into her heart and her life.
Shortly afterwards, she hears a news story about a precious gem stolen from a museum in Paris - by the Shamrock Burglar! She is convinced that Thomas is working on that case, and has two concerns: a) that he will think she has returned to her former life, and b) that the person claiming to be the Shamrock Burglar is doing a sloppy job, thereby besmirching her name!
So she collects her dog, her luggage, and her fake identities, and heads to Paris. Her visit to Paris then leads her to Porofino, where preparations are underway for a huge fund-raiser that will be attended by the wealthiest of the wealthy. Kick manages to work her way into the high society group, so that she can find out who the impersonator is. At the same time, she also sees Thomas being interviewed on the news reports, as he is now on that case, and seems quite chummy with the young female reporter.
Once again, I had a great time hanging out with Kick Keswick, and joining her on her adventures. Kellogg does an amazing job of describing places, people, jewels, and food. Kick is an interesting enough character that you want things to work out her way. But she is not perfect, and therefore the stories are not slick in their execution.
If you want something fun to read, I recommend this book. Especially if you do not have the opportunity to just pick up and go to some expensive glamorous destination - reading this makes you feel like Kick has come to visit and is telling you about her trip!
They have settled into life in their little house, where they enjoy good food, a relaxed happy existence, and friendships with many of their neighbors.
One day though, Kick discovers a note from Thomas, saying that he is gone, does not have any idea when he might return, and that she should not try to find him. It's like a kick in the gut to Kick, who is puzzled, heartbroken, and angry that she let him into her heart and her life.
Shortly afterwards, she hears a news story about a precious gem stolen from a museum in Paris - by the Shamrock Burglar! She is convinced that Thomas is working on that case, and has two concerns: a) that he will think she has returned to her former life, and b) that the person claiming to be the Shamrock Burglar is doing a sloppy job, thereby besmirching her name!
So she collects her dog, her luggage, and her fake identities, and heads to Paris. Her visit to Paris then leads her to Porofino, where preparations are underway for a huge fund-raiser that will be attended by the wealthiest of the wealthy. Kick manages to work her way into the high society group, so that she can find out who the impersonator is. At the same time, she also sees Thomas being interviewed on the news reports, as he is now on that case, and seems quite chummy with the young female reporter.
Once again, I had a great time hanging out with Kick Keswick, and joining her on her adventures. Kellogg does an amazing job of describing places, people, jewels, and food. Kick is an interesting enough character that you want things to work out her way. But she is not perfect, and therefore the stories are not slick in their execution.
If you want something fun to read, I recommend this book. Especially if you do not have the opportunity to just pick up and go to some expensive glamorous destination - reading this makes you feel like Kick has come to visit and is telling you about her trip!
January 2, 2013
This book started out really slow for me, to the point where I considered just skipping to the end or ditching the entire thing altogether. The first few chapters outlining the main character's back story were very boring and made me kind of dislike her at first. I mean, seriously, at twenty she begins an affair with a sixty year old married man that lasts for thirty years? Eww, gross (To both the adultery and the bordering on pedophilic age difference). And then her husband just up and leaves for an assignment without even telling her? And the two make no real effort to communicate with each other after that? Please. As a teenager I found that kind of miscommunication between supposedly deeply-in-love fictional couples silly. As an adult, I just find it grating and insulting. Not to mention really lazy writing.
Now with all of that being said, about halfway through this book really picked up for me, probably because characters other then the heroine finally came into play (I'm sorry Kick, but you're just not that interesting). Also, I'm kind of sucker for anything with exotic locations or jewel thieves (not to mention all the fancy dress up parties that usually occur when you combine the two). The mystery itself was entertaining (the whodunit was logical but not overly predictable) and by the end I was enjoying myself enough to want to read the rest of the series. I just hope the rest of the books are quicker to jump into the actual mystery and not spend so much time on needless back story.
Now with all of that being said, about halfway through this book really picked up for me, probably because characters other then the heroine finally came into play (I'm sorry Kick, but you're just not that interesting). Also, I'm kind of sucker for anything with exotic locations or jewel thieves (not to mention all the fancy dress up parties that usually occur when you combine the two). The mystery itself was entertaining (the whodunit was logical but not overly predictable) and by the end I was enjoying myself enough to want to read the rest of the series. I just hope the rest of the books are quicker to jump into the actual mystery and not spend so much time on needless back story.
August 6, 2016
Got this at the Colorado Book Awards book dinner. At the event they had give aways -- copies of books by Colorado authors.
I found a copy of Priceless on my seat and a few days later had the perfect opportunity to read it. Light hearted and fun, just long enough for a plane trip but not so serious that you need to focus, I found this a great story to read on board. Really liked her ability to tell a fun story in a fun way. Read her other books in the series.
As it turns out this is the last in a series of stories about Kick Kewswick who having retired from her jewelry burglaring escapades to Provence, France has married and plans to settle down. But that's not what fate has in store when she finds her husband gone and someone impersonating her alter ego - the Shamrock Burglar. Yes, she was the infamous master jewel thief - stealing only from those who deserve it of course. Her safe is empty, her husband is gone, someone is using her signature crime techniques and she's annoyed. Thus begins a lovely and fun frolic across Europe. The descriptions are wonderful - beautiful locations, gourmet meals, fabulous gems and couture, and the world of the wealthy.
I found a copy of Priceless on my seat and a few days later had the perfect opportunity to read it. Light hearted and fun, just long enough for a plane trip but not so serious that you need to focus, I found this a great story to read on board. Really liked her ability to tell a fun story in a fun way. Read her other books in the series.
As it turns out this is the last in a series of stories about Kick Kewswick who having retired from her jewelry burglaring escapades to Provence, France has married and plans to settle down. But that's not what fate has in store when she finds her husband gone and someone impersonating her alter ego - the Shamrock Burglar. Yes, she was the infamous master jewel thief - stealing only from those who deserve it of course. Her safe is empty, her husband is gone, someone is using her signature crime techniques and she's annoyed. Thus begins a lovely and fun frolic across Europe. The descriptions are wonderful - beautiful locations, gourmet meals, fabulous gems and couture, and the world of the wealthy.
October 10, 2014
I picked this book up for 50 cents at a used book shop. The cover caught my eye. I wasn't expecting too much from it. Boy was I wrong. I loved this book! Kick Keswick is a woman after my own heart. She's "of a certain age", supremely independent, poised and intelligent. She also happens to be a retired jewel thief, happily married to a retired police inspector and living on a farm in Provence. The plot in this book is interesting, although it moves a bit slowly at times. It wasn't terribly difficult to pick out the "bad guy", but there were plenty of other surprises right up until the end. The author really shines in her ability to paint wonderfully exquisite word pictures of places and lifestyles that I couldn't even begin to imagine on my own. I feel like I've just returned from a lovely trip to the Italian Riviera with my bank account still intact! All in all a great read. I am now going to go out and get the rest of the books in the series, and I can only hope that Ms Kellogg is busy writing more!
March 25, 2015
This book is the story of how Kit Kiswick finds herself coming out of retirement. Kit, is a reformed jewel thief, one of the most famous in the world, in fact. She was known as The Shamrock Burglar. However, when she met her husband, Commander Thomas Curtis, formerly one of the best detectives at Scotland Yard, she gives all that up and the couple retires to a picturesque little farm. That is until one day when Thomas vanishes back to his old career, leaving only a note behind, and someone begins stealing priceless gems, using Kit's name and calling card. She is forced to track down the thief and clear herself. Her journey takes her from Paris to the Riviera and into a world of glitz and glamour filled with possible suspects. Will Kit be able to clear her name? Will she and Thomas be able to return to their former lives together? You'll have to read Priceless to find out. I recommend going on the journey with Kit. It's worth the read.
June 7, 2009
Second in this series of Kick Keswick books.
Kick was a very successful jewel thief. In fact as the Shamrock Burglar she was the most successful in history. Being the intelligent woman that she is she quit while she was ahead. She has retired to Provence as a married woman. Married to the only person who knows her secret. He is a former Scotland Yard Commander, Thomas Curtis.
She is called out of her seclusion when a copycat burglar starts stealing from the rich and famous along the Riviera leaving behind the Shamrock Burglar's calling card. Her husband has left her, she thinks, to head the investigation that will ultimately expose her.
She isn't going to hide she is going to get even with all of them!
Kick was a very successful jewel thief. In fact as the Shamrock Burglar she was the most successful in history. Being the intelligent woman that she is she quit while she was ahead. She has retired to Provence as a married woman. Married to the only person who knows her secret. He is a former Scotland Yard Commander, Thomas Curtis.
She is called out of her seclusion when a copycat burglar starts stealing from the rich and famous along the Riviera leaving behind the Shamrock Burglar's calling card. Her husband has left her, she thinks, to head the investigation that will ultimately expose her.
She isn't going to hide she is going to get even with all of them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews