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Simon Riske #4
Once a Thief
With enemies tracking him around every corner, freelance industrial spy Simon Riske is willing to do whatever it takes to complete his mission in this international espionage thriller.
In this high-stakes, page-turning thriller, our beloved fearless protagonist Simon Riske must put his life on the line once more when another mission comes knocking. This time it takes him on twisting, gripping ride to the glittering beaches and glamorous architecture of the Mediterranean coast, all the while evading the enemies right on his tail.
Told with Reich's signature stylish prose, clever plotting, and pulse-pounding action sequences, Once a Thief is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the series, and newcomers alike.
In this high-stakes, page-turning thriller, our beloved fearless protagonist Simon Riske must put his life on the line once more when another mission comes knocking. This time it takes him on twisting, gripping ride to the glittering beaches and glamorous architecture of the Mediterranean coast, all the while evading the enemies right on his tail.
Told with Reich's signature stylish prose, clever plotting, and pulse-pounding action sequences, Once a Thief is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the series, and newcomers alike.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
222 people are currently reading
2545 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Reich
28 books738 followersChristopher Reich was born in Tokyo. In 1965 his family moved to Los Angeles. He attended Georgetown University and the University of Texas and worked in Switzerland before returning to the United States to become an author. His novel The Patriots Club won the International Thriller Writers award for Best Novel in 2006. He lives in Encinitas, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 30, 2022
Minimal effort provided for this story by author Reich. 4 of 10 stars
June 30, 2022
Once a Thief, written by Christopher Reich, was my first introduction to Simon Riske as well as Reich. Being the fourth book starring Riske, I knew it would take more than a few pages to get my bearings. I have a tendency to start a series in the middle or with the most recent release so I consider myself something of an expert in the different ways authors choose to recap previous events. Based on this book alone, I would characterize Reich as an author who is adept at when, where and what he chooses to recount. Reich does such a good job I bought the rest of the series before I finished Once a Thief. Anyhoo, all that word salad to say I was hooked by the fourth page.
Riske is complex, mysterious, intelligent and an all-around badass with a unique set of skills. In fact, almost every character we meet is multi-layered, intelligent, cunning and completely fascinating. Reich lays out a complex plot, with vivid action that keeps the pace at a breakneck speed, and concludes with an ending I didn't see coming.
Once a Thief is what I consider a perfect summer read. A book that grabs you from the start and doesn't let go.
My sincere thanks to Christopher Reich,, Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an advance copy of Once a Thief.
Riske is complex, mysterious, intelligent and an all-around badass with a unique set of skills. In fact, almost every character we meet is multi-layered, intelligent, cunning and completely fascinating. Reich lays out a complex plot, with vivid action that keeps the pace at a breakneck speed, and concludes with an ending I didn't see coming.
Once a Thief is what I consider a perfect summer read. A book that grabs you from the start and doesn't let go.
My sincere thanks to Christopher Reich,, Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an advance copy of Once a Thief.
May 30, 2022
Back for another stunning thriller by Christopher Reich, I was ready for a great read! Reich did not disappoint with this piece, which mixes action with some international espionage. There is action from the outset, which does not die down until the final page turn, providing the reader with something entertaining throughout. Another stellar piece by Reich.
Simon Riske finds himself in California, helping to facilitate the massive purchase of a vintage vehicle that has recently been restored. However, things take a turn when Sylvia Bettencourt demands that the sale be halted until the car’s original gearbox can be found, Riske finds himself in a panic. He does all he can to pave the way for the sale, but trips on an old Russian enemy that could surely prove troublesome. He’s back in Europe, but those are not the only memories he has at the time.
With the gearbox in the hands of a ruthless criminal, Riske will have to bend the rules in order to appease the mystery buyer, all the while thirsting himself into a great deal of trouble. Riske is about to secure the gearbox, when Sylvia shows him something highly prejudicial that could put Riske in jail for murder, forcing the man to work, if only temporarily, for Sylvie. It’s money lauding at the highest level, something that Riske vowed he would never help facilitate. However, what other choice does he have if he is to stay on the right side of the law?
All the while, a car bomb explodes and kills a Swiss banker. His daughter is baffled by what’s happened and begins investigating on her own. What she learns is intriguing, but there are those with eyes on her, hoping that they will be able to silence this amateur sleuth before she learns the truth. Riske is pulled into the middle of helping her as well, as he tries to dismantle the money laundering operation at its core. Reich does well with this piece, amping up the action at every turn and keeping Simon Riske extremely busy.
I have always enjoyed the work of Christopher Reich and find that he gets to the heart of the matter with ease. His writing is fast-paced and usually on point, keeping the reader enthralled until the final page turn. Just what I needed as I pushed through the weekend.
Simon Riske is a great protagonist, offering up a little more of his backstory and a great deal of development. Riske has done it all and thought that he could turn away from his life in the criminal world, but it would seem that he has to blur the lines ones in a while. Riske shows off his abilities well and keeps the reader wondering what they will discover next, which only adds to the greatness of the story.
Christopher Reich uses all the elements to create a stellar piece and develops in through a strong narrative. The story flows with ease and keeps the reader guessing as things take many twists throughout. I find that his use of varied characters keeps things exciting and intriguing in equal measure, forcing the reader to follow many paths and keep things straight. A mix of chapter lengths has the reader intrigued throughout, allowing them to wonder what’s next for this fast-paced spy with a past he wishes could stay hidden. I am eager to see what’s to come and how series fans will be surprised in the next novel. Always a great reading experience.
Kudos, Mr. Reich, for an entertaining reader. You never fail to impress!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Simon Riske finds himself in California, helping to facilitate the massive purchase of a vintage vehicle that has recently been restored. However, things take a turn when Sylvia Bettencourt demands that the sale be halted until the car’s original gearbox can be found, Riske finds himself in a panic. He does all he can to pave the way for the sale, but trips on an old Russian enemy that could surely prove troublesome. He’s back in Europe, but those are not the only memories he has at the time.
With the gearbox in the hands of a ruthless criminal, Riske will have to bend the rules in order to appease the mystery buyer, all the while thirsting himself into a great deal of trouble. Riske is about to secure the gearbox, when Sylvia shows him something highly prejudicial that could put Riske in jail for murder, forcing the man to work, if only temporarily, for Sylvie. It’s money lauding at the highest level, something that Riske vowed he would never help facilitate. However, what other choice does he have if he is to stay on the right side of the law?
All the while, a car bomb explodes and kills a Swiss banker. His daughter is baffled by what’s happened and begins investigating on her own. What she learns is intriguing, but there are those with eyes on her, hoping that they will be able to silence this amateur sleuth before she learns the truth. Riske is pulled into the middle of helping her as well, as he tries to dismantle the money laundering operation at its core. Reich does well with this piece, amping up the action at every turn and keeping Simon Riske extremely busy.
I have always enjoyed the work of Christopher Reich and find that he gets to the heart of the matter with ease. His writing is fast-paced and usually on point, keeping the reader enthralled until the final page turn. Just what I needed as I pushed through the weekend.
Simon Riske is a great protagonist, offering up a little more of his backstory and a great deal of development. Riske has done it all and thought that he could turn away from his life in the criminal world, but it would seem that he has to blur the lines ones in a while. Riske shows off his abilities well and keeps the reader wondering what they will discover next, which only adds to the greatness of the story.
Christopher Reich uses all the elements to create a stellar piece and develops in through a strong narrative. The story flows with ease and keeps the reader guessing as things take many twists throughout. I find that his use of varied characters keeps things exciting and intriguing in equal measure, forcing the reader to follow many paths and keep things straight. A mix of chapter lengths has the reader intrigued throughout, allowing them to wonder what’s next for this fast-paced spy with a past he wishes could stay hidden. I am eager to see what’s to come and how series fans will be surprised in the next novel. Always a great reading experience.
Kudos, Mr. Reich, for an entertaining reader. You never fail to impress!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 24, 2022
ONCE A THIEF, Christopher Reich’s fourth Simon Riske caper, begins with a celebration for a $100 million sale of a rare vintage Ferrari that Riske and his colleagues had restored. But when Sylvie Bettencourt, the agent for the mystery buyer, demands that Riske find the car’s original gearbox, he follows the trail to a Russian mobster whom he helped capture several years earlier. Now in witness protection, the mobster seems to be taunting Riske by holding on to the prized gearbox.
Of course, our hero prevails --- until Sylvie shows him evidence tying him to a murder that she threatens to release unless he agrees to work for her. Though she travels around the world, spending millions on cars, art and real estate in a money laundering operation for a high-placed Russian, she wants her own fortune and needs Riske’s skills to retrieve financial information that would allow her to retire and disappear.
As this is playing out, a car bomb kills a Swiss banker with ties to the Russians. His daughter, Anna, though not close to him, feels that she must find out who murdered him, and why. Along the way, she and Riske cross paths, learning that they have a common foe. As Riske is sucked into the underworld of the oligarchs, and as Anna and a crowdsourced crime-solving group called Chatterbell get closer to the truth about her father, the risks increase and the opponents multiply.
Those who have followed Simon Riske may know his background as a young thief in Marseille. But despite his shady past, he’s not usually a violent sort, so some of his actions may surprise readers at first. However, the denouement, which is hurried and not entirely satisfying, helps to explain his rationale. The exotic locales and plot twists, not to mention enough action to keep you turning each page, make ONCE A THIEF an enjoyable experience.
Reviewed by Lorraine W. Shanley
Of course, our hero prevails --- until Sylvie shows him evidence tying him to a murder that she threatens to release unless he agrees to work for her. Though she travels around the world, spending millions on cars, art and real estate in a money laundering operation for a high-placed Russian, she wants her own fortune and needs Riske’s skills to retrieve financial information that would allow her to retire and disappear.
As this is playing out, a car bomb kills a Swiss banker with ties to the Russians. His daughter, Anna, though not close to him, feels that she must find out who murdered him, and why. Along the way, she and Riske cross paths, learning that they have a common foe. As Riske is sucked into the underworld of the oligarchs, and as Anna and a crowdsourced crime-solving group called Chatterbell get closer to the truth about her father, the risks increase and the opponents multiply.
Those who have followed Simon Riske may know his background as a young thief in Marseille. But despite his shady past, he’s not usually a violent sort, so some of his actions may surprise readers at first. However, the denouement, which is hurried and not entirely satisfying, helps to explain his rationale. The exotic locales and plot twists, not to mention enough action to keep you turning each page, make ONCE A THIEF an enjoyable experience.
Reviewed by Lorraine W. Shanley
May 9, 2022
Not sure who all is giving this a 4 or 5 star rating. The first two books in this series were excellent, book 3 was inane and this effort was only slightly better. The only reason it is better was the surprising ending. I hate spoilers so I'll not divulge any of it. This book would actually be better off as a movie, I'm thinking The Sting, yeah that's the ticket.
April 15, 2022
I was in the middle of Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder series when this book became available and I started reading it right away. I've been a big fan of the Simon Riske books and rated all three of them 4 stars or above.
But after reading the Scudder series, I just couldn't bear this book and dnf'd it at 40%. Well, what's the deal with that? How can an old quirky series compare with a new one? The Scudder series definitely has its quirks. They are not particularly fast paced, the author tends to be overly verbose at times, and the plots can veer off in directions not originally intended. However, they are full of character and definitely an acquired taste.
However, in comparison Once a Thief seems to be amateur hour. Everything is done on easy mode, and everyone is a cliche. I don't think it would have been so bad but it ran afoul of one of my pet peeves: alternating POVs. So I start reading from Riske's POV and in a few chapters I have to read from Anna's POV, then Sylvie's POV. Each time I have to do a reset, but it wouldn't be so bad if each character wasn't so shallow. Of the 3 POVs, Anna's is the worst and I don't really feel anything for her. Is she the naive young girl who turns out to be tough? Is she going to have a romance? I don't really know but I don't like getting interrupted. And none of these characters are written realistic enough to make me care, I think that in the end was what made me dnf the book.
The difference between the books is like an IKEA bookcase vs one made by some guy out of mismatched lumber, Folger's decaf vs cappuccino or paddling in a lazy river vs white water. Both books are escapism, one is easy mode, one is chaotic mode. After getting into chaotic mode, I just can't be satisfied with easy mode anymore. (And I'm not a young reader, I just never discovered Lawrence Block until fairly recently, thanks to Goodreads, which shows the previous power of mass marketing in bookstores.)
I don't want to discourage anyone from liking or reading this book, this review is purely one from my POV and no one elses'.
Edit, spoilers and more thoughts:
I like Riske's POV, that's what got me into this series, even the easy mode beatings, muggings, etc. And the bits about the cars. The Sylvie POV was ok, the cliche deep undercover Russian agent. But I think the Anna POV was the final straw. There isn't really enough space for a 3rd POV, you don't have time and reader patience to build up a whole new character, to make it interesting and worthwhile and an Anna POV was where I stopped. I probably would have finished the book and liked it if it had just been a Riske POV narrative.
But after reading the Scudder series, I just couldn't bear this book and dnf'd it at 40%. Well, what's the deal with that? How can an old quirky series compare with a new one? The Scudder series definitely has its quirks. They are not particularly fast paced, the author tends to be overly verbose at times, and the plots can veer off in directions not originally intended. However, they are full of character and definitely an acquired taste.
However, in comparison Once a Thief seems to be amateur hour. Everything is done on easy mode, and everyone is a cliche. I don't think it would have been so bad but it ran afoul of one of my pet peeves: alternating POVs. So I start reading from Riske's POV and in a few chapters I have to read from Anna's POV, then Sylvie's POV. Each time I have to do a reset, but it wouldn't be so bad if each character wasn't so shallow. Of the 3 POVs, Anna's is the worst and I don't really feel anything for her. Is she the naive young girl who turns out to be tough? Is she going to have a romance? I don't really know but I don't like getting interrupted. And none of these characters are written realistic enough to make me care, I think that in the end was what made me dnf the book.
The difference between the books is like an IKEA bookcase vs one made by some guy out of mismatched lumber, Folger's decaf vs cappuccino or paddling in a lazy river vs white water. Both books are escapism, one is easy mode, one is chaotic mode. After getting into chaotic mode, I just can't be satisfied with easy mode anymore. (And I'm not a young reader, I just never discovered Lawrence Block until fairly recently, thanks to Goodreads, which shows the previous power of mass marketing in bookstores.)
I don't want to discourage anyone from liking or reading this book, this review is purely one from my POV and no one elses'.
Edit, spoilers and more thoughts:
I like Riske's POV, that's what got me into this series, even the easy mode beatings, muggings, etc. And the bits about the cars. The Sylvie POV was ok, the cliche deep undercover Russian agent. But I think the Anna POV was the final straw. There isn't really enough space for a 3rd POV, you don't have time and reader patience to build up a whole new character, to make it interesting and worthwhile and an Anna POV was where I stopped. I probably would have finished the book and liked it if it had just been a Riske POV narrative.
July 16, 2023
While thrillers are not my preferred book genre, I always make time for those written by Christopher Reich.
This one is number four in the Simon Riske series and, like the other three, it is action-packed from start to finish. The plot starts with a rare Ferrari sale gone wrong at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegamce - a McGuffin of sorts - and immediately the reader is plunged into a wild world of Russian oligarchs, assorted spies, Euro thugs, and other fascinatingly mysterious characters spanning from LA to London, across France and Switzerland.
Riske is kind of a James Bond type, but without the fussy tuxedo and martini affectations. He’s got one foot in his Marseille criminal past, and the other on the side of doing what’s right in the world, though often for a large fee and perhaps requiring bloody acts of cold-hearted violence.
Reich’s books typically incorporate insights into cutting edge surveillance techniques and nascent technologies that the characters use to either commit or solve crimes. In this one, I found fascinating the collaborative online crime-solving website called Chatterbell, among other phone apps and cybersecurity tools featured throughout the story.
Fun read, as always, and a book series that would perform well as either a streaming video or traditional film offering.
This one is number four in the Simon Riske series and, like the other three, it is action-packed from start to finish. The plot starts with a rare Ferrari sale gone wrong at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegamce - a McGuffin of sorts - and immediately the reader is plunged into a wild world of Russian oligarchs, assorted spies, Euro thugs, and other fascinatingly mysterious characters spanning from LA to London, across France and Switzerland.
Riske is kind of a James Bond type, but without the fussy tuxedo and martini affectations. He’s got one foot in his Marseille criminal past, and the other on the side of doing what’s right in the world, though often for a large fee and perhaps requiring bloody acts of cold-hearted violence.
Reich’s books typically incorporate insights into cutting edge surveillance techniques and nascent technologies that the characters use to either commit or solve crimes. In this one, I found fascinating the collaborative online crime-solving website called Chatterbell, among other phone apps and cybersecurity tools featured throughout the story.
Fun read, as always, and a book series that would perform well as either a streaming video or traditional film offering.
April 5, 2023
It’s an ok book at best, having to rely on a stylistic method to pull a pretty ridiculous twist off.
The last of the four Simon Riske books I purchased en block, and certainly the last one I will read in this series.
There was so much potential for exciting storytelling, and it was just squandered away.
The last of the four Simon Riske books I purchased en block, and certainly the last one I will read in this series.
There was so much potential for exciting storytelling, and it was just squandered away.
April 24, 2022
An Awesome Read.
Every time I think Christopher Reich can't possibly write a better book, he just finds new ways to amaze me with his incredible story telling. Even if you read only one book this year make it this one.
Simply incredibld.
Every time I think Christopher Reich can't possibly write a better book, he just finds new ways to amaze me with his incredible story telling. Even if you read only one book this year make it this one.
Simply incredibld.
June 5, 2022
This was a decent read but not the thriller (as per jacket cover) that I was expecting. Liked the short chapters and characters were interesting. I do think way too much time and writing was spent on long drawn out descriptions of people, places, etc. that didn’t add much to the story so had to do some skimming. Wish the ending had not been so predictable and wish there had been more explanation regarding characters that suddenly reappeared (saying no more as it would be a spoiler). Just an ok read for me that didn’t leave me looking forward to the next book.
June 15, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
June 19, 2022
The fourth Simon Riske is very much like the classic Paul Newman and Robert Redford movie, "The Sting"...Rather than the usual capers, targeting gangsters to retrieve ill-gotten lucre, Riske, British authorities and American authorities target to destroy an international Russian money laundering operation...Plenty of twists and threats to keep turning the pages of this unique thriller...Good Stuff!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2022
This was an interesting, exciting read. As usual Simon is able to get into all kinds of trouble. There is a nice twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
April 13, 2022
Riske is a smooth character who rides the waves of good versus evil. Watch for the signals of a complex sting. I sure missed them. What fun. C Reich, keep this series coming.
May 18, 2022
Very Good; Continuing character: Simon Riske; the sale of a classic car kicks off a tale of money laundering, corruption, murder and old scores to settle, with Riske playing the long game
December 25, 2022
Christopher Reich worked at a Swiss bank for three years, which might be part of the reason why I originally thought his “insider info” would make for some really great storylines. But looking back, I only gave 3 stars to 2016’s Rules of Deception (#1 in the Ransom series) and also to 2018’s The Take (#1 in the Simon Riske series). For some reason, I thought Once A Thief (#4 in the Riske series) was going to be the thing for me, a grabber, terrific. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t – at least not for me).
When the story opens, Smon is sitting in Napa Valley, having just sold a rare Ferrari to a French woman for a gazillion dollars. He thinks he is set, then the woman’s bodyguard storms in, claiming fraud (something about a missing gear box, whatever that is).
At the same time, in Switzerland, a banker is killed by a car bomb just before he can give the authorities information and go into witness protection. His daughter (young and beautiful, of course) goes to investigate her father’s murder and guess what?She and Simon have a common enemy. The story goes through London, Corsica, Sardinia, etc. and everything gets resolved after lots of action and intrigue.
Maybe I’m just not the target demographic for Simon and his adventures. In any case, this one was not a grabber for me, and didn’t call to me every time I put it down, so it’s not even as good (for me) as the previous Reich books I have read. I may try again in the future – or maybe not. Two stars.
When the story opens, Smon is sitting in Napa Valley, having just sold a rare Ferrari to a French woman for a gazillion dollars. He thinks he is set, then the woman’s bodyguard storms in, claiming fraud (something about a missing gear box, whatever that is).
At the same time, in Switzerland, a banker is killed by a car bomb just before he can give the authorities information and go into witness protection. His daughter (young and beautiful, of course) goes to investigate her father’s murder and guess what?She and Simon have a common enemy. The story goes through London, Corsica, Sardinia, etc. and everything gets resolved after lots of action and intrigue.
Maybe I’m just not the target demographic for Simon and his adventures. In any case, this one was not a grabber for me, and didn’t call to me every time I put it down, so it’s not even as good (for me) as the previous Reich books I have read. I may try again in the future – or maybe not. Two stars.
March 20, 2022
ARC of this book from Goodreads. By the end of the third chapter all I could think was what a stupid plot. Juvenile dialogue, cliche statements all through the book. It's like a lame low budget movie of the week. I think that the main character, Simon Riske; is a complete jerk. I cannot believe I wasted my time reading this, thank God it was so simple you could breeze right through it. Don't waste your money until it hits the bargain bin and very soon I think.
April 3, 2022
A celebration for a one hundred million dollar sale of a rare Ferrari is cut short when Simon Riske is accused of fraud. The original gearbox was replaced with a reproduction and Sylvie Bettencourt, an agent for the buyer, has given Riske one week to find the original. Riske had unsuccessfully searched for the gearbox when he restored the car but Sylvie has information that the original still exists. The trail leads to a Russian mobster that Riske had helped capture. He is now in witness protection and Riske has been warned off by the authorities. A theft, a devastating revenge and a murder force Riske into hiding and Sylvie holds evidence that forces Riske into working for her. Sylvie travels from LA to NY and London spending millions on art and real estate in a money laundering operation for an anonymous Russian. She needs Riske’s skills as a former thief to retrieve financial information that would allow her to retire and disappear.
In Switzerland a car bomb kills a banker tied to the Russians. While the authorities have no clues, his daughter Anna appeals for help to find his killer on the internet and comes to Sylvie’s attention. She can not let Anna ruin her plans but her efforts to stop her brings Anna together with Riske and May be her undoing.
Christopher Reich explores Riske’s background as a young thief in Marseille. While running a business restoring cars, he still uses his experience and past connections as a private spy. His enquiries reveal that French investor Sylvie is actually a member of the GRU trained to infiltrate and live under cover as a French national. Suspense, a number of twists and enough action to satisfy any thriller fan make this a solid read, but nothing will prepare you for the closing scenes. They are guaranteed to have you waiting for Riske’s next appearance. I would like to thank NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing this book for my review.
In Switzerland a car bomb kills a banker tied to the Russians. While the authorities have no clues, his daughter Anna appeals for help to find his killer on the internet and comes to Sylvie’s attention. She can not let Anna ruin her plans but her efforts to stop her brings Anna together with Riske and May be her undoing.
Christopher Reich explores Riske’s background as a young thief in Marseille. While running a business restoring cars, he still uses his experience and past connections as a private spy. His enquiries reveal that French investor Sylvie is actually a member of the GRU trained to infiltrate and live under cover as a French national. Suspense, a number of twists and enough action to satisfy any thriller fan make this a solid read, but nothing will prepare you for the closing scenes. They are guaranteed to have you waiting for Riske’s next appearance. I would like to thank NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing this book for my review.
September 12, 2024
Non-spoiler review/commentary:
A lot of semi-gritty fiction has this problem of being inconsistently gritty. Like, there are places where it's "realistically" gritty and places where it's not and that makes it hard for me to ignore the protagonist's plot armor. And i know that's a convention of the genre, as is the... let's call it cosmetic grittiness. It's a weird personal quibble of mine that makes it very hard for me to find actioners I truly like.
This wanted to be very clever and, for the most part I think it succeeded. I don't know remotely enough about international finance or anything else the plot hinged on to know whether it was talking nonsense. If it was, it was at least convincing nonsense.
I didn't dislike it. I'm just having a lot of fridge logic problems. My main recommendation is this: treat it as a magic trick. Don't try to think about it afterwards.
A lot of semi-gritty fiction has this problem of being inconsistently gritty. Like, there are places where it's "realistically" gritty and places where it's not and that makes it hard for me to ignore the protagonist's plot armor. And i know that's a convention of the genre, as is the... let's call it cosmetic grittiness. It's a weird personal quibble of mine that makes it very hard for me to find actioners I truly like.
This wanted to be very clever and, for the most part I think it succeeded. I don't know remotely enough about international finance or anything else the plot hinged on to know whether it was talking nonsense. If it was, it was at least convincing nonsense.
I didn't dislike it. I'm just having a lot of fridge logic problems. My main recommendation is this: treat it as a magic trick. Don't try to think about it afterwards.
July 3, 2022
Simon Riske, in his youth, was a criminal in Marseille, but he escaped the life and now restores expensive cars in his shop in England, but although he escaped the life, he still dabbles in the occasional nefarious goings on.
In this 4 Riske book, Riske has restored a $100MM Ferrari for Dez and is with him for the sale, but they are accosted by Sylvia Betancourt and her muscle Vadim, who represent the buyer because there is an original gearbox missing. Betancourt gives Riske a week to come up with the parts.
At the same time as this is happening Anna Bildt's banker father is murdered by an unknown assailant. Anna Bildt, a rebel, who has worked for various Non government actors decides to track down the killer or killers and using a cyber website called "Chatterbox" enlist untold users to help in the search.
Meanwhile, Riske ferrets out who has the missing gearbox and in some outlandish actions in the book re-acquires it. These sequences which ultimately result in the death of one of Riske's friends seem entirely unbelievable to this reader, and one would be tempted to decide here that the novel is going off the deep end -- ala jumping the shark, but Reich has a game afoot, and reveals the key elements at the beginning of the last third.
So, without revealing too much, you need to get there to enjoy the book.
And Riske and Anna will ultimately join forces in this last third of the novel.
Of course the reason for Riske's risky actions is pretty predictable although Reich's denouement still had a couple of surprises that were not predictable.
I think the last 3rd of the book (and especially the ending saves the story from dustbin of mediocrity even if the reason for Riske's actions is pretty obvious.
In this 4 Riske book, Riske has restored a $100MM Ferrari for Dez and is with him for the sale, but they are accosted by Sylvia Betancourt and her muscle Vadim, who represent the buyer because there is an original gearbox missing. Betancourt gives Riske a week to come up with the parts.
At the same time as this is happening Anna Bildt's banker father is murdered by an unknown assailant. Anna Bildt, a rebel, who has worked for various Non government actors decides to track down the killer or killers and using a cyber website called "Chatterbox" enlist untold users to help in the search.
Meanwhile, Riske ferrets out who has the missing gearbox and in some outlandish actions in the book re-acquires it. These sequences which ultimately result in the death of one of Riske's friends seem entirely unbelievable to this reader, and one would be tempted to decide here that the novel is going off the deep end -- ala jumping the shark, but Reich has a game afoot, and reveals the key elements at the beginning of the last third.
So, without revealing too much, you need to get there to enjoy the book.
And Riske and Anna will ultimately join forces in this last third of the novel.
Of course the reason for Riske's risky actions is pretty predictable although Reich's denouement still had a couple of surprises that were not predictable.
I think the last 3rd of the book (and especially the ending saves the story from dustbin of mediocrity even if the reason for Riske's actions is pretty obvious.
April 5, 2022
Simon Risk is sort of a jack-of-all-trades in the corporate world, with auto restoration one of his many talents. He is basking in the glory of having restored a rare Ferrari which has recently been sold for $100 million. But the agent for the buyer, Sylvie Bettencourt, sends her henchman to threaten Riske - the car is not as advertised. Riske is given a week to make it right which leads hime into the world of Russian oligarchs and an underlying scheme to steal some of that Russian wealth. At the same time, a Swiss banker to the rich and powerful, Carl Bildt, is killed in a car bombing on the streets of Lugano. His daughter, Anna, who was not close to Carl, feels that she must find out the who and why of his murder. Along the way, Simon and Anna cross paths, finding that they have a common foe. As Simon is sucked into the underworld of the superrich, and as Anna through an online crime solving group gets closer to the truth about her father, the risks get greater and the opponent gets angrier. This is the 4th book by Reich featuring Simon Riske and the first I have read. While I think I would have gotten into the book faster if I had read the earlier editions, by no means is it necessary. The story line was complicated, the characters complex, and the action fast-moving. Might be a 5 star book if I had read the earlier books! My thanks to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my review.
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January 10, 2023Simon Riske has a special set of skills. Both are on display in Christopher Reich’s fourth installment of this fantastic series. Riske is a world-class restorer of exotic automobiles. He is also a man with a checkered past. That past, however, furnished him with another kind of proficiency — that of investigative prowess.
In Once A Thief, Riske celebrates his hundred-million-dollar sale of a rare 1963 Ferrari, until the buyer charges that it is a fake. Riske is forced to prove the car’s authenticity or face dire consequences. This will be no easy task. The proof lies in a transmission that is near impossible to source. As Riske races against the clock to find the part and establish the Ferrari’s authenticity he meets Anna Bildt, the daughter of a Swiss banker recently murdered by a car bomb.
On a crisscross adventure across Europe, Riske and Anna “find themselves players in a deadly game, where billions of dollars change hands and knowledge is paid for with your life” (www.christopherreich.com).
As with the other volumes in the Simon Riske series, Once a Thief will keep you turning pages or (if you prefer the audible route), listening for hours.
PS: Read Reich’s bio. The author’s story is a fascinating tale of its own. Once you read it, you can understand why his protagonist jumps here and there around with the world with ease.
In Once A Thief, Riske celebrates his hundred-million-dollar sale of a rare 1963 Ferrari, until the buyer charges that it is a fake. Riske is forced to prove the car’s authenticity or face dire consequences. This will be no easy task. The proof lies in a transmission that is near impossible to source. As Riske races against the clock to find the part and establish the Ferrari’s authenticity he meets Anna Bildt, the daughter of a Swiss banker recently murdered by a car bomb.
On a crisscross adventure across Europe, Riske and Anna “find themselves players in a deadly game, where billions of dollars change hands and knowledge is paid for with your life” (www.christopherreich.com).
As with the other volumes in the Simon Riske series, Once a Thief will keep you turning pages or (if you prefer the audible route), listening for hours.
PS: Read Reich’s bio. The author’s story is a fascinating tale of its own. Once you read it, you can understand why his protagonist jumps here and there around with the world with ease.
March 20, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Once a Thief, a pleasantly complex financial thriller. Mr. Reich provides elaborate plot construction, fascinating characters with interesting back stories, and globetrotting locations. Simon is in pursuit of Sylvie Bettencourt, a masterful money-launderer who goes “shopping” spending millions at a clip laundering money for a Russian oligarch. Simon’s motives are many and, as Sylvie points out, “Only then did she learn that restoring cars was not his sole profession. He had a side hustle, too. He was not a trained spook, exactly, but maybe something better. A man not bound by any rules. And he had that extra thing, the thing no one could teach. He was motivated.” As the story unfolds there are great reveals and twists. It is fast-paced and one of those books where you keep asking “how is he going to pull this off?”. As a side note, it comes at an interesting time in history as war is waged on Ukraine by Russia and the sanctions against Russia and its oligarchs are put in place. I have not read the previous books featuring Simon Riske but, having read this, definitely will. Good to know, though, that it works well as a standalone.
May 10, 2022
The plot is clever and the main character Simon Riske is well-drawn.
The bad guys are of course Russian - which is a bit uninspired.
It would be good to see talented writers like Reich and other focus their attention on the billionaires who are non-Russian but just as exploitative, if not more so. As they sit on their yachts or travel by private jet, lecturing the rest-of-us about climate change and sacrifice, they must chortle at the attention being paid to Russian oligarchs - when most of the exploitation of the average person is being done by non-Russians.
It's a bit like going to the casino with Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos to play blackjack - and finding out that they are getting all of the good cards - all of the aces and kings and queens and jacks. The game looks like it's fair (since we're all theoretically sitting at the same table), but the card distribution is askew.
They have access to capital (one of the biggest determinants of business outcomes) and they have access to lobbyists (to ensure that the good cards continue to be dealt to them). You and I - less so.
A bit like being the son or nephew of the casino owner - the cards are going to be better cards.
Reich has the talent to write about this aspect - and to broaden the scope beyond Russians.
The bad guys are of course Russian - which is a bit uninspired.
It would be good to see talented writers like Reich and other focus their attention on the billionaires who are non-Russian but just as exploitative, if not more so. As they sit on their yachts or travel by private jet, lecturing the rest-of-us about climate change and sacrifice, they must chortle at the attention being paid to Russian oligarchs - when most of the exploitation of the average person is being done by non-Russians.
It's a bit like going to the casino with Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos to play blackjack - and finding out that they are getting all of the good cards - all of the aces and kings and queens and jacks. The game looks like it's fair (since we're all theoretically sitting at the same table), but the card distribution is askew.
They have access to capital (one of the biggest determinants of business outcomes) and they have access to lobbyists (to ensure that the good cards continue to be dealt to them). You and I - less so.
A bit like being the son or nephew of the casino owner - the cards are going to be better cards.
Reich has the talent to write about this aspect - and to broaden the scope beyond Russians.
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June 3, 2022I received a gifted copy of Once A Thief from the publisher. I was a little worried about starting the series on the fourth book, but I asked and they said I’d be fine to jump in mid-series. I’m not sure that was 100% the case though because I didn’t understand what was going on in alot of places… lol. From what I DID understand, it’s a pretty cool story with a great twist. But I’m also not 100% sure if I thought it was a great twist because I finally understood something or because it was actually really clever. Who knows?
One thing I CAN say is that the story really does feel like a James Bond movie in book form. I love James Bond and feel like maybe I’d prefer this one in movie form (I literally never feel this way so this is pretty meaningful!).
Thank you so much to Mulholland Books for the gifted copy of Once A Thief. As if it’s not immensely clear, this is my honest review and all thoughts are my own.
One thing I CAN say is that the story really does feel like a James Bond movie in book form. I love James Bond and feel like maybe I’d prefer this one in movie form (I literally never feel this way so this is pretty meaningful!).
Thank you so much to Mulholland Books for the gifted copy of Once A Thief. As if it’s not immensely clear, this is my honest review and all thoughts are my own.
April 23, 2022
Not a novel for those who want complex plotting or deep characterization. This is a fast and fun book, short chapters, action across the globe among the rich and famous, evil people that are pretty bad from the get go.
Simon Riske restores Ferraris among other skills (from his Marseilles thieving days). When he is accused of fraud by Sylvie Bettencourt, the agent who hired Riske, he has to make things right, or else. Welcome to the world of Russian oligarchs trying to safeguard their wealth.
Add a daughter of a banker who's flipped by the authorities and dispatched quickly, a Russian in witness protection, and threats to Simon's restoration business, and you have your globe-trotting plot. Sit back and enjoy the action and don't think too hard.
Simon Riske restores Ferraris among other skills (from his Marseilles thieving days). When he is accused of fraud by Sylvie Bettencourt, the agent who hired Riske, he has to make things right, or else. Welcome to the world of Russian oligarchs trying to safeguard their wealth.
Add a daughter of a banker who's flipped by the authorities and dispatched quickly, a Russian in witness protection, and threats to Simon's restoration business, and you have your globe-trotting plot. Sit back and enjoy the action and don't think too hard.
February 11, 2022
I really enjoyed Once A Thief featuring Simon Riske, an undercover investigator working with banking authorities in the U.S. and a master auto restorer of expensive sports cars, as he travels from Napa Valley, California to various European cities in pursuit of the mastermind of an international money laundering scheme who has purchased several vehicles he has restored. Although new to this series, I found the story intriguing with well-developed and interesting characters and several surprising plot twists and turns. I plan to catch up on the previous exploits of Mr. Riske. Thanks to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 28, 2022
As a fan of Christopher Reich’s novels, I was looking forward to reading his latest in the Simon Risk series. However, after a very interesting and promising beginning, I began to get bored by the action switching from place to place and the constant introduction of new characters.
The ending, while somewhat predictable, left this reader wanting an explanation as to how two different characters who lost their lives during the course of the novel suddenly materialized.
Despite these reservations, I look forward to the next Simon Risk novel and thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read and review an advance reader copy of this novel.
The ending, while somewhat predictable, left this reader wanting an explanation as to how two different characters who lost their lives during the course of the novel suddenly materialized.
Despite these reservations, I look forward to the next Simon Risk novel and thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read and review an advance reader copy of this novel.
January 5, 2023
Extremely disappointing. At the half way point, I was forcing myself to stick with it (based on my enjoyment of the first two) and anticipating only 1 0r 2 stars. The last third was good enough to have removed my regret at having started it and make it to 3-star. Too many simultaneous subplots going; very hard to keep track; none of the new characters were appealing or interesting. I didn't anticipate the big twist: I just figured it was the author writing himself out of existing series context and that #5 would be wide open. I'll probably read #5 but I'm not sure that I'll give in any benefit-of-the-doubt.
July 20, 2024
Excellent Christopher Reich as usual. So good that I allowed myself to deviate from my nonfiction reading practice!
Without spoiling tooooo awful much, I liked this side of Simon Riske and know a little more about how he's able to be so effective. For sure I thought all the events would defeat him somehow, but it turns out that he was behind some of the problems. Simon Riske can take some hits but he can deliver some bigger ones. The end twists had me surprised I must say.
Nice work-in from Mr. Reich on identifying former Soviet agents as continuing problems. You can also tell Reich has firsthand experience of Europe in general, banking tricks, and open secrets. Keep 'em coming.
Without spoiling tooooo awful much, I liked this side of Simon Riske and know a little more about how he's able to be so effective. For sure I thought all the events would defeat him somehow, but it turns out that he was behind some of the problems. Simon Riske can take some hits but he can deliver some bigger ones. The end twists had me surprised I must say.
Nice work-in from Mr. Reich on identifying former Soviet agents as continuing problems. You can also tell Reich has firsthand experience of Europe in general, banking tricks, and open secrets. Keep 'em coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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