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No Such Creature
Silver Dagger winner Giles Blunt delivers an exhilarating game of cat and mouse with a most unlikely—and likeable—pair of thieves
Eight years ago, Owen Maxwell was saved from a foster home by the arrival of his uncle Max from England. Once a promising Shakespearean actor, Magnus “Max” Maxwell has since put his dramatic skills to new use: a master of disguise, a virtuoso of foreign dialects, and a performer to his core, he has become an extremely successful gentleman thief. Every summer, Max and Owen take a road trip across the United States, pulling off elaborate robberies along the way. But this year is different. Their first, dazzlingly executed summer heist captures the interest of the Subtractors.
Long believed an urban myth, the Subtractors are a gang of vicious thieves who prey on other thieves. They will abduct a fellow crook known to have completed a lucrative job and proceed to “subtract” parts of his body until he tells them where they can find the loot. “No such creature,” Max says, when Owen first suspects that they may be in the Subtractors’ sights. But in this, as in so many things, Max will prove to be disastrously wrong.
Eight years ago, Owen Maxwell was saved from a foster home by the arrival of his uncle Max from England. Once a promising Shakespearean actor, Magnus “Max” Maxwell has since put his dramatic skills to new use: a master of disguise, a virtuoso of foreign dialects, and a performer to his core, he has become an extremely successful gentleman thief. Every summer, Max and Owen take a road trip across the United States, pulling off elaborate robberies along the way. But this year is different. Their first, dazzlingly executed summer heist captures the interest of the Subtractors.
Long believed an urban myth, the Subtractors are a gang of vicious thieves who prey on other thieves. They will abduct a fellow crook known to have completed a lucrative job and proceed to “subtract” parts of his body until he tells them where they can find the loot. “No such creature,” Max says, when Owen first suspects that they may be in the Subtractors’ sights. But in this, as in so many things, Max will prove to be disastrously wrong.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2008
17 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Giles Blunt
16 books408 followersGiles Blunt (born 1952 in Windsor, Ontario) is a Canadian novelist and screenwriter. His first novel, Cold Eye, was a psychological thriller set in the New York art world, which was made into the French movie Les Couleurs du diable (Allain Jessua, 1997).
He is also the author of the John Cardinal novels, set in the small town of Algonquin Bay, in Northern Ontario. Blunt grew up in North Bay, and Algonquin Bay is North Bay very thinly disguised — for example, Blunt retains the names of major streets and the two lakes (Trout Lake and Lake Nipissing) that the town sits between, the physical layout of the two places is the same, and he describes Algonquin Bay as being in the same geographical location as North Bay.
The first Cardinal story, Forty Words for Sorrow, won the British Crime Writers' Silver Dagger, and the second, The Delicate Storm, won the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for best novel.
More recently he has written No Such Creature, a "road novel" set in the American southwest, and Breaking Lorca, which is set in a clandestine jail in El Salvador in the 1980s. His novels have been compared to the work of Ian Rankin and Cormac McCarthy.
Series:
* John Cardinal and Lise Delorme Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2004): The Delicate Storm
Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger
◊ 2001: Forty Words for Sorrow
He is also the author of the John Cardinal novels, set in the small town of Algonquin Bay, in Northern Ontario. Blunt grew up in North Bay, and Algonquin Bay is North Bay very thinly disguised — for example, Blunt retains the names of major streets and the two lakes (Trout Lake and Lake Nipissing) that the town sits between, the physical layout of the two places is the same, and he describes Algonquin Bay as being in the same geographical location as North Bay.
The first Cardinal story, Forty Words for Sorrow, won the British Crime Writers' Silver Dagger, and the second, The Delicate Storm, won the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for best novel.
More recently he has written No Such Creature, a "road novel" set in the American southwest, and Breaking Lorca, which is set in a clandestine jail in El Salvador in the 1980s. His novels have been compared to the work of Ian Rankin and Cormac McCarthy.
Series:
* John Cardinal and Lise Delorme Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2004): The Delicate Storm
Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger
◊ 2001: Forty Words for Sorrow
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 20, 2012
The only Giles Blunt novels I've read before this one were ones in the John Cardinal series.
This is a stand alone novel, not part of the series, not set in Northern Ontario.
For all the things it was not, it was a good book, following the story of Owen and his great uncle Max as they travel the United States planning and carrying out "performances" which are really just meticulously planned robberies.
Of course you have to throw in a pretty girl, an angry ex-boyfriend and some health issues that threaten their way of life.
I prefer the John Cardinal series but I will try more of Blunt's stand alones.
This is a stand alone novel, not part of the series, not set in Northern Ontario.
For all the things it was not, it was a good book, following the story of Owen and his great uncle Max as they travel the United States planning and carrying out "performances" which are really just meticulously planned robberies.
Of course you have to throw in a pretty girl, an angry ex-boyfriend and some health issues that threaten their way of life.
I prefer the John Cardinal series but I will try more of Blunt's stand alones.
September 21, 2011
This book is a departure for Blunt from his seriou crime novels. It is a caper of sorts in which a would be actor enlists the aid of his adopted nephew to commit a series of crimes. His nephew is not really up for the criminal activity though he does love his uncle and enjoys some portions of their extended road trip. There are some humorous parts, but there are serious undertones. I think I like his other books much more
May 30, 2010
PROTAGONIST: Owen and Max Maxwell
SERIES: Standalone
RATING: 2.5
Standalone books by established authors whose series I like always cause a feeling of trepidation for me. I certainly do not want to begrudge them the opportunity to move in different directions; after writing a number of books revolving around the same cast of characters, most authors need to break away from the boundaries they've set for themselves. In the case of Giles Blunt, I am a fan of his John Cardinal police procedural series and was not quite happy to see that his most recent book did not continue with that character and setting. Unfortunately, my fears were justified.
No Such Creature features 18-year-old Owen Maxwell and his 80-something Uncle Max. When Owen's parents died eight years earlier, it looked like he was destined to live in a foster home. However, at the last minute, Uncle Max, a heretofore unknown relative from England, appeared on the scene and took care of Owen. Max was once a Shakespearean actor, and he is always performing some sort of role. He has taken Owen under his wing and on the road to participate in his real profession as a gentleman thief who attends parties and robs the participants of their goods.
Even at his young age, Owen is getting tired of the life. He wants to end the heists and attend Juilliard. At the same time, he is very concerned because Max is showing signs of dementia. Stubbornly, Max refuses to give up the robberies. Meanwhile, there is another group of thieves who are making life hard for Max, Owen and their associates. Known as the Subtractors, they think nothing of removing various body parts to get the information they need. And then there's the femme fatale, Sabrina, whose background echoes Owen's. From the moment they meet, their actions are quite predictable.
No Such Creature was a big disappointment to me. One of the best things that Blunt does in the Cardinal series is to create rich and full characters with great emotional depth. That skill seems to have deserted him in this book. Max was full of irritating affectations, which I assume were supposed to make him amusingly eccentric. Max's selfish refusal to leave the life was in direct contrast to his deciding to care for Owen. Owen at the age of 18 and Sabrina at 20 seemed years older; Sabrina in particular is portrayed in a world weary way that made me feel that she was at least in her thirties. They never came to life.
There were some absolutely silly bits that just didn't work, such as Max dancing an amorous dance with one of the party goers at the conclusion of a robbery. I believe it was Blunt's intention to create a caper, but the book never had the requisite zaniness that requires.
SERIES: Standalone
RATING: 2.5
Standalone books by established authors whose series I like always cause a feeling of trepidation for me. I certainly do not want to begrudge them the opportunity to move in different directions; after writing a number of books revolving around the same cast of characters, most authors need to break away from the boundaries they've set for themselves. In the case of Giles Blunt, I am a fan of his John Cardinal police procedural series and was not quite happy to see that his most recent book did not continue with that character and setting. Unfortunately, my fears were justified.
No Such Creature features 18-year-old Owen Maxwell and his 80-something Uncle Max. When Owen's parents died eight years earlier, it looked like he was destined to live in a foster home. However, at the last minute, Uncle Max, a heretofore unknown relative from England, appeared on the scene and took care of Owen. Max was once a Shakespearean actor, and he is always performing some sort of role. He has taken Owen under his wing and on the road to participate in his real profession as a gentleman thief who attends parties and robs the participants of their goods.
Even at his young age, Owen is getting tired of the life. He wants to end the heists and attend Juilliard. At the same time, he is very concerned because Max is showing signs of dementia. Stubbornly, Max refuses to give up the robberies. Meanwhile, there is another group of thieves who are making life hard for Max, Owen and their associates. Known as the Subtractors, they think nothing of removing various body parts to get the information they need. And then there's the femme fatale, Sabrina, whose background echoes Owen's. From the moment they meet, their actions are quite predictable.
No Such Creature was a big disappointment to me. One of the best things that Blunt does in the Cardinal series is to create rich and full characters with great emotional depth. That skill seems to have deserted him in this book. Max was full of irritating affectations, which I assume were supposed to make him amusingly eccentric. Max's selfish refusal to leave the life was in direct contrast to his deciding to care for Owen. Owen at the age of 18 and Sabrina at 20 seemed years older; Sabrina in particular is portrayed in a world weary way that made me feel that she was at least in her thirties. They never came to life.
There were some absolutely silly bits that just didn't work, such as Max dancing an amorous dance with one of the party goers at the conclusion of a robbery. I believe it was Blunt's intention to create a caper, but the book never had the requisite zaniness that requires.
December 3, 2008
I am a huge fan of Giles Blunt and his mystery series set in Ontario's near north. I assumed when I requested to review this book that it would be in the same series and I was disappointed that it wasn't. However, I like Blunt's writing, so I decided to read it on its own merits. Having put it down a few times to read other things I finally finished it the other day and I can't say I was blown away.
I usually need to like at least one of the main characters in a book to care about what happens to them, but I couldn't care about these characters. An old con man and his nephew on their "last hurrah" across the US are tracked by badder thieves who want to hurt them and take their money. Well, that's what you get when you live a life of crime. That kind of story is sometimes done well (I think of Ocean's Eleven) but I think it fell flat this time. I look forward to Blunt's next book, but I must confess I hope it's a John Cardinal mystery.
I usually need to like at least one of the main characters in a book to care about what happens to them, but I couldn't care about these characters. An old con man and his nephew on their "last hurrah" across the US are tracked by badder thieves who want to hurt them and take their money. Well, that's what you get when you live a life of crime. That kind of story is sometimes done well (I think of Ocean's Eleven) but I think it fell flat this time. I look forward to Blunt's next book, but I must confess I hope it's a John Cardinal mystery.
April 17, 2010
Well, just barely a 4...why don't they give us more stars?
This was a fun read, different sort of idea.
I think 10 stars would give us a better selection, or just let us type in a number from 1-100--that would make this book about a 70 or so, but not 80; does 4 stars mean 80% or does it mean between 61% t0 80% likeable?
I'll try at least one more of his books.
Yeah, I think more options for rating would be better--this gets soooo frustrating. How do I rate a book at 5 stars? That means no book could possibly be better, but I've rated several books as 5 stars and did not like them equally.
Well, back to Infinite Jest and the USS Millicent Kent...
This was a fun read, different sort of idea.
I think 10 stars would give us a better selection, or just let us type in a number from 1-100--that would make this book about a 70 or so, but not 80; does 4 stars mean 80% or does it mean between 61% t0 80% likeable?
I'll try at least one more of his books.
Yeah, I think more options for rating would be better--this gets soooo frustrating. How do I rate a book at 5 stars? That means no book could possibly be better, but I've rated several books as 5 stars and did not like them equally.
Well, back to Infinite Jest and the USS Millicent Kent...
September 1, 2015
Another great novel from Canadian Gilles Blunt. Nice change of pace from his Cardinal crime novels. This story was easy to follow with several twists and story lines. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, easy read.
September 29, 2020
One of my very favourite books - who doesn't like a good "Robin Hood" story?
July 25, 2025
Learning my favorite author was releasing a new book had me wishing I had more to read by him. I had tackled his first book and was met with serious disappointment. A sobering moment for me to learn he wasn't always as incredible as I believed him to be. It truthfully gave me hope as an aspiring author. I had soured on the prospect on anything outside the Cardinal series of which I was truly obsessed and in love with however as a result of his first novel. Still I missed his prose, world building, and character work. I took a leap after pre-ordering his new release and I'm so glad. Delving back into his words was like coming home. I couldn't put the book down although I kept waiting for John and Lise to be around the corner.
I found with this novel what I was accustomed and loved about Blunt's works. Real characters with real dialog. The conflict was compelling and the layers that made the story richer still. I cried when Owen's backstory was recounted, I squirmed when I hung in the back of Zig's scenes, I gasped and gripped the floor in my Converse when they were all chasing Sabrina down, if able I would have crawled out of my skin in discomfort when Zig was the one that found her first, and my heart broke with each and every sign of Max's illness. Never at any point did I know where this was going to go and I was happy being clueless.
The characters being all criminals I wasn't sure if there was a protagonist until it was made abundantly clear one group is not like the others. What I loved most about them was how drastically different they all were and the different shades of moral fiber they each exhibited. For some there is honor among theives. Great storytelling THROUGH the characters. I was sick to my stomach and uncomfortable at times but that's the brilliance of the writing. When done tastefully you are made to feel the full spectrum of emotion. That's what he has done here. Maybe even more so than he did with the Cardinal books.
I found with this novel what I was accustomed and loved about Blunt's works. Real characters with real dialog. The conflict was compelling and the layers that made the story richer still. I cried when Owen's backstory was recounted, I squirmed when I hung in the back of Zig's scenes, I gasped and gripped the floor in my Converse when they were all chasing Sabrina down, if able I would have crawled out of my skin in discomfort when Zig was the one that found her first, and my heart broke with each and every sign of Max's illness. Never at any point did I know where this was going to go and I was happy being clueless.
The characters being all criminals I wasn't sure if there was a protagonist until it was made abundantly clear one group is not like the others. What I loved most about them was how drastically different they all were and the different shades of moral fiber they each exhibited. For some there is honor among theives. Great storytelling THROUGH the characters. I was sick to my stomach and uncomfortable at times but that's the brilliance of the writing. When done tastefully you are made to feel the full spectrum of emotion. That's what he has done here. Maybe even more so than he did with the Cardinal books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2017
This is a very enjoyable read, the first book i have read by Giles Blunt that does not feature the Excellent detective duo of Cardinal and Delorme, all of which i highly recommend and maybe the only reason it receives 4 stars.
This standalone novel features gentleman robbers Max and Owen, who take road trips around America occasionally infiltrating and robbing rich party gatherings, with aged Max a failed actor wearing numerous disguises and playing various colourful characters, and who pride themselves on never hurting anyone.
However they are being stalked by the 'Subtractors' a legendary gang of robbers who prey on fellow thieves, often torturing members of rival gangs for information.
This is very entertaining book often amusing sometimes poignant with a smattering of violence the odd surprising twist and interesting throughout.
P.S. Can anyone explain why some Giles Blunt books are so expensive.
This standalone novel features gentleman robbers Max and Owen, who take road trips around America occasionally infiltrating and robbing rich party gatherings, with aged Max a failed actor wearing numerous disguises and playing various colourful characters, and who pride themselves on never hurting anyone.
However they are being stalked by the 'Subtractors' a legendary gang of robbers who prey on fellow thieves, often torturing members of rival gangs for information.
This is very entertaining book often amusing sometimes poignant with a smattering of violence the odd surprising twist and interesting throughout.
P.S. Can anyone explain why some Giles Blunt books are so expensive.
January 25, 2023
Very mixed feelings. I was neither thrilled, nor bored with this story. I loved the roadtrip aspect, but I get the sense that Blunt has never actually been to these locations; they just don’t feel alive. Likewise, I thought the characters were two-dimensional, and they really didn’t click with me (except Miss Leary at the end; I could envision her very well and her comments actually made me laugh out loud. So sad only a minor one-chapter character did that for me). I also felt the author far too often told us things, rather than showing us. As a result, much of the suspense was lost. I did like the ending though. A good conclusion, and the final heist was interesting (Miss Leary especially). I give this 2.5 stars rounded up to three.
April 11, 2022
It's been a few years since I read the Cardinal series. I certainly enjoyed them.
This, a standalone novel, was also enjoyable (though 3 1/2 stars would be my true rating).
Max grates on you after a while but, to be fair, he's probably meant to. Owen is a young man who finally wants to put his criminal life behind him. Various other characters enliven matters.
Given Blunt's background, this feels like it was written to be a TV movie. No shame in that.
This, a standalone novel, was also enjoyable (though 3 1/2 stars would be my true rating).
Max grates on you after a while but, to be fair, he's probably meant to. Owen is a young man who finally wants to put his criminal life behind him. Various other characters enliven matters.
Given Blunt's background, this feels like it was written to be a TV movie. No shame in that.
July 28, 2022
A real departure from the serious tales of cold and often gloomy Canadian country that backdrop the mayhem unfolding in the Cardinal stories created by Giles Blunt.
Nonetheless No Such Creature entertained me through a cast of some enchanting and some despicable characters caught up in a life of crime.
Young Owen and Uncle Max head this cast and rise above their lesser compatriots by virtue of a bond of mutual love and respect.
Nonetheless No Such Creature entertained me through a cast of some enchanting and some despicable characters caught up in a life of crime.
Young Owen and Uncle Max head this cast and rise above their lesser compatriots by virtue of a bond of mutual love and respect.
February 20, 2023
Owen’s parents were killed in a car crash and Uncle Max arrived to adopt him and save him from foster homes. Max Maxwell is a thief and a Shakespearean actor. The two of them go on a robbery road trip across America and are pursued by some very bad criminals. The writing matches the theatricality on Maxwell’s character and it is easy to love these characters. The plot is not believable although the story is fun!
July 31, 2019
En lättsam bok med en glad ton om ett par tjuvar, Max är en 70 årig veteran som har adopterat sin brorson Owen. Tillsammans rånar de rika människor och de gör det på ett charmigt och artigt sätt utan att skada någon. Men de får stora problem när ett mycket hänsynslöst gäng som rånar andra tjuvar får upp ögonen på de.
July 22, 2017
I enjoy Giles Blunt's writing immensely. This was a fun story with interesting characters who changed and grew. Satisfying ending (if a little abrupt). I enjoyed the multiple view points. I would say there was a good mix of believability and unbelievability.
January 8, 2023
Giles Blunt is known for his John Cardinal series and this book does not disappoint. It features an uncle and his young nephew who are thieves by choice during the summer vacations. I really loved this book.
February 12, 2025
This was pretty much just a road trip romp but
I enjoy those sometimes. I thought the author
was stuck for coming up with an ending so
I was getting disappointed, but then I really
liked the twist on the last page.
Slightly recommended.
I enjoy those sometimes. I thought the author
was stuck for coming up with an ending so
I was getting disappointed, but then I really
liked the twist on the last page.
Slightly recommended.
May 22, 2017
back to reading - getting more interesting - just different style for this author - up to page 159
June 1, 2017
twisty and fun. Less believable than the John Cardinal books.
August 10, 2017
Setting in the USA and a really good story!
October 2, 2018
Different kinds of book...
July 17, 2019
I kept thinking I knew where this story was going. I kinda did, but the characters' reactions to the plot twists was what made it worthwhile.
August 1, 2021
Started this a while ago & couldn’t get into it. Finally started it again and finished. Rounded up to 3 ⭐️.
December 30, 2009
I have read and enjoyed immensely the entire Giles Blunt collection of novels. "No Such Creature", is a stand alone that is totally different from the John Cardinal series. This novel has a humorous side to it, has a much lighter concept which is mixed with serious and sad moments.
This is a tale of two unconventional thieves, one an old English actor and the other his great nephew. It is a story of sightseeing and larceny while travelling across the American southwest in a Winnebago.
Problems arise during their last summer's adventure, Max and Owen encounter more than they expect when they discover they are pursued by a mysterious group known as the Subtractors, and also Max's old friend who wants part of the take....This is a multitude of crime capers with drama and violence. The lack of honour amongst thieves adds to the excitement. This was not enough for Mr Blunt he also adds romance and romantic competition with the introduction of Sabrina, all this creates interesting predicaments.
I found this novel quite captivating and comical. Max's theatrical approach to his profession and his Shakespearean language add humour to the suspense. The dialogue is highly entertaining and the characters quite likable, Max and Owen bicker throughout the novel but it is obvious that they are family. Sabrina's description of her life with a criminal father is very moving.
This is a fun and enjoyable read.
This is a tale of two unconventional thieves, one an old English actor and the other his great nephew. It is a story of sightseeing and larceny while travelling across the American southwest in a Winnebago.
Problems arise during their last summer's adventure, Max and Owen encounter more than they expect when they discover they are pursued by a mysterious group known as the Subtractors, and also Max's old friend who wants part of the take....This is a multitude of crime capers with drama and violence. The lack of honour amongst thieves adds to the excitement. This was not enough for Mr Blunt he also adds romance and romantic competition with the introduction of Sabrina, all this creates interesting predicaments.
I found this novel quite captivating and comical. Max's theatrical approach to his profession and his Shakespearean language add humour to the suspense. The dialogue is highly entertaining and the characters quite likable, Max and Owen bicker throughout the novel but it is obvious that they are family. Sabrina's description of her life with a criminal father is very moving.
This is a fun and enjoyable read.
July 17, 2009
No Such Creature
Written By: Giles Blunt
Published By: Random House Canada
Date: October 14th, 2008
Pages: 270
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0679314318
No Such Creature is a fast-paced mystery/crime drama that engages the read and is very hard to put down. With some clever plot twists, a great storyline and well developed characters; this book grabs your attention and hangs on tight. Owen and Max have a wonderful relationship even if it’s a little out of the ordinary; their familial love for one another keeps them strong through tough times and makes the good times that much more enjoyable. The banter between these two men is witty and very entertaining! When risky heists, speedy getaways and opposing factions threaten their...
* Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
Written By: Giles Blunt
Published By: Random House Canada
Date: October 14th, 2008
Pages: 270
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0679314318
No Such Creature is a fast-paced mystery/crime drama that engages the read and is very hard to put down. With some clever plot twists, a great storyline and well developed characters; this book grabs your attention and hangs on tight. Owen and Max have a wonderful relationship even if it’s a little out of the ordinary; their familial love for one another keeps them strong through tough times and makes the good times that much more enjoyable. The banter between these two men is witty and very entertaining! When risky heists, speedy getaways and opposing factions threaten their...
* Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
March 12, 2013
Interesting that just out of pure happenstance, I read this book after I read The Sister's Brothers. Both about criminal families in different eras.
Owen is young man orphaned and brought up by his thespian great uncle, who's love and knowledge of Shakespeare is vast. However, lovable Uncle Max is more than just a failed actor; he's a master thief and has schooled Owen in the art of robbery. Their M.O. up to very recently has been to uses disguises and to never use violence. But something is not quite right with Max lately, he has become forgetful and has terrifying night visitations from various infamous criminals and has for the first time in his long law breaking career, actually shot somebody. Owen has his own issues, besides dealing with Max, with wanting to pursue his own acting career, and falling too quickly in love with the bitter and beautiful daughter of another vintage gangster. A well written novel, that is in turn funny and heartbreaking. Recommended.
Owen is young man orphaned and brought up by his thespian great uncle, who's love and knowledge of Shakespeare is vast. However, lovable Uncle Max is more than just a failed actor; he's a master thief and has schooled Owen in the art of robbery. Their M.O. up to very recently has been to uses disguises and to never use violence. But something is not quite right with Max lately, he has become forgetful and has terrifying night visitations from various infamous criminals and has for the first time in his long law breaking career, actually shot somebody. Owen has his own issues, besides dealing with Max, with wanting to pursue his own acting career, and falling too quickly in love with the bitter and beautiful daughter of another vintage gangster. A well written novel, that is in turn funny and heartbreaking. Recommended.
May 16, 2009
Totally entertaining and what a change from his other series - something illustrative to help me remember:
pg. 168 "Call it anything you want, pal. A thief's a thief...I took things that didn't belong to me--out of greed and self-laziness. Couldn't be bothered to get a real job, do something positive in this world. I got more respect for the guy mops this floor. I got more respect for the guy fixes the toilet. Those people are adding something. They don't do it for big bucks, and they don't do it out of some cockamamie philosophy, and they don't think the entire world should pay them to do nothing."
Also thought his explanation when Max was mentally "loosing it" was really a good insight to how it might really be.
Reminded me a bit of Elmore Leonard - looking forward to another - sooner this time I hope!
pg. 168 "Call it anything you want, pal. A thief's a thief...I took things that didn't belong to me--out of greed and self-laziness. Couldn't be bothered to get a real job, do something positive in this world. I got more respect for the guy mops this floor. I got more respect for the guy fixes the toilet. Those people are adding something. They don't do it for big bucks, and they don't do it out of some cockamamie philosophy, and they don't think the entire world should pay them to do nothing."
Also thought his explanation when Max was mentally "loosing it" was really a good insight to how it might really be.
Reminded me a bit of Elmore Leonard - looking forward to another - sooner this time I hope!
August 4, 2012
Trying it on a chance. A new author for me. Very unusual book for me but I really enjoyed it. About a young man whose parents are tragically killed in a car accident that he survives (obviously) but is eventually taken in by his great uncle who is unknown to him. Turns out his great uncle is a failed British stage actor and also a thief who specializes in staging elaborate "shows" to pull off the robbery which generally restricted to the rich, at dinner time, and of Republicans. The story mainly covers the events around the last summer of "shows" across the country. Many characters come and go in this unusual tale which seems more intent of intriguing characters than anything else.
April 18, 2014
I'm a big fan of the author's Cardinal series, but this isn't that. Indeed, I'm not sure what this is. It starts off as a caper book, but it's not intricate or funny enough to be that. It has a gangster in it, but it's really not a gangster book. There's no mystery whatsoever. It's a family relationship book, but I don't care about the relationship or the people in it, and the big reveal is telegraphed from early on. It's competently written in many ways (though it smells a little bit of "American road trip justified for tax purposes with a book to legitimize deductions," if the Canadian tax system works that way), but...it's really not a good book or even an okay book, I'm sorry to say.
February 6, 2009
This will be out in the US this spring. I've read Giles' other books featuring Det. Cardinal of Canada and enjoyed them very much. Start with "Forty Words for Sorrow" and you'll be hooked on his characters and their cases.
'Creature' is a stand alone thriller in which an Uncle and son grift team are pursued by a shadowy organization that preys on fellow crooks. It was a good, fast read. Not as strong as the Cardinal series.
'Creature' is a stand alone thriller in which an Uncle and son grift team are pursued by a shadowy organization that preys on fellow crooks. It was a good, fast read. Not as strong as the Cardinal series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews