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The Things She Stole
Brandon Penny is a law abiding member of society. Not at all what his mother envisioned.
As a child, Brandon's con-artist mother raised him to be a criminal prodigy. But when he was twelve a robbery went bad, a gun went off, and Brandon's mother disappeared, never to return.
Left all alone, Brandon burned with anger. And questions.
What happened that night? Why did his mom leave him behind? And why didn't she ever come back?
Now he works a monotonous 9-5, pining for the girfriend who dumped him. All he has to his name is the beer in his hand and a punch card for the vintage video store.
But when his estranged mother returns to town for a major heist, the police ask Brandon to help track her down. He doesn't trust the cops, he can't trust his mother, and he's too afraid to trust the ex-girlfriend he still loves. The only one he can count on is himself.
One way or another, he'll find out what happened that night. But to do it he'll have to tear down the life he's built.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Takes the domestic thriller genre to a whole new level. Part mother/son crime drama, part heist novel, The Things She Stole reminded me of Ben Affleck's movie, The Town . Compelling characters, amazingly-rendered Portland setting, and a conclusion full of twists, turns, and ultimately, satisfaction. Highly recommended."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full of tradecraft and suspense, emotion and action. And the ending? Fist-pumps and tears. Not to be missed!"
As a child, Brandon's con-artist mother raised him to be a criminal prodigy. But when he was twelve a robbery went bad, a gun went off, and Brandon's mother disappeared, never to return.
Left all alone, Brandon burned with anger. And questions.
What happened that night? Why did his mom leave him behind? And why didn't she ever come back?
Now he works a monotonous 9-5, pining for the girfriend who dumped him. All he has to his name is the beer in his hand and a punch card for the vintage video store.
But when his estranged mother returns to town for a major heist, the police ask Brandon to help track her down. He doesn't trust the cops, he can't trust his mother, and he's too afraid to trust the ex-girlfriend he still loves. The only one he can count on is himself.
One way or another, he'll find out what happened that night. But to do it he'll have to tear down the life he's built.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Takes the domestic thriller genre to a whole new level. Part mother/son crime drama, part heist novel, The Things She Stole reminded me of Ben Affleck's movie, The Town . Compelling characters, amazingly-rendered Portland setting, and a conclusion full of twists, turns, and ultimately, satisfaction. Highly recommended."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full of tradecraft and suspense, emotion and action. And the ending? Fist-pumps and tears. Not to be missed!"
302 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2022
About the author
D.D. Black
28 books653 followersD.D. Black writes crime fiction set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He is the author of the Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers and the FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. series. When he's not writing, he can be found strolling the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, cooking dinner for his wife, and throwing a ball for his corgi over and over and over.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 30, 2023
so good
This book had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I love DD Black books so much.
Kathy Arthur
This book had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I love DD Black books so much.
Kathy Arthur
February 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this. Hoping to read the sequel.
October 30, 2022
Awesome story with great insight…
This was a very thorough character study of the ins and outs of a “want-to-be” thief. Brandon Penny began honing his skills at a very young age having been raised in an environment of thieves due to his mother’s own prowessness at theft. However, one fateful job caused a twenty-year separation between them and a deep-rooted desire for answers as to what really went down and why had Brandon’s mother abandoned him?
Wanting to avoid the consequences of crime, he struggled emotionally and life never much amounted to anything but the mundane. He would share his love of movies with his girlfriend but never his true self. Now, I am not advocating theft if that is what one is inclined to do but this story does make a very valid point about living life to the fullest by doing what brings out the best in you. I can also appreciate Brandon’s awareness of how the biggest crimes go unpunished in an unjust society controlled by the so-called “elite” and those in positions of power.
However, there is much more to this novel than just a head-trip. There is drama, emotion, mystery and suspense with twists that make it a real page-turner. The writing is excellent and draws you into the Portland surroundings and its intriguing characters. D.D. Black uses a unique style of updating the reader with pertinent information by sprinkling in intermittent chapters of newspaper articles – well done. I enjoyed this book and its ultimate conclusion…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This was a very thorough character study of the ins and outs of a “want-to-be” thief. Brandon Penny began honing his skills at a very young age having been raised in an environment of thieves due to his mother’s own prowessness at theft. However, one fateful job caused a twenty-year separation between them and a deep-rooted desire for answers as to what really went down and why had Brandon’s mother abandoned him?
Wanting to avoid the consequences of crime, he struggled emotionally and life never much amounted to anything but the mundane. He would share his love of movies with his girlfriend but never his true self. Now, I am not advocating theft if that is what one is inclined to do but this story does make a very valid point about living life to the fullest by doing what brings out the best in you. I can also appreciate Brandon’s awareness of how the biggest crimes go unpunished in an unjust society controlled by the so-called “elite” and those in positions of power.
However, there is much more to this novel than just a head-trip. There is drama, emotion, mystery and suspense with twists that make it a real page-turner. The writing is excellent and draws you into the Portland surroundings and its intriguing characters. D.D. Black uses a unique style of updating the reader with pertinent information by sprinkling in intermittent chapters of newspaper articles – well done. I enjoyed this book and its ultimate conclusion…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 6, 2024
An engaging heist story, with a detailed backstory on the main character culminating in a tension filled crime, and all taking place in a lonely Portland city setting.
Brandon Penny has deliberately turned his back on crimes and cons, determined to stay away from the life he led as a young child with his mother. After her desertion, he’s put in foster care. Now an adult in a dead end job, he pines for his ex-girlfriend and spends most of his free time watching old movies. All that changes when an aggressive cop comes to him looking for Brandon’s mom, who is believed to have returned to Portland.
As he tries to track her down himself, and finds out more about the heist gone fatally wrong years ago that sent her on the run, we’re taken on a tour of the Rose City that is darker than what any tourist or daytripper would hope to see. In reading, I learned interesting facts and tidbits about the city that had me doing follow-up Internet research.
For some reason the book had me thinking about the 80s movie, The Fabulous Baker Boys. While the plot and setting are different, (the film is about unhappy and struggling nightclub musicians in Seattle,) both that film and this book create an atmospheric tone depicting northwest city life that is very real, but less often portrayed.
There are still humorous moments in the book and some lighthearted scenes, and it’s an intriguing rather than a gloomy story. Certainly a book that deserves a wider readership than it seems to have here.
Brandon Penny has deliberately turned his back on crimes and cons, determined to stay away from the life he led as a young child with his mother. After her desertion, he’s put in foster care. Now an adult in a dead end job, he pines for his ex-girlfriend and spends most of his free time watching old movies. All that changes when an aggressive cop comes to him looking for Brandon’s mom, who is believed to have returned to Portland.
As he tries to track her down himself, and finds out more about the heist gone fatally wrong years ago that sent her on the run, we’re taken on a tour of the Rose City that is darker than what any tourist or daytripper would hope to see. In reading, I learned interesting facts and tidbits about the city that had me doing follow-up Internet research.
For some reason the book had me thinking about the 80s movie, The Fabulous Baker Boys. While the plot and setting are different, (the film is about unhappy and struggling nightclub musicians in Seattle,) both that film and this book create an atmospheric tone depicting northwest city life that is very real, but less often portrayed.
There are still humorous moments in the book and some lighthearted scenes, and it’s an intriguing rather than a gloomy story. Certainly a book that deserves a wider readership than it seems to have here.
July 23, 2026
This was the last Black novel in my library of the very many I got for "free" as an Audible member. This is a standalone, published in 2022, and it is much better than many of those in the various series he writes. And the narrator of the audio, who has narrator other of his books but not all, is quite good.
This one is about a young man - Brandon Perry = who was part of his mother's crew at age 12 when a robbery went bad and someone was killed. Brandon was arrested and ended up in the foster care system. Mom has continued her criminal profession. The Portland, OR police believe she is back in town for a job and begin harassing Brandon, believing he knows where she is. He didn't, at least when the harassment started, but he found out.
Turns out Brandon's a pretty good planner of jobs, like his Mom. Perhaps even better as he's smarter about tech. There's a lot left unexplained that could be followed up on with another book, but here's hoping the author just lets it stand alone!
This one is about a young man - Brandon Perry = who was part of his mother's crew at age 12 when a robbery went bad and someone was killed. Brandon was arrested and ended up in the foster care system. Mom has continued her criminal profession. The Portland, OR police believe she is back in town for a job and begin harassing Brandon, believing he knows where she is. He didn't, at least when the harassment started, but he found out.
Turns out Brandon's a pretty good planner of jobs, like his Mom. Perhaps even better as he's smarter about tech. There's a lot left unexplained that could be followed up on with another book, but here's hoping the author just lets it stand alone!
January 19, 2024
This is a very different story line to what i have read before .
A boy born into a life of crime ,his mother was a thief on a high level and she left Brandon when a job went wrong and the Mother was accused of murder. Brandon was only 7.,and was put in foster care ,but felt rejected as to why his Mother disappeared.
Brandon is released from the foster system and gets a job and then hounded by a corrupt Di who finds out his Mother is in the are on a job and threatens him .
Brandon is confused as he has been leading a straight life but wants to find some answers from his Mum .
Things escalate and Brandon ends up helping his Mum when he finds out she didn't kill anyone . The police foil there escape but Mum gives herself up soo Brandon can escape ,and has plans to get her out and expose those who are corrupt .
Do hope there is another book to follow .
A boy born into a life of crime ,his mother was a thief on a high level and she left Brandon when a job went wrong and the Mother was accused of murder. Brandon was only 7.,and was put in foster care ,but felt rejected as to why his Mother disappeared.
Brandon is released from the foster system and gets a job and then hounded by a corrupt Di who finds out his Mother is in the are on a job and threatens him .
Brandon is confused as he has been leading a straight life but wants to find some answers from his Mum .
Things escalate and Brandon ends up helping his Mum when he finds out she didn't kill anyone . The police foil there escape but Mum gives herself up soo Brandon can escape ,and has plans to get her out and expose those who are corrupt .
Do hope there is another book to follow .
April 16, 2024
Brandon Penny grew up from age 12 in foster homes, as his mother was a con artist and did jobs all around town. When she was involved in a robbery, a guard was killed and she was blamed for his death. But, she has been on the run and she left her son, Brandon.
Trying to get through those years of growing up without his mother, Brandon had knowledge of all the ways to con his way through life. But now, years later, he is clean and doesn't want to go back to that life. He has a job and had a girlfriend, but the girlfriend and him have broken up.
Now he has been contacted by the police. They have information that his mother is back in town and they want to know where she is at. They think Brandon knows. But, will Brandon give up his Mother, or will he try to find what really was involved in the robbery and murder all those years ago.
Trying to get through those years of growing up without his mother, Brandon had knowledge of all the ways to con his way through life. But now, years later, he is clean and doesn't want to go back to that life. He has a job and had a girlfriend, but the girlfriend and him have broken up.
Now he has been contacted by the police. They have information that his mother is back in town and they want to know where she is at. They think Brandon knows. But, will Brandon give up his Mother, or will he try to find what really was involved in the robbery and murder all those years ago.
October 25, 2022
A years-long tale of deep-rooted (I'd typed deep-rotted and almost left it!) effects of a criminal parent paired with a son's natural bent to being the same sort of criminal was a new theme for me. The painful family mystery at the heart of a search for a murderer fueled my reading to discover the lives that resulted—and the murderer.
Flashbacks and newspaper stories thread through layers of the hunt for an old crime’s truth and the effort to stop a new one. Brand, the protagonist, tells the story in a voice that made me get to know him and to cheer for him.
I was provided an Advance Review Copy by the author. That's why I'm able to give my personal and honest review of the book at publication.
Flashbacks and newspaper stories thread through layers of the hunt for an old crime’s truth and the effort to stop a new one. Brand, the protagonist, tells the story in a voice that made me get to know him and to cheer for him.
I was provided an Advance Review Copy by the author. That's why I'm able to give my personal and honest review of the book at publication.
August 5, 2025
adventurous, slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
★★★★☆: It was enjoyable. I have have read over 20 books by this author that focus on the law enforcement perspective, it was nice to get a novel that was from the criminals point of view.
The one thing I find with all his novels though is I feel the endings are rushed. I didn't like the this ending. There were many unanswered questions. Maybe he originally planned another book, but it hasn't arrived years later.
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
★★★★☆: It was enjoyable. I have have read over 20 books by this author that focus on the law enforcement perspective, it was nice to get a novel that was from the criminals point of view.
The one thing I find with all his novels though is I feel the endings are rushed. I didn't like the this ending. There were many unanswered questions. Maybe he originally planned another book, but it hasn't arrived years later.
August 18, 2024
Great book by D.D. Black
I loved this book & hope this books becomes part of a new series. The Thing She Stole was written in a different style than the book in the Thomas Austin or SWORD book series.
Reading about how the main character grew up in foster care after an untimely split from his mother & the various ways he makes his way through the foster system & then life are interesting enough. The story was brought to the next level as the main character balances his different life options & the relationships he has with other characters.
I loved this book & hope this books becomes part of a new series. The Thing She Stole was written in a different style than the book in the Thomas Austin or SWORD book series.
Reading about how the main character grew up in foster care after an untimely split from his mother & the various ways he makes his way through the foster system & then life are interesting enough. The story was brought to the next level as the main character balances his different life options & the relationships he has with other characters.
August 24, 2025
Riveting Crime Drama
I was sucked into this story from the very start. The story is told from the viewpoint of a young man who was raised to be a thief. The story within the story is very good and has you rooting for thieves and against the cops and rich guys. There are supposed to be 2 more books in this series, but I can't find them. I have read another series by this author and loved it, too.
I was sucked into this story from the very start. The story is told from the viewpoint of a young man who was raised to be a thief. The story within the story is very good and has you rooting for thieves and against the cops and rich guys. There are supposed to be 2 more books in this series, but I can't find them. I have read another series by this author and loved it, too.
December 30, 2025
Taking place in Portland, USA, this was an engaging heist story, with a detailed backstory of a young boy – Brandon – and his criminal single mum. With a natural criminal ability, Brandon was involved in the crime that ended up in the death of a security guard and his mum on the run. Because of this he ends up in foster care and tries to ‘go straight’ until his mum reappears 20 years later. With a corrupt cop on his tail, the story culminates in a tension filled crime.
June 24, 2026
She stole, but then…
Not a bad story, but it didn’t hold my interest as some of D.D. Black’s other books have. I thought the relationship between Brandon and his mother was interesting considering their backstory. I never would have considered that thieving could be someone’s purpose in life, so that was a provocative take. There are villains who wear uniforms and carry badges and this book made me appreciate the true heroes of law enforcement.
Not a bad story, but it didn’t hold my interest as some of D.D. Black’s other books have. I thought the relationship between Brandon and his mother was interesting considering their backstory. I never would have considered that thieving could be someone’s purpose in life, so that was a provocative take. There are villains who wear uniforms and carry badges and this book made me appreciate the true heroes of law enforcement.
November 5, 2023
The Things She Stole!!!
Amazingly different storyline but so intriguing it kept me totally engrossed beginning to end. I always try to figure the ending. This book was unlike the many others I've ever read. It was such an interesting story. To me the ending was perfect which is always a good thing. I think I have read all of D.D. Black's books but will look formore!!
Amazingly different storyline but so intriguing it kept me totally engrossed beginning to end. I always try to figure the ending. This book was unlike the many others I've ever read. It was such an interesting story. To me the ending was perfect which is always a good thing. I think I have read all of D.D. Black's books but will look formore!!
December 4, 2023
Worthwhile
Serious without being heavy.... Plot was modern, but with timeless themes. Characters were not one's usually read... but very relatable. Ending was quick, but didn't feel rushed and closed enough doors to complete the story while allowing the reader to imagine how things continued.... Well done....
Serious without being heavy.... Plot was modern, but with timeless themes. Characters were not one's usually read... but very relatable. Ending was quick, but didn't feel rushed and closed enough doors to complete the story while allowing the reader to imagine how things continued.... Well done....
March 20, 2024
The biggest crimes are legal.
And they are! This book was better than I was expecting considering the author decided to not make this story into a series, focusing his attention more on his other series going strong. This book is great as a stand-alone, but I crave another to continue the journey of Brandon and Wanda’s life! This was a great read and made jury duty a little more tolerable.
And they are! This book was better than I was expecting considering the author decided to not make this story into a series, focusing his attention more on his other series going strong. This book is great as a stand-alone, but I crave another to continue the journey of Brandon and Wanda’s life! This was a great read and made jury duty a little more tolerable.
April 14, 2024
great writing
I’ve read a bunch of things by this guy, I like his style. This was a different kind of story, but so compelling. He is a gifted writer. I could feel the emotions of the characters. I don’t know what he did before he started writing books, but he can quit his day job…
I’ve read a bunch of things by this guy, I like his style. This was a different kind of story, but so compelling. He is a gifted writer. I could feel the emotions of the characters. I don’t know what he did before he started writing books, but he can quit his day job…
August 1, 2024
Fascinating, suspenseful, thoughtful!
I really enjoyed this story. I've enjoyed all of D.D.Black's novels. The characters in
"The Things She Stole" are fully developed and little details as well as story lines were very interesting. I couldn't put the book down...I had to find out what happens!!
I really enjoyed this story. I've enjoyed all of D.D.Black's novels. The characters in
"The Things She Stole" are fully developed and little details as well as story lines were very interesting. I couldn't put the book down...I had to find out what happens!!
May 26, 2026
This story was surprisingly good. Of course it has its flaws and starts slow but remained entertaining. This is a sweet tale of a son of a thief living a mundane life trying to keep to himself and ignore his natural instincts and talents for robbing. When his mom comes back into his life things turn fun, and he will have to decide how we wants to spend the rest of his life.
June 24, 2026
Usually, I can read D.D. Black in 24 hours. This one was a little different because it reflected SO many of the people I see in my private practice. The struggle, relationships, even the self-reflection reminded me of someone.
Excellent read, of course, and I look forward to more Brandon Penny.
Excellent read, of course, and I look forward to more Brandon Penny.
October 30, 2022
I loved the atmosphere and location of The Things She Stole by D. D. Black. The story had great suspense and intrigue with solid character development. The plot had me guessing and reading well into the night. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
July 7, 2023
Great plot
This book's plot was SO original and gripping! I didn't want it to end. Hopefully, D.D. Black, there's a sequel...I would highly recommend reading this, and I dare you to lay it down!!!
This book's plot was SO original and gripping! I didn't want it to end. Hopefully, D.D. Black, there's a sequel...I would highly recommend reading this, and I dare you to lay it down!!!
August 20, 2023
Interesting premise
I haven't read a book like this before. Do the good guys win in the end with the others getting what they deserve? Or the bad guys getting away with it? I don't really know. It was an interesting book all the same.
I haven't read a book like this before. Do the good guys win in the end with the others getting what they deserve? Or the bad guys getting away with it? I don't really know. It was an interesting book all the same.
September 13, 2023
OMG!! What a great read. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book Mr. Black has written but this is the one that will stay with me the longest. I kept wondering how the story could have a satisfactory ending and it was perfect..... perfect! I can't wait to read the sequel.
October 16, 2023
What a strange page turning thriller
The Things She Stole brings into question the choices people make and the far reaching consequences of those actions. Not as expected for sure.
The Things She Stole brings into question the choices people make and the far reaching consequences of those actions. Not as expected for sure.
October 17, 2023
In for a Penny in for a pound!
I’ve enjoyed D.D. Black while reading the Thomas Austin adventures and look forward to more Austin and B. Penny aka Michael Keyser.
Thanks for providing most enjoyable reading.
I’ve enjoyed D.D. Black while reading the Thomas Austin adventures and look forward to more Austin and B. Penny aka Michael Keyser.
Thanks for providing most enjoyable reading.
October 26, 2023
Took my breath away…
Of there has ever been a book that needs to be made into a movie, this is it.
The story is every praise adjective ever written. The character development so good you literally fall into their lives, thoughts and feelings. A WOW from page one.
Of there has ever been a book that needs to be made into a movie, this is it.
The story is every praise adjective ever written. The character development so good you literally fall into their lives, thoughts and feelings. A WOW from page one.
June 11, 2024
Quite a different twist to a crime novel. The criminals were the "good" guys and very likeable, almost made you feel like their crimes were justified. The police for the most part were corrupt and violent. A very interesting read and I am curious where this series will go.
October 4, 2024
Awesome Read!
I really enjoyed this story’s ride from start to finish, cheering and hoping that good would prevail over greed, corruption and evil, start to finish. Well written with amazing characters and events ☺️
I really enjoyed this story’s ride from start to finish, cheering and hoping that good would prevail over greed, corruption and evil, start to finish. Well written with amazing characters and events ☺️
December 17, 2024
Spoilers.
Good premise, good characters, but plot holes.
How did the detective know Dolly was in town? After Brand lost his tail, why leave him uncovered? Detective also would not let her guard down if she was that good a crook for so long.
Good premise, good characters, but plot holes.
How did the detective know Dolly was in town? After Brand lost his tail, why leave him uncovered? Detective also would not let her guard down if she was that good a crook for so long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews