The Thieves

The Millersville Series #2

by Susan Specht Oram

Her sudden foray into crime may have her feeling guilty as sin, but this feisty mastermind refuses to let anyone else steal her plunder.

Jasmine Bucker is determined to save her father. But his rare form of deadly lung disease calls for cash she doesn’t have, so the devoted daughter turns to burglary and snatching the money from her shady boor of a boss. Though when her getaway is cut short by sirens, she vows to hunt down the bogus cops after they grab the greenbacks and vanish.

Stranded and broke, Jasmine realizes she must outwit callous crooks used to walking on the wrong side of the law. And with her dad’s hourglass about to run out of sand, she’ll need all the help she can get to liberate the life-saving loot…

Can Jasmine pull off an audacious, high-stakes recovery mission?

The Thieves is the fast-paced second book in The Millersville series. If you like quirky characters, devious plots, and fiendish twists and turns, then you’ll love Susan Specht Oram’s entertaining escapade.

Buy The Thieves to climb into a clever caper today!

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Crime

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2023

About the author

Writing mysteries-thrillers and creative nonfiction. Author of SHORE LODGE, THE THIEVES, CABIN EIGHT, THE MOTHER's THREAT and SECRETS AT THE CAFE, UNDER JACKSON BRIDGE, MISSING MAN, BY MIDNIGHT, THE WINTER STORM, THE COLD NIGHT. I live in a windy part of the Pacific Northwest with my husband and rescue dog.
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Reviews

[Jeanna Volner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! This story had me laughing one minute and crying the next. Not to mention biting my nails at the suspense at times. Really enjoyed reading this one. Highly recommend!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel to be an entertaining page turner, with a gripping storyline, quirky characters and plenty of drama and action. It’s a fast paced crime thriller that had me hooked from page one, and the twists and turns kept me guessing, and turning the pages! Jasmine Bucker only turns to crime in order to provide her father with the cash needed to save him from a rare lung disease. Her plan is to steal the money from her shady boor of a boss, but things don’t go to plan when sirens are heard during the getaway. Jasmine soon discovers that the cops are bogus and have stolen the money from her. Although she’s stranded and broke, she’s determined to get the life saving money back, and so must outwit the more professional crooks, and pull off a high stakes recovery mission. This was an enjoyable and engaging read, with an action packed plot and wonderful characters, whether they were good guys or bad ones. I felt completely immersed in the storyline and felt invested in the outcome along with Jasmine.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is the 2nd book to the Millersville Series, and while the books can be read as a standlone I so highly recommend both books so much! This book was fast paced crime thriller from a gem of an author and so happy to discover. This story was gripping, had me at the edge of my seat, heart racing, jaw dropping moments with all kinds of twists and tangles.

Jasmine wants to do right by her father as she has promised to save money to help pay for medical treatments that her father so desperately needs. Believing the plan would work and take money from her employer, who is shady as heck, in turn backfires. When Jasmine and her friend, Phil, are robbed of their own money they stole by other criminals, the pursuit is on to take back money they stole in turn.

Along the way tow drive get involved in mix to help Jasmine and his mother trying to track down Bets and Zerk, whom are the criminals whom stole the money from Jasmine and Philip.

Will Jasmine be able to outsmart Bets and Zerk, take back the money she stole to save her father?

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read that I read it to conclusion in 2 hours as its riviting. It is a tale of 4 criminals who are all after the same money. One pair steals the loot, another watches them and steals it from them. What happens next is a funny bumbling series of escapes across Nevada to Seattle with a creepy tow truck driver along for the loot unknown to the thieves. His Mother joins in who is equally strange and agressivly after her share of the loot. I laughed out loud at the antics of the four thieves and their hopes for the money all stumbling over one another and each with their own agenda. The ending was perfection to conclusion.
I enjoyed the charcters, the plot and the conclusion. Well done quck read that is the perfect escape . A fun read. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher. I look forward to further works by this author.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. Although I didn't find the story believable, I did enjoy the book. It was suspenseful with what would happen next. Found the cast of characters to be fun to get to know. The twist at the end was quite the surprise. If you are looking for a fun book to read, this would be for you. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Carrie (The OK Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. This story was quick and easy flowing. It bounces back and forth between two duos and the other characters that they run into along the way. The character development was so great that I started rooting for Zerk and Bets at the same time I was rooting for Jas and Phil. I enjoyed all the twists and absolutely loved the ending.

Thank you to Net Galley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to read this book for my honest feedback.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine (Jas) loves her dad. She'd do anything for him and when he tells her that he has a devastating lung disease that doesn't have the best hopes for recovery, Jas steps in and does what any daughter might do. Or would they? Jas works for a man who's pretty shady and is laundering money. She takes a risk and steals the money needed to get her dad into a treatment center. Next thing you know, sirens and badges are involved and she finds herself stranded on the side of the road.

Soon, Jas learns who her friends are and even makes new friends along the way and she is on a "vacation of a lifetime" trying to get her dad to treatment. This book has all kinds of ups and downs. There are periods of extreme intensity and others where there are smiles or laughter. I became a fan of Robbie but it took me a minute to warm up to her.

This book is a pretty fast read and will keep you on the edge of your seat. You just never know who's going to to show up or what's about to happen until it does. I picked up this book after reading Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller and was not at all disappointed. I look forward to more books in this series!!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a another winner in the Millersville series, it does what I was hoping for and I enjoyed how good the thriller elements were. The characters were interesting and I thought the twists worked well with the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not my favorite. I stopped many times, but would start again in hopes that it would pick up and get exciting.
I do believe the one thing that I really didn't like was that it had so much back and forth with the characters. And it was almost like there was too many characters.
When I finally made it to the end, it was pretty good. But it took forever to get there.

[Tina Helzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this book was just great reading from start to finish. While this is a book with primarily bad people in it, they are bad for a reason and those that are not bad well just add to the story. Bets and Zerk are the ones I think I enjoyed getting to know the best. I mean Jas, Phil, and the rest were great characters Bets and Zerk just stuck with me.

this is a crazy fast-paced book and will keep you laughing while you continue to hope the good guys win in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to this author by reading the first book in The Millersville series, The Lodge. The Thieves is the second book in this high-stakes entertaining thriller.
It is a crazy and fast read and easy to get lost in. The Thieves is not as dark as the first book with its quirky characters that are well developed and will make you laugh out loud and at times feeling sad.
With family bonds, best friends, a heist, action, chase scenes, and some twisty plots you are sure to enjoy this tale. The twist at the end was quite the surprise.
This suspense thriller is adventurous as our MC embarks on a heist with guilt but a good reason. But when her loot is stolen the fun begins.
It’s one of those books where you can escape reality with a drink and sun.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing and excellent book that is written with depth, multifaceted characters, and story has suspense. The story grips you from the very first page, and as the story unfolds, the ending delivers perfectly. I've read every one of the authors books. She is a true genius as she crafts an entangled web of lies and suspicion.

[Susan Oram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such fun writing this book, and I hope you'll love it as much as I do!
Please let other readers know what to expect by leaving a review.
Thanks for reading!

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine wants nothing more than to save her father who is dying from a rare type of lung cancer. With no money to provide him with the care he needs Jasmine, or Jas for short, decides to steal from her place of work. Jas knows that her corrupt boss has been making shady, off-the-book deals in cash because she is the one who has been keeping the second set of accounting books for him. She enlists the help of a friend and the two of them devise a plan to steal the money from the safe at work. All goes well until one small mistake changes everything.

Jas and her friend Phil have stolen the money from the safe and made what they think is a clean getaway until they get pulled over by the cops. Something seems off to Jas about these two cops and her suspicions are confirmed when her and Phil are handcuffed and the money they worked so hard to steal is stolen from them. To make matters worse their cell phones and wallets are stolen, and the car has been tampered with. Now Jas and Phil are stranded with no money, no ID and no way to contact anyone for help.

When a real cop shows up to offer assistance they are reluctant to tell the entire story for fear of being associated with the robbery so they leave a few details out and change others. The cop calls a tow truck for them so that Jas and Phil can get towed to a shop to have their car fixed. However, as nice as the tow truck driver seems Jas finds that there is something odd about him that she is unable to figure out. In order to retrieve the money from the thieves Jas and Phil have no choice but to trust the tow truck driver and reluctantly decide to accept his help. Did the situation just go from bad to worse for them?

This book was wonderfully written and I loved the storyline that the author created. Jas and Phil were not typical thieves and only stole the money for the better good. She wanted to save her dad’s life and that was worth the risks that came with it. When Bets and Zerk, two well-practiced thieves, steal the money from Jas and Phil they think that they have pulled off a heist that will set them up for life. With the tow truck driver in tow, Jas and Phil set out to outfox and outwit the thieves and steal the money back. The story takes some twists and turns and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat as you wait to see what will happen next. The stakes are high for everyone involved and the boss is hot on all their trails. A fast paced, high suspense, action-packed read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has done it again! I truly enjoyed Shore Lodge which is the first book in this series, I highly recommend reading it so you can get a feel for the town and the development of the characters in this book. To me, this book wasn't as dark as the first one, but was equally as entertaining. Jasmine or Jas (the main character) loves her dad and just like any girl who loves her dad, she is willing to do anything for him. When her dad springs on her that he has a devastating lung disease that doesn't have the best hopes for recovery, Jas start to think of ways to help her dad. She steps in and does what any daughter might do for their dad, or would they? Jas works for a man who doesn't have the best reputation and is downright shady, especially with his had in laundering money. She decides that she needs to take a risk and steals the money that is needed to get her dad into a treatment center. Next thing she knows is that sirens, badges and being stranded on the side of the road quickly become her future.

With all of these exciting new things happening to Jas, she quickly has to learn who her friends are, aren't and even finds herself making new friends along the way. She is on a "vacation of a lifetime" trying to get her dad to treatment. This book has all the feels involved.... there's plenty of laughs, maybe a few tears and of course a huge dose of mystery.

This book was a pretty quick, entertaining read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You just never know who's going to show up, what's going to happen and who it is going to happen to! Is Jas the only thief or are there multiple thieves? Does Jas get her dad the help that he needs or are her efforts a complete bust? The only way to find out is to read for yourself!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Millersville Series. This book isn't as much of a dark psychological Thriller as the first book The Lodge but it is still an entertaining Thriller that will grip you from beginning to end.
This is a story about theft, danger, family, friendship and its full of twists and turns along the way. The characters are well developed and as a reader you feel that you are right along with them. The story is told by alternative characters which keeps the story interesting and allows the reader to get both sides of the story.

Jas and Paul thought they had pulled off the perfect robbery. When Jas's father has been found to have a lung disease she knows she will stop at nothing to get him treatment to prolong his life. Even if that means stealing the money for the treatment. They think they are in the clear until they are stopped by a couple of "officers" but they were wrong and when they then find themselves being the victims of robbery they lose everything.
This other couple Bets and Zerk are seasoned criminals and they think they have finally got their win fall and could retire. However they didn't get away a free as they thought and they really underestimated the determination of Jas to get back the money.

What follows is an action packed story full of twists and turns as Jas fights against time to retrieve the money to help her Dad but will she be too late?

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this author quite a bit, so I was excited to jump into this book. The Thieves was good but I was expecting more. Not that the author didn’t produce a well written book, I just wanted more out of it than I got.
Written two points of view. Two different sets of thieves. The initial thieves and the ones that stole from them. 500k at stake will they be caught? Will the initial thieves get their money back? So many questions and tons of answers. So let’s jump into the adventure, shall we.
Jas thought, Phil and her pulled off the perfect theft. $500k from her boss to get her sick father treatment and the rest to disappear. Because if her boss found out she’d definitely disappear. What she didn’t factor into her plan was that Bets and Zerk saw it go down and decided they were going to take their score as their own.
Bets and Zerk just got the biggest score of their lives, now it’s time to settle down and quit the business. Ending up in the small town of Millersville they thought they were golden to settle down. Unfortunately those amateur kids were coming for what’s theirs.
It’s a constant story of back and forth that overlaps nicely. From reading a previous book by this author I was hoping for a better climactic ending, I think I set my hopes a little too high. Doesn’t mean it was bad, it just fell short that's all. But don’t let that deter you. Jump in and you may feel differently. The book overall was good! So read it, I dare you… lol

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thieves by Susan Specht Oram has written a great second book in "The Millersville series." I love the fact that we get to meet new characters from this small town that we have learned to love so much. If you have never read the first book, I highly recommend that you understand the atmosphere you are dealing with. It is ingenious the way that Susan starts this book out right from the start with an obvious robbery of a laundromat. I did not see the twist of two inexperienced young adults, Jasmine (Jas) and Phil, robbing a business, just to turn around and be robbed by some professional thieves Bets (Betsy Zerkowitz) and Zerk (Mark Zerkowitz). This book takes so many twists and turns that you will be on the edge of your seat wondering who's the good guys and who's the bad guys. Enter in Dan the tow truck driver who is supposed to save the day and tow away the kid’s vehicle, but instead decides to join them on their adventures, unbeknownst to him what they are. Eventually, we meet Dan's Ma, Roberta (Robbie), who has decided she wants to join in on the road trip wherever it may be taking everyone. Why would Jas and Phil go to all this trouble to rob a laundromat and then track down the thieves who robbed them? You'll want to read this book to find out how everything turns out and why two good kids do such a terrible thing.
@Brandy Rymer 3/2023

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I listened to a good audiobook, so when I got the chance to listen to this thriller I got extremely excited. Unfortunately, most of the past few weeks I’ve been in a lot of pain and I’ve had a mix of headaches and migraines accompanied by a lot of tiredness due to sickness. Thankfully, today, I was able to sit down and binge it in one sitting and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator of this book, but I was able to push through (I am pretty picky about narrators, sorry!) and I was overall pleased with the storyline.

I will preface this review by stating that I have not read or listened to the first book of the series, but I will be going back to locate and read it soon. It was a very quick listen, and it starts off in the middle of action. There is no slow introduction. The viewpoints switch around to different characters and it is told in a way that you find yourself rooting for the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’ and it keeps you on the edge of your seat! I loved every twist and turn in this novel and I enjoyed finding myself smiling at some parts and tearing up at others. Susan Specht Oram really knows how to write a good thriller and I can’t wait to check out the rest of the Millersville series.

[Allyson Ware · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first novel in this series, I could not wait to get my hands on the second. Unfortunately this one did not meet the standards of the first book, but I still really enjoyed it. The reason for the four stars instead of five is because I had such high hopes and I was let down a tad by this one. However, this novel is very original. There is not necessarily a "good" guy in the situation. You feel sorry for Jas, but she still committed a crime to try to help her father. Not only that, but she created three other accomplices along the way.

The author does an amazing job creating characters that come to life, a plot that does not disappoint, and a story that you cannot put down until you finish it. The author creates characters like Jas and Bets that you like but want to dislike in the same token. Their moral compass is a tad skewed, but what would you do if you were in their position? Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good action-packed novel. Such a quick and easy read. This can also be read as a stand-alone. The only thing that really connects the two novels is Millersville; the plot lines are completely separate.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thieves is book two in the Millersville series and while I enjoyed the book, I did not like it as much as Shore Lodge. The premise of the story focuses on Jasmine, who needs quite a large sum of money for her father's failing health. With limited options, she turns to questionable (and criminal) methods. Along the way, other criminals get involved as well. When Jas and Paul pull off the perfect heist, they think everything is in the clear...until another pair of criminals robs them and leaves them with nothing. Bets and Zerk are wanting to retire from their life of crime, and underestimate the determination of Jas to save her father....The book is written from the two POVs of Jas and Bets, so the chapters will rotate between the two. I liked that the characters were both liked and disliked, and that made them feel a bit more realistic to read. I feel like this book ended too soon, and that may be part of my four star rating, but again, it was not a bad read and I enjoyed the unique story.

[Shadel ayerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thieves (The Millersville series) by Susan Specht Oram is book number 2 in the Millersville series and it is a thrilling experience.

She might feel as bad as sin for her abrupt venture into crime, but this fiery mastermind won't allow anyone else to take her loot.

Jasmine Bucker is adamant about helping her father. Her lack of funds forces the loving daughter to commit burglary and rob her shady boss to pay for his rare and fatal lung ailment. She promises to find the fake cops when they steal the money and flee, but sirens end up stopping her escape, and she must return to the scene.

Jasmine understands she must outsmart ruthless criminals accustomed to operating outside the law since she is stranded and broke. She'll need all the assistance possible because her father's hourglass will run out of sand.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique dark fantasy trilogy. The story brings passion into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I have binge read the series and will continue on book three.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Millerville series but can be read as a standalone. Even though the story takes place in the same city/town the characters and circumstances are different. Jasmine's father is diagnosed with a rare lung disease and she is determined to come up with the cash that could potentially save his life. She decides that turning to a life of crime is the easiest way to go but is robbed blind by some bogus officers. Time is running out quickly and she must find a way to make all that money back plus some. What will her plan of action be? And will she be able to get the money in time? This book really does make you question what you will do and how far you'd be willing to go to save your loved one if you have the chance. I don't think most people would choose to become criminals, but in a world of fiction anything is possible. This was a fun fast paced read and I'm glad I jumped into the series.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thieves
By: Susan Specht Oram

Let me start out by saying that Susan Specht Oram is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite authors. She always delivers on the suspense and the twists and the turns. I love an author that keeps me guessing on each page and this book delivers on this. This book is also filled with quirky characters whom I loved. This book is told from alternating view points which I personally loved, because it allowed you to see multiple perspectives throughout the book. I love the premise of how a woman who is trying to help her father by obtaining cash through questionable means ends up being stolen from. However as the story goes on I really found myself questioning who were the bad guys. I definitely loved this book and cannot wait to read more by Susan Specht Oram!

[Ash Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin! I love this author and her amazing stories. I only put the book down bc I had places to go people to see and puppies to watch! This was an automatic don’t put that book down kinda book! The story was extremely well written, fast paced, and captivating. You’ll jump from character to character, scene to scene, and won’t miss a beat. Jasmine is out to save her fathers life with a healing surgery in Mexico. Of course it is extremely expensive, so this amateur concocts this plan to steal enough money to take care of him and extend her father’s life! Well as she is robbed by clearly knowledgeable crooks, she decides to keep fighting and not give up! You will be surprised at this series of unfortunate events! This is a must read! Also check out her other physiological thriller! It’s cinema worthy!!!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and is just as great as the first one if not better. I highly suggest reading the previous book in this series as well to help your enhancement of this author and her characters. I found this book to be well developed with characters that bring the story to life. They are connectable and add so much to the story. They bring suspense and twists and turns to a new level. A story of a recovery mission to save a father and a daughter determined to save him. A story that is full of action and determination. A fast paced, hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. There is great growth of the plot throughout the story which makes it easy to read. I highly recommend this book.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of a series, however it reads as a stand alone. The writing for this book was really good. The author does a good job developing the characters and making them relatable. I wasn’t a huge fan of the plot in this story. I found it to be semi unbelievable and some responses to be on the weird side. But, at the same time, I wanted to finish it and find out how everything was resolved. Jas and Phil are the main characters and find themselves robbed of the money that they stole. They end up chasing the robbers across the country and picking up a couple of accomplices along the way. I really enjoyed the twists and turns at the end. Overall a fun read and I’m looking forward to more of the series!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Millersville series, and Susan continues her marvelous way of creating an unforgettable story. Jasmine will do anything in the world for her father, including stealing the money he so desperately needs for treatment. She thinks she has the perfect plan because her boss is a terrible human being. Jasmine has the money when suddenly two “cops” steal it back from her. Does she have what it takes to pull off another crime…stealing this money again? She refuses to give up on her father, but she may be over her head here. I can’t wait until the third book in this series is released next month! I highly recommend picking this one up (as well as the first!) especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers.

[Devon Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine and her friend Phil are trying to get away with stealing a good amount of money from Jasmines boss. All so she can help her sick father with treatment. However they get robbed by a pair of thieves who have a little more experience under their belts!

This story is full of shenanigan's from each pair, Jas and Phil, Bets and Zerk, Dan and Robbie. When Bets and Zerk are hiding in plain sight and don't expect to be found. Then the original thieves outsmart them and show up!

You must read to find out if the original pair of thieves are able to steal their money back and what happens to each pair. I loved this story and found it comical at times even remarking out loud how dumb they were being!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The Thieves is the second book in The Millersville Series by Susan Specht Oram. It is a crime thriller with mystery, action, adventure, humour, agendas, family, theft, pressing matters, time constraints, callous crooks, high-stakes undertaking, quirky characters, twists, and dramatic developments.
Jas turns to crime in an effort to save her father. But things don’t quite go according to plan and now she will need to go up against some callous crooks before her father runs out of time.
Looking forward to seeing what Susan Specht Oram does next.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Susan Specht Oram!