What do you think?
Rate this book
Michael St. Pierre #1
Los Ladrones Del Cielo
Rare book
Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Richard Doetsch
15 books300 followersA Mesmerizing Thriller Told in Reverse
(Yep, you start at the last chapter and go backwards)
Richard Doetsch returns with a stand-alone sequel to his international bestseller, The 13th Hour, published in twenty-two countries.
“At long last, Richard Doetsch returns to the clock-spinning world of THE 13TH HOUR. Its ingenious sequel, THE 13TH HOUR: CHAOS, is a jigsaw puzzle in book form—but that’s not all. It’s a love story, a political potboiler, and a thriller that upends expectations with every turn of the page. It carried me from heartbreaking opening to the razor edge of its ending in one sitting. My foot is already tapping as I wait impatiently for a third installment!”
James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestseller of The Last Odyssey
“I haven’t read a race against time this intense… The 13th Hour: Chaos is a time-bending adventure of epic proportions and scary consequences." Best Thriller Books
“Times flies—only backward—in this riveting new thriller! And the pages fly by, too! The story starts with a bang and hurtles in reverse toward a climax as clever as it is shocking.”
Robert Masello, author of The Haunting of H.G. Wells
“A clever story, cleverly told, by a master storyteller.”
Steve Berrry, New York Times Bestselling Author
A surprising and utterly original thriller, The 13th Hour: Chaos delivers pure, page-turning suspense—full of double-crosses, shocking turnabouts, and the inexorable power of love.
"The Thieves of Legend stole my breath with the sheer audacity of its storytelling, proving yet again that this series gets better with every installment. Bold, richly told, and rollicking with adventure, here is a thriller that demands to be read in one tension-wrought sitting. Count me a fan for life!"
James Rollins, New York Times Bestselling author of Bloodline
"The tension leaps off the pages in this classic, ticking-clock thriller. Watch out. You'll grip the pages so tight your knuckles will turn white."
Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Columbus Affair
"Doetsch continues to demonstrate why he's one of the best thriller writers in the business." Booklist - Starred Review
Half-Past Dawn,
"One of the best thrillers of the year," -- ABC News
"A shocking thriller," -- San Francisco Chronicle
"Gut wrenching" -- The Huffington Post
"Half-Past Dawn is a superb character driven suspense tale." SDSR
"As hard as it is to believe, Half-Past Dawn is even better than The 13th Hour." The Journal Review
Jack Keeler has 24 hour to stop fate before it catches up with him... and the rest of the world.
From the international bestselling author of The 13th Hour and The Thieves of Darkness(both soon to be be major motion pictures) comes a "pulse pounding, mind-bending thriller that rewrites the genre"
Awakening to the mistaken headline that he and his wife, Mia, have been killed, District Attorney, Jack Keeler has only until dawn tomorrow to uncover an ancient mystery hidden in the depths of one of the country's most heavily guarded prisons.
A thriller spanning time, an Asian people out of legend, an assassin who will stop at nothing to avenge his death sentence, and a diary who's contents foretells the future, Half-Past Dawn is a race through the boarders of life and death, insanity and reason, and dreams and reality.
Everything else aside, it's a really fun read that will make you think even after the last page.
The Thieves of Darkness,
A bestseller around the world seems a bit strange for someone like me; I barely speak English, yet I’m published in 34 languages.
The 13th Hour (Atria Books;)—described as a cross between “The Bourne Identity” and “The Time Traveler’s Wife”—was acquired by New Line Cinema with Michael De Luca as producer and Michael Brandt and Derek Haas (“Wanted” / “3:10 to Yuma”) as screenwrite
(Yep, you start at the last chapter and go backwards)
Richard Doetsch returns with a stand-alone sequel to his international bestseller, The 13th Hour, published in twenty-two countries.
“At long last, Richard Doetsch returns to the clock-spinning world of THE 13TH HOUR. Its ingenious sequel, THE 13TH HOUR: CHAOS, is a jigsaw puzzle in book form—but that’s not all. It’s a love story, a political potboiler, and a thriller that upends expectations with every turn of the page. It carried me from heartbreaking opening to the razor edge of its ending in one sitting. My foot is already tapping as I wait impatiently for a third installment!”
James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestseller of The Last Odyssey
“I haven’t read a race against time this intense… The 13th Hour: Chaos is a time-bending adventure of epic proportions and scary consequences." Best Thriller Books
“Times flies—only backward—in this riveting new thriller! And the pages fly by, too! The story starts with a bang and hurtles in reverse toward a climax as clever as it is shocking.”
Robert Masello, author of The Haunting of H.G. Wells
“A clever story, cleverly told, by a master storyteller.”
Steve Berrry, New York Times Bestselling Author
A surprising and utterly original thriller, The 13th Hour: Chaos delivers pure, page-turning suspense—full of double-crosses, shocking turnabouts, and the inexorable power of love.
"The Thieves of Legend stole my breath with the sheer audacity of its storytelling, proving yet again that this series gets better with every installment. Bold, richly told, and rollicking with adventure, here is a thriller that demands to be read in one tension-wrought sitting. Count me a fan for life!"
James Rollins, New York Times Bestselling author of Bloodline
"The tension leaps off the pages in this classic, ticking-clock thriller. Watch out. You'll grip the pages so tight your knuckles will turn white."
Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Columbus Affair
"Doetsch continues to demonstrate why he's one of the best thriller writers in the business." Booklist - Starred Review
Half-Past Dawn,
"One of the best thrillers of the year," -- ABC News
"A shocking thriller," -- San Francisco Chronicle
"Gut wrenching" -- The Huffington Post
"Half-Past Dawn is a superb character driven suspense tale." SDSR
"As hard as it is to believe, Half-Past Dawn is even better than The 13th Hour." The Journal Review
Jack Keeler has 24 hour to stop fate before it catches up with him... and the rest of the world.
From the international bestselling author of The 13th Hour and The Thieves of Darkness(both soon to be be major motion pictures) comes a "pulse pounding, mind-bending thriller that rewrites the genre"
Awakening to the mistaken headline that he and his wife, Mia, have been killed, District Attorney, Jack Keeler has only until dawn tomorrow to uncover an ancient mystery hidden in the depths of one of the country's most heavily guarded prisons.
A thriller spanning time, an Asian people out of legend, an assassin who will stop at nothing to avenge his death sentence, and a diary who's contents foretells the future, Half-Past Dawn is a race through the boarders of life and death, insanity and reason, and dreams and reality.
Everything else aside, it's a really fun read that will make you think even after the last page.
The Thieves of Darkness,
A bestseller around the world seems a bit strange for someone like me; I barely speak English, yet I’m published in 34 languages.
The 13th Hour (Atria Books;)—described as a cross between “The Bourne Identity” and “The Time Traveler’s Wife”—was acquired by New Line Cinema with Michael De Luca as producer and Michael Brandt and Derek Haas (“Wanted” / “3:10 to Yuma”) as screenwrite
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 3, 2012
Um bom thriller, uma carga dramática intensa e com uma verdadeira história de amor e amizade, como pano de fundo.
Gostei da sinopse, mas não conhecia o autor, por isso resolvi trazê-lo da biblioteca na minha última visita; se não gostasse, pelo menos não tinha perdido dinheiro!
Confesso que no início pensei isso mesmo: ainda bem que não gastei dinheiro! - A escrita pareceu-me confusa, não desenvolvia, chegou a parecer-me que estava a ler as aventuras de Arsène Lupin. Para quem não sabe Arsène Lupin é uma personagem de ficção criada por Maurice Leblanc. Um ladrão audacioso que escolhia bem as vítimas, meticuloso e cuidadoso, não violento, acima de tudo um cavalheiro e sempre pronto a socorrer os mais fracos. E era isto que me parecia nos primeiros capítulos, mas assim que "entrei" no espírito da história, a escrita fluiu e tornou-se muito fácil de ler e assimilar.
No entanto demorou ainda algum tempo até que se tornasse realmente naquilo que esperava. Mas acabei por perceber que era necessário que assim fosse, o autor tinha de nos ir "apresentando" as personagens, para melhor percebermos as suas acções ao longo da trama. Conseguiu dar-nos, apesar de uma introdução um pouco longa, personagens simpáticas, cativantes, ternurentas, simples, com conflitos interiores, com dúvidas, outras ainda enigmáticas, misteriosas e diabólicas. Mas todas bem construídas e desenvolvidas.
O livro foi desenvolvendo gradualmente para um verdadeiro thriller religioso, com bastante mistério e a eterna luta entre o Bem e o Mal, tocando levemente as raias do fantástico, que não sendo de todo o meu género literário preferido, em balanço final foi positivo. Agradou-me!
Bem escrito, apesar de algumas descrições me parecerem demasiado extensas e pormenorizadas, para meu gosto pelo menos. Contudo estavam bem integradas no contexto e com alguma relevância, mas mesmo assim não havia necessidade, novamente na minha opinião pessoal, de tanto pormenor.
Alguns momentos divertidos que me foram arrancado grandes sorrisos, por vezes uma ou outra gargalhada e que tiveram o dom de aligeirar um pouco o drama que se ia desenrolando, tornando as personagens um pouco mais humanas.
Um autor para mim, até agora desconhecido, mas que irá certamente engrossar a minha lista de autores a ler futuramente.
Gostei da sinopse, mas não conhecia o autor, por isso resolvi trazê-lo da biblioteca na minha última visita; se não gostasse, pelo menos não tinha perdido dinheiro!
Confesso que no início pensei isso mesmo: ainda bem que não gastei dinheiro! - A escrita pareceu-me confusa, não desenvolvia, chegou a parecer-me que estava a ler as aventuras de Arsène Lupin. Para quem não sabe Arsène Lupin é uma personagem de ficção criada por Maurice Leblanc. Um ladrão audacioso que escolhia bem as vítimas, meticuloso e cuidadoso, não violento, acima de tudo um cavalheiro e sempre pronto a socorrer os mais fracos. E era isto que me parecia nos primeiros capítulos, mas assim que "entrei" no espírito da história, a escrita fluiu e tornou-se muito fácil de ler e assimilar.
No entanto demorou ainda algum tempo até que se tornasse realmente naquilo que esperava. Mas acabei por perceber que era necessário que assim fosse, o autor tinha de nos ir "apresentando" as personagens, para melhor percebermos as suas acções ao longo da trama. Conseguiu dar-nos, apesar de uma introdução um pouco longa, personagens simpáticas, cativantes, ternurentas, simples, com conflitos interiores, com dúvidas, outras ainda enigmáticas, misteriosas e diabólicas. Mas todas bem construídas e desenvolvidas.
O livro foi desenvolvendo gradualmente para um verdadeiro thriller religioso, com bastante mistério e a eterna luta entre o Bem e o Mal, tocando levemente as raias do fantástico, que não sendo de todo o meu género literário preferido, em balanço final foi positivo. Agradou-me!
Bem escrito, apesar de algumas descrições me parecerem demasiado extensas e pormenorizadas, para meu gosto pelo menos. Contudo estavam bem integradas no contexto e com alguma relevância, mas mesmo assim não havia necessidade, novamente na minha opinião pessoal, de tanto pormenor.
Alguns momentos divertidos que me foram arrancado grandes sorrisos, por vezes uma ou outra gargalhada e que tiveram o dom de aligeirar um pouco o drama que se ia desenrolando, tornando as personagens um pouco mais humanas.
Um autor para mim, até agora desconhecido, mas que irá certamente engrossar a minha lista de autores a ler futuramente.
May 5, 2015
Michael St. Pierre is a master thief, but after getting caught because he stopped to help a crime victim, he spends 5 years in jail. On his release he vows to his wife that he will never steal again, and he doesn't until his wife gets sick and they can't afford the treatment. He receives a call from a mysterious stranger to steal an item from the most protected place on earth-The Vatican. While Michael has no real beliefs, his wife does and he hesitates but when the stranger offers to pay all of his wife's medical bills, he decides to do it. He is then contacted by another mysterious stranger who tells him what he has done --- he has stolen the Keys to Heaven and given them to the one 'person' who would want them the most. With the keys in his hands, no souls can get into heaven and worrying about his wife Michael helps to get them back.
This book started a bit slowly for me and I wondered if after reading Doetsch's wonderful The 13th Hour I would be disappointed.... but once the story got going it really took off and didn't stop until the end. This is the first in a series about Michael St. Pierre and I will be reading the others.
This book started a bit slowly for me and I wondered if after reading Doetsch's wonderful The 13th Hour I would be disappointed.... but once the story got going it really took off and didn't stop until the end. This is the first in a series about Michael St. Pierre and I will be reading the others.
August 5, 2012
This book started off sort of sillily, and just got sillier from there. The idea of a thief stealing a precious object from the Vatican isn't a bad one, but when you find out that he stole it (unknowingly) for Lucifer, and then wants to steal it back to protect his wife's soul (she's sick with cancer), you start to roll your eyes. There's not much else to say...I wish I hadn't finished this one, and moved onto something else, but what can you do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2020
A mystery thriller with a tinge of the supernatural that tackles with the themes of faith, religion, love, and the eternal conflict between the forces of dark and light. I enjoyed reading it very much. The author keeps the suspense high, and the action is pretty tense when it comes. It's like a heist movie, where a thief steals something in return for something, then has a change of heart, goes to retrieve it while fighting odds along the way.
What I loved most about the novel is the characters. They're so well-rounded and emotionally relatable, I was rooting for them all along the way. Michael and Marie are such a wonderful duo. I could feel their love, their joys and sorrows radiating from the pages. The author does a good job in developing the relationship between characters, and Paulie, Jeannie were equally awesome, and I would want them as friends in my life. I'm also intrigued by Simon, and hope that he appears in the later novels of the series. I would love to see him in another adventure with Michael.
Doetsch doesn't try to rationalize the power of faith and belief in the story. Hence, we get the instances of supernatural and miraculous occurences. I could feel the fear and horror of the mansion at Bavaria. Finster is a terrifying antagonist, a primeval force of nature beyond life and death, yet, he also seems naive in some parts of the story. Doetsch keeps the thrill of the story by merging the supernatural and mundane in a beautiful manner which made me immersed in the story.
The writing is also quite elegant. There's passion and emotion here, not the dry logical detachment we get in so many thrillers. The ending was poetic and poignant, and it satisfied my feelings as a reader. The characters got justice in hands of the author, and I would love to spend time with them again. I would definitely recommend this, if you love supernatural religious thrillers with good characterization, and a suspenseful story.
What I loved most about the novel is the characters. They're so well-rounded and emotionally relatable, I was rooting for them all along the way. Michael and Marie are such a wonderful duo. I could feel their love, their joys and sorrows radiating from the pages. The author does a good job in developing the relationship between characters, and Paulie, Jeannie were equally awesome, and I would want them as friends in my life. I'm also intrigued by Simon, and hope that he appears in the later novels of the series. I would love to see him in another adventure with Michael.
Doetsch doesn't try to rationalize the power of faith and belief in the story. Hence, we get the instances of supernatural and miraculous occurences. I could feel the fear and horror of the mansion at Bavaria. Finster is a terrifying antagonist, a primeval force of nature beyond life and death, yet, he also seems naive in some parts of the story. Doetsch keeps the thrill of the story by merging the supernatural and mundane in a beautiful manner which made me immersed in the story.
The writing is also quite elegant. There's passion and emotion here, not the dry logical detachment we get in so many thrillers. The ending was poetic and poignant, and it satisfied my feelings as a reader. The characters got justice in hands of the author, and I would love to spend time with them again. I would definitely recommend this, if you love supernatural religious thrillers with good characterization, and a suspenseful story.
August 6, 2012
THIEVES OF HEAVEN (published 2006) was a very entertaining read. I absolutely could not put it down. This book was Richard Doestch's debut novel. Kudos to the author for rolling out such a great read on the front end of his writing career. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Dan Brown's Davinci Code. This novel is one of the best thrillers I've read lately, and although it's five years past its publication date, I had to give it a review so anyone who missed out on it can give it a go.
THIEVES OF HEAVEN is a great pick for any reader who is burned out on the formula-driven, high-action thrillers based around covert ops/military missions and detective stories that are largely all go-action and weak on characters and their lives outside the action. This story is about an average guy who is a reformed burglar who now owns a small and struggling security business. Although he's got a best friend that ends up being his parole officer, the story focuses on good versus evil in the truest sense and there is minimal cop/detective presence.
This story is very close to five stars for me because the action is non-stop, the story premise has an original twist, and it is a real nail biter all the way through. The author manages to pull all that action off while truly fleshing out the main characters without bogging down the action. The protagonist, as well as his friend, Busch, come to life in a meaningful and realistic way. The antagonist is interesting and diabolical. Although there is a bit of 'shades of the Davinci Code', it is not a copy-cat or repeat of that story by any means. This story is very much a fresh read and a great ride for readers who like their action while being made to think.
***SPOILER ALERT***
The story opens with Michael St Pierre performing his last burglary but as he's escaping with the loot, he sees a woman being tortured as he repels past her apartment window. In spite of his thieving ways, he's a good man at heart and rescues the woman, knowing it will compromise his get-away. Flash forward, he's on parole, now married to the woman of his dreams and has sworn himself to living on the right side of the law. He keeps that promise to himself and his wife until she is stricken with cancer while they have no insurance.
He unknowingly makes a deal with the devil to steal the keys of Heaven in order to earn enough money to pay for his wife's surgery and follow-up treatment. When Simon informs Michael of what he's done, and that it will cause the gates of Heaven to be closed permanently to anyone who dies from then forward, he realizes the true cost of his actions and is forced to unwind the damage.
The only thing that kept me from giving this story five stars was the denouement. I wish the author had not killed off Michael's wife. Call me a romantic at heart, but St Pierre busts his tail and loses the girl anyway--bummer. I know that's probably very realistic, since we aren't living in heaven on this old ball, but hey, that's why I read fiction. I want the good guy to get the girl and maybe even a big scoop of HEA in the end, or at least leave me thinking he's got a shot at it. The climax itself however, is awesome, and I guarantee you will be turning the pages right up to the end, just as fast as you can.
THIEVES OF HEAVEN is a great pick for any reader who is burned out on the formula-driven, high-action thrillers based around covert ops/military missions and detective stories that are largely all go-action and weak on characters and their lives outside the action. This story is about an average guy who is a reformed burglar who now owns a small and struggling security business. Although he's got a best friend that ends up being his parole officer, the story focuses on good versus evil in the truest sense and there is minimal cop/detective presence.
This story is very close to five stars for me because the action is non-stop, the story premise has an original twist, and it is a real nail biter all the way through. The author manages to pull all that action off while truly fleshing out the main characters without bogging down the action. The protagonist, as well as his friend, Busch, come to life in a meaningful and realistic way. The antagonist is interesting and diabolical. Although there is a bit of 'shades of the Davinci Code', it is not a copy-cat or repeat of that story by any means. This story is very much a fresh read and a great ride for readers who like their action while being made to think.
***SPOILER ALERT***
The story opens with Michael St Pierre performing his last burglary but as he's escaping with the loot, he sees a woman being tortured as he repels past her apartment window. In spite of his thieving ways, he's a good man at heart and rescues the woman, knowing it will compromise his get-away. Flash forward, he's on parole, now married to the woman of his dreams and has sworn himself to living on the right side of the law. He keeps that promise to himself and his wife until she is stricken with cancer while they have no insurance.
He unknowingly makes a deal with the devil to steal the keys of Heaven in order to earn enough money to pay for his wife's surgery and follow-up treatment. When Simon informs Michael of what he's done, and that it will cause the gates of Heaven to be closed permanently to anyone who dies from then forward, he realizes the true cost of his actions and is forced to unwind the damage.
The only thing that kept me from giving this story five stars was the denouement. I wish the author had not killed off Michael's wife. Call me a romantic at heart, but St Pierre busts his tail and loses the girl anyway--bummer. I know that's probably very realistic, since we aren't living in heaven on this old ball, but hey, that's why I read fiction. I want the good guy to get the girl and maybe even a big scoop of HEA in the end, or at least leave me thinking he's got a shot at it. The climax itself however, is awesome, and I guarantee you will be turning the pages right up to the end, just as fast as you can.
April 27, 2011
Meet Michael St. Pierre, a convicted thieve and now a reformed character. But what do you do when the life of the one you love is threatened and the only way you can pay for the medical treatment is to go back to a life you promised you never would.
Michael has no time for religion but loves his wife who never misses a Sunday at chapel and has religion in her heart. Events push Michael to confront his lack of faith and reassess everything he has thought true and face mans unholiest enemy!
I didn't know what to think when I started this to be honest. The first chapter grabs you with a breath taking daring rescue and then jumps to normal everyday events. However a few chapters in an everything becomes clear. It is a whorl wind story with romance, crime, murder and religion which the last I hadn't expected to be such a huge part in the book.
The fight between good and evil becomes a huge part of the book and whilst a lot of people hate reading about it and God and the Devil I think this is a great read and with so many turns and twists it definately kept it interesting.
4/5 for me.
Michael has no time for religion but loves his wife who never misses a Sunday at chapel and has religion in her heart. Events push Michael to confront his lack of faith and reassess everything he has thought true and face mans unholiest enemy!
I didn't know what to think when I started this to be honest. The first chapter grabs you with a breath taking daring rescue and then jumps to normal everyday events. However a few chapters in an everything becomes clear. It is a whorl wind story with romance, crime, murder and religion which the last I hadn't expected to be such a huge part in the book.
The fight between good and evil becomes a huge part of the book and whilst a lot of people hate reading about it and God and the Devil I think this is a great read and with so many turns and twists it definately kept it interesting.
4/5 for me.
May 14, 2018
Um thriller 5 estrelas! Acção até ao último capítulo!
July 22, 2020
Michael St. Pierre z zawodu jest włamywaczem. Z miłości do swojej żony Mary postanawia zrezygnować ze swojego pseudo zawodu, ale nie zdaje sobie sprawy, że również z miłości będzie musiał wrócić do tej profesji. Muzeum Watykańskie skrywa wiele bezcennych zabytków, a zlecenie obejmuje wyłącznie dwa tajemnicze klucze sprzed dwóch tysięcy lat. Główny bohater nie zdaje sobie długo sprawy, że te klucze to jeden z najważniejszych symboli chrześcijaństwa. Zostają one wykradzione, ale konsekwencje tego czynu są niewyobrażalne i wystawią na próbę lojalności wiele osób.
Ogólnie historia podobała mnie się, ale jak zaczęły wchodzić elementy wręcz magiczne to brew podczas czytania podnosiła się coraz częściej. Nastawiona na to, że zostaje coś wykradzione z Muzeum Watykańskiego wiedziałam, że będzie tutaj prym wiódł aspekt religijny. Ale religia połączona w pewnym momencie z "czarami"? Nie kupuję tego do końca. Miałam za to małą satysfakcję, że autor nie zrobił tzw. happy endu, bo taki koniec chyba zabiłby tę historię. Ogólnie czytało się tę książkę dobrze, nie było jakiegoś niepotrzebnego przedłużania tematu, a wątki w sumie wszystkie, które miały znak zapytania, zostały wyjaśnione.
Ogólnie historia podobała mnie się, ale jak zaczęły wchodzić elementy wręcz magiczne to brew podczas czytania podnosiła się coraz częściej. Nastawiona na to, że zostaje coś wykradzione z Muzeum Watykańskiego wiedziałam, że będzie tutaj prym wiódł aspekt religijny. Ale religia połączona w pewnym momencie z "czarami"? Nie kupuję tego do końca. Miałam za to małą satysfakcję, że autor nie zrobił tzw. happy endu, bo taki koniec chyba zabiłby tę historię. Ogólnie czytało się tę książkę dobrze, nie było jakiegoś niepotrzebnego przedłużania tematu, a wątki w sumie wszystkie, które miały znak zapytania, zostały wyjaśnione.
January 14, 2019
It took about 40% for this book to get going. Once it did, the ride got pretty fun. I'm hoping with the characters somewhat established, the rest in the series will get to action-packed / fast pace in less time.
September 10, 2011
In his debut novel Richard Doetsch explores what a man will do possible save to life and soul of the women he loves, even it means breaking a promise to her, his friends and bringing in to question everything that he believes.
In a small room in one of the most protected places on Earth The Sistine Chapel a master thief has come out of retirement to steal what are considered some of the most precious things are Earth, the two keys to Heaven. Michael who has given up on God and religion has no qualms stealing the keys if it means he may have the ability to save his wife. Although Michael may not believe in the Keys there are those who do and they will stop at nothing to possess them. Michael is unaware of the havoc he will create on Earth if he is able to steal the keys and they fall into the wrong hands. Everything Michael knows and believes will be tested, but everything he does is to help save his wife Mary, in this world and beyond.
Great book, great story, great characters, everything was well done in this novel. There is something about a good old fashioned good vs evil plot line that just that the ability to draw the reader into the story. I really enjoyed this book. Doersch writing style, characters and storyline had all aspects that I look for and enjoy in a thriller. This book does have a religious basis, as it is Good (good in this book is based around the Catholic beliefs) vs Evil, however, I am not religious in any way, shape or form and I really enjoyed this book. I do not think that it was Doersch's intention to use religion in this book to sway an individual to follow the Catholic ways. Religion and good vs evil just go really well in hand.
Michael, is a master thief, but he puts away the only career that he has known for the love of his life Mary (well that and the pesky thing of getting caught). Michael is a strong and weak character all at the same time. His wife is dying and he will do anything to protect her, help her even if that means going against the beliefs that his wife has. Michal also struggles with his own beliefs about and whether he believes in God or not all he truly knows is that he believes in Mary. There is also something about characters for me when they are a Thief. Just the planning and skill that they have to acquire to accomplish their mission has always intrigued me. I find that Doetsch did a great job of giving Michael a believable skill set and I do not think there was one point in the book where Michael did something that was (for lack of better comparison) Dirk Pitt like. Michael's interaction with his wife and Paul (his PO and best friend) are really well done in the book. You can tell that Michael does not want to disappoint or betray either of them but he finds himself backed in to a very tight corner, and he is unsure of which option is the right choice.
Simon's character was also really well done. I think that Doetsch could create a whole series of books around Simon. Simon is a priest who holds a whole different type of sermon, also know as he is a the protector of God and the items He has left of Earth and Simon is not above killing to see that they are protected or killing those that evil so evil is unable to achieve the upper hand. You get to see pieces of Simon's past, why and how he became, essentially a killing machine for the church. There is a lot of depth to Simon's character and I think this book only truly scratches the surface of it (hence my belief that Simon could have a series of his own).
Normally, I do not enjoy books when you know who the bad guy or enemy is, however, in this book I found that I worked extremely well with the storyline, plot, characters and I think the overall effect that Doersch wanted to achieve. Some of the Evil elements/people within this book do have some supernatural aspects, but they are fighting the darkness of the Catholic religion so I think this can only be expected. Plus these supernatural elements are not in your face and occurring all the time, so those who are not a fan of the genre will still be able to thoroughly enjoy this book. The evil in this book is down right scary and even to me who is not religious it made me think, what if this actually happened, which I think speaks to how well this book is written. The evil characters are well done and scary and are shown that they can be any where and no one is the wiser, which is always a scary aspect.
This book had everything that I look for in a thriller, a great mystery, lots of suspense, some action and a great cast of characters. Excellent book, and I look forward to reading more about Michael and I hope Simon too. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for their next suspense book, I do not think that you will be disappointed with this one.
Enjoy!!!!!
In a small room in one of the most protected places on Earth The Sistine Chapel a master thief has come out of retirement to steal what are considered some of the most precious things are Earth, the two keys to Heaven. Michael who has given up on God and religion has no qualms stealing the keys if it means he may have the ability to save his wife. Although Michael may not believe in the Keys there are those who do and they will stop at nothing to possess them. Michael is unaware of the havoc he will create on Earth if he is able to steal the keys and they fall into the wrong hands. Everything Michael knows and believes will be tested, but everything he does is to help save his wife Mary, in this world and beyond.
Great book, great story, great characters, everything was well done in this novel. There is something about a good old fashioned good vs evil plot line that just that the ability to draw the reader into the story. I really enjoyed this book. Doersch writing style, characters and storyline had all aspects that I look for and enjoy in a thriller. This book does have a religious basis, as it is Good (good in this book is based around the Catholic beliefs) vs Evil, however, I am not religious in any way, shape or form and I really enjoyed this book. I do not think that it was Doersch's intention to use religion in this book to sway an individual to follow the Catholic ways. Religion and good vs evil just go really well in hand.
Michael, is a master thief, but he puts away the only career that he has known for the love of his life Mary (well that and the pesky thing of getting caught). Michael is a strong and weak character all at the same time. His wife is dying and he will do anything to protect her, help her even if that means going against the beliefs that his wife has. Michal also struggles with his own beliefs about and whether he believes in God or not all he truly knows is that he believes in Mary. There is also something about characters for me when they are a Thief. Just the planning and skill that they have to acquire to accomplish their mission has always intrigued me. I find that Doetsch did a great job of giving Michael a believable skill set and I do not think there was one point in the book where Michael did something that was (for lack of better comparison) Dirk Pitt like. Michael's interaction with his wife and Paul (his PO and best friend) are really well done in the book. You can tell that Michael does not want to disappoint or betray either of them but he finds himself backed in to a very tight corner, and he is unsure of which option is the right choice.
Simon's character was also really well done. I think that Doetsch could create a whole series of books around Simon. Simon is a priest who holds a whole different type of sermon, also know as he is a the protector of God and the items He has left of Earth and Simon is not above killing to see that they are protected or killing those that evil so evil is unable to achieve the upper hand. You get to see pieces of Simon's past, why and how he became, essentially a killing machine for the church. There is a lot of depth to Simon's character and I think this book only truly scratches the surface of it (hence my belief that Simon could have a series of his own).
Normally, I do not enjoy books when you know who the bad guy or enemy is, however, in this book I found that I worked extremely well with the storyline, plot, characters and I think the overall effect that Doersch wanted to achieve. Some of the Evil elements/people within this book do have some supernatural aspects, but they are fighting the darkness of the Catholic religion so I think this can only be expected. Plus these supernatural elements are not in your face and occurring all the time, so those who are not a fan of the genre will still be able to thoroughly enjoy this book. The evil in this book is down right scary and even to me who is not religious it made me think, what if this actually happened, which I think speaks to how well this book is written. The evil characters are well done and scary and are shown that they can be any where and no one is the wiser, which is always a scary aspect.
This book had everything that I look for in a thriller, a great mystery, lots of suspense, some action and a great cast of characters. Excellent book, and I look forward to reading more about Michael and I hope Simon too. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for their next suspense book, I do not think that you will be disappointed with this one.
Enjoy!!!!!
June 5, 2013
I seem to have read what actually looks to be the follow-up to 'The Thieves of Heaven'; 'The Thieves of Faith.' I seem not to have liked that one. So why read this one? Maybe I thought, he can't possibly do it twice. Or maybe I just wanted to return to the scene of a crime, I don't know.
The plot? It does have one. He needs to steal some keys from The Vatican's absolutely most closely-guarded museum. But that's the easy bit, just the start of his troubles. As that happens about half way through the book, you know Doetsch is gonna have to go some from there on to top it. Or bottom it. And he does. Well, maybe. Well, who cares.
I did read this and enjoy it up to a point. And that point was, where the main villain turned out to be quite obviously The Devil. Yes, him who used to be up there, but is now down here, with us. No getting away from it. It's The Devil. To be fair, the book did have its moments and I rattled through it. But only after a talk with myself, where I managed to persuade myself to suspend belief, just this one (second) time.
To be more than fair, I liked Richard Doetsch's dedication at the front and he means well. But...well, it was all a bit too, much. Too perfect. Too worked out. All the characters were so full-on and written to be demanding of our sympathy, that I came to resent them. You just knew what the main man and his wife would love each other unconditionally. You knew his best mate would be a great bear of a man, who would love him unconditionally. You just knew…well, anyone reading this could guess what the characters' personality was and how they looked, just by Doetsch having written their names down in two columns; 'good' and 'bad'.
And in the 'bad' column would have to be, from a European's point of view, whoever came up with the medical system over there in the USA: Where a guy has to go out and rob the bleeding' Vatican to get the money together to treat his dying wife! That's The Devil, right there. He should have just flown her over to Denmark, while he was down there in Italy and I'd have helped look after her (I work in a hospital) for nothing. 'To whom do I make the cheque out?' 'The what, now?'
I wouldn't doubt for a moment if someone said this had sold by the truck-load. But either there are a whole load of people who don't give a monkey's about what they read, or a whole load of very disappointed people. I don't know if he's written a third one, but I'm gonna stop here. I think, if it hadn't been for the fact that I write this blog, I'd have forgotten about this by the time I'd put it back on the shelf here at Speesh Towers.
The plot? It does have one. He needs to steal some keys from The Vatican's absolutely most closely-guarded museum. But that's the easy bit, just the start of his troubles. As that happens about half way through the book, you know Doetsch is gonna have to go some from there on to top it. Or bottom it. And he does. Well, maybe. Well, who cares.
I did read this and enjoy it up to a point. And that point was, where the main villain turned out to be quite obviously The Devil. Yes, him who used to be up there, but is now down here, with us. No getting away from it. It's The Devil. To be fair, the book did have its moments and I rattled through it. But only after a talk with myself, where I managed to persuade myself to suspend belief, just this one (second) time.
To be more than fair, I liked Richard Doetsch's dedication at the front and he means well. But...well, it was all a bit too, much. Too perfect. Too worked out. All the characters were so full-on and written to be demanding of our sympathy, that I came to resent them. You just knew what the main man and his wife would love each other unconditionally. You knew his best mate would be a great bear of a man, who would love him unconditionally. You just knew…well, anyone reading this could guess what the characters' personality was and how they looked, just by Doetsch having written their names down in two columns; 'good' and 'bad'.
And in the 'bad' column would have to be, from a European's point of view, whoever came up with the medical system over there in the USA: Where a guy has to go out and rob the bleeding' Vatican to get the money together to treat his dying wife! That's The Devil, right there. He should have just flown her over to Denmark, while he was down there in Italy and I'd have helped look after her (I work in a hospital) for nothing. 'To whom do I make the cheque out?' 'The what, now?'
I wouldn't doubt for a moment if someone said this had sold by the truck-load. But either there are a whole load of people who don't give a monkey's about what they read, or a whole load of very disappointed people. I don't know if he's written a third one, but I'm gonna stop here. I think, if it hadn't been for the fact that I write this blog, I'd have forgotten about this by the time I'd put it back on the shelf here at Speesh Towers.
October 12, 2008
This book is about Micheal St. Pierre, a thief with morals. The opening is enough to reel you in. He gets caught thieving, even though he is a great thief, because he stops to help the victim of another crime. Michael is later released from prison and has sworn off thieving. He opens his own business and life is going well for he and his gorgeous wife Mary. Events quickly turn for the worst when Mary is diagnosed with terminal cancer and Michael has no way to pay for the treatments. In steps August Finster, tempting Michael with a heist and enough money to care for Mary. Michael carries off the heist and finds that he has stolen the keys to heaven for the devil himself. Michael then tries to return the keys to the rightful owners, the Catholic church, as his wife's life slips away. Time is running out because if Mary dies before Heaven's gates are unlocked again, she will remain in purgatory for eternity and her soul will be lost.
Very entertaining in a Dan Brown kind of way. I really enjoyed the premise. It was completely fictitious and running completely against my own beliefs, but once I made myself stop comparing the two things I was ready for the ride. I was very entertained and loved the characters......Michael, Mary, (not the devil so much), and Paul (Michael's best friend and parole officer. Who doesn't just LOVE cops? I can't think of anybody!!), and Simon the sniper priest (A good sniper priest really comes in handy when dealing with evil.)
Very entertaining in a Dan Brown kind of way. I really enjoyed the premise. It was completely fictitious and running completely against my own beliefs, but once I made myself stop comparing the two things I was ready for the ride. I was very entertained and loved the characters......Michael, Mary, (not the devil so much), and Paul (Michael's best friend and parole officer. Who doesn't just LOVE cops? I can't think of anybody!!), and Simon the sniper priest (A good sniper priest really comes in handy when dealing with evil.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2016
Que thriller este!
Muito para além do que, à partida, se poderia esperar ... diferente e surpreendente; uma leitura deveras agradável e interessante, até pela originalidade que apresenta.
O autor, um perfeito desconhecido para mim, cria uma história sem pretensões elevadas, mas competente e absorvente, senhora de um enredo bem conseguido e de um ritmo vertiginoso a que não conseguimos resistir.
Abandonando convencionalismos próprios do thriller, este antigo especialista em marketing, recria-o e reinventa-o, mergulhando o leitor numa história que ele não esquecerá facilmente.
É um texto bem escrito, com descrições relevantes e bem integradas, alguns momentos entretidos e outros que tocam as raias fantásticas de crenças religiosas.
Estamos perante uma narrativa que combina romance com fantasia; suspense com princípios básicos e históricos do cristianismo.
Como pano de fundo, temos uma história de amor e uma relação de amizade que, com uma forte carga dramática, sustenta a eterna luta entre o Bem e o Mal, os valores de Deus e as tentações do Diabo.
As personagens que desfilam perante os nossos olhos são bem construídas e estão bem desenvolvidas. Umas são humanas e imperfeitas, simples e simpáticas, como outras se revelam obscuras, misteriosas e infernais.
Sem tocar em nada que chame a atenção pela novidade ou repercussão, este é um livro que se lê muito bem e a que definitivamente atribuo nota positiva.
Eva Laginha
Muito para além do que, à partida, se poderia esperar ... diferente e surpreendente; uma leitura deveras agradável e interessante, até pela originalidade que apresenta.
O autor, um perfeito desconhecido para mim, cria uma história sem pretensões elevadas, mas competente e absorvente, senhora de um enredo bem conseguido e de um ritmo vertiginoso a que não conseguimos resistir.
Abandonando convencionalismos próprios do thriller, este antigo especialista em marketing, recria-o e reinventa-o, mergulhando o leitor numa história que ele não esquecerá facilmente.
É um texto bem escrito, com descrições relevantes e bem integradas, alguns momentos entretidos e outros que tocam as raias fantásticas de crenças religiosas.
Estamos perante uma narrativa que combina romance com fantasia; suspense com princípios básicos e históricos do cristianismo.
Como pano de fundo, temos uma história de amor e uma relação de amizade que, com uma forte carga dramática, sustenta a eterna luta entre o Bem e o Mal, os valores de Deus e as tentações do Diabo.
As personagens que desfilam perante os nossos olhos são bem construídas e estão bem desenvolvidas. Umas são humanas e imperfeitas, simples e simpáticas, como outras se revelam obscuras, misteriosas e infernais.
Sem tocar em nada que chame a atenção pela novidade ou repercussão, este é um livro que se lê muito bem e a que definitivamente atribuo nota positiva.
Eva Laginha
March 4, 2011
Michael used to be a thief--one of the best--but he gave that up to live with the love of his life, Mary. He doesn't want anything to mess up his life with her, as after a stint in prison he knows he couldn't bear the agony of being seperated from her again. So when he is approached my a mysterious man who wants Michael to steal something for him he refuses--but then Mary gets cancer and there is no way he can pay for her medical treatment. So Michael gets involved with this mysterious man's request--to steal a set of keys from the Vatican that have a significance Michael is unaware of at first, and that horrifies him when he finds out. Now Michael and his allies must steal the keys back--or Mary will not only be in danger of losing her life, but also her very soul. [return]The theological premise is shaky at best, but setting that aside there are some good thrills to be had from this story. So if you just want something fast paced with lots of action/adventure to pass the time, this will work.
March 7, 2016
Years ago I had, unknowingly, read the third book in this series and, overall, I liked it. This book however was, to me, just plain silly. Firstly, you expect books likes these to be fast paced, to introduce the mystery, or object being hunted, early on, and for the plot to follow the historical, or artistic clues presented to a conclusion. The thriller portion of this book did not start until at least 100 pages in, by that time I was really getting bored. Also, the pace did not really pick up until almost the very end. What really got me though, without giving to much away, was the ridiculous nature of the villain and why he wanted the object being hunted. It just made the whole endgame of the novel seem silly.
March 10, 2009
This is definitely one of the worst books I've ever read. It's so bad, so predictable and over the top, I just couldn't stop laughing all the time.
Doetsch makes any possible debutant's mistake, it's almost as if no redaction has been done on this book. And I just couldn't get Karl Lagerfeld out of my mind.
Unbelievable this book is even translated into several languages, including mine.
Nevertheless, I don't regret reading it, it was actually quite fun to read, but it was so totally NOT what I expected.
Still the ridiculousness of the story and the good laugh I had about it, are the reasons why I gave it two stars instead of one.
Doetsch makes any possible debutant's mistake, it's almost as if no redaction has been done on this book. And I just couldn't get Karl Lagerfeld out of my mind.
Unbelievable this book is even translated into several languages, including mine.
Nevertheless, I don't regret reading it, it was actually quite fun to read, but it was so totally NOT what I expected.
Still the ridiculousness of the story and the good laugh I had about it, are the reasons why I gave it two stars instead of one.
June 25, 2009
Another incredible book recommended by Donald Maass. It says thriller right on the cover, but it is about the devil and religious supernatural stuff, so I'm counting it as urban fantasy.
The premise and fast paced had be tearing through pages. The end was as good as the rest of the book. I cared about the characters and what happened to them. My only problem was there was no grey to the Devil whatsoever. He wants to go home. That could have been played better (maybe I'm biased since that is what my book is about).
Go read.
The premise and fast paced had be tearing through pages. The end was as good as the rest of the book. I cared about the characters and what happened to them. My only problem was there was no grey to the Devil whatsoever. He wants to go home. That could have been played better (maybe I'm biased since that is what my book is about).
Go read.
July 17, 2011
Although I liked this book well enough to read to the end, I didn't feel it was anything special. The plot was predictable, although the premise was interesting enough. I thought the main character bought into the "keys of heaven" a bit too quickly with little evidence to push him in that direction. Same with his cop friend. It's really hard to see what motivates them to do what they end up doing.
It was a quick, easy read. I will read the next on in the series because I got the 3rd one as a giveaway and I am crazy like that.
It was a quick, easy read. I will read the next on in the series because I got the 3rd one as a giveaway and I am crazy like that.
January 31, 2013
Lacking in believability doesn't quite cover it, but that in itself isn't necessarily an obstacle to a jolly good read. Unfortunately, however, I found almost every single character irritating for one reason or another, and was unable to dredge up any trace of sympathy for any of them. Not to mention the tiresome reminders of how perfect the love between the main character and his (ridiculously understanding) wife was, despite it coming across as mediocre, like everything else in this book. Dire, dire, dire.
November 3, 2007
Boring. Juvenile. Choppy. Not my kind of thing. But I understand there's a sequel coming out in Dec. 07, so I'm not in the majority on this one!
November 5, 2013
Really enjoyed it...so much so that I went and picked up the next book in the series immediately!
March 17, 2026
Desisti...
May 9, 2019
I was excited to read this book. The summary sounded great, but I couldnt make it past chapter 4. Slow and hokey-the predictable characters...
April 29, 2023
The Thieves Of Heaven (Michael St. Pierre #1) - by Richard Doetsch
Even though this is the first book in a series, it's a stand-alone book.
Michael Edward St. Pierre is a 38 y/o ex-convict on a path to redemption. His parole officer, and his best friend, Paul Bush, is a no-nonsense cop that has kept Michael in line.
All of this goes astray, as Mary St. Pierre, Michael's wife is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer and they have no insurance for her treatment.
Out of nowhere, August Engel Finster, an eccentric billionaire comes with an offer that is too good to be true - or to pass. He'll pay for Mary's treatments as long as Michael steals something for him: the most closely Guarded treasure on Earth, the keys of St. Peter in the Vatican. But these keys carry an explosive ancient secret.
From the streets of Rome to a small stone church in Israel - with two stolen keys and the terrible consequences of his desperate, brazen act, Michael is faced with something far greater than he could ever imagine. For the two antique keys - one gold, one silver - protect the secret of salvation.
To save himself, his friend, Paul, and Mary's soul, he will team up with a priest, by the name of Simon to make things right. His enemy - Mr. Finster, is more than what he appears to be and a formidable opponent that has spies working for him everywhere.
Will Michael and his team act in time to save the world? Will they defeat evil incarnate?
Narrated from the third person point of view, this is a fascinating thriller that will keep you glued to the page. The characters are very real - they come out of the page. You can't help but identify with them. The plot is very well-researched and captivating. I had trouble putting the book down.
I enjoyed it very much and recommend it highly.
Even though this is the first book in a series, it's a stand-alone book.
Michael Edward St. Pierre is a 38 y/o ex-convict on a path to redemption. His parole officer, and his best friend, Paul Bush, is a no-nonsense cop that has kept Michael in line.
All of this goes astray, as Mary St. Pierre, Michael's wife is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer and they have no insurance for her treatment.
Out of nowhere, August Engel Finster, an eccentric billionaire comes with an offer that is too good to be true - or to pass. He'll pay for Mary's treatments as long as Michael steals something for him: the most closely Guarded treasure on Earth, the keys of St. Peter in the Vatican. But these keys carry an explosive ancient secret.
From the streets of Rome to a small stone church in Israel - with two stolen keys and the terrible consequences of his desperate, brazen act, Michael is faced with something far greater than he could ever imagine. For the two antique keys - one gold, one silver - protect the secret of salvation.
To save himself, his friend, Paul, and Mary's soul, he will team up with a priest, by the name of Simon to make things right. His enemy - Mr. Finster, is more than what he appears to be and a formidable opponent that has spies working for him everywhere.
Will Michael and his team act in time to save the world? Will they defeat evil incarnate?
Narrated from the third person point of view, this is a fascinating thriller that will keep you glued to the page. The characters are very real - they come out of the page. You can't help but identify with them. The plot is very well-researched and captivating. I had trouble putting the book down.
I enjoyed it very much and recommend it highly.
January 30, 2020
This book was a little hard to get into because it jumps back and forth in time, but once you get past that it is a very interesting, but somewhat disturbing read about the most closely guarded treasure on earth, an explosive ancient secret and a breakneck journey into the heart of the Vatican. A master thief is about to strike in a small, heavily fortified room just north of the Sistine Chapel to steal two antique keys - one gold, one silver - that protect the secret of salvation. However, Michael St.Pierre discovers that what he seeks is actually inside a small stone church in Israel - a place that has been overlooked by others for milenia. However, in trying to get the money to save his wife's life . . . .it brings him face-to-face with an enemy more shocking, frightening and insidious than anyone can guess.
January 9, 2022
For someone who loves mystery and horror this was very interesting plot and i finished it pretty fast, when i started reading it draw me into the storyline, but the revelation was kinda predictable by the end and it was obvious, but still it gets you involved , at the end it shows us the power of love, strength and commitment to risk everything for the ones we care for. It makes you sentimental for the Meri and so emotional that by the end i was so sad that some books don't have happy endings for some characters and that is okay cause it shows us really that life is not always a fairytale. Would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2017
The action never stops — not even when you're absolutely sure the story's at an end. Obviously in this 11-year-old novel much of the pieces pertaining to the Catholic faith come from author Richard Doetsch's wonderfully creative imagination. He actually does a fairly good job of treating the Church fairly, and mostly accurately. I cringed when he had a priest offer his homily in a "cassock," but that's really just nit picky. It's a good read.
November 6, 2019
I was a little confused for the first few chapters as nothing seemed to tie together. Then with one sentence towards the end of chapter 7, everything came together and we were off and running. I couldn’t put the book down once I reached that point. The imagery was extremely well written and the terror was palpable from the characters. I’m ordering the next one from amazon today!
Thank you for becoming a new favorite author!
Thank you for becoming a new favorite author!
May 26, 2018
Very readable, fast paced
A good read, keeps the reader engaged. Minor question in my mind why a couple of chapters were laden with f### when the rest of the book was refreshingly free of any sort of cursing. I learned several things I didn't know about the Catholic church and the Vatican...at least I presume the research was real, it certainly seemed so.
A good read, keeps the reader engaged. Minor question in my mind why a couple of chapters were laden with f### when the rest of the book was refreshingly free of any sort of cursing. I learned several things I didn't know about the Catholic church and the Vatican...at least I presume the research was real, it certainly seemed so.
July 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this story and found myself with an overwhelming sense of compassion for Michael St. Pierre! I loved the combination of practical and supernatural and how it all tied together with some really likable characters. It wasn't all a bed of roses either, there was some sadness to be had in the story, but I would definitely read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews