SOLVED. Mystery/Thriller - Thief steals from regular "clients", meets romatic interest and can't explain what he does or seem to stop [s]

[Amyjj]

I read this book within the past 15 yrs.

The thief steals from regular clients. Sometimes it is just things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, food. just stelas what he needs to live. I believe he had a bad childhood and there was some backstory that lead him to this life of thieving. He only steals from childless couples who both work. He learns all about their lives and become protective of them. One day he inturrpts another robbery that turns into a home invasion and he saves the female home owner.

He steals small things that he needs, but sometimes larger things - like diamond earrings - that he sells on ebay. He stages these thefts so that the homeowner thinks they lost the item.

Throughout the book he is dealing with meeting a woman he is romantically interested in, but he cannot explain what he does for a career (thief). He tries to stop but has a compulsion to keep stealing/check on his clients. it all comes out in the end when he saves the woman from the other thief.

I think the thief character has some OCD tendancies, he has to do things certain ways - I may be confusing that with another book character.

Thatnks for your help - this book has been stuck in my head for a long time and I would love to read it again and reccommend to others!

[Juels]

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks?

[Teri-K]

Sounds like a good book! I've just requested it from OverDrive. :)

It reminds me of the Bernie Rhodenbarr series by Lawrence Block, which begins with Burglars Can't Be Choosers. You might try them, too, if you haven't already.

[Amyjj]

Something Missing - that's it! Thank you Juels! I remember it to be an excellent book.

[Juels]

You're welcome.