To Catch a Thief by David Dodge - 3***

[Book Concierge]

To Catch a Thief – David Dodge
3***

I really enjoyed reading this classic crime novel, made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock movie of the same name, starring Cary Grant (John Robie) and Grace Kelly (Francie Stevens).

Robie is a “retired” jewel thief. Known as “the cat” for his daring rooftop escapades, he had spent some time in prison but was released to fight with the resistance against the Nazis during World War II. Now he lives in a secluded villa, enjoying a quiet life with friends in the nearby village. But a new series of daring jewel thefts have the police on his trail. The thief is using Robie’s own MO – climbing walls and escaping over rooftops. He must find the thief himself, he thinks, to escape the clutches of the police once again.

Robie is a great lead character. He’s intelligent, cunning, charming and resourceful. Francie (vacationing in Cannes with her Texas-oil-rich mother) is every bit his match: smart, beautiful, astutely observant. And when it comes to the push/pull attraction between them – well, it’s clear who will with that contest.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. Danielle is the young woman who helps her boyfriend with the beach concessions and occasionally escorts Robie to the casinos to add to his disguise as an American businessman on holiday. Paul, the Comte du Pré de la Tour, is a friend and confidante, whose trust in Robie is taxed by the thefts. Commissaire Oriol has also been a friend to Robie in his villa life, but now suspects him. Mr Paige, an investigator for the British insurance company that has had to pay out so much to thief’s victims. And the marvelously over-the-top Texan widow, Mrs Stevens, who is a real hoot.

The pace is a bit slower than today’s mystery thrillers, but still kept me turning pages. I liked the romantic relationships (there is more than one), and appreciated that Dodge left much to the reader’s imagination.

There is a new musical in the works based on the book (not the movie, which deviated somewhat from the plot). I had the opportunity to see a minimally staged read-through (including songs) a few months ago, which is what made me seek out the original book.



LINK to my full review

[Algernon (Darth Anyan)]

I think the link is for a different book. It's not important, I'm just glad to see this little gem from Dodge mentioned

[Book Concierge]

Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I think the link is for a different book. It's not important, I'm just glad to see this little gem from Dodge mentioned"

Thanks for letting me know. Copy/paste is sometimes my nemesis. Fixed now.