The Steal

The Steal (Book 1in To Catch a Leopard series) by C. W. Gortner and M. J. Rose 135 pages 

I was drawn to this novella because of the cover. The woman reminded me of Grace Kelly and Cary Grant when they made the movie “To Catch a Thief.” However, the movie is not based on this book as it was published in 2021.

When readers first arrive in Cannes for the 1957 film festival, they see the area through Jerome Curtis’ eyes. But he hasn’t come to enjoy the scenery, gawk at the film stars, play in the casinos or to watch the new movies. Instead, Jerome is there to investigate a jewel robbery. A robbery that, if he cannot solve, will cost the company he works for millions of dollars. He is confident that he can solve the case.

The jewels have been stolen right under the nose of their owner, Ania Thorne. Her father is the world-famous jeweler, Virgil Thorne. Ania has studied under him since she was child, and at 29 has also designed iconic pieces and is ready to take over the company’s majority.

Jerome is not the suave, elegant Cary Grant figure; he is more of a Colombo. Immediately he suspects a notorious jewel thief whose moniker is The Leopard because he always leaves a leopard print glove behind. Naturally, there is no such glove at this crime scene, which happens to be the fabled Carlton Hotel.

Jerome and Ania work every lead and every suspension that comes their way, whether it be in Cannes, Paris or New York. Their arrival in New York unearths startling evidence and gets them close to the thief.

Of course, I cannot forget the attraction that leaps between the Ania and Jerome. It’s fun to watch them steer around each other, trying to maintain their professionalism.

I’m looking forward to reading Book 2, “The Bait.” “The Steal" receives 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.  “The Steal” receives 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

 

 

Cape May

Cape May by Chip Creek   256 pages

When Henry and Effie decided to get married in rural Georgia in 1957, Effie knew exactly where she wanted to honeymoon: Cape May, New Jersey. She had spent a summer there with her aunt when she was kid. She loved the shore and the hustle and bustle of a seaside town.

Unfortunately, it’s September and the town is basically deserted. A few year-round locals are there, running a diner, a grocery, a hardware store, etc. At first, twenty year old Henry and eighteen year old Effie don’t mind. Both are virgins and enjoy getting to know each other as man and wife. But after a week, they are still rather timid with each other couple and decide to go home early.

One evening, Effie recounts memories of the people she knew who lived on the same street. They notice lights on in one of the houses. They venture over, meaning to just say hi and be on their way.

Clara remembers Effie and invites them in. The house is party central. Clara and her lover Max are hosting a birthday party for her brother, Scott. Young, glamorous, sophisticated people are there, drinking, smoking and dancing. The young couple is both intimidated and thrilled.

Henry and Effie know they should stay away, but the gin and the pretty people keep them coming back, day after night after day. Henry finds himself attracted to Alma, Max’s younger sister, who helps them break into the abandoned homes. Not to do mischief, but just look around.

It isn’t long before Henry and Alma have a torrid affair. The partying gets harder and harder as the young couple extend their honeymoon by another week, eventually moving into Clara’s house.

Maybe it’s my age, but I’m over explicit sex scenes. I don’t feel they add anything to the story and my imagination can do more than a writer can. Therefore, “Cape May,” and it receives 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.