LA mansions have it all – infinity pools, closets the size of living rooms, his and her master bathrooms and to keep everything safe, high-end security systems. Elle has made it her career to discretely raid the homes of the rich and famous, utilizing her smarts, skills, and small frame. Until one day, she enters the wrong house at the wrong time and becomes entangled in a web of murders.

I loved Elle from the start. She is methodical, resourceful and incredibly intelligent. Her goal is to be unremarkable – banking on her blonde, short stature to appear as just another woman on a run around the neighborhood. I couldn’t help but picture Kristen Bell (which may play a small part in why I liked Elle so much).

Thomas Perry creates a character that sees all angles when casing a house – I found myself learning all the signs of an empty house or where a valuable may be hidden. I could have easily digested a full novel of Elle stealing money and jewelry.

However, after witnessing a brutal scene, Elle must employ her experience in blending in as she avoids detection of those wishing to harm her. The plot moves quickly, and I forgave any outrageous situations because I enjoyed the main character so much.

While the ultimate conclusion was not exactly what I had in mind, I would take another adventure burglarizing those in high places with the lowly, unsuspecting Elle.

Very different, very good

I have been a Thomas Perry fan since "The Old Man" in 2016. Thomas Perry is a thoughtful creative writer who gives us a different story with a different feel each time.

"The Burglar" is a third person story of Elle, a young woman who is a burglar. Mr. Perry's sources of information are excellent and we learn a lot of technical details about burglary. We also learn the logic of a life of crime through Elle's filter.

The writing is even in tone and rhythm, which won't appeal to some readers who want a thriller to be thrilling. I read straight through.

Quite enjoyed reading this book. Thomas Perry is a great author of mysteries. I’m glad the main character got out unscathed.

The Burglar was my first read by Author Thomas Perry. The premise of this book was wonderful. I mean imagine being a burglar and walking in on a crime scene in the home that you were robbing. Craziness! That alone piqued my interest and I knew this was a book that I needed to read.

I won't get too much into the rest of the plot but I will say that this was a suspenseful thriller. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Perry in the future.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

Our protagonist is Elle, a twenty-four-year-old Californian that is also a professional burglar. She was raised by relatives that ditched her when she was barely grown, and so she makes her living taking jewelry from rich people’s houses. They in turn will file the loss with their insurance companies, so no harm, no foul. She is on one such expedition when she comes across three murdered people that were apparently killed while they were having a three-way on the homeowner’s bed. Worse: there’s at least one camera involved. It might provide the identity of the killer, but then it might provide her identity as well. What’s a girl to do?

In the real world, the answer would be simple: you were never there. Destroy the camera, go through the wallets for any cash, then get gone fast. Elle has no police record, so even if she wasn’t gloved up, her prints wouldn’t matter, nor would her DNA. Just go.

But that wouldn’t make for an interesting story, now would it?

Elle decides to make sure that the cops get the camera, but without her identity on it. This adds a twist, requiring her to break in again in order to return the camera once she’s looked at it and done the other things she needs to do, but in the midst of all this she is being stalked by a mysterious black SUV. In time it becomes clear that someone associated with the house, and likely associated with the murders, wants to kill her. In order to stay alive without going to jail, she must learn the killer’s identity and get the proof to the cops, again without being implicated herself.

There are a number of places here where I stop, roll my eyes and say, No way. For one thing, Elle owns her own house. How does an orphaned 24-year-old afford a Los Angeles home? I could easily see her squatting in a house that’s for sale, or even inheriting a house from a dead relative after her other family members scarper out of the area, but to have purchased real estate by age 24? No no no no. How does a young woman like that even have a credit history? It defies common sense. In addition, Elle has a vast amount of knowledge in many different areas despite her lack of formal education. How does a 24-year-old know about the history of architecture in Southern California, just for one example?

But here’s the interesting thing. Despite all of these inconsistencies, I wanted to keep reading. I usually have somewhere between four and ten books going at a time, in various locations and on various devices, and this was not the only good book I was reading at the time; yet when it was time to kick back and read, this one is the one I most wanted to read. And this has never happened to me before. Usually a book with so many holes in the plot and in the construction of the protagonist either causes me to abandon the title or more frequently, plod through it simmering with resentment because I have committed myself to writing a fair review. But not here. With Perry’s book, while part of my brain is tallying the impossible aspects of the novel, the other part of my brain asks, “So what happens next?”

The simple truth is that despite everything, Thomas Perry is a master of suspense. This is what keeps me coming back to him, every stinking time. There’s nobody that writes taut, fast-paced novels of suspense the way this guy does, and so come what may, I had to finish this novel, not out of obligation but for myself, and for the same reason, I will come back to read him again, again, and again

Book Info
Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: January 8th 2019 by Mysterious Press
ISBN 0802129005 (ISBN13: 9780802129000)
Other Editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


From the New York Times bestselling author Thomas Perry, "who can be depended upon to deliver high-voltage shocks" (Stephen King), comes a new thriller about an unlikely burglar--a young woman in her 20s--who realizes she must solve a string of murders, or else become the next victim

Elle Stowell is a young woman with an unconventional profession: burglary. But Elle is no petty thief--with just the right combination of smarts, looks, and skills, she can easily stroll through ritzy Bel Air neighborhoods and pick out the perfect home for plucking the most valuable items. This is how Elle has always gotten by--she is good at it, and she thrives on the thrill. But after stumbling upon a grisly triple homicide while stealing from the home of a wealthy art dealer, Elle discovers that she is no longer the only one sneaking around. Somebody is searching for her.

As Elle realizes that her knowledge of the high-profile murder has made her a target, she races to solve the case before becoming the next casualty, using her breaking-and-entering skills to uncover the truth about exactly who the victims were and why someone might have wanted them dead. With high-stakes action and shocking revelations, The Burglar will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they barrel towards the heart-racing conclusion.

My Thoughts


Elle Stowell is a different kind of character than I usually read.

Her chosen profession of Burglar is one that intrigued me from the get-go when it was introduced in the book synopsis. Elle's skill set is a combination of things that go hand in hand with a lot of luck in my opinion.

That is until with one fateful job her luck goes south and she finds herself on the defensive against an unknown entity who wants her silenced for reasons unknown to Elle. Reasons she has to uncover before it is too late.

When I started this book it became apparent that Elle was one of the rare book characters whose chosen profession being that of a professional thief was not going to get in the way of liking her, for the most part anyway.

When the hows and whys were unveiled in the story plot it became more imperative to me to finish the book sooner then later, which I did with great satisfaction.

Kind of like Cary Grants character, John Robie in the movie To Catch A Thief , Elle remains someone that appeals even while one does not agree with her way of life.

The story has a few suspenseful moments that pass by and are gone too quickly and the mystery elements are wrapped up too quickly as well but as this was an easy read those particular items are easily forgiven.

The author is new-to-me but is one I would like to read more of in future if get the chance.

[EArc from Netgalley]


On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Over the years I’ve been aware of books by Thomas Perry and always wanted to read one. For some unknown reason I just never picked one up.
When I saw Mr. Perry’s latest release, I was excited, here was my chance! The premise grabbed my attention right away!

Elle is living the life of a cat burglar in Los Angeles. No fly-by-night operation… she’s has been doing it for years. Expertly slipping in and out of empty homes as fast as possible. And with all that experience, she knows all the best hiding spots for cash...and maybe a few other gems along the way.

Though Elle may have wanted to do a little more reconnaissance for her next job. Turns out her latest target home wasn’t empty! As she enters what she believes to be the bedroom, Elle is shocked to see three naked people on the bed. And they aren’t moving - each shot once in the head.
While backing out of the room she notices a camera set up... and still recording!

Soon Elle is running for her life. She just doesn’t have a clue who she’s running from! Can she turn the tables and find the person responsible before they find her?

Though this may be an all out thrill ride for some readers, I just lacked the connection to Elle. And was left wanting more from her character...and maybe even the storyline itself. I am glad I finally had the opportunity to read a Thomas Perry book, and though this may not have been the perfect fit for me I will still be searching out his next release.

A buddy read with Susanne,☃️

Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic Mysterious Press and Thomas Perry for an ARC to read and review

When an unlikely burglar stumbles upon a murder scene life gets very complicated. Non stop action from start to finish keeps the reader on their toes. Elle is a formable opponent and manages to keep one step ahead, but just how long can she keep up the pace? Would love to see more of Elle in future books!

I enjoy Thomas Perry and I expect his books to be somewhat short on character development, but have a rapid and deep plot and be extremely entertaining, and this book delivered that for me. I received the book from Netgalley and it was a rapid read about, Elle, the burglar who uncovers a mystery while in the midst of her routine work. The pace was rapid and the story compelling.

3 Stars.

Elle is not just your ordinary gal. She’s fit, smart and she knows how to make a quick get away. Her career is one most people would never admit to, yet all of her closest friends know about it. She’s a burglar and she quite good at it.

On what she thinks will be a routine burglary, Elle happens upon a crime scene. Once she discovers it, her life is in danger. From then on it’s a game of cat and mouse. Elle is being chased - but by whom: cops or criminals?

In “The Burglar,” Elle is constantly on the move, thus as you can imagine this is a fast-paced read with several intriguing twists. While I don’t recommend a life of crime, “The Burglar” by Thomas Perry appears to have a lot of pointers for those of you interested in learning the art of theft!

This was a buddy read with Ms. Kaceey! :)

Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic and Thomas Perry for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Published on Goodreads and NetGalley.

Thomas Perry is a master of character study particularly of professional outlaws who are the protagonists of his creations. The Burglar is a wonderful story of a female burglar, Elle, who finds a triple homicide while on a job. The story is full of characters all looking to make a score. Elle tries to help the police solve the homicides without revealing herself. Eventually, she uncovers the truth, and the ending will leave you very satisfied.

A really good book and I think it will appeal to people who like an easy read. It’s an interesting story with the burglar being a woman who needs to live and focuses on the very rich. Tense and a page turner. Ask for it for Christmas.

In the crime fiction genre, few authors are as well known as Thomas Perry and few books are written as intelligently as those he has authored. Fans of his anti-hero thrillers are in for a treat with Perry's newest, The Burglar.

Elle is a unique burglar. She takes great care to blend into her surroundings, often appearing as a wealthy sorority girl just out for a run. She scopes out the houses meticulously, insuring that there will be no mistakes and no one home to create violence for anyone. Her newest mark should have been an easy one - she was sure no one was home and hadn't been there for a few days. However, once inside she doesn't find an empty home but rather three dead bodies. Covering her tracks, she thinks she has escaped a problem, instead someone now is stalking her! Unable to go to the police for help, Elle realizes that she has to solve the murders herself and catch the killer(s) before they catch and kill her. 

The premise for The Burglar has been written in both books and movie scripts. What sets this one apart from all others is Elle - a woman, obviously - and the skillful, methodical writing of Perry that takes what could be a ho-hum mystery to the next level of edge-of-your-seat thriller. Yes, this is a game of cat and mouse, but Perry works in so many twists and little puzzles throughout the book so that the reader stays engaged from start to end. I also thoroughly enjoy books that feature an anti-hero rather than focusing on the same cop-detective-gumshoe theme. In all, The Burglar is one of the best suspense/crime/thrillers I've read in quite a long time. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy any of these genres. 

The e-book will be available in January, 2019 or you can purchase the physical book now. Either way, I'm sure you will enjoy this thrilling read. 

Thank you to #Netgalley, #ThomasPerry and #GroveAtlanticMysteriousPress for my copy of this engaging read.

The Burglar by Thomas Perry

When I saw the cover and read the excerpt on what this book was about I was really excited to read it. I was given this book as an ARC but that does not effect or influence this review in anyway. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a semi thrilling murder mystery. I have to say that this book fell flat for me. Please do not misunderstand this a good book it just did not live up to what I thought it would be. With that being said I give this book a 2.5 out 5 rating.
The Burglar follows the day to day life of Elle Stowell. Who is a beautiful woman that is in shape and quick on her feet but makes her living by robbing from rich people. She is able to easily get away with this because she fits in the women that would normally be seen in the neighborhood she robs. Things fit that fan when Elle breaks in to a house and finds dead bodies instead of money. She becomes paranoid that someone is following her. Then the people in her life start dying. So, she decides to figure out who wants her dead and who killed her friends. Long story short she figures it out. The ending was what it was (that’s the best I can say). It lacked everything and left you with more questions that you probably do not want the answers to because it will be over explained.
The book although well written gives way more details than necessary. For instance, Elles finds handguns in a house she’s robbing, we are given details about the make, model, and ammo. When she tries to lose the car that is tailing her the route she takes is detailed every time. It just seemed cumbersome to read and I tended to skip over it. I had to put this book down a few times and walk away before returning to it. That’s how annoyed I was with the over detailing for no good reason. The details did not add (it did add to my patience).
The book is structurally and grammatically well written which is appreciated. If you are interested in an over detailed mystery novel but otherwise pretty decent mystery this is the book for you.

I have loved Perry’s Jane Whitefield series, but felt this book fell short of his capabilities in plot and writing. Although well researched, there was nothing that elevated this above an average crime thriller.

The Burglar is the first book that I have read by Thomas Perry. I can’t wait to read more of hos work. He filled the book with twist and turns that left me wandering how the book would end. Elle was a interesting character who was a criminal, but to my amazement I found myself rooting for her continually.
I highly recommend this book.

I thought this book was very original.I didn't expect to like the main character ,her job did put me off her to a certain extent,but she won me over,and I was rooting for her.I thought the plot was interesting,with some unexpected twists.I did think it was over long especially towards the end I was very keen to find out how it was all going to work out and got a bit impatient.That could have just been me having no patience though ,and I still enjoyed the book.Thanks to the publishers and netgalley for an ARC.

First thank you NetGalley for a free copy to review and all comment are my own. This was my first book by Thomas Perry and I enjoyed the writing overall. The book really was a page turner throughout the story although there were some parts that were longer than I felt was needed. I will pick up other books by this author to enjoy.

This is a real page turner of a book, with a most unusual central character. Elle Stowell is a 24 year old house burglar,who jogs around wealthy neighbourhoods looking for empty, rich and expensive properties to rob. She is also extremely athletic, fit and resourceful,and leaves nothing to chance,her surveillance technique is first class. So, when she breaks into a property and finds three dead, naked bodies that have been engaged in a sexual act, she is taken aback. When Elle suspects there is a video camera recording both herself and all previous activities,she becomes an unwilling witness to murder.
Elle is soon literally running for her life, as she is pursued by large black SUV's, that contain people who like to kill in order to protect criminal activities, and as the body count mounts, the tension increases. At times I was acutely aware of holding my breath and willing Elle to survive the many attempts to silence her. Who knew it was possible to root for a burglar to triumph against all odds?
Elle is determined to track down the killers and hand over evidence in an attempt to avenge the death of her closest friend, and to protect her own life.
This book is brilliantly written and so suspenseful! It is very fast paced, tense and full of action. It is the sort of book you enjoy too much to finish! One of the best thrillers I have read this year, a real pleasure to review!
I have left a copy of this review on Goodreads and have given it a five star rating. Thank you for such an entertaining read.

Elle, the main character in this fast paced murder mystery, is a burglar with some ethics. While not especially likeable, the reader may feel some sympathy for her circumstances and life choices. It is certainly an interesting career choice for an attractive, athletic 20 something, to which her looks and skills are benefits.
As she goes about her daily work, she discovers a murder scene with very interesting details, including the video camera, still running. To preserve her own identity she lifts the camera, and the true action begins. Elle must discover the killers before they identify her, and a race to come out alive ensues.
The plot is engaging and the action keeps the story line moving. Elle is not your typical female protagonist, instead breaks some stereotypes along the way. She may not give you a warm fuzzy feeling, but you'll admire her tenacity and resilience.
Thomas Perry has delivered a winner once again.