Thieves, Steven Max Russo's debut thriller, was a novel that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. There is non-stop action, fast pacing, a suspense-filled plot that is unpredictable and full of twists most of which completely blindsided me. Each of the characters are well-drawn and intriguing, so much so that I got behind them and could relate to them from the first introduction. Russo's descriptive prose is vivid and you feel you are part of the story rather than someone being based on the outside. You really feel sorry for Esmeralda and can relate to her struggles.

I read this in one glorious sitting as I needed to know the resolution and by the time I retired to bed, it was 5AM. I hope this is the first of many books the author gets published as he is a serious talent and a master craftsman when it comes to putting together an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride. I genuinely had chills and goosebumps at certain parts throughout this compulsively readable novel. I know this will stay with me for a long time to come. At its core, this is heavily based around a warning that people simply cannot be trusted and the effects and aftermath of betrayal. Highly Recommended.

Many thanks to Down & Out Books for an ARC.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview THIEVES by Steven Max Russo. WOW - this was really good! I must say this book was one that I could not put down.

Without giving anything away, the plot starts with the killing of a young man - "they" want information on someone and this young man has given them all he knows. And vividly, the writer tells you that this young man will not see the light of day.
Flash to another young man and his friend who have a plan to rob a house. The owners are gone on vacation and they have heard from a young girl who cleans the house that there is alot of money, jewelry and valuable to be taken. All she wants is a piece of the action when they are done.
The duo quickly realize they do not trust each other and that's where the story really gets interesting.
This is fast moving and unpredictable. Great characters, vivid descriptions and scary as hell. Great read - recommend - 5 stars.

Sometimes it’s better to not share everything you know. Esmeralda finds out in a serious way that loose lips do a lot more than sink ships. Seemingly innocent conversation turns deadly. Russo has created a tense plot in this thriller which, hopefully, leads to many more stories from the talented author.