JUST WATCH ME
Jeff Lindsay
Dutton
ISBN 9781524743949
Hardcover
Thriller

So how does one follow a franchise like Dexter, the sympathetic serial killer featured in a series of novels which spawned a successful television series? Jeff Lindsay, the creator of Dexter, has the answer. JUST WATCH ME, Lindsay’s new novel, introduces a brilliant and sympathetic thief named Riley Wolfe with a penchant for planning incredibly difficult heists with big payoffs. The more difficult they are, the better that Riley Wolfe likes it, and JUST WATCH ME features one that seems all-but-impossible, a caper for the ages.

Wolfe is nothing if not an enigmatic and complex character. We learn fairly early in the proceedings that Wolfe is a master of disguise. It is also revealed that “Riley Wolfe” is not his original government name, either. He is a shadowy figure, all right. What little that we do know about Wolfe comes to light through the efforts of FBI Special Agent Frank Delgado, who is obsessed with hunting Wolfe down and bringing him to justice. A decent bit of JUST WATCH ME is devoted to Delgado’s investigation into Wolfe’s past. It is Delgado’s belief that what he uncovers in Wolfe’s past will serve as a means of predicting his future actions, thus enabling Delgado to be on the scene when Wolfe appears so that he may be brought to justice. The resulting information, as presented by Lindsay, creates a subtle picture that makes Wolfe a bit more of a sympathetic character in the eyes of the reader, if not in Delgado’s. Wolfe, meanwhile, is planning and executing a heist that is breathtaking in its audacity. He is obsessed with executing a theft which would be seemingly impossible to carry out and finds it when he learns that the Crown Jewels of the Persian Empire are going to be displayed at the Eberhardt Museum in New York, under the watchful eye of the Revolutionary Guard of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and a security force comprised of former active-duty members of the United States Special Forces. Wolfe isn’t greedy. He doesn’t want all of the jewels. Wolfe just wants the Daryayeh-E-Noor, the largest pink diamond in the world, which is worth billions. Wolfe recruits a brilliant art forger into the game, a woman who constitutes the only chink (but for one) in Wolfe’s emotional armor. Lindsay gives the reader a breadcrumb revelation of the plot as it unfolds, even as Delgado, being a step or two behind Wolfe, closes in on his target. It’s great fun watching Wolfe execute his plan, which works with varying degrees of success. There are plans, and there are plans. One can’t always get entirely what one wants. Seeing what Wolfe gets (and what he doesn’t) constitutes the entertainment in JUST WATCH ME.

JUST WATCH ME succeeds on all levels. While one cannot think of Lindsay without thinking of Dexter JUST WATCH ME almost immediately erases any disappointment one might feel as the result of Dexter’s apparently permanent absence. While Wolfe and Dexter share meticulous planning skills and a psychopathic world view (as well as a smart, dogged pursuer) JUST WATCH ME is different enough from the Dexter series to prevent it from coming off as a copycat of its brother. I can’t wait for the next installment. Recommended.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
© Copyright 2019, The Book Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

The author has a lot to live up to with this series after the success of his previous series, Dexter. If all of the books are as good as this first one, he succeeds. The main character, Riley, stealing from rich people that didn't earn their money honestly is such a different approach to a series. I cannot wait for the next book!

A Master Thief and His Greatest Crime

An enormous statue by a famous modern artist is stolen from Nesselrode Plaza at it’s dedication ceremony. It couldn’t be done, but Riley Wolfe did it. It was a great accomplishment, but now he’s bored. He wants to do something to top his achievement, but it has to be grand, something to enlarge his already prodigious reputation.

Riley settles on stealing one of the Crown Jewels from the Persian Empire. It would be a lunatic idea to steal it in Iran, but they’re coming to New York City where they will be displayed in a private museum protected by the latest electronic devices, the Black Team, and heavily armed Iranian guards. It’s impossible, but that’s what attracts Riley.

The story follows Riley’s careful planning and the execution of his scheme. I enjoyed the irreverent way Riley talks about his mark. However, it does leave you with a myriad questions about his moral development. He loves stealing from the fabulously wealthy, but just because people are in the .1 percent doesn’t make them less human beings.

The book is a great thriller, fast paced and cleverly written. The story is told from several points of view, although Riley’s predominates. His sections are in first person, the others in third person. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. This is apparently the start of a new series. I’m looking forward to future books.

I received this book from Dutton for this review.

Riley Wolfe isn’t your common thief. He is after big ticket items and revenge on the one “per centers.” He is in constant training to make his equipment, disguises and plans foolproof. Like a professional athlete, he enjoys degrees of difficulty and seemingly impossible challenges. All this is to prove that he is the best and can accomplish his toughest goals, or as he puts it “just watch me.”

In this first caper, Wolfe’s goal is a jewel heist of the premier Iranian crown jewel. This collection is coming to the US and will have all kinds of security from specialized electronics, private guards and military sent from Iran. It’s just the type of endeavor that Wolfe seeks out.

Riley Wolfe is a creation of Jeff Lindsay, author of the successful Dexter series. Knowing this, the reader should be ready for the type of protagonist with a moral code that always considers his objectives first. Do not get in his way, on purpose or even by accident, less certain tragedies befall you! But every “criminal” has someone on his trail. FBI agent Delgado is trying to track and penetrate Wolfe’s past so he can get to him before his next caper.

This will make a great movie, with dazzling escapades, escapes, interesting supporting characters and great settings. Wolfe is not yet as complicated, compelling or likeable as Dexter was for me, but it is still too early in this series to judge – looking forward to some more Riley Wolfe.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Thief extraordinaire

Riley Wolfe is not your ordinary thief. He goes after jewels, art, and other items that are considered impossible to steal. He's been getting bored lately so when he reads that the Crown Jewels of the Persian Empire are going to be displayed in New York City with security measures that have never been seen before, he knows what his next job will be - the Daryayeh-E-Noor, the Ocean of Light, the largest pink diamond ever worth an estimated $15 BILLION.

I've always enjoyed stories about jewel thefts and also treasure hunts for lost jewels so of course I wanted to read this book. Plus it's by the author of the DEXTER series, a favorite of mine.

The story was great. My only problem was I thoroughly disliked the character of Riley Wolfe. There's backstory to explain why he is the way he is but I still didn't like him.

Some of the side characters I did enjoy though including an art forger and an FBI Special Agent.

I'm glad I read this book but it shows it's the first in a series and I don't believe I'll continue on with the series.

I received this book from Dutton Books through Net Galley and Edelweiss in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

Fine, if a bit ridiculous (our bad guy protagonist is just too good at everything) heist novel. It definitely has some Ocean's 11 vibes for sure. This one will be easy to put into numerous readers hands.

Very fast moving, "slick" tale that has you routing for the bad guy (or is he the good guy)! Riley Wolfe is a combination of Lindsay's Dexter & Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon delivering you a great character that plants you deep in the art world but always one step ahead of the law! Come on back Riley....I am ready for more!

Riley Wolfe is the best thief alive. You want it stolen? He can do it. And when the Ocean of Light, an Iranian Crown Jewel, is put on display at a NYC art museum, Riley knows he has his next, best challenge. Because this challenge may be the one that does him in.

I requested this as I loved some of Dexter (the tv show), and have been wanting to read a Jeff Lindsay book for a while. I wasn't really sure what to expect, and I got something a bit unexpected. The plot is pretty standard. There are a bunch of twists, but never fear, you'll see them coming. The main character, though, is where the real interest lies. He's not likable, and Lindsay never tries to make him likable. I mean, did I like him? I did not. But he was sort of interesting when he wasn't doing something very predictable.

This book, while sometimes entertaining, was ultimately just ok. Check out Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows if you are looking for a twistier read. 2 stars.

This is a masterful plot of a season criminal: Riley Wolfe who attempts to steal the Iranian Crown Jewels.
It looks like an impossible task. But Riley's a master thief with help of his girlfriend- an art forger, they try to commit this impossible task.

On the other end, on top of the impenetrable security, Riley is also pursued by a relentless cop who is determined to catch him.

The story lines is complicated and very interesting. When you start reading, it's hard to put it down.

I highly recommend this book.

Since Dexter ended, I've been curious to see what Lindsay would write next. Needless to say, I was thrilled with the chance to read this first book in his new series featuring Riley Wolfe. Another anti-hero, Riley is smart, charming, a master of disguises - and a master thief. Riley shares some elements in common with Dexter, but these echoes don't harm the book in any way! The plot is genuinely fun - and there are moments that I laughed out loud and also was chewing my lips and fingers with nervous excitement (clearly I don't share Riley's cool nerves!!). Plus, this book nicely sets up its series regulars - a love interest who forges art and an obsessed FBI agent who uses his own time to try to track down Riley.

The plot takes some exciting turns, and it's easy to find yourself rooting for Riley to pull off the greatest heist of all time - stealing the best of the Iranian Crown Jewels - a huge pink diamond set in a beautiful crown. It's a lot of fun to read - and I imagine that a TV adaptation would be equally thrilling! This book is fast-paced and just genuinely enjoyable from start to finish! I can't wait to see what Riley will steal next!!!

Strangely appealing for a "fluff" type book...I can't quite figure out why I liked it so much. Maybe it's the Mission Impossible feel, of a super-thief who literally always wins, or the tongue-in-cheek dialogue that doesn't try to be more than it is? I don't know. This book is entirely comfortable with what it is (Doritos vs. fine food) and for that reason, I like it.

With an incredible opening heist, Jeff Lindsay introduces Riley Wolfe, a master of disguise, a thief without equal and a character that you may dislike even as you hope to see him succeed. In an effort to stay sharp and test his skills, he decides to find an impossible target and plan the perfect theft. The opportunity arises when he reads that the Iranian Crown Jewels will be on display at a New York museum. Guarded by a contingent of Iranian elite forces, a professional security firm and an innovative security system, this is the perfect target.

Riley has been hunted by FBI agent Delgado, who is obsessed with catching him. In an effort to understand Riley he traces his life from the loss of his father as a young boy in the South to a life of poverty with his mother in Syracuse, New York. His devotion to his mother could be his undoing if Delgado is able to find her.

Riley’s father taught him that people are either sheep or wolves. Riley took the name Wolfe to honor his father and is capable of attacking if someone gets in his way. He will use anyone, adopt any persona that will achieve his goal and is capable of killing if necessary. He is also personable and capable of earning the trust of his victims. His heist is planned to the smallest detail and provides a finale that is truly jaw-dropping. Lindsay leaves an opening that will have his readers anxiously waiting to see more of Riley Wolfe.. This book is definitely on my best books of the year list and is highly recommended. I would like to thank NetGalley and the Penguin Group/Dutton for providing this book in exchange for my review.

Thank you a Netgalley for this ARC. I am a huge fan of the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. Just Watch Me has a similarity or two, but overall is a unique story. Riley Wolfe is a thief, who is also a master of disguise. Wolfe’s targets are no ordinary people or ordinary things. He likes to steal from the uber rich or from those he finds hardest to take from. Like anyone who is a master at their craft, they want to be challenged. Wolfe finds himself sort of in a lull. A side story here revolves around the care of his elderly mother who lives in a nursing home. If finds something to “pursue” and moves, he moves her to another nursing facility near where he will be. He finds out the Crown of Iran will be on display at the museum. These jewels are worth billions. He is hooked. But these jewels are protected by securities he never imagined. This story is fast-paced and so much fun to read. I highly recommend this book,

If you thought the Dexter series was superb, Just Watch Me is as good if not better. Jeff Lindsey has constructed a superb read!

This author is new to me - well, I've *seen* Dexter but I've not read the books, so I wasn't sure what to expect. .
It did take me several chapters to settle in, because it sort of put me in mind of an old Lawrence Sanders book.
However, once I did get settled in, the writing was good, it was just twisty enough (if somewhat predictable in parts, but that's okay), and I believe this is a new series launch - if so, I'll most likely read the next one to see how it holds up.
This is one of those cases (for me) where I kind of root for the villain of the piece, but I'm contrary like that.
If mystery/thriller is your genre, then you will most likely enjoy this book and I'd recommend it.

Long although fast and easy to read. But it isn’t Dexter. The hero of this highly improbable caper is almost comic-book and it’s difficult to know whether it’s supposed to be serious or not. It was really enjoyable and best described as an entertainment. As the first of a new series it was too light with not enough to hook me and the book’s length demands a serious commitment. Good as it was I probably won’t read the next one unless it’s considerably shorter but without doubt, many readers will love it.

If you have read any of the Dexter novels, you know the author’s tongue in cheek wit. His irreverent and satiric style found me cheering for the criminal mastermind, despite his many flaws. His dialogue, in an attempt to be realistic I assume, turned a majority of his character’s statements into questions. This was a bit off-putting for me as it interrupted the flow of conversation. He also uses a second person narrative, which English teachers may find objectionable. These are minor irritations as the book, as a whole, is very entertaining. There are not too many times a reader finds a story full of crime and murder, light hearted and humorous. But this novel happens to be both, while maintaining suspense. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of #JustWatchMe

This is one of those books that you're not sure if you like the main character. Does he really have any redeeming qualities? Isn't that the intent?
This reminded me of a Jack Reacher movie. Lots of impossible hi-jinks, disguises, strange things used as weapons, and a mysterious character with no background story.
It was good. Not a favorite, but good.

Thank you to publisher Dutton and Net Galley for this ARC.

Just Watch Me is the gripping story of Riley Wolfe, a true master thief who takes upon the impossible feat of stealing the Iranian Crown Jewels. The heist itself is thrilling and complex with high-stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat. And Wolfe was a great protagonist to take you through it. He’s a compelling, twisted anti-hero with a welcome sense of humor who you can’t help but root for. I also love the first-person narration; it was visceral and put you in his mind. However, while we get a chance to learn about Wolfe’s backstory, I do wish there was one solid hook that would really compel us to sympathize with him. That said, I can’t deny that Wolfe is fascinating and would certainly read more of his exploits -- especially if Monique is present! She's a terrific partner-in-crime who provides an interesting counterpoint.

All-in-all, Just Watch Me is a fun and exciting read that doesn’t disappoint.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I was so thrilled for a new Jeff Lindsay book! I love the humor and wit of his main characters and the pace of his books. That said, Riley Wolfe is no Dexter Morgan. I found it hard to like Riley and understand his motives. Lindsay tried to give those motives to us but innocent people were killed and that makes him unlikeable and much different than Dexter. It was hard to root for him. I liked the story and I suspended a lot of belief to get through it. It was a true page turner but I wasn’t too sympathetic with Riley as a person.