Such an unexpected little gem to find on NetGalley! This is a slightly more “cozy” mystery than I usually read - it is a sort of Ocean’s Eleven style novel about a con artist pulling off one last big con. I was drawn to the book because of the Bay Area location, and probably loved this book a bit more for its locale. But it’s an extremely well-written, tightly plotted and fun caper book which I would have enjoyed regardless of the setting.

I have been obsessed with the TV show Million Dollar Listing lately so when I read the description of this book I knew it was the book for me!

The Agent is a charming taIe of a con artist who pursues divorcees selling their expensive homes in San Francisco. This book gave me Oceans Eleven vibes; a devious woman pulling off her last con.

I was very surprised to hear that this is Roberts' debut novel. This book is expertly written and has many twists and turns. The short chapters make this a very easy read and I really enjoyed picking it up.

I was a bit disappointed by the ending as I expected more. It was very predictable and did not shock me. However, I would recommend this book since it is not your typical read and is fast paced and exciting!

“The Agent” by Marsha Roberts is a “charming” and devious con-artist tale based upon vulnerable “marks” selling expensive property in the San Francisco bay area. Victoria Clifford is the real estate agent who works with her Swiss-based brother Theo and their local psychic aunt Vera. Victoria works hard to set up her victim building confidence and making connections but being very careful to cover her tracks. This is not their first “rodeo” but are they getting too confident, or will they get away with it one more time?

It's hard to root for scammers preying on innocent women, and the scams themselves carry that same weight of disappointment for the victim that I wondered where I was supposed to be in this novel. On the fence works best. I didn't quite trust the bad guys to completely dupe the good gal, but I guess I enjoyed watching it unfold. The gift from the victim to her realtor friend didn't fool me for a second, so I waited for it to turn up again. Ultimately, if you think justice was done, then I give you permission to enjoy the scam. If you don't, well trust the system a little more!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Excellent. I've been in the mood for a book about a con artist lately.and this was a lot of fun. It picks up speed as it goes along and included great characters in surprising plot twists. Recommended.

I really appreciate the review copy!

What a great find!
Thanks to other reviewers for putting this one on my radar! This was an easy to read crime thriller that had me captivated from start to finish. This is one of those can’t put down books!!!
The author does a great job of not only portraying the characters in their individual roles but also in the intertwined relationships that happen along the way. The storyline of Victoria the real estate con artist unfolds at a quick pace but also takes the time to develop the “why”. There are all kinds of scheming going on in this book; relationships, business & even a physic!!!
There are several twists and turns and “ah hah” moments that happen just when you think I know where this is going... surprise...you don’t!
I highly recommend this book and can not wait to read more from this author!!!
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, thank you to Goodreads friends who put this one on my radar as I wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on this one! Victoria Clifford is beautiful, wealthy and has a good life. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and her job is in real estate. Maribeth Simmons has a house in Marin County to sell, it’s a lifeless, large property with spectacular views. Vera Peterlin is a very successful psychic in San Francisco and is Aunt to Victoria and Theo. What unfolds is a caper worthy of one of my favourite television shows ‘Hustle’.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, there’s an element of fun combined with suspense, although if you are the mark I daresay it wouldn’t be much laughter! The characters are good, the premise and plot are plausible, it’s well written and there is plenty of intrigue and suspense to keep you hooked until the end. I love the San Francisco/Marin County setting which brings back great holiday memories. I could taste the wine in Sonoma with Victoria and Maribeth, see the fantastic SF skyline through their eyes as well as the redwoods of Marin County. I really like the end which leaves you wanting more.

Overall, this is an excellent debut and I can’t wait to read more from Marsha Roberts.

With thanks to NetGalley and Easy Riter Press.

4+

Creative and written with style and humour. Con artist on her last con job. High stakes, family issues. Will it be successful or not?
Great characters, intelligent and entertaining read.

Such an unexpected little gem to find on NetGalley! This is a slightly more “cozy” mystery than I usually read - it is a sort of Ocean’s Eleven style novel about a con artist pulling off one last big con. I was drawn to the book because of the Bay Area location, and probably loved this book a bit more for its locale. But it’s an extremely well-written, tightly plotted and fun caper book which I would have enjoyed regardless of the setting.

*Stefan voice* This book has everything: a crooked real estate agent, a woman playing a psychic in a con who is also actually psychic, red herrings, glamorous makeovers, double crosses, and cocaine in a moisturizer jar. (You’ll have to read the book for more details on that.) I was really impressed with this author’s creativity and really enjoyed her writing style. I took off one star because I did not love the ending and was hoping it would go a different way, but it was still a very fun read.

This little book may not be on your radar, but if you’re in the mood for a fun, escapist fantasy about a con job, this one is very well-written and amusing, and better than some of my usual domestic thrillers I’ve read lately. Especially if you know and love Marin County and SF.

Thanks to NetGalley, Marsha Roberts and Book Alchemist for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!