First of all, thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this classic novel in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was originally published in 1952, To Catch a Thief is a thrilling, sophisticated, and witty crime novel set against the dazzling backdrop of the French Riviera. It follows John Robie, a retired jewel thief known as “The Cat,” who is forced to clear his name when a new wave of high-profile robberies mimicking his old style shakes the Riviera. As he navigates a world of luxury, deception, and danger, Robie must outwit both the police and the real culprit to protect his newfound freedom.

Dodge’s writing is sharp and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the Riviera’s glamour while delivering a cleverly plotted mystery. The novel is a perfect blend of intrigue, suspense, and dry humor, making it an entertaining read for fans of classic crime fiction. While many may be familiar with Alfred Hitchcock’s adaptation starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, the book offers its own unique charm and depth.

If you love elegantly crafted heist stories with charismatic antiheroes, To Catch a Thief is a must-read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ebook copy. The book took me back to the classic movie, “It Takes A Thief” starring Cary Grant, as John Robie. I enjoyed David Dodge’s writing style. Fresh and descriptive of the French countryside where Robie lives. Robie, Le Chat, is a former gems thief. He comes out of retirement to help capture a copycat (ha ha) thief using the methods of Robie’s “ Le Chat” persona. Such an enjoyable read !

This is the book that supplied the source material for the famous film of the same name starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.

John Robie is a jewel thief, known by the name Le Chat, who was notorious for his acrobatic skills which aided many of his most daring thefts. Now retired from the game he lives quietly, until a copy cat thief begins robbing the very rich holidaying on the Riviera. The police suspect John and he is obliged to hide from them and at the same time try to capture the actual thief.

I enjoyed the book very much. There were a number of excellent characters and Robie himself is memorable. The identity of the thief is not totally unexpected but the last few lines were disappointing. I hoped for a little bit more than that!

This was a quick and thrilling read about a thief named John Robie a.k.a. Le Chat/ The Cat, who came out of retirement to try to catch his copycat. I found it refreshing to read his POV — although admittedly he’s on the wrong side of the law, he wasn’t totally without morals, as he didn’t hurt anybody and would only steal jewels from the uber rich. He was also fiercely loyal to his thief friends, which I have to admire. Bonus is an unlikely ally in the form of Francie Stevens, daughter of one of his “marks”, who may or may not become his love interest. I enjoyed the glamorous 1950s setting in the French Riviera. I also appreciated the simple and straightforward writing style of David Dodge — he was an American mystery/thriller writer who published this book in 1952. If the title is familiar, it is because it was made into a movie by Alfred Hitchcock. After reading this, I am itching to watch the film which starred Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Huge thanks to @poisonedpenpress for my digital copy of the book. Can’t wait for this novel to be published again as one of Library of Congress Crime Classics.

This was the first book I have read by David Dodge and I truly enjoyed his writing style. It was light and refreshing, yet full of intrigue and wonder that really captivated me. This book was a fun twist on a typical crime mystery as we follow along the infamous jewel thief, Le Chat (John Robie). John Robie's character was such a delight to read and gave me Arsène Lupin vibes as being a gentleman thief. Throughout the story, there were exciting plot twists and side characters that kept the book enjoyable and entertaining. I am very excited to read the sequel, To Catch a Spy!

In It Takes a Thief..., the stakes are high, the intrigue is deep, and the tension is relentless. Set against the glamorous backdrop of the French Riviera in 1951, this novel draws readers into the world of John Robie, once a notorious thief known as "Le Chat." After years of living in quiet retirement, Robie finds himself caught up in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game when a "copycat" thief starts stealing high-end jewelry using his old methods.

The story blends suspense, romance, and a touch of nostalgia for a thrilling, character-driven plot. Robie, a complex protagonist, has left his criminal past behind but is pulled back into the world of crime reluctantly. His attempt to outwit the new thief, all while maintaining a facade as a bumbling American businessman, adds a layer of wit and deception to the narrative. But his connection with Francie Stevens, a wealthy tourist’s daughter, complicates matters further, as their uneasy alliance turns into a captivating partnership.

The book excels in its pacing and atmosphere, evoking the allure of 1950s French Riviera life, with its vibrant nightclubs, luxurious casinos, and glittering galas. The setting serves as both a character and a playground for the high-stakes heist unfolding within its borders. The interactions between Robie, Francie, and the local law enforcement—particularly Robie’s old friend Commissaire Oriol—keep readers on edge as the novel weaves in themes of redemption, trust, and the ever-present pull of one's past.

The big question at the heart of the book is whether Robie will return to his thieving ways or find a way to escape the consequences of his actions. The tension between his old self and his new, more law-abiding life adds depth to the narrative, keeping the reader guessing until the final pages.

It Takes a Thief... is a captivating blend of heist fiction and character drama, offering readers an exciting glimpse into the mind of a thief torn between the life he left behind and the possibility of redemption. Whether you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers or classic crime stories, this novel will keep you hooked until the very last twist.

Le Chat (The Cat), an infamous thief, has come out of retirement and is again stealing expensive jewelry from wealthy tourists on the French Riviera. Or is it a copycat ???

The premise was great but I struggled with how dated the book felt. (It was written in 1952 so maybe that was to be expected.) I went into To Catch a Thief blindly, never having read the book or seen the movie. I had the antagonist narrowed down to two people ... and it was neither one of them. I love it when that happens!

Thank you, #PoisonedPenPress, for providing this book for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. To Catch a Thief has an expected publication date of April 1, 2025.

This 1951 thriller, better known for the Hitchcock film based on it, is a cozy, escapist adventure on the French Riviera. Retired thief Le Chat is forced to flee his home when a copycat thief puts the police on his tail. With the help of fellow thieves/maquis comrades, he needs to find the real thief to clear his name. With a comfortable degree of suspense and vintage aesthetics, it all turns out okay in the end.
This updated edition is nice; it includes a good introduction, piece on the author, and endnotes to each chapter (including translations of French terms). It suggests the film does not share much substance with the book, but now I want to find out!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

A Dazzling Plot..
Much honour amongst thieves in this most recent Library of Congress Crime Classic reissue when the infamous ‘Le Chat’ seemingly comes out of retirement to target wealthy individuals on the French Riviera - but is it really the infamous jewel thief or has someone decided to copycat his antics? A true classic with a dazzling plot littered with twists and turns aplenty, a lively narrative, colourful and well drawn characters all in a sharply painted backdrop. A delight.

This was not totally my cup of tea. It was somewhat interesting, but I think I got lost in some of the language and subtitles. I think the premise was good and I did understand it. Just not my favorite. It totally might be for someone else who enjoys mystery though.
2.5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"To Catch a Thief" by David Dodge is a classic tale of intrigue and suspense that blends romance, mystery, and adventure. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the French Riviera, this novel captivates readers with its charming protagonist and captivating storyline.

This novel follows John Robie, a former jewel thief known as "The Cat," who has retired to a quiet life in the French countryside. However, when a series of high-profile thefts threaten to implicate him, Robie must come out of retirement to catch the real culprit and clear his name. Along the way, he teams up with the stunning and resourceful American heiress, Frances Stevens, whose curiosity and determination add a delightful dynamic to the story.

David Dodge's writing is sharp and evocative, creating a vivid sense of place that transports readers to the sun-soaked streets and luxurious villas of the Riviera. His characters are well-drawn and engaging, with Robie's suave charm and Frances's spirited wit making for an irresistible duo. The dialogue is snappy and humorous, adding a touch of lightness to the tension-filled plot.

The pacing of "To Catch a Thief" is expertly managed, with each twist and turn keeping readers captivated. Dodge masterfully balances moments of suspense with scenes of romance and levity, making for a well-rounded enjoyable read. The novel's climax is thrilling and satisfying, tying together the various threads of the story in a way that leaves readers thoroughly entertained.

Through Robie's journey, Dodge delves into the complexities of leaving behind a life of crime and the challenges of proving one's innocence. The chemistry between Robie and Frances also adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the power of partnership and mutual respect.

"To Catch a Thief" is a timeless and captivating novel that showcases David Dodge's talent for crafting engaging and memorable stories. It is a must-read for fans of classic mysteries and anyone who enjoys a well-told tale of adventure, romance, and suspense. This novel's charm and excitement make it a delightful escape into a world of glamour and intrigue.

To Catch A Thief has to be one of my favorite movies of all times. Every time I watch it I escape into a good plot, good characters and an amazing setting in France. I had never read the novel upon which this popular film is based, so was thrilled when it was available on NetGalley.

I very much enjoyed this version of the story. It is suspenseful and stands the test of time. I highly recommend it. Jewel thieve…beware!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

The French Riviera is a popular place for the rich and famous, and also for those who prey upon their fortunes. John Robie is one of those who go to the Riviera. Of particular interest are diamonds and pearls. Many are trying to capture him; nicknamed “Le Chat”.

The French police and insurance companies know of their expensive baubles and have undercover gendarmes who monitor the ladies.

This book is well written and illuminates the underbelly of life in the South of France. A thief must be very smart, agile, and extremely athletic to pull off some of the burglaries that ensue. I found it a good primer for anyone who wishes to become a cat burglar. Enjoy the story and the experience. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

“To Catch a Thief” was a great classic mystery. It was full of intrigue and fun twists and turns. It kept me guessing the whole time. The characters were great and the scenery was also great. I thought this edition was great. I would definitely recommend this version.

classic-crime, France, Monaco, jewel-thief, post-WW2, romantic, disguises, suspense, cat-burglar*****

Read this original and very well-written story first, and I can guarantee that you'll not only love the prose, the classic mystery, descriptions of disguises and scenery but gain a finer appreciation of the film (also a classic). The characters come alive as written and are much more real than in the film.
Don't skip any of the background info or footnotes!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-proof from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley.
#To Catch a Thief by David Dodge Current Pub Date Apr 01 2025 #Originally1952 #Film1955
@poisonedpenpress @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial #HistoricalMystery @barnesandnoble @waterstones ***** Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org #Suspense @bookshop_org_uk #LibraryOfCongressCrimeClassics #ClassicMystery

Overall, this was really good. It just wasn’t for me and I found myself a little bored by it. I would still recommend it. The only thing I really didn’t like was the ending but yeah, overall it was a pretty good book.

ust shy of the 70th anniversary of its release, David Dodge’s To Catch a Thief remains as clever and suspenseful as ever. How grateful I am to Poisoned Pen Press for reissuing this heart-stopping thriller!

American-born cat burglar John Robie has been retired from jewel robbery for years now, leaving in obscurity in Vence in southeastern France, near the French Riviera. The local commissaire, Oriol, realizes that Robie was Le Chat, an acrobatic cat burglar who was an international sensation before being arrested. Robie’s unofficially pardoned for his part in the French Resistance during World War II and looks the other way.

Robie’s placid existence ends when a copy-cat cat burglar begins stealing jewels during the high season in the French Riviera. Their styles are so similar that Robie flees and, through his Resistance pals (nearly all of them still a bit crooked) masquerades as an American insurance agent newly arrived from New York City. The gang decides that the only way to clear Robie is to nab the cat burglar because “To catch a thief, it takes a thief.”

No less than Alfred Hitchcock turned this Golden Age gem into a 1955 film starring Carey Grant and Grace Kelly. I can assure you that — as usual — you’ll love the book more than the movie. Highly, highly recommended.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! I was intrigued from start to finish and I could not finish it fast enough!

It takes a thief to catch a thief, as the saying goes. This book, dripping with evocative post-WWII locals, is a classic and our mystery readers will love it.

Definitely keeps your attention. Read in one sitting book. Give action and can visualize the scenes. I enjoyed it.