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Something Missing  By  cover art

Something Missing

By: Matthew Dicks
Narrated by: Jefferson Mays
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Publisher's summary

In this quirky debut novel from author Matthew Dicks, career criminal Martin uses his OCD to pilfer items from his victims' houses without being discovered. It helps that he only takes things the homeowner would never notice are missing - like a roll of toilet paper or a bottle of maple syrup. Martin has spent so much time snooping through homes he feels like he knows the owners, but when he starts meddling in their personal lives, his precise world turns to haos.
©2009 Matthew Dicks (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about Something Missing

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Sheldon Cooper as a Thief!

OCD and thievery combined. There were a few times the story could have gone a bit faster - but thoroughness demanded he move carefully. This book stuck with me.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Parrot Sketch Partially Included

Far from being tedious, I found Martin's explanation of his career and techniques appropriate and extremely practical. His thoughts are what drive his actions and therefore the plot.
Many of the other characters are thinly developed, but that fits as well since we can only see the aspects of other people that Martin recognizes.
To some extent, Martin may do for obsessive compulsives what Dexter Morgan did for sociopaths: pull back the curtain a little to show how their minds work and make them more personable.
I was a little disappointed and confused when the parrot was introduced and that subplot began to develop only to be left hanging. Nothing ever comes of it.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Desperately in need of shortening

This book could have been an engaging and interesting novella, but at nine hours it's about five hours too long.

The first half of the book is so tedious that I nearly stopped listening. In that first segment, there is almost no human interaction - just descriptions of what Martin, the main character, does for a living, and how he goes about that job. Plus Martin's thoughts - lots and lots of his thoughts. A good author could have established Martin's character and quirks in an hour or less; here it took five.

When Martin actually does interact with somebody, even in his memory, the book becomes temporarily more interesting. But the story quickly reverts back to Martin's inner monologue - and believe me, it's one boring monologue.

The book becomes more interesting once some other people enter the story, but all the characters share the same flaws: they are shallowly developed and just not very believable.

In short: interesting premise, lousy execution. Whoever failed to edit this book didn't do Matthew Dicks - or us - any favors.



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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Weird, unexpected story

A crazy story with a mildly early ending. I really could have used one more chapter!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful, quirky storyline

This book is a refreshing twist on standard crime novels. The main character is a criminal, but he’s lovable. Follow along with Martin as he stalks couples and robs from them, only to turn around and save the day multiple times.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful quirky mystery story

Starts a little slow but lots of interesting twists in the plot. I really enjoyed this book

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Dull story - failed to interest me after 2 hours

I gave this book three different tries and just couldn't get interested. it was recommended by a friend, but it just didn't have a compelling story or character. Performance was adequate - I'm giving a three because it's not a very challenging role

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Remarkable and oddly heartwarming

I purchased the book because the author is a well known excellent storyteller, and the premise was intriguing and original. The expectations were somewhat high and the book definitely delivered.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

cool concept

thoroughly enjoyed this easy layed back story. His "theft" style is genius! I really liked it!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A few exciting moments in a lot of boring detail.

Too much detail even though a good story. I don’t think we need every single moment accounted for to get the idea. Just okay.

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