The Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam

By: Chris Ewan

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Charlie Howard travels the globe writing suspense novels for a living. To supplement his income - and keep his hand in - Charlie has a small side business: stealing for a very discreet clientele on commission. When a mysterious American offers Charlie 20,000 euros to steal two small monkey figurines to match the one he already has, Charlie is suspicious; the job seems too good to be true, and of course, it is. He soon finds the American beaten nearly to death, while the third figurine has disappeared. Back in London, his literary agent, Victoria (who is naive enough to believe he actually looks like his jacket photo), tries to talk him through the plot problems in both his latest manuscript and in his real life - but Charlie soon finds himself caught up in a caper reminiscent of a Cary Grant movie, involving safe-deposit boxes, menacing characters, and a beautiful damsel in distress.

©2007 Chris Ewan (P)2011 AudioGo

A great deal of fun - fulfills its promise

After reading Safe House, which I highly recommend, I decided to check into whatever else Chris Ewan had written. This Good Thief series looked a bit too cute, and the reviews just a bit too glowing, but I'm very glad that those things didn't stop me. To some extent this was a "cozy" but not in the bad sense of the word - no gratuitous violence or blaring sex (Safe House is a bit more raw); a plot that moves along and keeps to the point, twists and all; characters which, although without depth, are clearly delineated; and a bonus - the hero's problems with his "day job" book. Definitely worth it when on sale; maybe a bit steep at a credit price, but I'm finding myself sorely tested to move on through the series. If you like Westlake's early Dortmunder books, or the BBC's Charles Paris programs, I suggest you go ahead and give this a try. Or if you liked this, try them.

Downtown Abbey meets Sherlock Holmes

What fun! and a masterful narration job by Simon Vance. Already read the second installment and laughed out loud so many times. Chris Ewan is witty, funny and with great british self-deprecation that I so adore about that culture and oh go ahead and throw in a smudge of JD Salinger while your at it. Worth a list if you like to smile.

Happy Surprise!

Can't say that I was expecting much. This was one of the Audible Daily Deals but I love Simon Vance as a narrator and the sample sounded interesting so I took the plunge. Turned out it was really good, full of action, with a surprise ending. I will be looking for more of Chris Ewan's books.

Amsterdam, Look Out

Charlie was in Amsterdam to write a new book. He traveled around the globe to write novels. However, Charlie found himself involved with something he does very well to augment his salary, burglary that has a tidy profit for him when it's finished.



Victoria, Charlie's editor had never met but they did talk on the phone. Victoria needed to stay in touch with Charlie this time to try and help him to the correct the ending of his latest mystery novel. She also wanted to hear more about his latest caper.

The character's were not very developed but then the book did not require in depth characterization of individual's. The novel moved fast and it was an easy listen, There were quite a few twists and turns throughout the book that kept me guessing. There was only a minimum amount of violence. Charlie had never had a need to carry until recently. That was a clue that told Charlie volumes about his newest caper.

The book was a good change from the other kind of books that I read. I sat down, relaxed and listened.

okay

Just okay, I don't see myself following this series. Very little to hold my attention it was a little too predictable. I enjoy cozies and this is a cozy type, not my cup of tea.

Simon Vance is great as usual and may be the only thing that kept it interesting.

Immediately Hooked

This book hooked me within the first chapter. It is in first person, and in addition to his interesting sources of income, the main character has a unique voice. His narrative style is very straightforward, and sometimes self-deprecating. He lays out scenes clearly and possible future scenarios in his head with a sense of practicality and dry humor. He even brought Amsterdam in as a character in a way, made the streets and canals feel familiar, in a way better than any travel guide. Not to mention the added bonus of Simon Vance narrating the book, fantastic performance as always. Definitely going to be reading the next installment.

Interesting read

Very entertaining! No down time, moved right along with a reasonable ending.

The narrator was perfect

Funny and entertaining

The puzzle is straight-forward but the characters are very appealing. The thief-writer's friendship with his agent is especially engaging. Some very funny descriptions and situations.

Three Wise Monkeys!

Charlie Howard, a suspense writer, and a discrete thief is approached by an American to steal two small monkey figurines to match the one he already has. Charlie examines the figurine and returns it, believing it is worthless. The American is insistent, doubling his offer which makes Charlie even warier, refusing. Curiosity gets the better of Charlie, completing the American’s request without his knowledge. Putting the three figurines together would complete the Japanese maxim "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Charlie still saw no value in this figurine set. Seeking out the American, Charlie finds him near death in his apartment. Charlie makes a hasty exit. Later, Charlie is arrested as a suspect. What has Charlie gotten himself into? What is the importance of these three figurines? This tale is not as mysterious as The Guide to Vegas. Three.point.five.

Retro Feel . . . Entertaining Whodunit

This audio book was a "detour" for me, and a fun one. I usually stick to historical fiction or heavier crime dramas, but sometimes I like to lighten it up. And this one is just the book for a fun listen that will keep you guessing, a likable writer and thief goes to Amsterdam and solves a murder.