Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown / an atmospheric romantic suspense

Book Review: Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown

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While reading Thick as Thieves I realized how much I love romantic suspense novels. Nowadays, reading them between all the heavier books, I enjoy them even more. The combination of mystery and romance really works for me. It keeps me on my toes but also gives me the romantic element I enjoy so much.

Twenty years ago in the dead of night, four seemingly random individuals pulled the ultimate heist and almost walked away with half a million dollars. But by daybreak, their plan had been shot to hell. One of them was in the hospital. One was in jail. One was dead. And one got away with it.

Arden Maxwell, the daughter of the man who disappeared all those years ago — presumably with the money, after murdering his accomplice — has never reconciled with her father’s abandonment of her and her sister. After countless personal setbacks she decides to return to her family home near mysterious Caddo Lake, and finally get answers to the many questions that torment her. Little does she know, two of her father’s co-conspirators — a war hero and a corrupt district attorney — are watching her every move.

Ledge Burnet, a rebellious teen at the time of the heist, evaded his jail sentence by enlisting in the army. Now he’s back in town to care for his ailing father — and to keep his eye on the county’s corrupt district attorney, whom he suspects was the real murderer. Although the two are bound to silence because of the crime they committed together, each has spent years waiting and hoping that the other will make a fatal misstep. But the arrival of their elusive accomplice’s daughter, Arden, who may know more about the missing money than she’s telling, sets them both on red alert. She ignites Ledge’s determination to expose the D.A.’s treachery . . . and sparks a desire he wishes to deny.

Book Review: Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown

MY THOUGHTS

Sandra Brown has been one of my go to authors for many years, right along Nora Roberts, Linda Howard and Jayne Ann Krentz. I remember going to the library and getting their books by the bucketload. I carried home stacks of books, and had high piles on my nightstand for weeks on end.

Nowadays, I usually read a handful romantic suspense a year. And I cherish them for their ability to suck me in, entertain me, keep me on my toes and give me the romantic element I love so much.

Last year’s Outfox was brilliant with its cat and mouse game, this year Thick as Thieves delivers with a dark and atmospheric robbery gone bad.

Also, it’s best to go into this book blind.

What I’ve noticed is that Sandra Brown does small town romantic suspense really well. The greediness that comes with too much power. The gossip. And everyone knowing everyone and everything. It makes for a great background for a robbery and murder.

The romance between Ledge and Arden was a slow burn, with some sizzle thanks to their mutual attraction. And Ledge was a guy I really enjoyed. He could be an ass, but had his reasons, and his brooding demeanor was right up my alley. I also enjoyed how much Arden had him figured out from the get-go. They made for a great couple.

After a slower start, the plot started moving in the second half of the book. And the twist at the end was one I saw not coming. Overall the book was solid. And delivered in every way – entertainment and a fast read.

The only complaint I have is that the ending is never satisfyingly long enough. Sandra Brown needs to start writing epilogues, or longer endings. Also, as with many of my other favorite authors, their writing has changed significantly over the years. I still love me a Sandra Brown novel, but it’s not the same as it was 10 years ago.

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Book Review: Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown