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grayciouslygreyreader's Reviews (142)
To Catch a Spy by Mark ONeill is so special because it’s the estate-approved sequel of, To Catch a Thief by David Dodge.
I really enjoyed To Catch a Thief which was written in 1952. Mark is also a huge fan of the book since his teenage years. He decided down the road to write a sequel to the book even without any writing experience, and spent years learning as this became a passion piece for him. He contacted the estate, and after they saw the first few chapters they gave him permission to continue the story.
Let me tell you… he nailed it. This book doesn’t skip a beat. This book truly feels like it was written in the same style as if David Dodge wrote it, yet Mark ONeill is still able to make it his own. The story takes place one year later with many of the same characters including John Robie (Le Chat) and Francie Stevens with her mother. Sadly we find out after catching the copycat thief they are not together anymore as the original book ended. Francie is now with someone new, and she is modeling in the very first fashion week in the French Riviera. We are introduced to some new characters, besides Francie’s new boyfriend, a clothing designer, and the tailor. There is a lot of mystery between some of these characters. Are they really who they seem to be? John hangs around in the background attempting a couple times to chat with Francie, when he finally does she explains why they didn’t work out. John feels he hasn’t explained himself well and continues to stick around to figure out why some things just don’t add up.
Just like with the original, we start out with another thrilling chase scene. There is lots of action, glamour, vintage flair, deception, and mystery throughout. Do you need to read To Catch A Thief first, no but I do think it will help with background. That being said, To Catch a Spy is set up to enjoy on its own. This was such a great follow up to the original and I throughly enjoyed the adventure again with John Robie.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley, and Mark ONeill for a gifted advance reader copy.
