The Good Thief's Guide To Amsterdam Chris Ewan St. Martin's $23.95 November

Author Chris Ewan's main character, Charlie Howard, writes novels about a thief named Faulks. And although Charlie makes a living at writing he supplements it by thieving. Charlie sends his newest book back to England for a review by his agent, Victoria. Victoria spots a major flaw which causes Charlie to stay on in Amsterdam to think through a rewrite. Meanwhile, he's contacted by an American who wants him to steal something for him. How does this American know Charlie is a thief? Charlie pulls off the job despite his suspicions but things go seriously awry from then on. It's up to Charlie to figure out what's behind what he took, who to trust, and how to fix his storyline. The Good Thief's Guide To Amsterdam has an old school caper feel to it. Charlie has a sense of humor, he's handsome enough to get the girl, and Ewan's writing style allows Charlie to stay one step ahead of the reader while still revealing enough information for you to, at least, think you've solved things ahead of him. There's some convincing and non gratuitous violence, some non graphic sex, delivered through clever dialog and plotting, It makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Pick up (and pay for) The Good Thief's Guide To Amsterdam. You'll get your money's worth.

Dave Biemann