Thief Catcher

                Thief catcher

Families have different personalities, dynamics and goals. Some connect in diverse ways while others are on permanent disconnect. Delia plans a family vacation on a tropical island and can hardly wait for her two children to arrive. Her son comes with a young girl showing off a sparkly diamond ring. Her daughter comes but seems discontent at times yet both children are of the mindset that their parent’s primary purpose is to pay their way.

From scene one we know that there is something sinister on this island. A thief is breaking into rooms and anyone inside is in grave danger. Delia is smart senses that something is off when she gets to know Mary the girl her son , Tristan is going to marry. Why do they not seem like a typical engaged couple? Georgia,her daughter seems unsure of her path, and you wonder where she gets her money and how she bought what looks like expensive sandals. The resort brought Delia in touch with Jeannette from her past who we learn has a hand problem stealing small and other trinkets thinking it’s okay. Trouble with her boyfriend is one excuse and her demeanor and actions make you wonder if she is the thief. Then something happens and Delia and Richard are caught up in diverse ways by some of the guests as she becomes aware of incidents that are not reported. Eric the manager does not want the police called when items are reported stolen. Why? Richard her husband is going to have a big birthday and Delia wants to arrange a party for him, so event planner Nora is the one to see.

From the start you can tell that something is off, but Nora needs to convince Delia to let her oversee the party but not everything turns out the way you would expect and even more not everyone is who they appear to be. There are numerous breaks in to report or what happens to Nora whey did she disappear, Delia decided to take on the role of event planner for the party and although Richard said no she did not listen. Added in John someone that reminds her of what happened when she was attacked by a serial killer turns up and why joins forces with him to find out who it is stealing and even more. Eric the manager seems to know where Nora might be but when a deposit of 200 dollars turns into 2000 Nora is blamed for the error but is she the one that did it?

The thief broke into Norma’s safe and found something of value. Nora did not have anything for value and Jeanne admitted stealing anything she could get her firsthand? Who stole the diamond ring that belonged to a guest and who stole her daughters expensive looking sandals? Nora realized that the room opposite Delia’s was empty when she stated she heard a noise. Why did someone want her to let it go? Why did she love the excitement of catching criminals and why did she team up with John? Delia must deal with her sister, Madison who has taken on the responsibility of caring for her bird which is not an easy task and want out of the job. Her sister is needy and does not work and tries in complete disorder but loose to get out of her job. Getting a handle on Mary is not easy as she is distant, illusive and at times mysterious and Tristan defends her as her actions seems odd, suspicious and we learn that he might be going to work for the same agency as hers in Africa. Then we learn of the murder of Nora but why would anyone want to kill her after she resigned due to the incident with the deposit. Delia and Richard go through many transitions in this novel, and we meet Ingrid, Jeannette, John and others that have questionable personalities and motives for their actions. But, when Georgia is attack, seriously injured, Richard’s drink is spiked and he gets sick, Delia gets hurt we get the feeling someone wants them out of the way but why? Delia’s inner voice kicks in when Georgia says someone is staling her and she feels she has failed her son who was almost killed by robbers, and now her daughter is being talked. She wants to go to the police and is not being paranoid and using her phone she has pictures of someone but who delivered it? Added in there are many other break-ins odd things that disappear and why does she invite all the guests to his party and who changed the tags on Georgia’s gift that was an expensive watch and turned it into a tie that she would never buy? Lives are at stake and Delia is on the trail of a killer she thinks.

As the story gets more involved and we about the murder of the event planner and events that Tristan related to this mother and his relationship with Mary, we also learn about someone out to convince Delia that Richard had an indiscretion with someone else. Delia begins to piece it all  together realizing that the suspect is hiding in plain sight but proving the guilt will take ingenuity, skill and a way to trap the person

Things get tense and the ending will shock readers as Delia places herself in a dangerous situation hoping to trap a thief. Who was the person dressed in white? Just who was Mary? Will they catch the thief before another murder takes place? Family issues, a husband she had to have faith in and trust, a friend who made it clear she was interested in him and hoped to rock her boat.

As Tristan Frost was stepping out of the shower he heard from his mother that he needed to talk. Was it about Mary? What about learning the truth from him would she understand? As she put his hand on the doorknob to the party room he realized that something was off, and his intrusion and faith would kick in. he stepped out of the love and hurried to follow a man that veered toward the front foyer. Just who was this and what happens to Tristan you won’t believe. Mary needed to resuscitate  him why? Who attacked him? Why wasn’t the thief caught? Delia in action and she takes on the thief and the killer and you the reader will learn never mess with this woman when she’s on the prowl and going after the suspect and learn that you will never escape her for you are a thief and Delia is a first-rate THIEF CATCHER!

Fran Lewis: Just reviews