Jill Elizabeth Nelson's Reluctant Burglar ~ Reviewed

Reluctant Burglar
By Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Published by Multnomah
ISBA 1-59052-686-4

Art stole her heart—now can she return the favor?

If Desiree Jacobs knows anything, it's art. Her father, whose security is internationally renowned, taught her everything he knew. Most of all, he taught her about honor. Integrity. Faith. So surely God will forgive her for despising the one man determined to destroy her father's good name?

Special Agent Tony Lucano knows Hiram Jacobs is an art thief. But what he can't figure out is Desiree. Is she an innocent victim … or a clever accomplice?

Then Hiram is murdered. And alone with his company, he leaves Desiree a hidden container full of stolen paintings. But she can't admit her father was a thief! That would destroy their business, put people out of jobs, and embarrass international museums that have been displaying clever forgeries. No, she must find out why her honest father would turn criminal. And she must return the priceless art to the rightful owners without their knowledge. Even if it means facing down a ring of cutthroat art thieves … or accepting help from the man she most distrusts.

If you read this novel, book a manicure. Nelson's writing is witty, her characters multi-dimensional, but above all, the suspense will have you biting your nails. Thus the manicure. Anyone who reads this blog knows I don't DO suspense. I've already admitted to being Queen of the Big Honkin' Chicken Club. Halfway through Reluctant Burglar the suspense was getting so intense, I thought about giving it to someone else to finish. But Jill dared me to finish it.

The story is wonderful—full of twists and turns I never say coming. If you like suspense, you'll love Reluctant Burglar and count it as one of the best of 2006.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
www.anemulligan.com