Chris Ewan has carved a niche for himself in the mystery and crime genre with his captivating “Good Thief’s Guide” series. Born on October 6, 1976, in Taunton, Somerset, Ewan’s journey from the Isle of Man to the University of Nottingham, where he studied American Literature, eventually led him to become a celebrated author published by Faber and Faber and Simon & Schuster. Before diving into the series, it is interesting to note that his early works garnered nominations for the Last Laugh Awards’ best comic crime fiction category, and “The Good Thief’s Guide to Vegas” audiobook received an Audie Award nomination in 2013. The cherry on top? 20th Century Fox is developing “The Good Thief’s Guide” for ABC.
The series revolves around Charlie Howard, a writer with a peculiar double life. But what makes this series so appealing? Let’s explore.
The Order of Heists: A “Good Thief’s Guide” Reading List
Here’s a breakdown of the “Good Thief’s Guide” books in their publication order:
| Title | Year | Amazon Links |
|---|---|---|
| The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam | 2007 | Amazon.fr | Amazon.com |
| The Good Thief’s Guide to Paris | 2008 | Amazon.fr | Amazon.com |
| The Good Thief’s Guide to Vegas | 2010 | Amazon.fr | Amazon.com |
| The Good Thief’s Guide to Venice | 2011 | Amazon.fr | Amazon.com |
| The Good Thief’s Guide to Berlin | 2012 | Amazon.fr | Amazon.com |
| The Good Thief’s Guide to Christmas | 2021 | Amazon.fr | Amazon.com |
A Writer by Day, Thief by Night: The Allure of Charlie Howard
The series plays on the intriguing trope of a writer who moonlights as a criminal. This concept isn’t entirely new; crime fiction has seen its share of protagonists leading double lives. However, Ewan puts his own spin on it, creating a character who is both witty and resourceful.
In “The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam,” the debut novel, we meet Charlie Howard, an author who uses his research trips as a cover for his safecracking and housebreaking activities. Ewan masterfully blends humor and suspense, crafting a narrative that is both engaging and lighthearted. Howard’s character is reminiscent of Bertie Wooster, with a dash of Philip Marlowe’s recklessness, making for a truly unique protagonist.
The story kicks off when Howard is offered a seemingly simple job: steal two plaster monkey figurines. However, things quickly escalate when he and his American contact are attacked. Add in a beautiful barmaid, an English solicitor, and a malicious police inspector, and you have a recipe for a genuinely mystifying and entertaining plot.
Escapades Across Europe: A Series Overview
The series takes Charlie Howard on a thrilling journey across Europe, each book set in a different city and featuring a new caper.
The Good Thief’s Guide to Paris
Following the success of his Amsterdam adventure, Charlie finds himself in Paris. After a few too many glasses of wine, he agrees to show a novice how to break into an apartment. The next day, he’s offered a contract to steal a painting from the same location. When a dead body turns up in his living room, Charlie is forced to evade the police while becoming entangled in a complex heist. Meanwhile, his agent, Victoria, arranges their first face-to-face meeting, leading to some hilarious revelations. Ewan expertly uses the Parisian backdrop to create an atmosphere of intrigue and excitement.
The Good Thief’s Guide to Vegas
Shifting gears to the vibrant setting of Las Vegas, Charlie attempts to pickpocket a casino magician, Josh Masters. After successfully swiping the magician’s wallet and breaking into his suite, he discovers a dead body. The stakes rise when the magician disappears during a show involving Victoria. Now, both Charlie and Victoria find themselves targeted by the hotel’s security team. With its intricate plot and fast-paced action, “The Good Thief’s Guide to Vegas” offers a thrilling ride.
The Good Thief’s Guide to Venice and Berlin
The series continues with “The Good Thief’s Guide to Venice” and “The Good Thief’s Guide to Berlin,” each offering unique mysteries and challenges for Charlie Howard. These installments maintain the series’ signature blend of humor, suspense, and international intrigue, making them must-reads for fans of the genre.
Why Read “The Good Thief’s Guide”?
Chris Ewan’s “Good Thief’s Guide” series offers a delightful escape into a world of crime, mystery, and adventure. With its witty protagonist, intricate plots, and captivating settings, this series is sure to entertain readers who enjoy a lighthearted and suspenseful read.
