Here’s my confession to go with my review of David Dodge’s To Catch a Thief. I never saw Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 adaptation with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. And, once I read the book that led to the film, I had a hard time seeing either Grant or Kelly in the roles. This edition is A Library of Congress Crime Classic with an introduction and notes from Leslie S. Klinger.

Prior to World War II, John Robie was a jewel thief know as “Le Chat” because of his skills on rooftops and entering windows. But, he was arrested and imprisoned. When the Germans invaded France, they released prisoners, including Robie, who went on to work for the Resistance. After the war, Robie settled down as a farmer in the French countryside. But, someone is now imitating “Le Chat”, stealing jewelry from wealthy women, and Robie fears a couple of his honest neighbors will turn him in. His only choice is to stop “Le Chat” from the thefts, so Robie can return to his quiet life. But, the newspapers are hounding the police to find “Le Chat”.

With the help of his best friend, Henri Bellini, an importer of smuggled goods and dealer in stolen property, Robie goes undercover as a slightly overweight, middle-aged man. At this time of the year, the French Riviera will host the wealthy and the royal, so Robie heads to Cannes, where he hopes to uncover a copycat thief. But, before he can do that, he encounters two young women who have other plans for him. Francie Stevens is the bored daughter of a wealthy widow with too many jewels. And, Danielle, who works on the beach, also does small jobs for Bellini. Both women spell trouble for John Roble.

Set in 1951, just short years after the war, To Catch a Thief is set in the glamorous villas and casinos of the Riviera. There are thieves, ex-cons, police and wealthy targets in this story of theft, and a hoped-for redemption. But, once a thief, always a thief, and there is honor among thieves in this humorous book. I found myself rooting for John Robie, as an investigator, a thief, and in life in this enjoyable novel.

To Catch a Thief by David Dodge. Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks, 2025. ISBN 9781464225345 (paperback), 256p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.