The Thief

The Thief is Book 2 in Patricia Logan's The Marine Bodyguards series. Though one of the MC's, Ranger, is mentioned briefly in the first book, and Taz and Storm are briefly in this book, this book is able to be read/listened to as a standalone. Ranger is close to being homeless and takes a job as a bodyguard to a very wealthy insurance appraiser. Ranger is suspicious of Landry's wealth and his need for a bodyguard. But, Ranger is desperate for a job, food and a roof over his head. He pays attention to all going on and works to determine what secrets his new boss is hiding. His suspicions are really aroused when police detectives show up to question his boss about a stolen painting he had appraised. Even though Landry is able to answer the detective's questions, and his answers sound plausible, Ranger is suspicious.

Landry has a lot to hide and isn't happy when his assistant insists that he have a bodyguard. Landry is close to completing his grandfather and father's work, but it's getting more dangerous. Someone is after him, and doesn't hesitate to kill those who get in his way. He's not prepared for his attraction to Ranger and though he doesn't want to, he has to trust him to help him. But, it all comes to a head and everyone's safety is at risk.

This was a very interesting story with a lot of sad history involved. And I didn't like Landry until I had more information about why he does what he does. Until that point, I was ready to turn Landry over to the police myself! While I'm no history buff, it certainly makes the reader pause and think about those moments in history, and what was done to people because of hate. And, maybe in 2017, it's a very important reminder of a very ugly part of history.

The narrator of this story is Michael Pauley. I've listened to this narrator's work before and am a fan! He always does a fantastic job of a bringing a story and characters to life. He's able to give individual voices and bring the appropriate emotions out in a story. He had a great voice and keeps a good pace. But, something I was not a fan of in this audio was the pauses at the end and beginning of each chapter and the music that would play. The first couple of chapters I thought something was wrong with the audio, or my phone, and kept checking to make sure it was ok. I really felt that this drew me away from the story and didn't enhance it in any way.

The relationship between Ranger and Landry was much easier than the relationship in the first book, and once all information was shared, the characters were both very likeable. There was a great supporting cast and some funny moments in such a serious book. There was a lot more mystery, intrigue and danger in this book that was really well done. I was taken by surprise by who ended up being the bad guy in this book! I definitely recommend listening, or reading, both books in the series!

Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars