Once a Thief

By: Christopher Reich

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Facing enemies at every turn, private spy Simon Riske dashes across Europe to find the truth behind a mysterious investor in this high-stakes international espionage series: "comparison to the Bond novels is apt in many ways." (Booklist)

Simon Riske sits in sun-dappled Napa Valley, toasting the record hundred-million-dollar sale of a rare 1963 Ferrari which he restored himself. The buyer, a sophisticated French woman, Sylvie Bettencourt, has purchased the car for an unnamed client whose anonymity she will guard at all costs. Riske enjoys her company and the flowing champagne until Sylvie’s formidable Russian bodyguard storms in, claiming the vehicle is a fake. Riske is given an ultimatum. Prove the car is the real thing…or else.

Meanwhile, in Lugano, Switzerland, Carl Bildt, banker to the rich and nefarious, is killed by a powerful car bomb, moments before he can deliver evidence to the authorities and disappear into witness protection. His beautiful and headstrong daughter, Anna, rushes to Switzerland to investigate her father’s violent death.

As Simon Riske strives to prove the Ferraris’ authenticity and look deeper into Sylvie’s past–and the identity of her client—he crosses paths with Anna Bildt and discovers they have an enemy in common. From the bustling streets of London to a secret outpost high in the French Alps, from the freeports of Corsica to the glittering beaches of the Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast, of Sardinia, Riske and Anna find themselves players in a deadly game, where billions of dollars change hands and knowledge is paid for with your life.

Told with Reich’s signature stylish prose, clever plotting, and pulse-pounding action sequences, Once a Thief, is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. Riske may be a bit older, showing a little wear and tear, but his desire to get the job done at any cost is stronger than ever.

Critic reviews

Praise for Chris Reich, and the Simon Riske series!—`

"An out-of-control joyride for those who like their heroes flawed, scarred, and on the edge. Reich has created an irresistible character that will leave readers both wincing and cheering with every page."

—Kyle Mills, #1 bestselling author of Fade and Rising Phoenix

"It's To Catch a Thief meets Jason Bourne: a stylish, jet-propelled thriller full of intriguing characters and surprising twists. Simon Riske is a character I'll want to meet again."
—Jeff Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of Blame

"Likable, rascally, and suave, Riske is as distinctive as Reich's other series lead, Jonathan Ransom."

—Publishers Weekly

Outstanding!

I don't want to give away anything but if you don't read this book You're cheating yourself out of an excellent listen. The narrator was superb mastering all the languages, but the content and one of my favorite authors of all time, Christopher Reich just killed it with this one!
Thank You, you made my hikes, and my
bike rides fly by.

Outstanding

I have enjoyed all of the installments of this series. This was the best installment to date. The authors really had me wondering what was going on with the main character. Plenty of twists and turns to hold your interest and great narration keeps the story moving. If you like the Riske series, you will like this book. Well done!

Big surprise at the end!

Another excellent Simon Riske book! Reader also excellent. I wish there was a book 5! Maybe the author’s other books?

Another great

Another great novel by Christopher Reich. The Simon Risk series in particular has been A+ and hopefully there is more. I really liked the storyline and the pace was just right. If there was one part to improve, then more character development, but that’s like a teacher just looking for an excuse to use their red pen. I liked how the ending came together. Reich has become one of my (if not thee) favorite authors.

Best one yet!

Great story and performance. Great series. I look forward to the next installment in the series.