The words "Simon R. Green" on the cover led me to expect that there would be disturbing amounts of violence and other disturbing things within, and also that it would be a well-written story with a heroic arc. All of this was, in fact, the case. 

An optimistic thief and con-man who has recently taken on the pre-existing identity of Gideon Sable recruits a largely supernatural heist crew to rip off the worst man in the world. I have to say, a heist doesn't have to have a victim who deserves to lose, but it certainly helps. 

It's a quick read, pacey, but not just unreflective action, and the heist is extremely clever, as heists ought to be. The supernatural background is based in Catholic Christianity - there are saints, relics, angels, demons, and so forth - but none of the characters is devout. The trip is often horrific, but the ending is heroic. 

I love a good heist, and this is one. Recommended.

This is a standalone (I think) paranormal title that is an enjoyable, if not entirely surprising read.  Mr. Green has a formula for urban sci-fi that works, but it can be somewhat repetitive if you are a long-time fan. This book was a fast read, and reminded me of older works like the Nightside series.

A new Simon Green is always a fun read.  I read it in a day and enjoyed it.  However, it did feel like a watered down version of his Nightside books.

I’m glad to be the first person to rate and review this book, because it was lovely and you should definitely check it out and here’s why.
    I’ve actually never read Green before. Certainly heard of him, he’s got tons of books out, even familiar with his most famous literary creation, though in tv form. Main reason being…not exactly my genre, paranormal fantasy. Plus I really don’t like to read serials. But then this one come up on Netgalley and it just looked fun and was so short (and really, not many authors of that of other genres manage to tell a story in under 200 pages these days), so I figured why not…and ended up really liking it. Way, way more than anticipated. 
   And I know this isn’t high literature and I know it’s silly at times and the ending’s too neat and kinda cheesy and some of the logic is credulity stretching and some of the action is too over the top…but it’s just so much fun. Green by now is an absolute pro, he can probably produce these books in his sleep (and we should all be so fortunate as too have dreams this exciting), but somehow he still manages to come up with original, genuinely fresh seeming sort of quirkiness. The characters are wackadoodledoo in the most excellent ways, complete with backstories and articulated action toys, ok, not the latter, but maybe one day, who knows. The story is so dynamic and entertaining and reads just like a really good fantasy tv show and the entire production is..well, it’s positively charming. 
   The plot, you ask…well, it’s about an elaborately orchestrated theft performed by a master thief and four additional players he assembles specifically for the job, including his ex, a woman of many disguises and wigs, a muscle…a man destined for the Underworld with supernatural protections to make that journey a long way off, a Wild Card, a man who peered beyond the fabric of reality and got all kinds of screwy from it and a Ghost, that’s easy, he’s a ghost.
    Together they intend to steal a tv that shows past of future from an evil collector of all sorts of esoteric and magical objects. 
    The master thief is Gideon Sable, it is the name he stole, along with some necessary for the job tools like a key to anywhere, a compass to guide you to the thing you most desire and a pen that pauses time. Frankly, with those accoutrements who wouldn’t be a master thief and how difficult would it really be to become one. Nevertheless, there are obstacles to surmount and personalities to negotiate, though Gideon and his con man charm do know how to offer each of his new friends the thing they wish for the most, Wizard of Oz style. And so off the go on a great adventure, fun for them, fun for you.
     Overall, a surprisingly enjoyable read that entertains, delights and doesn’t overstay its welcome, so much so I might even read the further installments. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.