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Something Missing
Something Missing
Author: Matthew Dicks
A career criminal with OCD tendencies and a savant-like genius for bringing order to his crime scenes, Martin considers himself one of the best in the biz. After all, he's been able to steal from the same people for years on end -- virtually undetected. Of course, this could also be attributed to his unique business model -- he takes only it...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780767930888
ISBN-10: 0767930886
Publication Date: 7/14/2009
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 32

4.2 stars, based on 32 ratings
Publisher: Broadway
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Fulltimer avatar reviewed Something Missing on + 179 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really loved this book. It made me think of my grandmother who used to be sure that someone had come in and stolen her lipstick or face powder. Now I know she was right and I shouldn't have doubted her!! A good, fun, read. I highly recommend it.
esjro avatar reviewed Something Missing on + 908 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The protagonist of Something Missing is a burglar, but don't let that put you off: he is most considerate, and if my house were to be robbed I hope it would be by him. Martin steals for survival and a little profit, only taking items that he is sure will not be missed, such as out of date food and jewelry which has been long forgotten. His OCD tendencies require that he leave no trace of himself in your house, and he is very clean.

Martin's unusual occupation and OCD make him socially awkward, and he lives a very ordered life centered around routines. When Martin visits one of his "client's" houses, he is presented with an opportunity to help fix an ailing marriage. Once he learns the joy of helping others, he begins intervening in the lives of other people whose homes he burglarizes. For Martin this large break in routine leads to danger, new friendship, and possibly love.

Something Missing presents a unique hero in Martin, and his story is written in a humorous yet sensitive tone. The book is a page turner because the reader comes so engaged with Martin. Highly recommended for those who enjoyed The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time.
reviewed Something Missing on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really did not know what to expect from this novel, but once I started it was totally engrossing. It is an interesting take on robbery - and it was a good way to escape into fiction for a while. I highly recommend it!
reviewed Something Missing on
Helpful Score: 1
"A quirky and endearing first novel that makes you wonder if that misplaced stick of butter or can of soup means there's a burglar prowling your pantry. If that thief is Martin Railsback, you might be glad. He's the kind of burglar you could conceivably want in your house." --M. Ann Jacoby, author of Life After Genius

"A funny, suspenseful, and thoroughly original debut that will keep you up to the wee hours flipping pages." --David Rosen, author of I Just Want My Pants Back
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confuzzledbooks avatar reviewed Something Missing on + 482 more book reviews
I thought the main character Martin was very thought out just like the items he steals from his clients a boxes of extra snacks here, a bar of soap there. Very funny to read and scary in some ways to think that someone could actually do this to me and I would not know.

So the burglars life is romanticized to the point that there is romance and a very sweet one at that. The chemistry between Martin and one of his clients friends is nice and leaves you with enough mystery throughout the book that you dont know what is going to happen or if Martin is going to get caught.

I enjoyed this one I dont know if it was laugh out loud funny but it did make me smile a few times.

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People/Characters
Martin Railsback (Primary Character)

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