As someone who absolutely adores Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, I could not wait to get my hands on To Catch a Spy. When I heard that a continuation of the original story was being released—with the blessing of the estate—I’ll admit I was both thrilled and a little nervous. Would it live up to the magic of the original? Would it capture the charm, danger, and glamour that made us all fall in love with John Robie in the first place?
Spoiler alert: it does. And then some.
Synopsis (spoiler free)
It’s been a year since ex-cat burglar John Robie cleared his name by catching a copycat thief on the French Riviera. Now, he's settled into retirement... sort of. But life in paradise doesn’t stay peaceful for long.
Francie Stevens, the clever and captivating woman who helped him with that case (and nearly stole his heart), is returning to the Riviera as a model for the region's very first Fashion Week. John is ready to pick up where they left off—but instead of romance, Francie brings a new boyfriend and some very confusing behavior.
Before John can even figure out how he feels about that, he gets caught up in a deadly game after chasing a courier who turns out to be connected to a dangerous spy ring. Suddenly, John is a target. And the more he digs, the more he suspects that not only is he in serious danger… but Francie might be involved. Can he clear his name again, protect the people he cares about, and expose the traitors before they get to him first?
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Review
✨ 4.5 Stars | Historical Spy Thriller | 1950s Riviera Vibes ✨
From page one, this book felt like a movie—seriously, the vibes are so cinematic. Set in the glamorous golden era of the 1950s, the novel sweeps us away to the sun-soaked streets of the French Riviera, dripping in fashion, wealth, secrets, and shadows. You can practically hear the click of designer heels on cobblestone and feel the tension simmering behind every whispered conversation.
What I loved most is that this book feels true to the spirit of the original. John Robie is still suave and sharp, he’s also more layered and human. We get to peek behind the charm and see a man who’s been through some things—and who’s still got a whole lot left to prove. Watching him navigate old habits, dangerous new enemies, and complicated feelings for Francie was an absolute delight.
And speaking of Francie… the dynamic between her and John? SO GOOD. Their push and pull kept me flipping pages just as much as the high-stakes spy plot. Plus, the supporting cast? Total gold. From the shady villains to the quirky allies, this book has a full ensemble that adds richness without ever overwhelming the story.
This is one of those books that blends fast-paced action with character depth in a way that just works. Short chapters and multiple POVs keep things moving quickly, but it never feels rushed. Every scene has purpose, and every reveal made me more hooked.
🎬 Loved To Catch a Spy? Don’t miss the classic that inspired it!
To Catch a Thief is a timeless Alfred Hitchcock gem starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly—full of glamour, intrigue, and Riviera vibes. Watch the movie that started it all and see how the story began!
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of Hitchcock’s film, classic spy thrillers, or historical fiction that oozes vintage glam and danger, To Catch a Spy will be a hit for you. It brought all the things I loved about the original—style, suspense, romance, and mystery—while also carving out something fresh and exciting.
And can we talk about the rumor of more books coming?! Please, yes.
Highly recommend for fans of:
- To Catch a Thief
- Suave but morally gray protagonists
- Vintage fashion and golden age glam
- Intrigue and spy thrillers with a heart
- High-stakes cat-and-mouse plots
- Romance that smolders without stealing the show
I was so excited to receive this ARC—my husband and I are huge fans of the original film, and this continuation was everything we hoped it would be. Here’s hoping there’s more John Robie to come!
Let me know in the comments—have you read this one yet?
The Paris Diversion by Chris Pavone
Set in the glittering streets of Paris, this fast-paced thriller follows an American expat caught in a web of espionage, deception, and political chaos. It’s packed with tension, short chapters, and a protagonist who’s always one step from danger—very To Catch a Spy vibes!
The Riviera House by Natasha Lester
If it was the glitz and secrets of the French Riviera that pulled you in, you’ll love this dual-timeline novel about a WWII art spy and a modern-day woman uncovering the past. It mixes espionage, romance, and lush descriptions with emotional depth.
Midnight in Europe by Alan Furst
This literary spy thriller is rich in 1930s European atmosphere, filled with shadowy characters, covert operations, and plenty of moral gray areas. Perfect for fans of John Robie’s classic charm and suspense-filled missions!
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