"If a catfish could talk, it would sound like a Mississippian."

Max and his adopted great-nephew live well in New York City for most of the year. But each summer they take off on a cross-country trip committing a series of crimes (usually robbing rich Republicans) to fund their life style. Max is a former Shakespearean actor and he uses his dramatic and costuming skills so that they are never caught--the police will usually end up looking for someone who does not exist other than in Max's portfolio of characters.

All is well until Max and Owen attract the attention of a group called the Subtractors. This gang also has a modus operandi--they only rob successful thieves, relieving them of their loot. Despite indications they are being targeted by the Subtractors, Max tells Owen that the Subtractors are only an urban myth--"No such creature." Then the fun begins.

A quick and enjoyable read.

3 stars

First line: "On a cool night in late June the traffic on Highway 101 was not heavy--not for a Saturday anyway--and moved along at a steady clip...."

Last line: "'Then again,' Owen said, sweeping his arm to include the street, the oblivious bagpiper, the entire vast immensity of New York City, 'the whole damn thing is fantasy.'" ( )

Owen Maxwell became an orphan when he was a child. His only living relative, Uncle Magnus Maxwell, took charge and adopted him. Uncle Max was a wig salesman and wannabe actor, a perfect combination of occupations to prepare for a life as a con man. Before Owen begins Juilliard in September, the pair travel across the country on a string of robberies at elite parties until their successes come to the notice of a ruthless criminal who covets their loot. This is an enjoyable journey with some unsavoury characters. ( )

I like Giles Blunt's writing and figured it may not be as interesting as his John Cardinal books, he should be able to spin a good tale and he did. He brings you into the world of con men and thieves. The law provides no protection for them so they have to settle things on their own terms. If you need characters to fall in love with you will be challenged as few are of that ilk. The story is well constructed and does not drag along at any point. ( )

A stand-alone novel separate from his very good John Cardinal series. Grand-uncle Max and 18 year old Owen spend summers robbing rich homes during soirees. Becpome entangled with very bad guys after their loot. Tries to be funny about murder - didn't work for me. The US southwest is just blue screen. ( )

No Such Creature features Max & Owen Maxwell, an uncle-nephew heist team. Max & Owen rely on their wits and Max's theatrical training to pull off grand heists without the need for violence. Unfortunately for them, their most recent success draws the attention of another criminal who is no stranger to violence. Throw in the daughter of an old family friend who also has criminal tendencies and mayhem abounds. Though the main thrust of the novel is overlapping games of cat and mouse, it also has a rather sweet thread of what it means to be a family running throughout the narrative. No Such Creature is a comic and captivating caper that will tug at your heartstrings. ( )