Something Missing: A Novel [Matthew Dicks] on leondumoulin.nl *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A career criminal with OCD tendencies and a savant-like.
Table of contents
Until the one day when he accidentally knocks a client's electric toothbrush into the toilet. Now, he could just take it out and put it back. But Martin can't bear to think of her then using that toothbrush. So now he has to go off script and replace it.
See a Problem?
This sets in motion a series of events that lead Martin to start helping his clients and changes his carefully constructed world. Every so often I will come across a gem of a book. Something Missing is one of those gems. I have read some great literary fiction this year and I'm not saying this is better than those. But it was such a great, charming, engaging, and quirky book. I love, love, loved Martin. He is such a great character and this was such an unusual story that had an unexpected poignancy to it. Of course, now I also think that I have a burglar, that would explain missing pens, socks, and other small items I was sure I had that I can't find.
Some might find the details of Martin's carefully planned out procedures a little slow reading but it does pick up. I find the details important in defining Martin's character. It is also helpful if you are planning a burglary! I loved all the inside info into his clients' lives, there is a lot people can tell about us just from looking through our homes, more than you would think. I read this in two sittings and was sorry when it was over but it left me feeling very satisfied.
This is one I will reread often. I highly recommend this very entertaining and sweet novel. I also plan on reading the author's next work, Unexpectedly, Milo. Martin is a burglar. But not just any burglar. He has "clients" that he visits regularly. If there are 4 sticks of butter, he takes two.
If there are matching towels in two of his "clients'" houses, he takes two from each. He likes to have a full set. Taking parts and sections of things is unnoticeable.. Everything is planned to the last detail, including keys to most of the houses. Occasionally, if he sees something expensive that he knows hasn't been used in months, he marks cabinet doors he'll take that too. Rather than go to a fence, he auctions his more important finds on eBay.
And sometimes things don't go as planned. This was a funny, captivating book and the author is very witty. Of course it helps that I used to live in Connecticut, and know the places he writes about! Matthew Dicks' Something Missing is an unusual book, in a good way. The story's unexpected hero is Martin, a brilliant but socially awkward thirty-something whose preternaturally acute attention to detail is a great asset in his career. Martin has a stable of clients--upper-middle-class married couples without young children, dogs, or alarm systems--from whose houses he regularly "acquires" things, a pound of hamburger here, a few cups of laundry detergent there.
And every now and again, very occasionally, he'll pick up the odd piece of jewelry. Martin approaches his larceny like a business, indeed, like a particularly well-run business. He carefully tracks what's in his clients' cabinets so as to know what items are in stock and can be safely acquired. Martin is one of the most interesting characters I've ever run across: And it's his conscience that provides the storyline, as Martin's unusual familiarity with his clients' personal lives puts him in the position of being able to render them anonymous assistance in a series of predicaments, increasingly more serious and more dangerous.
The whole business, which starts with the smallest interruption of Martin's otherwise very strict routine--the merest flap of a butterfly's wings--leads to a drastic change in his circumstances. He emerges at the end of the story a changed man. Much of Something Missing is spent describing Martin's modus operandi.
Customer reviews
I suppose some readers out there will find these lengthy descriptions slow going, but to my mind they are not only required to build Martin's character, but they are utterly fascinating. This is a great, great read. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Something Missing, by Matthew Dicks. View all 6 comments. Kiara Kalmey Hello Mr. I really liked Something Missing, but I wanted to give a quick comment: I have OCD, and Martin doesn't actually display any symptoms of the disorder.
If anything, he exhibits OCPD tendencies. I would give it 10 Stars! Sep 13, Jan 10, Connie rated it really liked it Shelves: Martin was put out of his mother's and stepfather's Connecticut home when he turned He tried to support himself with a job at Starbucks while taking courses at a community college, but sometimes there would be no food on his shelves.
That's when he started his other "job", entering people's houses when they were gone and taking items that would not be noticed. Martin has OCD tendencies and is very meticulous in his planning, leaving no evidence behind. After stealing from the same homeowners Martin was put out of his mother's and stepfather's Connecticut home when he turned After stealing from the same homeowners for years, Martin feels like he knows them since he reads their mail and invitations to find out when they will be leaving the house empty.
He starts getting involved in their lives, preventing bad things from happening to his "clients". Martin goes from an existence where everything is orderly and predictable to one with more diverse experiences. There might even be room for love in his life. The book starts out slowly since Marin is doing everything in such an OCD manner.
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But the pace quickens and more humorous situations arise as the book continues. Martin is a thief, but he's also a man with a good heart. Author Matthew Dicks, who is also a personable storyteller and elementary school teacher, writes with humor and understanding of the challenges that many face in life. I used to work in the town where this story is set, so it was fun recognizing the landmarks included in the story. This book was so much fun. I love Martin's methodical manner, and I love that our protagonist is It's fascinating "watching" him pack up and plan what and how he is going to steal what he steals.
It's never at risk to the "client," and his methodical nature is very near charming. This isn't heavy reading, but it's certainly fun! I really enjoyed this book. It was highly descriptive, probably some would consider it slow moving, and at times the author drew out a suspenseful moment by describing the characters internal dialogue or by revealing a story from the past to add meaning to the moment. The character is an endearing thief. You learn how he came into his career choice, what motivates him, and how he views himself.
I love books where you slowly become more close to the main character through slow revelations instead I really enjoyed this book. I love books where you slowly become more close to the main character through slow revelations instead of it being spelled out for you. In this way its like becoming acquainted with a new friend rather that reading about someone that is spelled out for you. Those that write this way leave me more powerfully affected than if they simply told a great story. You become friends with the characters rather than viewing them as a form of entertainment.
What a gem of a story! Jun 04, S rated it liked it Shelves: OK, this is a good little book. Funny, quirky - just my style! The only weird thing is that there are a LOT of product placements throughout the book - almost on every page! It might just be my conspiracy theory side talking, but it really freaked me out when I noticed it! Other than that, great book, but I feel like I'm going to have to go out and buy a Subaru Outback or some Tide detergent after I finish the book. View all 7 comments.
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Feb 14, j rated it liked it Shelves: And while I love the fantastic premise -- a careful thief spends months and years researching, burglarizing and re-burglarizing his "clients" so they never even notice anything has been stolen -- spending time with Martin, who can't make a simple decision without reviewing all his options in meticulous detail, can get a little tiring. Matthew Dicks writes as if he's got OCD himself, bringing you into Martin's world, resulting in some very funny scenes and tense moments of suspense, but his obsessive personality is also a bit distancing.
I also found the second, plot-heavy half of the book a bit less satisfying than the set-up. It's a fun, fast read, but it might make you feel a little crazy. Apr 12, Paul rated it it was amazing Recommended to Paul by: Martin Railsback is a thief. For Martin this seems almost like a game that provides him not only with enough goods and cash to live on, but also more than a few thrills. This leads him into a new aspect of his career — breaking in for the good of the victim.
Martin is an engaging character — lovable, quirky, suffering from OCD. Matthew Dicks provides the reader with humor, excitement and thrills in this terrific debut novel. The author seems to have cornered the market on unusual main characters with interesting avocations. Aug 17, Carol rated it really liked it Shelves: Matthew Dick's Something Missing is what can only be described as a quirky read.
Last night we discussed this book in an online Booksonthenightstand group. When trying to decide where to place Something Missing the group was at a loss. Martin, the main character, a man who burglarizes homes, taking only items that will not be missed, is someone you should dislike but c Matthew Dick's Something Missing is what can only be described as a quirky read. Martin, the main character, a man who burglarizes homes, taking only items that will not be missed, is someone you should dislike but can't.
Even though what he does is a bit creepy; picking locks, duplicating keys, rummaging through personal belongings, somehow he is endearing. Martin considers those that he robs his clients. He sees this as his profession and he takes it seriously. It is his means to survival. As you journey with Martin through his entering into homes, you learn much about what motivates his lifestyle.
Though not quite kosher, it's a romp, nonetheless. Redeeming all is that underneath his obsessive compulsive self there beats a good heart. As Dicks resides in Connecticut, a special treat for Connecticut readers is his use of familiar places and streets throughout.
You'll recognize the scene beyond a doubt and may even think you know some of the people on the pages. If nothing else, you'll crave breakfast at The Quaker Diner in West Hartford and hope to meet Jillian, a special waitress. Something Missing is funny, insightful and moves briskly to a satisfying end. Jul 14, Sharon rated it it was amazing. I would place this in the genre of fiction. Meet our main character Martin. But not your everyday run of the mill thief. He could come into your home and you would not even know he was there for all your big-ticket items would be left in tact. He has clients, or that is what he calls the people he robs.
But what does he take? Things you would never notice even if you tried. Some of his items could be two ounces of laundry detergent, a roll of toilet paper perhaps or condiments. He has rules that he abides by which has made him a successful businessman. He is doing fine until he starts caring for some of his clients. So what does he do? Ask his long gone father for advice. Sounds like a plan.
This is not the first book I have ready by Mr. The characters were so well written The pace was amazing with me reading the book in mere days. It was impossible for me to dislike Martin. A great read and another awesome book from Mr. Mar 01, Diane rated it really liked it Shelves: Martin is an OCD thief. He has a small select group of clients, and lives his life pretty quietly, with one good friend and no girlfriend though he believes he has a relationship with a waitress. Until the day he knocks a toothbrush into the toilet This book had me alternating between laughing out loud on the subway getting me some strange looks, even for NYC , cheering on his budding - and real - relationship, and being on the edge of my seat, worrying about Martin getting caught in one of his client's houses.
Something Missing: A Novel - Matthew Dicks - Google Книги
It's suspenseful and funny and I can't recommend it enough. Fans of Mark Haddon will like this book, too. View all 3 comments. Jun 04, Vonia rated it really liked it Shelves: A good read, yes Obviously similar to Monk But I feel like the media over sensationalized that one, negating what it or really A good read, yes But I feel like the media over sensationalized that one, negating what it or really like to suffer from the disorder; at least a serious version of it The first thing I would like to say is that Martin does not have the symptoms to be diagnosed.
At the most he has some serious anxiety in specific situations. Other than that, he is simply a lonely, socially awkward, shy guy with intelligence along with imaginative ideas for his life choices. I try to give the reader exactly what he or she wants and nothing more. I am constantly pushing MY hardcopy on would-be writers and listening to the audio version whenever I am between audio books. He has a direct and clear style that I adore, and his ability to bring voice to his characters in his fiction is remarkable.
I also adore the lean, sarcastic, rule-breaking style of Kurt Vonnegut, probably my favorite author, and have recently become quite fond of Nicholson Baker and Jasper Fforde, the former for his ability to bring enlightenment and excitement to minutia and the latter for his quirky but deadly serious plotlines. In terms of what I am reading now, I tend to read several books at the same time, the victim of a childhood of video games and in subsequent inability to attend to one thing too long. I only allow myself a page or two a week, with as much re-reading as I want, as this will be the last new Vonnegut novel for me.
Describe your writing process. Like Martin, did you find it difficult to get started on a novel after doing fairly well with non-fiction assignments? The most difficult part of writing a novel for me was the first word. Even an outline seemed so daunting that I wasted years thinking about writing rather than just jumping in and beginning to write.
Now that I have the first novel under my belt, things have been much easier. I took a week off before starting my second book, and when I finished it back in February, I had planned to take a week off to write a couple Op-Ed pieces, but instead, I literally opened a new document on my laptop and began writing. I had moved from one book to the next in a matter of seconds. I have a list of novel ideas a mile long, and a couple ideas in particular have garnered my attention right now. I try to write for at least two hours every day. An hour in the morning and an hour in the evening.
But I carry my laptop everywhere I go and take advantage of every spare minute to write. A new character had appeared in the story and I did not know why. It took me a while to finally figure it out. Being from the video game generation, I crave instant feedback, so I have a group of people who read my books, chapter by chapter, as I write.
They provide me with invaluable insight, opinions and encouragement on the course of my story. This often results in cheesy, overly dramatic, teaser sentences at the end of each chapter that my agent can usually convince me to eliminate during the revision process. Your acknowledgments begin with a quote from Stephen King about what a difference it makes for writers to have someone who believes in them. Talk about the people who made a difference in your writing career, particularly your wife and your high-school English teacher. Compopiano have no idea how important they are in the lives of their students.
I often wonder if he even remembers me. When I entered Mr. I wrote for the school newspaper and kept a diary off and on during my high school career, and I wrote I lot of notes and letters to girls. Though I never thought that writing could become a career for me, I also managed to make a little money with my ability.
For a short period of time, I went into the business of writing and selling term papers for my fellow students. The day that changed life as a writer was November 29, On that day, I handed in an assignment in which I was asked to write a satirical piece that expressed humor. I wrote a piece on how America claims to be the land of the free, yet young men can be forcibly sent to foreign countries in order to kill strangers. I also noted that it is illegal to engage in prostitution and commit suicide, both seemingly personal decisions, and that many states restricted the rights of homosexuals.
In reading this piece today, I cringe. It is not well written. It is not funny. And it is barely satirical. But on that day in November, I was certain that I was handing in a gem, so three days later, December 2, , when Mr. Compo handed back the assignment with a grade of B-, I was confounded. Scrawled across the paper were the words Not satire as well as Many spelling errors! At the top of the page, Mr. Some of this is not satire. Despite his years of experience, I had decided in that moment that Mr.
He had no clue what satire was and had missed the whole point of my piece. Emboldened by overconfidence, I approached his desk and protested my grade.
We debated the merits of my piece for a while, and finally, he offered a solution: Read the piece to the class. If a majority believes that it is satire, I will increase the score on your paper by one letter grade. But if a majority agrees with me, we decrease your score by one letter grade.
Basking in self-assurance and unable to refuse a challenge, I agreed. Though this was a serious English class, and I knew that my classmates would be fair and objective, I was also certain that I was right and that they would side with me. By a unanimous vote, the class declared my work as satire and my B- was instantly transformed into an A-.
I still have the assignment upon which the change in score is noted. After reading the piece, Mr. Compo admitted that the tone in which I read the piece helped in delineating the satire quite a bit, and what initially sounded dry and rhetorical came to life as I spoke the words. I was no David Sedaris, nor am I anywhere in his league today. My piece, which was entitled Welcome to America , is amateurish, silly, and somewhat embarrassing as I read it today, but on that December morning, I learned that my words can change minds.
On that morning, I had changed the mind of a man I respected a great deal, perhaps the man who I respected the most at that time, and from then on, I knew that I wanted to write. My wife is my biggest fan and the bedrock upon which everything else in my life is built. Her honesty, her love for my work and her enthusiasm for everything I do means so much to me. Writing can be a lonely process, but with Elysha, I feel like I have a silent partner sitting beside me at all times, believing in me. I expected her to be excited, but I did not expect her to collapse to the ground, crying hysterically.
She fell to tile floor, back against the wall, cheeks red, tears rolling down her face, weeping into her hands. Colleagues poked their heads from classrooms, certain that something terrible had just happened. I was so happy.