Cut and Branded Book

Martin was put out of his mother's and stepfather's Connecticut home when he turned 18. 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 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. 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. 3.5 stars.