2.5 rounded up
This book has a lot going on. I had difficulty staying in the story, it was a bit over stuffed with characters, plots, twists, evil plans within evil plans for this reader. I really liked the magic mojo developed here, it was new and could have really been developed. Unfortunately it got muddled in the villains, plots, back stories and more. It felt like I was reading this forever.

The characters were not a likable group for me, the main character Sid was the least. It’s hard to read a book, for me when I can’t find anyone to cheer for. There were a few times that the characters spoke like whinny pre-teens, which was really off from how they were written through the book.
The ending was weird, the epilogue was weirder, it felt so rushed. It didn’t fit well with the whole story.
I enjoyed the possibilities in the magical world. I liked the world this author created. I didn’t enjoy the way it was written. ( )

Review of Uncorrected eBook File

It’s been three days; Circe is still missing. And her mother, Iva, is desperate.

Sid Catchpenny, who for the last fourteen years has suffered with major depression, has the ability to capture magic [mojo] and to move through mirrors, a skill that made him a much sought-after thief. So when his friend, Francois, asks Sid to help find his granddaughter, he tries to shake off his depression and help.

What happened to Circe? And does Sid have enough mojo to find her and bring her home?

=========

Less a mystery than a journey of self-discovery for main character Sidney, the unfolding story is one of magic, hope, and promises. Peculiar and eccentric, the characters are, nevertheless, nuanced and believable. And, although Sid is not always likable, readers are sure to find him a mostly empathetic character.

The inimitable plot is a complex, captivating escapade filled with danger, humor, and tenderness; with some unexpected turns, it keeps the magical tale unfolding, often in surprising ways.

Recommended.

The only disconnect here is the repeated and unnecessary expletive certain to offend many readers; its overuse lowers the rating for the book.

I received a free copy of this book from Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor Vintage and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#Catchpenny #NetGalley ( )

CATCHPENNY, by Charlie Huston, is the story of Sidney Catchpenny, a thief who has learned the magical art of travelling places through mirrors and who specializes in stealing items imbued with mojo, a magical and powerful essence. Sid is offered a job too good to be true where he can right his debts and make some money, but quickly and adeptly Sid starts to figure out the job he is offered is not the job that he is really supposed to do. Old friends and foes come out of the shadows and Sid can't trust anyone. When simple theft becomes cataclysmic stakes, Sid struggles with doing the right thing for humanity and the right thing to do for Sid.
Wrought with flaws and full of skepticism, Sid is a likeable character who has a dry wit and a good heart. He is being used and/or played the entire book, but somehow keeps besting his opponents. The supportive cast of characters are colorful, unique, and dastardly in all the best ways. The mystery unfolds and everything starts to connect to everything else is an excited way and tension builds as the book moved forward. The mirror travelling and use of mojo is mystifying and confusing to the world the reader is introduced too but also is confusing to the reader. It's a palpable vibe and yet unable to be captured, more like it can be coerced and manipulated. I wanted to understand it better as I was reading, but even without my grasp of it, I still enjoyed the book very much.
I would call CATCHPENNY a mystery/thriller with a sci-fi component. It's uniqueness leaves an impression on the reader and the book ends with a satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor publishers, Charlie Huston, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ( )