I read a book, about 4+ years ago, that I cannot, for the life of me,
remember the title of.

I can, however, rememeber
1) What the hardback cover kind of looked like
2) Some of the plot
3) Some impressions of the title


I would love it if someone could point me in the right direction as
I'd like to re-read this book and perhaps anything else written by the
author.


The Cover:
Was Bright Girly Pink, had a hand pouring shiny silver diamonds out of
a martini glass (this could be incorrect) and script in black.

The Plot: Was about a woman who I believe worked professionally as an
apraiser in an auction house working with either jewelry or art or
both. This professional job, however, was just her 'day work' at night
she became a kind of art thief and broke into people's houses.
Here is where it gets even fuzzier-
Either she, or the man in the book, would take the art or jewelry and
then return it later, citing the owner's oversight in security. I
believe she left a rose as her calling card and he left clovers tied
with a white satin ribbon (perhaps this is switched)

I also distictly remember a portion about the advanced security system
she had in her home and her working with Kashmere Rubies, Opals or
some other kind of precious gem.

In the end they find out each other identity and live happily ever
after (or something to that effect)

Oh yes! I also believe he may have actually been not only the good
samartitan thief- but also the police chief?

The Title:
The title gave me impressions of diamonds and glamour. Bedazzled,
Dazzling...something like that.

Thanks for your patience with my sillyness and your help!

Your book is "Brilliant," by Marne Davis Kellogg. The book's cover is
pink, with diamonds and a martini glass. The plot involves a woman
named Kick Keswick, who works at a London auction house. Kick leads a
second life as a jewel thief called "The Shamrock Burglar" who leaves
a bouquet of shamrocks tied with an ivory satin ribbon as her calling
card. She falls in love with former Chief Inspector Thomas Curtis of
Scotland Yard, who also has a second identity, as an art thief known
as "The Samaritan Burglar." The Samaritan Burglar steals expensive
works of art and leaves a note that says "If you are going to own a
work of this importance responsibly, you'd best improve your security
system." Then he leaves the artwork at the police station!

"A deliciously thrilling novel about an American woman who works at a
prestigious London auction house...and moonlights as a jewel thief."

Powell's Books: Brilliant
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=2-0312991436-1

"American Kick Keswick has been working for the esteemed auction house
of Ballantine and Company for more than 30 years, a position that came
by way of Oklahoma and a lengthy juvenile record. She met Ballantine's
owner, Sir Cramner, while visiting London as a teenager and was his
mistress until he died. Her expertise in antiquities and jewelry
propelled her to executive secretary, and she expects to retire
comfortably on a trust fund and the money she makes with her secret
life... as a mistress jewel thief of unparallel skill."

Amazon: Brilliant
http://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Marne-Davis-Kellogg/dp/0312303475

If you enjoyed "Brilliant," you will almost certainly like the
sequels, "Priceless" and "Perfect":

Amazon: Priceless
http://www.amazon.com/Priceless-Marne-Davis-Kellogg/dp/0312303815

Amazon: Perfect
http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Marne-Davis-Kellogg/dp/0312337329

My Google search strategy:

Google Web Search: brilliant "marne davis kellogg"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=brilliant+%22marne+davis+kellogg%22

I hope "Brilliant" is the correct book! If it is not, or if anything
is unclear or incomplete, please request clarification; I'll be glad
to offer further assistance before you rate my answer.

Best regards,
pinkfreud

Absolutely excellent- even gave me the names of others items of
interest (which is why I had the question in the first place)
Thanks SO much!

Has Pinkfreud read EVERY book in the world ... Chinese, Japanese,
Papyri, Scrolls ...

As I have long suspected?

Anyway, it sounds a fascinating book and I will now try and get a copy
for my elder daughter ...

She's an avid reader and may be attempting to out-Pink the Pink Lady.

Bryan

Kick Keswick? Sir Cramner? Mistress? Trust Fund? Executive secretary?
Trite? Hackneyed?

For intrigue and gems, try "Green Ice" (the book, not the gawd-awful
movie... although it does have Omar Sharif) and/or "11 Harrowhouse"
(the book, not the gawd-awful comedy movie... although it does have
Candy Bergen and John Gielgud) were pretty good tales, though 11
Harrowhouse is less upbeat. Both books were written by Gerald A.
Browne

markvmd,

"Brilliant" is a very different sort of book, not in the same genre
with something like "Green Ice." "Brilliant" is, I suppose, what would
be called "chick lit." It is a frothy concoction of romance and
intrigue, the sort of thing that one might read for fantasy
entertainment, particularly if one is of the female persuasion. ;-)

Oh, I get it; by romance book you mean ROMANCE book, like a Harlequin
sort of thing.

Okay, then Green Ice and 11 Harrowhouse wouldn't be at all
interchangeable with it. And Bryan should not let either of his
daughters read them. Ever.

Sorry for my mistake!

Sigh. There is a world of difference in literary quality between
"Brilliant" and "a Harlequin sort of thing." But I suppose you're just
pulling my leg. Not a wise thing to do, y'know. I've been known to
kick. ;-)

Thanks guys (and gals!) for the suggestions- they are already on their
way from Amazon.com!!!

Thank you very much for the five stars and the nice tip!

~pinkfreud