Book Review: Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society by Ally Carter
Publication date: February, 2010
Published by: Hachette Australia
Source: Thanks to Hachette Australia

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history—and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "It is an occupational hazard that anyone who has spent her life learning how to lie eventually becomes bad at telling the truth."

Heist Society is a brilliant read! It was fun and fast paced and I loved every minute of it.

Kat is a 15 year old retired thief or was until she was forced to get back in the family business in order to save her Dad.  Her father has been set up, accused of stealing paintings from a mobster type of guy that lead to some very dangerous consequences.  With help from her crew including the yummy Hale she is going to steal the painting back and clear her father's name. But this is the biggest and most dangerous heist of Kat's life.

Carter has written a well thought out plot. They were surprises around every corner and it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.  I loved that I could never predict what was going to happen next.  It was exciting and completely addictive.

And the characters what a funny, warm and brave bunch!  I would love to hang out with Kat and the crew.  Kat is strong, determined and instantly likeable.  And I loved the dynamics between Kat and her friends.  There is plenty of witty dialogue that ensured I was grinning the whole way through.

There is a tiny bit of romance.  You can see there are some feelings between Kat and a certain thief.  Carter is taking the slow and natural progression which I love.  Although further down the series I am sure I am going to begging for Carter to make something happen.  But for now I am enjoying the playful and some time sweet banter.

"Dancing. Come on. You can do it. It's a lot like navigating through a laser grid. It requires rhythm.' He moved her hips to the beat of the distant music. 'And patience.' He spun her around slowly and back toward him. 'And it's only fun if you trust your partner.' The dip was so slow, so smooth that Kat didn't know it was happening until the world was already turned upside down and Hale's face was inches from her own. 

Count me in, Kat.' He squeezed her tighter. 'You should always count me in."

After finishing this I am left thinking to myself why didn't I read this earlier and of course had to start book #2 Uncommon Criminals immediately.  I definitely recommend this if you are looking for a fun novel with entertaining characters and a fantastic premise.  Don't miss out on this awesome series.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Romance 4/5
Cover: 4.5/5

For more info:  Visit Ally Carter's website or Date A Book.

For more reviews:  The Unread Reader

Note:  Stay tuned this week for a GIVEAWAY for this book!