Today’s pick for Best I’ve Read 2011 is book two in the Heist Society Novels
Uncommon Criminals
by Ally Carter
Hardcover, 298 pages
Published June 21st 2011
by Hyperion Book
ISBN 1423147952
series: Heist Society #2
4.5 stars
Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.
There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.
Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.
Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.
Ally Carter has once again crafted a fun, quirky twisted tale of a girl raised criminal tuned to rightfully returning stolen items to their original owners. In book two Kat starts out on her own executing risky heists from the ex-KGB in Moscow and planning more jobs solo until Hale catches up to her and makes it very clear he wants “in.” Soon the old crew- Simon, Hamish, Angus, and Gabrielle are together, hired to get back a cursed emerald. But this job may very well be their last. Cleopatra’s Emerald hasn’t been seen for 30 years, it’s forbidden to steal it and after all the crew is “just kids”…up against the biggest con artist they have ever faced. Kat has her work cut out for her as the clock is ticking.
Ally’s writing style is the same as book one with meticulous details of each heist and amazing descriptions of character and setting. This is a series you’ll stay up late in the night to finish. Picture Oceans 11 with teens plus just the right dash of romance.
The love interests, Hale and Nick…how is one to decide? Chemistry is building between Kat and the two young men who wish to capture her attention when her heart is wrapped up in the thrill of the steal. I haven’t had this much fun with a love triangle in a long time! Hale is ever the perfect gentleman and loyal companion, while Nick seems to pop up unexpectedly to stir things up. Overall, Uncommon Criminals is a squeaky clean read I’d highly recommend to all readers ages 12 and up. Ally Carter is a master mind of deceit and twist of plot. Her clever style will capture you instantly, and if you haven’t picked up book one, Heist Society yet, get thee to your nearest store or library to get started today!
We are giving away one copy of Uncommon Criminals to our followers as part of Best I’ve Read 2011. To enter to win click here and fill out the form. Good luck! Be sure to check the BIR home site for today’s additional giveaways!
Ren @ All By Myshelf
I absolutely LOVED Heist Society! So far it’s my favorite Ally Carter book. I really want to read this, it sounds awesome! Great review, and thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
dani_nguyen
Thanks for the giveaway & happy holidays!
Taffy
I still need to read this one! THANKS for the reminder!
Suz
Thanks for this amazing giveaway! This book looks great and I would love to win it!
susanw28 (at) mindspring (dot) com
Anonymous
Wow! I hope to win, Ally’s books are awesome!
Melissa
Jessy
I think this is such a cool idea for a YA novel. I don’t think it’s ever been done before. It’s also great to have such a fresh story to read.
Minas
Thanks for the giveaway!
Unknown
Omigosh, is this part of a series? I’ve been missing out!
Thank you for the giveaway op!
Gena Robertson
robertsongena@hotmail.com
Kristina
Thanks for the giveaway
LisaILJ
I just adore Ally Carter. Her books are just fun popcorn books. They don’t make you think too hard, and they are just fun, fun, fun. Oh and I wish I could find my own Hale.
Jennifer
Awesome giveaway! I’ve heard wonderful things about Heist Society. Thanks for the chance to win.
Anonymous
i LOVED Heist Society!!!! TOTALLY want this book! =) <3
Donna
I love the Heist Society- what a fun book!
donna
Angie
OMG! OMG! OMG! I love Ally Carter! I read the Gallagher series. Would totally love to give this a try! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!
Jump Into Books
Oh I can’t wait to read this! I’m just finishing up the first one, Heist Society! Thanks for the giveaway!
Elika
This is awesome. Thanks!
Tressa
This is on my to-read list and I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!
nodizzies
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I read the HEIST SOCIETY and I so want to read the sequel!
Lisa Richards/alterlisa
I have book one coming to me right now and can’t wait to start this series.
fishgirl182
thank you for the giveaway. i haven’t read any of ally’s books yet but i’ve heard good things.