Best I’ve Read 2011 Day 6- Uncommon Criminals #BIR2011
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!