Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Won
Publisher: Hyperion
Format: Hardcover, 298 pages
Release Date: June 21, 2011

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 simply… 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, 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.

Once again, Ally Carter has delivered a unique, fun and exciting adventure. I love reading about Kat and her crew!

To me, even the thought of reading about teenagers that plan out and execute huge heists all over the globe sounds exciting. The real thing? It's even better. I never know what will happen next with Ally Carter, she has so many clever tricks up her sleeve.

Kat, the rest of her family and Hale all feel distinct and personal when reading about them, regardless of how much time they actually get to speak in the book. Although I can honestly say I'm not a criminal mastermind myself*, there are still many other things that these characters go through that I can relate to, leaving me even more invested in the story.

Not only are they fun, but these stories are so well-written as well. The anticipation and suspense (only further helped by the constant timeline reminders!) build at this perfectly paced speed and while I felt curious to know what would happen next, I was still able to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The perfect read if you're looking for something light and fun.

* or am I....

Cover Comments: Ahh, it's perfect. I think it really sets the tone for the book and I love the reflection in Kat's sunglasses!

4/5 Royal Crowns!