Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Title: Uncommon Criminals
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion
Publishing Date: June 21st 2011
Pages: 298
Genre: YA Mystery/Crime
Series: Heist Society #2
Source: Audio Book

Goodreads Summary:

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.

Review:

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the Heist Society Series. I absolutely loved the first one. This one did not disappoint me. If possible, I liked it more than the first book.

The story continues for Katarina, she is on a hunt for stolen objects so that she can return them to the rightful families. She has been all over collecting what she can. She’s approached by an elderly woman who claims the Cleopatra Emerald was stolen when it was discovered and the now she wants it returned to the rightful owners, her family. She enlists Kat for the job. It’s going to be a hard job to pull off so Kat turns to her friends. They plan the heist, but when it comes down to it, things go wrong and things fall apart… not to mention there is a con in play, one that was not expected.

I adore Kat, she is witty, snarky, independent, and steals for the good side. She is loyal and has a good heart. The only problem with Kat, she doesn’t know when to say no or enough is enough and seems to land herself in trouble or and over again. It’s a good thing she has her friend, Hale and her cousin, Gabrielle and of course the rest of the gang. I love Hale, what’s not to love. He is smooth, funny, and oh so cute. Sometimes I want to knock Kat in the head and ask her what she’s thinking. I mean Hale… Go For It! We get to see more of Gabrielle in this book, at least I felt that I was able to get to know her a little more and I do love her. She is such a good addition to the gang. She is not afraid to put herself out there and use her assets. The entire gang does come back and it is so much fun to see them all in action. With friends that are masterminds and criminals, life is always interesting.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and my mouth hanging open. I could not believe all the twists and turns, the moments of breath holding, and the relationship ups and downs. I am amazed at what all can happen in such a short book. I had a blast with Kat. I can’t wait to see what’s next in her life of “good” crime.

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