I read this book not because it seemed like the kind of book that I would like, but simply because it was nominated for the 2010 YALSA Teen Top Ten. I wasn’t expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. The story and lead character grabbed me right from the start. Katarina Bishop, we soon learn, comes from a family of thieves and has recently decided to leave the family business behind, opting instead to steal a new life by conning her way into an elite boarding school. This is where we first meet her, but she is not there long for her family needs her and steals her right back by getting her kicked out of school for a classic prank (headmasters car, fountain) that she did not commit (as Hale says, “I’m an old fashioned guy. Besides, it’s a classic for a reason.”). Once back with her family she learns that some “different kind of bad” guy named Arturo Taccone is missing some paintings, believes her dad to be responsible, and wants her to get his paintings back or else (because there’s always an or else). So, Kat heads out to figure out who stole the paintings, where they are, and how to get them back.
The whole story reads like a movie (each time she goes to a new location, I pictured the title at the bottom of the screen reading “Paris, France” etc) and perhaps that is why I liked it so much – never a dull moment, extremely easy to visualize, great characters, interesting story line. I really don’t have any complaints. In fact, one of my most usual complaints about YA media – the unnecessary focus on romance – is not a complaint that I have with this book. There is some crushing going on, but the romance is not super developed, because Katarina has a job to do and she is always focused and on task.
Title: Heist Society
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion Books (February 2010)
Reviewer: Emily Bennison
Edited from review originally posted at Love YA Lit.