Uncommon Criminals

Uncommon Criminals is the second installment in Ally Carter's Heist Society series, a witty and charming young adult crime fiction novel packed with clever cons, international escapades, and a heroine who makes stealing look like an art form. Carter takes readers on a stylish globetrotting adventure that is equal parts thrilling and laugh-out-loud funny, making it one of the most enjoyable heist stories written for young adults in recent years.

The story follows Katarina Bishop, a teenage thief from a legendary family of con artists, as she takes on what seems like a simple job: stealing back a famous cursed emerald called the Cleopatra. But as with all great heists, nothing goes according to plan. Kat soon finds herself outwitted, outmaneuvered, and in over her head, forcing her to rely on her crew, her instincts, and her remarkable ability to think three steps ahead of everyone else in the room.

Ally Carter's writing is fast, fun, and irresistibly charming. Her characters are richly drawn, particularly Kat, who is smart, self-aware, and endearing in her determination to be a better person while still being a very good thief. The romantic tension, sharp dialogue, and clever plot construction make Uncommon Criminals impossible to put down from start to finish.

This book is a perfect read for fans of Ocean's Eleven-style capers, stylish YA fiction, and stories about found families and female-led adventures. Uncommon Criminals delivers everything readers loved about the first book while raising the stakes even higher, cementing Ally Carter's place as one of the most entertaining voices in young adult fiction. It is a book that rewards clever readers who love to be surprised.