Jenn's Review: Uncommon Criminals

 Blurb:  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...

Review:  Oh, how I missed Kat and Hale!  I was actually saving this one because there weren't anymore out yet, but ever since Perfect Scoundrels hit the shelves last month, I've been itching to continue the series.

Uncommon Criminals picks up quite some time after Heist Society.  For Kat's age she is highly accomplished and a brilliant strategist, but she has come to realize that she doesn't like being responsible for the safety of others on big jobs.  Kat has been traveling around and dong jobs on her own and she returns to an unhappy Hale.  She may be a worldly, clever thief, but when it comes to boys Kat's a bit clueless.  

I love a good con and Ally Carter gives us several.  As with most good cons, when everything seems to be going wrong, you know there has to be more to the plan, but it doesn't make it any less enjoyable to read.  I love that Kat can take care of herself, but I also love that she learns to rely on her friends and family.  

Ms. Carter brings back the whole cast of characters from the Henley job and we even get to meet a few new ones. It felt like visiting with old friends and I can't wait to do it again. I may even re-read both before starting Perfect Scoundrels. I adore Ally Carter's writing and love both this series and the Gallagher Girls.   She's one of those authors whose releases I look forward to immensely. 

Final Take:  5/5