Uncommon Criminals

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Hyperion, 2011
298 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Library

I enjoyed Heist Society so of course I wanted to read this, hoping for more romance with Hale and lots more fun adventures.  After the successful heist in the first book, Kat has largely been working alone recovering stolen Nazi art for the rightful owners. But soon she'll have to assemble her team again for the biggest heist yet. That mission is to steal the famed (and cursed) Cleopatra Emerald, something that has been attempted many a time without success including by Kat's own Uncle Eddie.

I loved when the whole team FINALLY got back together; sure I like Kat, Gabriella, and Hale (also Marcus-sidebar: I just plain love butlers/valets/manservants/etc. and Marcus is no exception because he rocks, always anticipating their needs, quick on his feet, and always supportive) but the story didn't really get going until Simon, Angus, Hamish, and Nick showed up. They all need to be there to give me the fun caper story I want.

However there are also new characters although I'm not sure I can describe the main one without giving away a bit of a spoiler-it's Maggie for those who have read the book. Her conversations with Kat and the way they played with each other was very interesting and added more depth to Kat's character.

Personally I would have liked more Hale because he's super cute, rich, fun to be around, and he's actually a pretty decent guy, except for the whole stealing thing.  I feel like he could use some more depth to his personality but I'm definitely very pro-Hale.

Overall: Really cute, light, and fun; I think if you enjoy Lindsey Leavitt's Princess for Hire books, you'll enjoy this series too (and vice versa).

Cover: This girl makes me think of Dianna Agron from Glee, except brunette of course. I also love the covers-the green of "Uncommon" and her purple shirt.