Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
4.5/5 stars
Hyperion, 2013
328 pages
YA Contemporary Caper
Source: Library
As I read Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals, of course I wanted to finish the series (it is my understanding that this is only a trilogy but I would be happy to read another installment). I'm so glad I picked it up because I thought this book was absolutely delightful, the best in the trilogy! Every book has had a con of some kind and this one was just so so satisfying.
My one complaint about this book was the shifting of narration. Sometimes it would go to "the girl" or "the boy" meaning Kat or Hale instead of saying their names. It felt like a distancing technique and I hated being away from the wonderful characters.
Other than that, I loved everything. The book opens throwing Hale into a sad situation that drastically changes their circumstances and brings Kat from her world of cons to Hale's world of money and...well actually there are a lot of con people in the business world too as realized by Kat and which instigates their latest heist.
Have you seen The Sting? (If you haven't, you should check it out: Robert Redford and Paul Newman-enough said.) That's what this book ended up making me think of, which is a very high compliment. Of course it was only after I had read everything that I made this connection because before that I was too caught up in Carter's exquisite plotting. What they pull off in this book impressed me to no end and is the main reason for my love.
There are also all the wonderful characters we already know and love-Kat, Hale, Gabrielle, Marcus, Simon, Angus, Hamish, etc. in addition to introducing some other members of Kat's "family." Kat and Hale's romance is further tested by these new circumstances (to my dismay as I love the couple) but I am happy with the way everything is resolved here. We also get a lot more background on Hale and his upbringing, proving that money cannot buy you love and happiness as his birth family was pretty crappy at providing those two things. I felt so sorry for the guy but happy for him falling in with Kat's crew.
Overall: Another confection from Carter-I was seriously so blown away by the plotting and the light writing. That takes such great skill and is seriously under-appreciated in my opinion.
Other Opinions:
Books are Vital
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Reading Is the Thing
I always enjoy Ally Carter's books and I liked this one too. I thought there would be more books in the series though.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you liked this book too. It was nice finding out more about Hale and seeing Kat's relationship with him grow.
It seems that other people are telling me it is not complete-that is just what I had thought I had seen but I am certainly eager for more.
DeleteWell, I think I can no longer put off this series. I'm always so happy to hear when trilogies don't peter out or go so far off base in the third that you wonder why you read the series in the first place!
ReplyDeleteThis one is so cute and very much connected together-if you like the first book, you should like the rest.
DeleteHmmm I'm under the impression that there will be more of the Heist Society books. At least, I hope there will! I actually enjoyed the "the boy" and "the girl" parts, it made the book feel a bit more whimsical. I'm glad you liked it overall!
ReplyDelete-Taylor @ Reading is the Thing
Everyone else seems to be saying more is to come and I'm glad to hear that-I really like these books!
DeleteYou know, I have seen this series at my library and keep putting it off. I am going to pick it up soon, it does sounds really good. Glad you enjoyed it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely give these a try-perfect summer beach reads!
DeleteI love this series! I hope Ally Carter doesn't keep it a trilogy because I want more books! Although this was my least favorite of the three, I still enjoyed it a lot. Glad I found someone who loves the series as much as I do!
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I thought it was a trilogy-everyone seems to be saying more could come.
DeleteI like Ally Carter, so I think I'll need to continue this series. Do we ever find out what Hale's name is?? I can't wait now! Awesome review, girly!
ReplyDeleteWe get the name his family gave him but not what the elusive WW's represent-I hope if there are in fact future books, that we learn the truth behind the name.
DeleteI'm pretty sure Ally Carter said it wasn't the end. It's kind of one of those series where she can pick up and leave if she wants because they can standalone, y'know? I really liked knowing more about Hale in this book too! Lovely review. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased everyone came out to correct me-these books don't end in killer cliffhangers but they leave you wanting the next all the same.
DeleteI have the first one on my shelf. I like the idea of spy books and can't resist them, but more often than not they end up "not my cup of tea". I'm hoping I like these, though! :) Carter sounds like a fun author.
ReplyDeleteI like the light caper tone of these books-if they were serious, I would definitely enjoy them less.
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