Friday 15 February 2013

Review: Perfect Scoundrels (Heist Society #3) by Ally Carter

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
Publisher: Orchard
Publication date: February 7th 2013.
My rating: 4 stars


Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting--or stealing--whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the heir--this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy.

Perfect Scoundrels in my opinion is the best from Ally Carter in the Heist Society series yet. I had my initial doubts when picking this up as Uncommon Criminals didn’t pack the punch that I’d expected; but Perfect Scoundrels was one heck of a thrilling ride and went onto show me why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

Kat Bishop is back, but this time the con she has to deal with is a lot closer to home, Hale’s grandma’s will is suggested to be a fake, all the evidence on the contrary suggests so too. Kat knows it’s a con she must figure out, but doing so could hurt someone really close to her; Hale, he’s been left in charge of Hale industries, so she doesn’t want this to be true either, and the only way she can get to the bottom of this is by behind his back, something she doesn’t want to do either, so what’s a girl like Kat to do?

It was great fun being back with the gang again, they found themselves in an unusual situation, Kat and her friends were known for being the greatest thieves, they had robbed the Henley, something which had never been done before. But now they had it all to deal with, Kat had to risk losing her friendship with Hale or Hale losing everything. As far as cons went this time, the gang definitely found themselves buried deep.

Returning characters made Perfect Scoundrels a hoot of a read, the banter back and forth, the comradeship between Kat’s friends and family made me realise how much I missed being around them. But the series of events which occurred definitely had a damaging effect on one of my favourite characters; Hale. In the previous two books I adored Hale’s humour and his attitude to life, he was laid back, never fretted about anything and took everything in his stride. But after losing his grandma Hale was a lost and vulnerable boy, and I hated seeing this side of him. He was torn between staying true to his family, a family that had been out of the picture and his family he had made in the last two years with the Bishops. It was a tough con for everyone to deal with but especially poor Hale. The fun Heist books, we all had come to know and love, for the first time dealt with serious and heart breaking undertones.

Despite my heart crumbling throughout most of the book, Ally Carter also had me thoroughly surprised by upping her cons. A few times I had a couple of ideas which way things would go but I was totally off the mark. The surprises kept on coming right until the very end.

Perfect Scoundrels was an exciting follow up to Uncommon Criminals, I have secret hopes that Carter decides to continue with this wonderful series as I can’t wait to see what Kat and the rest of the gang find themselves caught up in next time.

15 comments:

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

Yes! I couldn't agree with you more, Jasprit! By far my favorite of the series, and it made my heat ache the entire time.
I'm sorry you didn't like this side of Hale. I hated to see them both hurt, but I thought it gave his character depth, made him stand out, and I felt that I undestood him better this time around.
More, please. We NEED to learn his name.

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I've seen this book around but actually never read it. While watching at the cover I assumed that it wasn't for me. I have no idea. But after reading your review I might give it a try. Great review :)

Eunice said...

I have not read any book from this author but I've seen this series a lot of times. I might go check this out soon. This sounds lovely and fun though. Brilliant review, Jasprit.

Unknown said...

YES. Agreed. I loved the banter and the cons she did, Ally Carter impressed me more and more. Great review, Jasprit!

Sunny @ Blue Sky Bookshelf

Jenny said...

I agree Jasprit! This was definitely my favorite of the series as well, I think because it was a bit more emotional and we got to see both Kat and Hale a bit vulnerable. It could also be due in part to the fact that Kat stopped pushing Hale away in this book, and I hope she keeps pulling him closer from here on out:) Awesome review my friend!

Livvy said...

I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much and found that it was fun too with the comradeship. I have yet to pick up an Ally Carter book, but I have one on my shelf. I think it's her other series.

Great review, Jasprit! :)

Keertana said...

Wonderful review, Jasprit! Like you, I loved this installment the best from this series and really hope Carter continues to expand with it. I feel like there is STILL more to these characters that I don't know and I love the depth that Kat and Hale's relationship has now too. Just more of Hale is nice in general, actually! ;)

Sarah Elizabeth said...

I like the sound of the surprises in this one! I wasn't sure about this series but I might be swayed by the surprises!

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

I love banter, and this definitely sounds like a fun read. I borrowed copies of the first two books in this series recently so I hope to start it soon! I'll keep in mind what you mentioned about Uncommon Criminals though. Great review, Jasprit! :)

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

If it's by far the most enjoyable read that you had with the Heist Society series, I think I'll have to get this book. I like Hale and Kat and from how I've remembered Hale, I can't quite imagine that he could be vulnerable. I'm also hoping Carter would keep writing more stories about Kat. Loved your review, Jasprit!

brandileigh2003 said...

Glad the gang was a hoot, and you enjoyed the follow up. I haven't read any of these.
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

Shirley said...

Ooohhh best in the series?! I WANT. I absolutely LOVE Ally's GG series so I can't wait to get started on her Heist Society series too <3 Awwww...Hale! Lost and vulnerable? POOR BABY! I can't wait to meet him!<3 Lovely review, Jasprit :D

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I'm glad this one was better than the second. i haven't read any of them, but my sister loved the first one. I'll have to let her know that the third is great if she reads the second and finds it lacking too. :)

Jess said...

I think this was my favourite, or if not second favourite, too! I love the banter in these books and the sadness surrounding Hale broke my heart, loved your review!

Dwayne Johnston said...

Ally Carter's books have been consistently well-written and mature for young adult books. I appreciate this as a follow-up because you get to learn a little more about Hale and his background. It has a satisfying ending but I hope she's not done with this series. You get very invested in these characters.
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