Books Like...

Among Thieves by M.J. Kuhn is a fantasy heist novel that follows Ryia and a group of misfit characters as they embark on a dangerous mission to steal an artifact known as The Quill. Each character has their own secrets and motivations, leading to a web of betrayal and deception as they navigate through a gritty and realistic world filled with magic and danger. The story is fast-paced, with multiple points of view that allow readers to become emotionally invested in each character's journey.

The Gardner Heist by Ulrich Boser is a nonfiction book that delves into the story of one of the largest unsolved art thefts in history. Set in 1990 at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, the book narrates how two men disguised as police officers stole 13 paintings and various artifacts, leaving behind a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. Through a mix of historical background on Boston, the museum, and the enigmatic Isabella Gardner herself, along with interviews with shady characters and art theft history, Boser weaves a compelling narrative that captivates readers interested in the world of art crime.

'Flawless: Inside The Largest Diamond Heist In History' by Greg Campbell and Scott Andrew Selby is a riveting account of the infamous diamond theft that took place in Antwerp in 2003. The book delves into the meticulous planning and execution of the heist, intertwined with insights into the diamond trade, security measures, and the history of diamond trading. Divided into two halves, the first part focuses on the heist itself while the second part details the investigation that led to the apprehension of the thieves. The narrative style is engaging and informative, offering a detailed look at both the criminal act and its aftermath.

The authors skillfully weave together the intricate details of the heist with the history of diamond trading, creating a compelling story that reads like a heist movie. With a focus on the human errors that played a crucial role in both the success of the theft and the subsequent investigation, 'Flawless' provides a captivating insight into the world of high-stakes crime and the lengths individuals will go to for a lucrative score.

Rachel Aaron's 'The Spirit Thief' is a light and enjoyable fantasy romp featuring a legendary thief, Eli Monpress, who aims to increase the bounty on his head by stealing a king. The story unfolds in a world where wood can speak, magicians draw their power from surrounding nature, and rogues charm their way through life with impish wit. The plot revolves around Eli's heist going wrong, leading to unexpected alliances and adventures with a group of sorcerers, a spiritualist, and a dangerous swordsman.

The book introduces a magical system where everything has a spirit, and wizards perform magic by interacting with these spirits. The narrative is fast-paced, engaging, and humorous, with a classic heist storyline full of twists and turns. The characters, including Eli Monpress, are intriguing, with morally grey traits, and the action scenes, both magical and mundane, are described as fun and entertaining.

'The Palace Job' by Patrick Weekes is a high fantasy ensemble heist book reminiscent of Ocean's Eleven in a Dungeons and Dragons setting. The story follows Loch, a rogue captain, who assembles a diverse crew to recover a stolen elvish book, leading them on a wild adventure filled with fights, witty banter, and unexpected twists. The book features a mix of fantasy elements like magic, floating cities, and mythical creatures, creating a fun and entertaining read for fans of caper stories.

The writing style of 'The Palace Job' is described as light and easy to read, with a focus on humor, clever dialogue, and a fast-paced plot filled with double-crossings and surprises. Despite some predictable twists and juvenile humor, the book manages to engage readers with its diverse cast of characters and the thrilling escapades they embark on.

'The Gutter Prayer' by Gareth Hanrahan follows a trio of thieves, Cari, Spar, and Rat, navigating the intricate city streets of Guerdon amidst a conflict between gods and sorceries. The story delves into a world filled with history, tunnels, and horrifying creatures while exploring themes of politics, justice, and death. The author combines fantastic imagination with engaging characters, a thrilling plot, and a grimly realistic world.

The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake is a comedic heist novel featuring John Dortmunder and his crew of New York robbers. The plot revolves around Dortmunder and his team attempting to steal a priceless gem, but due to a series of mishaps, they end up having to pull off multiple heists to secure the jewel. The writing style is described as funny, engaging, and fast-paced, with quirky and eccentric characters adding to the humor and entertainment value of the story. The book offers a series of capers that keep readers engaged, with each attempt to steal the gem resulting in unexpected twists and turns.

'The Heist' in the Fox and O'Hare series by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg follows the story of a conman named Nick Fox who is caught by the FBI but is given the opportunity to continue his thieving ways with the assistance of FBI agent Kate O'Hare. The plot revolves around their partnership and the various capers they embark on, transitioning from a heist-focused narrative to more of an action-packed storyline as the series progresses. The writing style is described as light-hearted, funny, and easy to read, with elements of humor and entertainment that keep readers engaged throughout the book.

The Gilded Wolves is an action-packed YA fantasy novel that follows Severin and his crew on a dangerous adventure filled with heists, diverse characters, and a mix of magic and history. The plot revolves around the group's quest, led by Severin's overall end goal, with each character having their own strengths, weaknesses, and secrets that intertwine perfectly in the story. The book features a unique world-building that blends different myths, a secret society with hidden agendas, and a hunt for ancient artifacts, all set in a lush, magical version of Paris in the 1880s.

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton is a gripping novel that follows the life of Mike, a young man who is unable to speak due to a traumatic event in his childhood. Despite his silence, Mike discovers a talent for picking locks, which leads him into a life of crime. The narrative alternates between different timelines, gradually revealing the events that shaped Mike's life and his journey into the criminal world, all while exploring themes of trauma, love, and redemption.

Hamilton's writing style in The Lock Artist is described as engaging and suspenseful, with a unique structure that keeps readers hooked. The story unfolds through a first-person narrative by Mike, providing insight into his inner thoughts and struggles as he navigates his way through a dangerous world of safecracking and criminal activities.