The Good Thieves

Vita Marlowe arrives in 1920s New York City from England on a mission to help her grandfather, who has lost his home to a real estate scam. Determined to expose the truth and restore justice, she seeks help in unlikely places. Along the way, Vita connects with a circus performer, a pickpocket, and a skilled mechanic. The group combines their unique talents to devise a plan targeting the fraudulent businessman who wronged Vita's grandfather. The children navigate both the glittering heights and gritty underbelly of Manhattan, racing against time to execute their scheme. Their quest involves acrobatics, sleight of hand, and precise timing as they attempt to right a wrong. At its core, The Good Thieves explores questions of loyalty, justice, and what makes an action right or wrong. The novel presents young characters who must weigh their moral compass against society's rules while fighting for what they believe is fair.

Readers highlight the book's fast pace, clever dialogue, and atmospheric 1920s New York setting. Many note that the heist plot keeps children engaged while tackling themes of justice and family loyalty. Positives: - Strong female protagonist who demonstrates courage and resourcefulness - Detailed circus elements and acrobatics - Mix of history and adventure appealing to both children and adults - Supporting characters with distinct personalities - "Like a kids' version of Ocean's Eleven" - multiple reader reviews Negatives: - Some find the plot resolution too convenient - A few readers say the story takes too long to build momentum - Minor characters could use more development - Historical details sometimes feel superficial Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (280+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 The book receives particular praise from teachers and librarians for engaging reluctant readers while incorporating historical elements.

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🌟 Katherine Rundell wrote The Good Thieves after being inspired by her own climbing experiences on New York City buildings and gargoyles while studying at Oxford 🗽 The story takes place in 1920s New York during Prohibition, when the city was experiencing significant cultural changes and the rise of speakeasies 🎪 The circus elements in the book were researched through Rundell's personal experiences - she learned trapeze and tightrope walking to better understand her characters 💎 The stolen emerald castle in the story was inspired by real-life cases of European nobles who dismantled and shipped entire buildings to America during the early 20th century 🦏 Rundell included a white rhinoceros in the story after learning about their near-extinction in the early 1900s due to hunting, making it historically accurate for the time period