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The Good Thieves

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She is one of four exceptional children on which the narrative is focused, and while they are all fantastic in their own right, they share three qualities: all four have distinct talents, personalities and difficulties, all four are people I wish I could know in real life and all four have courage and resilience that take my breath away. If you enjoy middle grade novels and adventure stories, THE GOOD THIEVES is a great choice. I grabbed it on a whim knowing that it might be too young for me, and ended up really enjoying it. A compelling Middle Grade that reminded me of my early years of devouring Enid Blyton's mysteries on a weekly basis, I had a good time with this one. Fresh and appealing, the writing style and lovely illustrations that adorned each chapter's headers pulled me into the story, because much like Vita - I wanted to see justice served and I wanted to know how it would come to be. I loved how it also became a mystery, as well - for what she was seeking may be more than what meets the eye. I liked that Katherine Rundell placed our young intrepid into situations that while dark and dangerous, still felt very plausible and believable for their attempts in facing off the villains that targeted them. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

The setting is New York City, apparently in Prohibition era (there is mention of a speakeasy). I wish the historical aspects were more based in fact. It could be that Hudson Castle could be partly inspired by Bannerman's Castle or Carrollcliffe in NY, but there is no author's note to confirm this.I love writing that really captures the voice of the person writing – we all think differently, which is a spectacular and important thing, and so it makes sense that we would all use language differently. So be yourself! As in Rooftoppers, there are rationalized lies told by Vita to her family. We get the b.s. "promises" made right to the adult's face that are at that very moment known to be false or hedged. It's a poor trait for a heroine (and for a young reader) and it's lazy for Rundell to be using it again. And all the kids do this rationalized lying - even among themselves! I did like the clever twist that pushes the story to its climax. It was set up well. The denouement was sort of dopey, wrapping everything up in a overly-perfect bow.

From award-winning author Katherine Rundell comes a fast-paced and utterly thrilling adventure driven by the loyalty and love between a grandfather and his granddaughter. The book setting is brilliant and the story is perfectly paced. It holds the suspense element till the end. It's been a wonderful adventure ride for me. Highly recommended.The Good Thieves is a wonderful and adventurous middle grade fiction set as part of the historical genre – so basically it had all the makings of what could end up being one of the most enjoyable books in recent times. (Spoiler Alert: It did!) There were teachable moments throughout the story, as themes of family, friendship, loyalty, racism, crime, and dishonesty are in abundance. Visually evocative scenes play out as Rundell transports us through the bustle of Manhattan, the landscapes of suburban New York, and the majesty of the decaying castle. She had to do something to make it right. She did not yet know what, nor how, but love has a way of leaving people no choice.”

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