Review: Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Perfect Scoundrels (Heist Society #3)
by Ally Carter
Published: February 5, 2013



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.

Wow. Just...two hands down. It was a long time before I read any Ally Carter books again and she just never disappoints. Of course, another five stars for her. She’s just that good. Well, what can I say? Perfect Scoundrels—a very fitting title.

The writing style is very smooth, making it incredibly easy to follow, without being painstakingly flaunty or bragging despite its theme. Also the parts where she changes the subject into pronouns efficiently illustrates their...art and creates the effect of a brilliant, well portrayed depiction of scoundrels hot on the job. She has the talent of putting words together and crafting them into something that really fits the story and something that draws the reader in.

On the other hand, I was a tad bit frustrated to be close on ending and still not getting the highlight of the heist—the supposed robbery of The Superior Bank of Manhattan. Anyways, that part was counterbalanced by scores of surprises and flabbergasting disclosures at the end of every—I’m sure you will find—puzzling chapter. Add to that the additional Henley robbery. So much win!

Undeniably, I can’t help but to admire the astounding wit and cleverness Ally has put to work in this third instalment of The Heist Society Series. This presents advantage because it’s evidently unlike most, which prefer to keep the true genius of the art (the grifts) a secret, whereas the brilliancy and flair of Katarina and her crew were meticulously arranged to a sharp, exceptional finish. And let’s not forget about the Katarina-Hale romance. I really liked it in this part of the series, because their relationship was especially challenged here and there was some outside party involved. Be sure to watch out for that, and also their first meeting and most interesting, Hale’s name around their family! The ending was very remarkable, regarding the shocker twists and the clever heist, or shall I say clever arrangement, concluding another superb work of art by Ally Carter.

Words!

“Kat picked up a folder labeled Senior. "What are these? Bank records?" She did a double take, looking at Hale. "Did your dad really pay two million dollars to the campaign to elect Ross Perot?" 

"I..." Hale said, stumbling for words and thumbing through another file. "Wow. I guess my cousin Charlotte isn't really my cousin."

"Don't worry," Kat said. It looks like there might be a kid in Queens who is.”

Watch!