Review: Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Title: Perfect Scoundrels
Author: Ally Carter
Genre: Mystery; Adventure
Pages: Hardcover, 328
Publication: February 5, 2013

Synopsis:
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.

I’ve been a fan of Ally Carter’s writing for years, ever since I read I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You (1st book in the Gallagher Girls series) about 4 years ago. She’s never failed to impress me. Her writing is always so simple, but it’s so incredibly good. Plus, her books are never boring. There’s always some action, a fantastic romance, and an intricate plotline. Perfect Scoundrels was no different.

I’m going to say it now. Ally Carter is pure genius. How she comes up with these plots and stories, I have no idea. Like all her books, Perfect Scoundrels has such a complex plot line. But it’s not one of those stories where the author gets in over her head. Ally Carter knows exactly what she’s doing, and where the story is going. I’m always so impressed at how complex and involved each heist is, and how her characters go through the motions to do them. And it seems with each Heist Society book, each heist gets bigger and better.

I love each of the characters in these books, and I love how in this one, we get to see them mature and become adults. Character development is probably the thing I look forward to most in a book, and Perfect Scoundrels had it. We finally get to see Kat growing up and become more responsible for her actions. We get to see Hale, who always seems so perfect, finally show some of his imperfections and vulnerability. The way Ally Carter writes these characters and their developments, is beautiful.

I think I need to fangirl a little bit about the romance in this book… OH MY GOD. KALE. HAT. (Whatever you want to call it…) It was probably my favorite part of the book. Their relationship is so sweet, and real, and I love it so so much. Ally does a great job writing their relationship, and making it seem as real as possible in situations that aren’t so real all the time. Also, I love that she shows how Hale acts with Kat in regards to both sides of his life. The interactions with Hale as Kat’s boyfriend and Kat’s family were absolutely hilarious. It gives Hale a family that he didn’t really have before, and I love it. I’m super excited to see what happens with their relationship in later books.

Ally Carter’s Perfect Scoundrels is an adventure that you won’t want to stop reading. You connect with the story and fall in love with the characters completely. This book has everything that a good story contains: an incredibly sweet romance, action, and humor. It does not disappoint.

5 out of 5 stars

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