Published:
If you enjoyed the buzzy, bestselling Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, you might be wondering what to read next.
With Netflix’s popular docuseries on the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft This Is a Robbery capturing true crime lovers’ imaginations in 2021 along with modern heist classics like National Treasure still enjoying popularity nearly twenty years after its release, there’s no doubt these kinds of stories will remain popular for a long time.
Fortunately, there are plenty of heist novels to read while you wait for whatever is next. Even better, there’s no need to engineer your own heist to get your hands on these books: you can check them out for free with your library card.
Just Watch Me by Jeffry P. Lindsay
Dexter author Jeffry P. Lindsay introduces readers to antihero Riley Wolfe, who is a modern day Robin Hood with his sights set on the richest of the rich (and their wealth). Wolfe’s latest target: the Crown Jewels of Iran, which intrigue Wolfe not just for their value, but for the legendary impossibility of their abduction. And Wolfe just might be able to pull it off, with a little help from a master art forger and his own gusto. Also available in large print.
The Helicopter Heist by Jonas Bonnier
Based on a true story, this epic heist narrative brings four Swedish men together in their pursuit to relieve a Stockholm cash depot of $6.5 million. Inspired by a woman named Alexandra, Zoran, Niklas, Michel, and Sami have the perfect plan. There’s no way it could possibly fail -- so long as everyone plays the part they’re meant to.
Heist by Kiki Swinson and De’nesha Diamond
With two stories in one, Heist starts with Shannon whose husband finds himself in prison after getting caught up in gun running. But before long, Shannon has her own criminal activity lined up in hopes of coming out on top. Then, DEA Agent Jordan Hayes finds herself on the other side of the law with an addiction to the thrill of it, even as she swears off her father’s criminal past. Also available as an ebook.
The Don Con by Richard Armstrong
Soaked in humor, The Don Con takes on an unusual setting for its larceny at a fan convention celebrating pop culture. After playing a mobster, actor Joey Volpe gets caught up in the real thing when Tony Rosetti arrives with a scheme. They have two years to plan the robbery of the next Fan-Con and Joey is about to get an education in what it really means to be involved in organized crime.
Olympia by Bastien Vivès, Florent Rupport, and Jérôme Mulot, translated by Montana Kane
With a mission to capture Édouard Manet’s Olympia and two more paintings, Alex, Carole, and Sam take up the caper with fresh approaches and an extremely pregnant team member. But even the best laid plans can go askew, and with such high stakes, some things are bound to get mixed up in this exciting art heist story.
Dark Side of the Moon by Les Wood
Crime mastermind Boddice is ready to take on the next big challenge: stealing The Dark Side of the Moon, a diamond valued in the millions and as famous as any other high-profile jewel. Piecing together a team is the first step, and Boddice is already facing troubles between the greed and ineptitude running rampant amongst its members. If they can only work together, they might pull off the greatest heist in history -- but with dueling motives, things aren’t looking promising.
Love and Theft by Stan Parish
Alex and Diane can’t deny their natural attraction to each other, even as they come from very different worlds. But soon, those fundamental differences threaten their future when Alex takes on a heist that endangers their respective children. Now, Alex must do whatever it takes to keep their families safe, even when secrets about Diane emerge that reframe everything Alex thought he knew. Also available as an ebook.
Looking to get personalized reading recommendations from DC Public Library staff? Fill out this form and a curated list will get sent directly to your inbox!
Author: Abby H.