Loot

About this book

On a foggy night in Amsterdam, a man falls from a rooftop to the wet pavement below. It's Alfie McQuinn, the notorious cat burglar, and he's dying. As sirens wail in the distance, Alfie manages to get out two last words to his young son, March: "Find jewels."

But March learns that his father is not talking about a stash of loot. He's talking about Jules, the twin sister March never knew he had. No sooner than the two find each other, they're picked up by the police and sent to the world's worst orphanage. It's not prison, but it feels like it.

March and Jules have no intention of staying put. They know their father's business inside and out, and they're tired of being pushed around. Just one good heist, and they'll live the life of riches and freedom most kids only dream about.

Watch out! There are wild kids on the loose and a crime spree coming ...

Reviews

Praise for LOOT:

"So many things I love about this book: Cursed jewels, a dangerous prophecy, a crash course in the history of thievery, acrobatics and grift . . . This is LOOT you can take to the bank. It's the perfect summer read for kids." -- Rick Riordan, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Percy Jackson series

"LOOT is one of those books that you'll want to devour in one sitting. Full of twists and turns and thrills aplenty, with the perfect mixture of humor throughout, this is a must-read. I really loved it." -- James Dashner, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE MAZE RUNNER

"LOOT is pure delight -- a super-smart, funny, and exciting ride that I hoped would last forever. Full of wonderful characters and gratifying twists, this story is truly something special." -- Rebecca Stead, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author and Newbery Medalist for WHEN YOU REACH ME

"A nonstop thrill ride of cons, schemes, and near misses, with more twists than a pretzel factory. If middle grade heist counts as a genre, Jude Watson is the master." -- Gordon Korman, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of SWINDLE

"LOOT is proof that Jude Watson can do it all: an edge-of-your seat mystery that manages to be thrilling, funny, nail-biting, and full of real characters readers will care about. I loved it." -- Peter Lerangis, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Seven Wonders series

"LOOT is one of my favorite reads in a very long time! I could not put this book down!"
-- Jennifer A. Nielsen, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE FALSE PRINCE

"LOOT breezes along in Jude Watson's trademark smart, snappy style, a sophisticated caper with a charming and unforgettable cast of characters." -- Natalie Standiford, author of THE SECRET TREE

"LOOT is fast, fun, and full of exciting twists -- like OCEANS 11 starring kids. Buried beneath the exciting heist adventure is a beautifully written story of love and resilience, but that just serves to deepen the surprises and suspense that will keep kids flipping pages long after lights out." -- Rachel Vail, author of UNFRIENDED

"Bursting with adventure, humor and heart, LOOT is an unputdownable treat. Just make sure to hide it somewhere genius when you're done, so no one tries to steal it." -- Sarah Mlynowski, bestselling author of the Whatever After series

"One deadly curse, four runaway kids and seven magical moonstones all add up to a page-turner full of action and heart. This is OCEAN'S ELEVEN for the middle grade reader." -- Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor author of HATTIE BIG SKY

* "Akin to the best of roller-coaster rides. . . . Taut, engrossing, and unstoppable." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

* "Jewel theft has never been as fun as in 39 Clues contributor Watson's action-packed novel featuring Mission: Impossible - style escapades. . . . The high level of suspense, ultra-short chapters, and fast pace will hook readers of all stripes." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review

"Sassy narration, smart quips, pigeon drops, and slang worthy of an episode of DRAGNET make this fast-paced tale of topsy-turvy antics a joy from beginning to end. Don't try these high jinks at home..." -- BOOKLIST

"A richly entertaining romp." -- BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS