About this book

Lock up your jewels! Bestselling author Jude Watson is back with her gang of kid criminal masterminds.

Never do a favour for a friend.

Twelve-year-old March McQuin forgot rule number one for cat burglars, which is how he and his twin sister, Jules, found themselves dangling upside down twenty feet above a stone floor at three in the morning. Their target was a set of stunning diamonds and it should have been an easy job, in and out. Except another thief got there first. March and Jules were lucky to escape with their lives, and one measly stone.

Now the botched heist has created a world of trouble. The stone they grabbed was the Morning Star, one of a trio of famous sapphires, and it’s cursed. The theft put the twins and their friends in the cross hairs of Interpol, the FBI, and a vicious adult gang of international criminals. And worst of all, the only way to break the curse and set everything to rights is by somehow managing to steal the other two sapphires in the set.

Break out the black gloves. Lay out the masks. There’s a full moon coming, and jewels to steal...

Reviews

PRAISE FOR BOOK ONE, 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