The Fifth Bandit

Spider Heist #4

by Jason Kasper

The Fifth Bandit is the final installment of the electrifying Spider Heist Thrillers series by USA Today bestselling author Jason Kasper. They’ve broken into safes and out of prison, but their greatest heist may be their last. The Sky Thieves have conquered their worst enemy. Now they face an even greater the ruthless mentor who brought him to power. Uncovering the mentor’s identity is their first step to staying out of jail and exercising their own personal brand of justice―by stealing from the mentor's incalculable wealth. But they aren’t the only ones looking for clues, as their new opponent activates a vast web of connections to hunt them down. The game is rigged against the Sky Thieves―until a last-minute partnership with an unlikely ally gives them the key to their enemy’s most valuable assets. In the race to free themselves from a powerful opponent, the crew must undertake their most daunting heist yet...with their lives hanging in the balance. ________________________ Praise for Jason Kasper and the Spider Heist "My heart was in my throat until the very end, and once I reached the last word, all I wanted was more." ―Lisa Regan, USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author "Jason Kasper weaves a masterful page-turner with The Spider Heist, starring his irresistible new character, Blair Morgan. If you like action, intrigue, suspense, and thrills, read this book." ―Jeff Carson, Bestselling Author of the David Wolf Mystery Series "Outstanding! Jason Kasper spins an intricate web of clues, second-guesses, and action around a cast of memorable characters that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the final twist. I dare you to try and put it down." ―LynDee Walker, Agatha Award-Nominated Author of the Nichelle Clarke Series "I flew through The Spider Heist. It's packed with action, twists, and laughs. Kasper wields excitement like a hammer, and he bashes you over the head with it, again and again." ―LT Vargus, Co-Author of the Violet Darger Series "...a tour-de-force of high stakes thriller action, unexpected twists, and nail-biting suspense. An unforgettable roller coaster ride that leaves you guessing until the end." ―Steven Konkoly, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Ryan Decker Series "Twists and turns with an incredibly likable heroine―I loved it." ―A.G. Riddle, International Bestselling Author of The Atlantis Gene

Genres: Action, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Young Adult, Espionage, Suspense

322 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

Jason Kasper is a USA Today bestselling thriller author. He served in the US Army, beginning as a Ranger private and ending as a Green Beret captain. Jason is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and was an avid ultramarathon runner, skydiver, and BASE jumper, all of which inspire his fiction.

Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @KasperAuthor.

Join his mailing list for bonus content and book updates: https://bit.ly/440lHom

Reviews

[fleurette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in the series about The Sky Thieves. I haven't read the first two books yet, I only know the third one. But that's not a problem. You can also read this book even if you haven't read any of the previous ones. Although, due to the fact that this is the ending of the whole journey and many plotlines are resolved, I think you will enjoy this book more if you know the previous ones.

A group of thieves, The Sky Thieves we know from previous books, are trying to discover the identity of their worst enemy who is behind the evil plots in the previous books - the mentor. And when they do, they know they must stop the mentor if they want to survive. The mentor seems to have unlimited resources and makes more and more attempts to get rid of The Sky Thieves. Deprived of much of their resources, the main characters must turn to others for help.

The plot is as good as the previous book. The stakes are really high all the time, and the fact that The Sky Thieves don't always get what they wanted means that you are always sitting on the edge of your seat. It's the endgame, how it all ends depends on it, and it makes you feel like the stakes are even higher.

I liked how smart and clever the main characters are. They depend not only on their well-thought-out plans, but also use some modern technology. This is another thing I really appreciate. It is interesting to read how they use various technical innovations in their plans. But just as interesting is knowing that their opponent is also using the latest technology to fight them. I also really enjoyed the fast pace of this story.

This is a very good ending to the series. Although I will not be surprised if we meet these characters again in some book. Actually, I hope we will.

Thanks to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sky Thieves Have One More Web To Cut Themselves Free!

The last book in the 'Spider Heist Series' will keep your heart in your throat and your nails bitten to the quick as Jason Kasper continues his outstanding storytelling ability with an operation the Sky Thieves decide is needed before they are done. Even though their own lives hang in the balance, they will play in a game already rigged against them by a formidable, very rich opponent. In a race to free themselves from this person's web, everything they have worked for and love may be lost.
I laughed, cried, was shocked and amazed as I turned pages quickly to see just what my favorite crew was going through now. With clues hidden anywhere a final heist of a different sort is about to begin, and you better be strapped in for this one as the roller coaster ride will have you tossed, turned and upside down without knowing just how you got there!!! An action packed thriller that you just can NOT miss!!!

[Dan Banana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as all the rest, if you like one you'll like them all. If you don't you shouldn't care about this review. Characters are consistent and enjoyable. Twists and action making for an entertaining book.

[Steven Netter · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books



Make sure to check out the full review

[Artie O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! The crew discovers the identity of “The Mentor” and they require a solution to safeguard themselves from further torment or death. They need a strategy and some assistance by expanding their crew from four to five. This storyline is brilliant, to say the least. Jason Kasper Author, consistently improves with each book. Once I think I’ve read his best book, he surpasses it again and again. If someone does not acquire the rights to this series for a movie or television deal, they are missing out. You cannot go wrong getting immersed in the “Spider Heist” series. I highly recommend it.

[Boomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of this series for a while now, so I was excited to finally get my hands on the final book, The Fifth Bandit. This wraps up the adventures of our favorite heist crew, as they finally unmask and go to head to head with Jim's mysterious and powerful 'mentor' in an attempt to bring them down for good.

I enjoy this series for several reasons, and all are all display here. There's more exciting and extremely well engineered and described heist action. The ideas, planning, and execution of these jobs are really fun to read. The main characters gel really well together and their close relationship - not Just Blaire and Sterling, but all of them - works brilliantly. There's no profanity, no killing, and minimal violence. That might make this series too tame for some, but I find it a refreshing change from most books. The focus here is on heists and stealth without the victim even knowing they've been robbed, and the series is better for it.

The Fifth Bandit brings the Spider Heist series to a very satisfying conclusion. Its nice to see things wrapped up so well, with no cliffhangers or loose ends. Way to finish strong!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy for free from Netgalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. That said, I'll be preordering this book anyway to show support for the author for putting such an enjoyable series out there. Thanks!

[--Bill C]

The Fifth Bandit leaps from the page the minute one opens the book. It’s “Katie bar the door,” non-stop action from the get-go. The characters in whom we have become invested in the first books of the series carry us to new heights of suspense, as they take on their fiercest enemy, risking all to bring an end to their persecution. Twist after twist, turn after turn the reader is consumed by the desire to never stop turning the page. This book moves so fast that one does not want to put it down. The few “lulls” in action while the crew regroups are excruciatingly full of suspense. They seek to accomplish the impossible, go against every convention, attempt to preserve its existence and bring an end to its archenemy. If you loved the other books in this series and wonder how it can get any better … read The Fifth Bandit … IT DOES NOT DISSAPOINT!

[Paul Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

It appears that this might be the final novel of the Spider Heist series. And just like the previous novels this one did not disappoint.

The introduction of new characters and their development added further depth to the crew and their adversaries. Jason Kasper did excellent work in formulating another great plot line with seemingly impossible odds for the crew to overcome.

The work is engaging and fast paced. Just like the previous books the storyline moves quickly and is engaging for the reader, and a tough book to put down.

The end of the novel is satisfying and comes to a fair conclusion, and while everything appears to be wrapped up in a neat package I believe there is the possibility for another novel of the crew coming out of retirement. Looking forward to that if that ever happens.

[John Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Jason's books. He always does a great job in my opinion. I was disappointed with this one. For me, there was too much detail and not enough action. I have returned the book so I do not have an accurate example but here is a made-up example. Instead of saying that they used an underwater propulsion device, Jason said: Blair mounted her 2021 bright blue, six foot two-inch long Delta model 6509428909 underwater propulsion device. It has two propellers made from alloy 203 brass and 301 stainless steel. It is propelled by two twin six 302 HP matched carburated diesel-fueled engines. It has a top underwater speed of 33 knots when fully accelerated using the rotational handles on each side of the rotary steering handles. ETC. That is way too much detail for me. Sorry, Jason!

[Caroline Paquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full circle

Reading this last book, I can only say that with it, Jason Kasper came full circle with the Sky Thieves (saying more would be spoilers).

As much as I hate saying goodbye to characters that I have grown to love (OK, loved them from the first book), I am glad for this last, gripping adventure of theirs.

It takes a great author to finish a series on a high, and Jason Kasper did it to perfection, including some of the best heist scenes I’ve read.

I’ll miss that crew, especially a certain loud Bostonian.

A terrific finish to just as terrific a series.

[Graham Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth and final book in the Spider Heist series. An absolute thrill ride and a very satisfying conclusion to the series. Although each book in the series can be read as a stand alone, there is an underlying thread in the plot that is developed throughout the four books. For those who have read the first three books picking up The Fifth Bandit is a no brainer I’m sure. If you haven’t read any of the others,start at Book One, The Spider Heist. Excellent series by an excellent writer of thrillers.

[David Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth Bandit completes the Spider Heist series. Jason did a great job of wrapping up all of the backstories while complimenting this current edition. With the teams family members being threatened along with a fierce competitor, they join with her to take on the new threat. The characters are real to life and entertaining as they work together removing the threat and pursue a life of peace.
A great stand alone story. If you haven't read the previous volumes, I highly recommend that you do as soon as possible.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sterling and Blair are wanting to plan for another heist. But are running low on funds. They decide to
contact Kristen Shedo. They sell her an item, but put a tracker on it. Kristen gives Sterling a watch that also has a tracker on it. The Sky Thieves have a bounty on their heads to be killed. Shedo has items in her possession that are works of art that she stole. Another action packed thriller in the series.

[Richard Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and though it is purported to be the end of this storyline, I could possibly see a return in the future. I only think that is possible if Mr. Kasper ever starts running out of other stories to tell so don’t hold your breath. I highly recommend this and all of the books by this Author. Read them chronologically if you can, but read them. I think you will be an enthralled fan as I am.

[Earl Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of the series, the characters are well developed, as is there relationships. The story moves fast with many twists and turns. You realize that the bandits become the good guys fighting against evil that has plenty of money to hide behind. It is an excellent wrap-up to the series. I don't want the series to end as it is like watching good friends move away and not seeing them again. Thank you Jason!

[Janelle Heideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

All good things have to end…

I was sad to read the final page of this book. It’s the final installment but certainly not the least! The Sky Thieves are amazing, and the Spider Heist books have been a fun ride. If you haven’t read the previous books, you’ll want to do that first. And if you have, you’ve probably already started reading this one! I’m just sorry the saga has ended. I might have to go back and reread them from the beginning!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

This series, a very clever series grabs you throws you over its shoulder and takes off running with you into the unknown and doesn’t set you back down until the last page. It’s so engaging and smart with tremendous characters that you don’t even want to touch the ground! The thieves are are a nice turn from some of my reading but equally as thrilling taking you into a world you never knew existed by a fantastic storyteller! Kudos to Kasper!

[Ka-AR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree, it was a good ride while lasted.

Hmm! Not necessarily a final ending is it? An excellent fast paced, seven on the floor, pedal to the metal series of larcenous adventures. Actually ,the best series of that kind I have read. On the other hand, the only series of that kind I have read. I will miss Alec's humor. Characters are well developed. Thank you, Jason for sharing "The Spider Heist" series.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series! You know it's good when it's a fast read. In Book IV of the Spider Heist series, Blair and the team go after the mentor. But first they need to learn who that is. But the mentor is hunting the Sky Thieves. Can they turn it around before they are dead or in jail? This time the heist crew will need to drift into unchartered waters beyond their comfort zone. A thriller of suspense to end a real treat of a series.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the Spider Heist novels. They are a "change of pace" from my normal reading and require more of an investment to get into the plot. Kasper has a strong writing style and has certainly dreamed up amazing heists, this book included.
New and strong characters are introduced along with a completely new environment where this particular heist takes place.
The book is a good ending to the series and I look forward to reading more novels by Jason Kasper.

[Ethan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wraps up the series perfectly. It's a fantastic addition, and we've read it many times. We even have it on audible and listen while driving. It's super entertaining and a great part of the Spider Heist series. I won't go into details about the story. If you've read the earlier books, you know it's worth it. If this is your first time with the series, start from the beginning. It's a thrilling ride you won't regret or be disappointed with.

[Mags Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. Finished The Manhattan Job the evening of the 30th and decided I could do one more for 2025. The Fifth Bandit was awesome. The wrap up was perfect having been raised in the NW. Tiger Mountain, Roslyn, Lake Washington, The floating bridge were like my backyard. Author Kasper put more twists in this than the track of a desert sidewinder. Finished it just before midnight.Will start the first of 2026 goal of 125 with his The Stormridge Con. A great finish of 2025. VR, Mags

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I never like it when one of my favorite series ends, but at least it was done in a satisfying way. Surprises, surprises, surprises. Lots of danger, solutions, failures and try agains. It was looking pretty bleak there for a while. Could have ended badly. This was a good read. I recommend it.

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This was the final book in this series and it didn’t disappoint. The story moves fast from start to finish. You should really read these books in order to better understand the situation and characters. The only problem with this book is that I will miss these great characters.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

All good things must come to an end even when we pray they won't. So sorry to have this series over and done. Exciting, tense, non-stop action and all those fabulous characters, plus one, roll out a high five adventure. This is a bittersweet goodbye. Thank you Jason. You have outdone yourself.
Highly Recommended.

[Dennis Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it the end of Skythieves?

The crew is double crossed by a very wealthy, but very unstable admirer. She tricks them into exposing their permanent hideout, but doesn’t realize that they will come after her hard. The means they go to in getting back at her drag on, but in the end they win out. But is it the end of Skythieves? ENJOY!

[David A. Rosow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Need to read previous books to understand the characters

Read about 20% and was at a loss since no character development. Now when I’ve read the Ben Porter series, it’s fun to know you don’t have to read them in order. That’s False Assurances, Threat Bias, Subversive Addiction and Vital Deception.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grand plans cause considerable risk taken which threatens their arehouse and possibly the existence of the team. Desperate situations led to very drastic measures. This a fifth thief joins. Elaborate plans cause the end of this series. It is an engaging book. Sometimes too detailed but we'll researched, for sure.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a bunch of Kasper's books via Kindle Unlimited and ran across the Spider Heist series and must say that I enjoyed reading all 4 books - in order of release. I'm usually not a guy that roots for the "bad guys" but this plot line was an interesting twist. As I approached the end of the 4th book, I found myself wondering if there may be a 5th?

[Shavon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another strong installment from Jason Kasper. This one is action-packed from start to finish and holds your attention all the way through. The pacing is tight, the tension stays high, and the storyline delivers exactly what I expect from this series. I’m looking forward to diving into the next book.