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Loot #1
Loot
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 . . .
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 . . .
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 24, 2014
544 people are currently reading
4757 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 985 reviews
June 14, 2014
Looking for a good middle-grade adventure this summer for you and your kids? LOOT by Jude Watson should be at the top of your list. Jude knows this territory well. Not only does she write beautiful prose worthy of the National Book Award (which she won, writing as Judy Blundell). She also understand what kids want in a fast-paced action story. She has written numerous novels set in the Star Wars universe, and is also a veteran of the 39 Clues, which I was lucky enough to be part of.
Still, none of that prepared me for the fantastic thrill ride of LOOT.
Imagine your dad is the world's most notorious jewel thief, Alfie McQuin. You live on the run, traveling from heist to heist, never attending school but learning all sorts of other skills -- how to bluff at poker, how to blend into crowds, how to con someone out of their money, how to pick any lock. Sound fun?
That's life for twelve-year-old March McQuin, until one night in Amsterdam when his dad falls from a roof (or was he pushed?) and lies dying on the cobblestones at March's feet. Alfie's last words seem to be a riddle: "Wait one month. Find jewels. Follow falls to day. No!"
Soon March is plunged into a dangerous search to find out what his dad was up to, and who might have killed him. He is reunited with a twin sister -- Jules, not jewels! -- whom he never knew he had. Together they race to find the secrets of Alfie McQuin's biggest, unfinished heist, but they're pursued by a crooked cop, a sinister old heiress, and many others who will do anything to stop them. Who can they trust? Can they even trust each other? The stakes are clear: If they succeed, they'll be set for life. If they fail, they'll be dead.
So many things I love about this book: the ultra-short chapters that keep you turning pages, the pitch-perfect dialogue, the supporting characters Darius and Izzy, the humor, the action, the twists and turns. Cursed jewels, a dangerous prophecy, a crash course in history of thievery, acrobatics and grift . . . this is LOOT you can take to the bank. It's the perfect summer read for kids (or adults who like kids' books!). LOOT will be published June 24, but order your copy now!
Still, none of that prepared me for the fantastic thrill ride of LOOT.
Imagine your dad is the world's most notorious jewel thief, Alfie McQuin. You live on the run, traveling from heist to heist, never attending school but learning all sorts of other skills -- how to bluff at poker, how to blend into crowds, how to con someone out of their money, how to pick any lock. Sound fun?
That's life for twelve-year-old March McQuin, until one night in Amsterdam when his dad falls from a roof (or was he pushed?) and lies dying on the cobblestones at March's feet. Alfie's last words seem to be a riddle: "Wait one month. Find jewels. Follow falls to day. No!"
Soon March is plunged into a dangerous search to find out what his dad was up to, and who might have killed him. He is reunited with a twin sister -- Jules, not jewels! -- whom he never knew he had. Together they race to find the secrets of Alfie McQuin's biggest, unfinished heist, but they're pursued by a crooked cop, a sinister old heiress, and many others who will do anything to stop them. Who can they trust? Can they even trust each other? The stakes are clear: If they succeed, they'll be set for life. If they fail, they'll be dead.
So many things I love about this book: the ultra-short chapters that keep you turning pages, the pitch-perfect dialogue, the supporting characters Darius and Izzy, the humor, the action, the twists and turns. Cursed jewels, a dangerous prophecy, a crash course in history of thievery, acrobatics and grift . . . this is LOOT you can take to the bank. It's the perfect summer read for kids (or adults who like kids' books!). LOOT will be published June 24, but order your copy now!
December 15, 2014
There is a lot to love about Loot. Jewel heists? Master plans? Kid criminals? Yes, please! I love stories about kid spies or criminals (both would be even better!) and this book had potential. Sadly, I can't call it a favorite. I don't love it...but I don't hate it either.
The main characters were Jules, March, Darius and Izzy. They were all pretty awesome and even though the likelihood of kids having their abilities is practically non-existent, I enjoyed the humor and energy between them. The teamwork is incredible. For example, even though Darius is the stereotypical "tough guy," he is very protective of Izzy, who is practically a younger sister to him. It was adorable.
I think my main issue I have with this book is that the whole story is highly improbable, particularly the ending. This book is meant to be entertaining. I get it. But these kids are easily breaking into heavily-guarded places with merely a few hours of planning. How likely does that sound? Not very probable. The ending was also highly unrealistic. This ruined the reading experience for me.. normal
That being said, there were many aspects of Loot that I enjoyed a lot. Besides stellar action scenes, this book could also be very funny. I don't laugh out loud very often but this book cracked me up sometimes. Here's an example taken from the ARC (not final) in which Jules and March (who named these kids?) are visiting Hamish, one of their father's *ahem* business associates.
"Jasmine, can you cover the register?"
"You told me to concentrate on e-commerce orders today," she said. "Change messes up my aura."
"The universe has many paths, and yours leads to the cash register," Hamish said.
"Peace out," she answered with a shrug, and left.
See? Funny.
Before beginning Loot, I wasn't sure how the whole "being a criminal" thing would be handled. This is a MG novel after all! In real life, criminality is absolutely horrible. Gang wars, drugs, guns,... etcetera. It wasn't all covered (for obvious reasons) but Jude Watson didn't do a bad job of representing the backstabbing and treachery of the criminal world without going into gruesome details
It was an entertaining and funny read that I can recommend to MG fans of Gordan Korman (The Hypnotists) and 39 Clues (Jude Watson wrote #4 Beyond the Grave and #6 In Too Deep). I am glad I had the opportunity to review it, even if it won't be something I will likely reread. Three stars!
The main characters were Jules, March, Darius and Izzy. They were all pretty awesome and even though the likelihood of kids having their abilities is practically non-existent, I enjoyed the humor and energy between them. The teamwork is incredible. For example, even though Darius is the stereotypical "tough guy," he is very protective of Izzy, who is practically a younger sister to him. It was adorable.
I think my main issue I have with this book is that the whole story is highly improbable, particularly the ending. This book is meant to be entertaining. I get it. But these kids are easily breaking into heavily-guarded places with merely a few hours of planning. How likely does that sound? Not very probable. The ending was also highly unrealistic. This ruined the reading experience for me.. normal
That being said, there were many aspects of Loot that I enjoyed a lot. Besides stellar action scenes, this book could also be very funny. I don't laugh out loud very often but this book cracked me up sometimes. Here's an example taken from the ARC (not final) in which Jules and March (who named these kids?) are visiting Hamish, one of their father's *ahem* business associates.
"Jasmine, can you cover the register?"
"You told me to concentrate on e-commerce orders today," she said. "Change messes up my aura."
"The universe has many paths, and yours leads to the cash register," Hamish said.
"Peace out," she answered with a shrug, and left.
See? Funny.
Before beginning Loot, I wasn't sure how the whole "being a criminal" thing would be handled. This is a MG novel after all! In real life, criminality is absolutely horrible. Gang wars, drugs, guns,... etcetera. It wasn't all covered (for obvious reasons) but Jude Watson didn't do a bad job of representing the backstabbing and treachery of the criminal world without going into gruesome details
It was an entertaining and funny read that I can recommend to MG fans of Gordan Korman (The Hypnotists) and 39 Clues (Jude Watson wrote #4 Beyond the Grave and #6 In Too Deep). I am glad I had the opportunity to review it, even if it won't be something I will likely reread. Three stars!
December 13, 2020
A fun middle grade mystery/crime story! Although it took a little bit to get into and the exposition was too long, I really enjoyed the second half!
January 31, 2015
After teaching 16 classes the past three days, I just wanted to zone out with a fun book over the weekend. This was perfect. The strong characters, humorous dialogue, and piston-pumping action had me wanting to practice a C grip (a wrist to wrist acrobatic move). Jules is a circus performer that meets up with her twin brother, March, when a jewel heist goes wrong and their dad is killed. The two did not know about each other until March's Dad, Alfie McQuin, tells him to "find Jules" which March thought was "find jewels." Following his father's clues he finds his twin sister is the "jewel." Both are wary of each other after first meeting, but they set aside their differences. When they discover they each have the same spooky dream of falling off a cliff and March tells Jules about a prophecy that says they will die before they turn 13 years old, which happens to be in a couple of weeks, it's only natural that Jules teaches March how to catch another body in mid-air using the C grip. She's been living with her aunt performing in her circus as an acrobat. March, on the other hand, has been living in and out of hotels most of his life with his master thief father, Alfie. March is helping Alfie on a big heist when Alfie falls or is he pushed? off the roof setting into motion a chase to find seven priceless moonstone gems that are also known to be magical.
The two siblings don't completely trust each other and are sent to a foster home where they meet Darius and Izzy, two people desperate enough to get out of the foster system and willing to take dangerous and illegal actions to help them. Of course, being offered a million dollars each to help them is motivation enough. A crazy old heiress has approached the four about giving them seven million dollars if they recover the moonstone gems. This reminds me a bit of the 39 Clues series or "Ocean's Eleven" movie. The plot is outlandish and fun. The supporting characters of Darius and Izzy add humor and depth to the theme of four orphaned kids wanting a "normal" home life more than anything. Darius makes up careers for his father that are so out-there everyone knows he's lying to cover up the truth. Izzy is an abused foster kid that is brilliant and protected by Darius. I think the criminal Hamish, a fence - that is one who makes a profit selling stolen merchandise - steals the show. . He is calling the kids, "little yogis" and tries to hide a mistake saying he knows nothing "...I'm so Zen." When he tells Jasmine to cover the cash register she responds that he told her to work on her e-commerce orders and that "Change messes up my aura." She doesn't want to watch the desk. "The universe has many paths, and yours leads to the cash register," Hamish said. "Peace out," she replies.
The plot is formulaic with the heroes trying to steal back from nasty villains. The heists take place in exotic locations and the kids have access to private jets and money thanks to the heiress. They almost die several times by falling and have a running gag about it that is entertaining. Darius's mother is a hoot too. She's an easy corn flake to love. None of the adults are responsible and they work as nice foils to the kids. A nasty competition between the teenage thieves and a hardened criminal thief ensue that had me rooting for the foster kids.
March, Jules, Darius, and Izzy all wish they had a grown up in an average home with two parents and it runs through the story like an undercurrent giving the reader empathy for the kids. They haven't had it easy being neglected by the adults in their life and not able to go to school. March is a trained thief while Jules is a trained acrobat. Even though they steal it doesn't give them happiness. Jules talks about wishing for a normal life while March responds that they can make a home if they pull off a heist. That is why March's attitude toward the heist against Blanche seemed hypocritical. Blanche is presented as a stereotypical rich woman that doesn't deserve her money because March said it was unearned and inherited. He has no conscience stealing against a rich socialite and spends it like a rich person buying an entire apartment building and talking about his pool and spa. Jules says that money can't buy happiness but the end shows that it does. In a twist he uses the money to help the person that killed his uncle and another person that tried to kill him. But this is really following the wish fulfillment fantasy of a fairy tale where characters get what they want and are happy about it in the end. I shouldn't take it seriously...
Every good con novel has a twist and the author sure delivers on that expectation. March and Jules score big but not in any predictable way. The short chapters help make this a page turner and the wham-bam action reminds me of "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz and "The Great Greene Heist" by Varian Johnson. While most of the story is realistic with nonstop action and adventure there is a slight fantastical element. The gemstones are considered magical and said to influence dreams and the future. The heiress has supposedly defied death twice and claims it is because of the stones. Part of the novel's fun is it allows kids to live vicariously through the characters making their own rules and being independent. Shoot, adults like to throw off the shackles of responsibility and pretend for awhile too. The orphan story is a familiar trope found in children's books that is a vehicle for gaining independence and living free from authority. It is one reason it is so popular and a blast to read. This adventure had me doing handstands against the wall. Enjoy!
The two siblings don't completely trust each other and are sent to a foster home where they meet Darius and Izzy, two people desperate enough to get out of the foster system and willing to take dangerous and illegal actions to help them. Of course, being offered a million dollars each to help them is motivation enough. A crazy old heiress has approached the four about giving them seven million dollars if they recover the moonstone gems. This reminds me a bit of the 39 Clues series or "Ocean's Eleven" movie. The plot is outlandish and fun. The supporting characters of Darius and Izzy add humor and depth to the theme of four orphaned kids wanting a "normal" home life more than anything. Darius makes up careers for his father that are so out-there everyone knows he's lying to cover up the truth. Izzy is an abused foster kid that is brilliant and protected by Darius. I think the criminal Hamish, a fence - that is one who makes a profit selling stolen merchandise - steals the show. . He is calling the kids, "little yogis" and tries to hide a mistake saying he knows nothing "...I'm so Zen." When he tells Jasmine to cover the cash register she responds that he told her to work on her e-commerce orders and that "Change messes up my aura." She doesn't want to watch the desk. "The universe has many paths, and yours leads to the cash register," Hamish said. "Peace out," she replies.
The plot is formulaic with the heroes trying to steal back from nasty villains. The heists take place in exotic locations and the kids have access to private jets and money thanks to the heiress. They almost die several times by falling and have a running gag about it that is entertaining. Darius's mother is a hoot too. She's an easy corn flake to love. None of the adults are responsible and they work as nice foils to the kids. A nasty competition between the teenage thieves and a hardened criminal thief ensue that had me rooting for the foster kids.
March, Jules, Darius, and Izzy all wish they had a grown up in an average home with two parents and it runs through the story like an undercurrent giving the reader empathy for the kids. They haven't had it easy being neglected by the adults in their life and not able to go to school. March is a trained thief while Jules is a trained acrobat. Even though they steal it doesn't give them happiness. Jules talks about wishing for a normal life while March responds that they can make a home if they pull off a heist. That is why March's attitude toward the heist against Blanche seemed hypocritical. Blanche is presented as a stereotypical rich woman that doesn't deserve her money because March said it was unearned and inherited. He has no conscience stealing against a rich socialite and spends it like a rich person buying an entire apartment building and talking about his pool and spa. Jules says that money can't buy happiness but the end shows that it does. In a twist he uses the money to help the person that killed his uncle and another person that tried to kill him. But this is really following the wish fulfillment fantasy of a fairy tale where characters get what they want and are happy about it in the end. I shouldn't take it seriously...
Every good con novel has a twist and the author sure delivers on that expectation. March and Jules score big but not in any predictable way. The short chapters help make this a page turner and the wham-bam action reminds me of "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz and "The Great Greene Heist" by Varian Johnson. While most of the story is realistic with nonstop action and adventure there is a slight fantastical element. The gemstones are considered magical and said to influence dreams and the future. The heiress has supposedly defied death twice and claims it is because of the stones. Part of the novel's fun is it allows kids to live vicariously through the characters making their own rules and being independent. Shoot, adults like to throw off the shackles of responsibility and pretend for awhile too. The orphan story is a familiar trope found in children's books that is a vehicle for gaining independence and living free from authority. It is one reason it is so popular and a blast to read. This adventure had me doing handstands against the wall. Enjoy!
October 12, 2014
Book #97 Read in 2014
Loot by Jude Watson (YA)
March is the son of Alfie, a jewelry thief. After Alfie's death, March finds his estranged sister Jules and the two try to steal a complete set of seven moonstones to get enough money to live independently. But they need to outwit other jewelry thieves who are after the same prize. They hope they can do so, with the help of fellow "at-risk" teenagers Darius and Izzy.
This book was a good, quick read. It would definitely keep the interest of both boy and girl readers, from the upper elementary grades, to middle school grades, to even reluctant readers in high school. The plot was full of action; the characters were interesting. I enjoyed it.
I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Loot by Jude Watson (YA)
March is the son of Alfie, a jewelry thief. After Alfie's death, March finds his estranged sister Jules and the two try to steal a complete set of seven moonstones to get enough money to live independently. But they need to outwit other jewelry thieves who are after the same prize. They hope they can do so, with the help of fellow "at-risk" teenagers Darius and Izzy.
This book was a good, quick read. It would definitely keep the interest of both boy and girl readers, from the upper elementary grades, to middle school grades, to even reluctant readers in high school. The plot was full of action; the characters were interesting. I enjoyed it.
I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
June 10, 2018
This was such a fun book! I've been reading quite a few middle grade books recently [which is hilarious to me because when I was actually in middle school I was always reading adult books lol] but they're just such a good time and seem to be a lot more action packed than young adult books [and also don't focus on romance! Seriously, it's so refreshing]. Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great and I really loved how they all interacted and played off each other's strengths. The heists were fun as well, although I think there are definitely a few points where you have to suspend your disbelief a little bit once you remember that the characters are all so young. Still, I really liked it and I definitely plan on reading the next one.
June 1, 2014
A murder mystery, a jewel heist, a deadly curse and a long lost twin; while this may sound like the plot of a new soap opera, they actually add up to the best middle grade novel to come across my desk in a long, long time. With more thrills than a roller coaster ride, this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat but just be careful because March McQuin and his sister are born thieves and in the end they might just make off with your heart.
January 3, 2022
We enjoyed this one on a long road trip with two of the kids.
June 8, 2017
So many twists and turns! A really fun read. I will definitely be reading the next one as well.
January 12, 2015
Twelve-year-old March McQuinn has lived a life that many kids can only dream about—world travel, no school, and exciting hijinks—but it comes at a cost. He has always felt as though something, or someone, was missing from his life. So when his father, the notorious jewel thief Alfie McQuinn, falls to his death during a burglary, March is left completely alone. That is, until he is reunited with his long-lost twin sister Jules, who has been traveling with their aunt's street performance group. Following a quick stint in a group home and armed only with street smarts and Alfie's clues, the twins and their friends set out to finish Alfie's last heist before Alfie's rivals do.
An action packed who done it for mid level readers. Full of intrigue and suspense.
An action packed who done it for mid level readers. Full of intrigue and suspense.
Read
March 30, 2015I think it was pretty good it wasn't the best
But it did draw me into it soooo
But it did draw me into it soooo
June 11, 2024
The reason I picked up this book is Gordon Korman, Jennifer A Nielsen, and James Dashner all had given good reviews for this book! And Jude Watson wrote a book in the 39 clues series. Recommend this 📖 book
December 17, 2015
Super, super fun read. I couldn't put it down...well okay I could because I had to but definitely not because I wanted to.
Okay now I'm really bummed!!! I had my whole review typed and I hit submit and it erased all of it except the first paragraph. It was the best review EVER!! Lots of wit and great puns, the ending paragraph was epic. Now I'm trying to remember what I wrote (ugh...anyone else have what I call mommy brain and can't remember what you said five minutes ago sometimes) and if I have it in me to write another epic review that might just possibly be forgotten (erased) too.
Epic review shortened...Loot was/is amazing! It was like reading the 39 clues again, which by the way my family and I absolutely loved! Jude Watson is one of the authors of 39 clues. Definitely a series you must read especially with your kids. My younger ones even laughed out loud and were hooked by that series. So good!
Loot is definitely going into the family story time read aloud list (my kiddos love stories like this-fast paced, smart kids and great lines). The characters were fun and I really appreciated that there wasn't degrading humor towards adult figures that is so often very prevalent in media geared towards kids.
Man I'm still really bummed that my review from my awesome, tired, exhausted brain is gone. There was some great stuff. But alas that tired brain can't remember right now.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book and share it with everyone.
I also am reeaalllly hoping that there will be a sequel....pleeeaaaaasseee say yes that there is. I love great books that suck you in,especially if they can catch the attention of kids and hook them on reading. Those are the best and I tell everyone about those.
So go for it, grab it, read it and share it.
I received no free book in exchange for my honest opinion and review I just borrowed a free book from my wonderful local library. (That was my original closing but the wording isn't quite the same unfortunately).
Here's fingers crossed that this review saves because if not I think you'll just be getting something like....um, yeah the book was awesome man and you should like totally read it. Jude Watson rocks and gets my vote for the most awesomest story... Or something like that. (And seriously Jude Watson does rock and really gets my vote, thanks for the great books)!!!!!!
Happy Reading!!!
Okay now I'm really bummed!!! I had my whole review typed and I hit submit and it erased all of it except the first paragraph. It was the best review EVER!! Lots of wit and great puns, the ending paragraph was epic. Now I'm trying to remember what I wrote (ugh...anyone else have what I call mommy brain and can't remember what you said five minutes ago sometimes) and if I have it in me to write another epic review that might just possibly be forgotten (erased) too.
Epic review shortened...Loot was/is amazing! It was like reading the 39 clues again, which by the way my family and I absolutely loved! Jude Watson is one of the authors of 39 clues. Definitely a series you must read especially with your kids. My younger ones even laughed out loud and were hooked by that series. So good!
Loot is definitely going into the family story time read aloud list (my kiddos love stories like this-fast paced, smart kids and great lines). The characters were fun and I really appreciated that there wasn't degrading humor towards adult figures that is so often very prevalent in media geared towards kids.
Man I'm still really bummed that my review from my awesome, tired, exhausted brain is gone. There was some great stuff. But alas that tired brain can't remember right now.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book and share it with everyone.
I also am reeaalllly hoping that there will be a sequel....pleeeaaaaasseee say yes that there is. I love great books that suck you in,especially if they can catch the attention of kids and hook them on reading. Those are the best and I tell everyone about those.
So go for it, grab it, read it and share it.
I received no free book in exchange for my honest opinion and review I just borrowed a free book from my wonderful local library. (That was my original closing but the wording isn't quite the same unfortunately).
Here's fingers crossed that this review saves because if not I think you'll just be getting something like....um, yeah the book was awesome man and you should like totally read it. Jude Watson rocks and gets my vote for the most awesomest story... Or something like that. (And seriously Jude Watson does rock and really gets my vote, thanks for the great books)!!!!!!
Happy Reading!!!
June 3, 2015
When March's father, a notorious cat burglar, dies, March is left with only one message: "Find jewels." But solving the mystery of Alfie McQuinn's last words is just the beginning of March's escapades; soon March has joined up with a band of outcasts to plan a heist even Alfie couldn't accomplish. Along the way, he may just figure out who murdered his father and also find vengeance
This is a fun, action-packed heist novel for the younger crowd, and the mystery of who killed March's father only adds to the suspense. While several deaths occur during the novel, they are not particularly detailed and are necessary to the plot. The end left me smiling and definitely willing to pick up another Jude Watson book.
This is a fun, action-packed heist novel for the younger crowd, and the mystery of who killed March's father only adds to the suspense. While several deaths occur during the novel, they are not particularly detailed and are necessary to the plot. The end left me smiling and definitely willing to pick up another Jude Watson book.
January 6, 2015
The most striking aspect of this book was the character who was a clear (ukelele-playing, corset-wearing, eyebrow-drawing-on) tribute to Amanda Palmer.
October 15, 2015
This was a great book. I would definitely recommend it to my friends who are interested in mystery type of books.
Read
August 22, 2016nice shirt bro
January 7, 2021
This book was just straight up fun. The son of a world-famous jewel theif gets together his own crew to pull of heists and unlock secrets about his father? Fuck yeah sign me up.
I love how Alfie's voice was scattered throughout March's thoughts, like Alfie was still there. It did a really good job of showing the big shoes March had to fill, while also demonstrating March's own capabilities. The idea of legacy here is STRONG and I LOVE THAT. I'm a sucker for legacies, and I loved watching March both live up to his father's name and come into his own.
The plot was a little too convenient at times, and it wasnt always super realistic, but that never got in the way of it being a fun read. I'm definately ganna read the sequel if I can get my hands on it.
Also, a bunch of kids trying to rob rich people blind? God, I love it. These are the role models the next generation needs.
I love how Alfie's voice was scattered throughout March's thoughts, like Alfie was still there. It did a really good job of showing the big shoes March had to fill, while also demonstrating March's own capabilities. The idea of legacy here is STRONG and I LOVE THAT. I'm a sucker for legacies, and I loved watching March both live up to his father's name and come into his own.
The plot was a little too convenient at times, and it wasnt always super realistic, but that never got in the way of it being a fun read. I'm definately ganna read the sequel if I can get my hands on it.
Also, a bunch of kids trying to rob rich people blind? God, I love it. These are the role models the next generation needs.
November 23, 2017
This is the first book in the Loot series by Jude Watson. The story is a bit far-fetched, but it is a lot of fun and very dramatic.
I really enjoyed listening to Michael Crouch narrate the story on audiobook. He is a very talented narrator and was very adept at changing his voice to match the myriad characters.
Overall, it's an entertaining story for middle grade readers and I am looking forward to listening to Sting next.
I really enjoyed listening to Michael Crouch narrate the story on audiobook. He is a very talented narrator and was very adept at changing his voice to match the myriad characters.
Overall, it's an entertaining story for middle grade readers and I am looking forward to listening to Sting next.
December 29, 2017
I really liked this book. The beginning was sort of slow, but it became very fast-paced towards the middle. The ending was GREAT. So many unexpected twists!
Best Bits:
-Darius and Izzy
-All the heists
-The mysteriousness of Blue
Can't wait to pick up the second book.
Best Bits:
-Darius and Izzy
-All the heists
-The mysteriousness of Blue
Can't wait to pick up the second book.
April 11, 2021
I listened to this with my kiddos this past week. So fun! I love it when the bad guys are really the good guys.
December 13, 2021
Amazing!
December 27, 2023
This is not A con novel.
This is THE con novel.
So these kids go on heists to get these moonstones.
Whenever someone mentions paint (wet or not), I will always think of Heist #6: Wet Paint.
What is great about this book:
Ms. Watson gives all of the details.
Which saves you the trouble of having to read between the lines to get the story.
I absolutely love this style of writing.
If you don't, DO NOT READ.
You will hate the book and give it a rating much less than it deserves.
This is THE con novel.
So these kids go on heists to get these moonstones.
Whenever someone mentions paint (wet or not), I will always think of Heist #6: Wet Paint.
What is great about this book:
Ms. Watson gives all of the details.
Which saves you the trouble of having to read between the lines to get the story.
I absolutely love this style of writing.
If you don't, DO NOT READ.
You will hate the book and give it a rating much less than it deserves.
July 25, 2018
As a tutor, sometimes I read the books that interest my students. Jude Watson certainly knows how to plot, and how to twist that plot. She also has a great theme about the best families are the ones created by those who need a family. Most of Watson's research is very good, especially how the aerial tricks are done on long strips of fabric. There are a few improbable things in this book that help draw the plot forward, which made me almost not want to read it when I reached them. However, the main characters March and Jules are well done and memorable. I loved the secondary character Izzy and her huge buddy-protector. Solving the clues are usually paired with self-realization for March and Jules, so they grow as the story progresses. Watson keeps her chapters short, and she hangs them well, making the reader want to turn pages. The plot was well enough done I decided to hang up my disbelief and finish it. Having done so, I understand what enticed my student to read this book.
December 19, 2016
In the book Loot by Jude Watson, Alfie,who is March's dad is one of the biggest criminals of all time. Will one night in Amsterdam doing a robbery Alfie gets pushed off the roof and dies. March is now on a mission with his long lost sister Jules and 2 other kids to find the 7 moonstones before the blue moon. If they find them and give them to someone she will give them a million dollars each. They find clues along the way to find out where the moonstones are and how to get them from the people. Find out if they succeed or not on their mission to get the moonstones in the book Loot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2018
Hard to enjoy kids committing crimes with the flimsie excuse of: the victims deserve it or have too much anyway. A current societal woe fictionalized.
August 9, 2017
Loot
The book Loot by Jude Watson is about a boy whose dad fell from a building and died while he was robbing a building. When his dad was dying, he managed to say "find Jules". At first he thought his dad meant gems. March, the son, ran away because the police were looking for him. While March was running away, he came across a show and he noticed one girl in particular.
The girl's name was Jules and at that moment March realized that his dad was talking about the girl. Jules was his twin sister. The police came and they were taken to an orphanage. Jules and March didn't want to stay, so they ran away from the orphanage and decided to do a major robbery. They robbed the jewelry store and became rich.
The book Loot by Jude Watson is about a boy whose dad fell from a building and died while he was robbing a building. When his dad was dying, he managed to say "find Jules". At first he thought his dad meant gems. March, the son, ran away because the police were looking for him. While March was running away, he came across a show and he noticed one girl in particular.
The girl's name was Jules and at that moment March realized that his dad was talking about the girl. Jules was his twin sister. The police came and they were taken to an orphanage. Jules and March didn't want to stay, so they ran away from the orphanage and decided to do a major robbery. They robbed the jewelry store and became rich.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2018
This year I'm leading a 5th grade book club at my daughter's school and this was our first pick. Twelve year old March's father is in the middle of a jewelry heist when he falls off a roof and dies. Afterwards, March discovers he has a twin sister and they are sent to an orphanage in NYC. They soon find themselves on quite an adventure.
This was fast paced, fun and a great book for young readers. We had a lively discussion regarding who we'd rather grow up with (Alphie or Blue, the consensus was Alphie), schooling, living in a city vs suburbia among other things. As an adult reading this, I realize the plot is not feasible but it will still great fun. It reminded me of a Heist Society targeted toward a younger audience.
Grade: 4/5
This was fast paced, fun and a great book for young readers. We had a lively discussion regarding who we'd rather grow up with (Alphie or Blue, the consensus was Alphie), schooling, living in a city vs suburbia among other things. As an adult reading this, I realize the plot is not feasible but it will still great fun. It reminded me of a Heist Society targeted toward a younger audience.
Grade: 4/5
November 27, 2017
I loved this book. It was just one of those books that made you not want to put it down. I loved March's character he was always finding clues that his dad left him that no one else would have found if March wasn't there. I think it was really cool right in the beginning of the book by setting the tone when Alfie fell of the roof and he told March, "Find jewels". I think that line was really important becauses I think it had two meaning. One to find his sister and the other to find jewels. I also really like how it turned out that Jules was lying to March and was also a thief, and how she use her dads plans for her heist. You will not believe all of March's, Darius', and Izzy's journey to find Jules.
This book was really good. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I can tell you, you won't regret reading this book.
This book was really good. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I can tell you, you won't regret reading this book.
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