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Ernest Cunningham #4
Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 22:17:00
25 copies available
U.S. only
Listening Length: 9 hours and 51 minutes
Nothing is quite what it seems in this spin on the classic bank heist, with more suspects, more puzzles, and more danger than Ernest's ever faced before.
I’ve spent the last few years solving murders. But a bank heist is a new one, even for me. I’ve never been a hostage before.
The doors are chained shut. No one in or out. Which means that when someone in the bank is murdered, everyone is a suspect.
The Bank Robber
The Manager
The Security Guard
The Kid
The Film Producer
The Priest
The Receptionist
The Patient
The Caregiver
Me
Turns out, more than one person planned to rob the bank today. You can steal more from a bank than just money.
Who is stealing what? Are they willing to kill for it? And can I solve the crime before the police kick down the door and rescue us?
Nothing is quite what it seems in this spin on the classic bank heist, with more suspects, more puzzles, and more danger than Ernest's ever faced before.
I’ve spent the last few years solving murders. But a bank heist is a new one, even for me. I’ve never been a hostage before.
The doors are chained shut. No one in or out. Which means that when someone in the bank is murdered, everyone is a suspect.
The Bank Robber
The Manager
The Security Guard
The Kid
The Film Producer
The Priest
The Receptionist
The Patient
The Caregiver
Me
Turns out, more than one person planned to rob the bank today. You can steal more from a bank than just money.
Who is stealing what? Are they willing to kill for it? And can I solve the crime before the police kick down the door and rescue us?
10 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication March 17, 2026
42441 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,041 reviews
February 1, 2026
If you haven't read any of the Ernest Cunningham series, you're missing out—missing the best chance to get lost in a brilliant, smart, entertaining mystery that will blow your mind and guarantee heartfelt laughs after every devilishly sarcastic line! I keep reading this series, and each time I want to bow down to Benjamin Stevenson's creative, intelligent mind. He always rocks my world with his perfect twists and parlor scenes filled with jaw-dropping revelations. He's given us Ernest Cunningham, an engagingly peculiar armchair detective—son of a con artist with a brilliant mind and an obsession with piecing together mysteries. I loved this character, and we need more books about him! Interestingly, with each installment, Stevenson outdoes himself, bringing increasingly complex, smart, and highly shocking mysteries!
This time we have not a locked room but a locked bank mystery, with the entertaining tone of Backman's Anxious People, vibes from Money Heist's Berlin arc and A Study in Scarlet, plus classic Agatha Christie (10 people in a bank, all stealing something, while a murderer lurks around).
The plot is irresistible: Imagine Ernest trying to find funding to open his own private detective agency, planning a probably-costs-an-arm-and-a-leg wedding with Juliette, only to find himself and his fiancée in the middle of the strangest heist. The robber lets his hostages walk around freely inside the bank, demanding only one dollar from a vault that cannot be opened because bank manager Winston's brother Edward changed the codes and mysteriously disappeared.
Among the hostages: a mysterious and seemingly incapable bank robber who might be hiding a secret agenda; Winston, a manager keeping secrets of his own; Felix, a security guard who carry a gun way too much heavy for him and was just recently hired; Eric, a 15-year-old kid who might be a secret online gaming champion; Remy, a notorious film producer who will go to great lengths to fund his movie investments; Gabriel, a priest sworn to silence; Michelle, a receptionist who seems clueless about her job; and Laverne, a caregiver, along with her elderly charge and the woman's teenage granddaughter Cordelia. Interestingly, they've all come to steal something—from a golden pen to a huge amount of money, even a heart. You see, you can steal more from a bank than just money, but you cannot murder anyone and get away when you're stuck in a place with a brilliant detective who will do anything to solve a crime—even when he's fighting for his life under the worst conditions.
Overall: I had so much fun. My grey cells hurt like hell. I built some theories, and a few pieces fit the puzzle, but Stevenson beat me with his ultra-intelligent grey cells, throwing amazing twists my way and always staying miles ahead so I couldn't catch up. I cannot recommend this book enough—it deserves another shouting-from-the-rooftops recommendation! I cannot wait for book five. I'm addicted, and I'm proud to declare it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for providing me with this wonderful mystery's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This time we have not a locked room but a locked bank mystery, with the entertaining tone of Backman's Anxious People, vibes from Money Heist's Berlin arc and A Study in Scarlet, plus classic Agatha Christie (10 people in a bank, all stealing something, while a murderer lurks around).
The plot is irresistible: Imagine Ernest trying to find funding to open his own private detective agency, planning a probably-costs-an-arm-and-a-leg wedding with Juliette, only to find himself and his fiancée in the middle of the strangest heist. The robber lets his hostages walk around freely inside the bank, demanding only one dollar from a vault that cannot be opened because bank manager Winston's brother Edward changed the codes and mysteriously disappeared.
Among the hostages: a mysterious and seemingly incapable bank robber who might be hiding a secret agenda; Winston, a manager keeping secrets of his own; Felix, a security guard who carry a gun way too much heavy for him and was just recently hired; Eric, a 15-year-old kid who might be a secret online gaming champion; Remy, a notorious film producer who will go to great lengths to fund his movie investments; Gabriel, a priest sworn to silence; Michelle, a receptionist who seems clueless about her job; and Laverne, a caregiver, along with her elderly charge and the woman's teenage granddaughter Cordelia. Interestingly, they've all come to steal something—from a golden pen to a huge amount of money, even a heart. You see, you can steal more from a bank than just money, but you cannot murder anyone and get away when you're stuck in a place with a brilliant detective who will do anything to solve a crime—even when he's fighting for his life under the worst conditions.
Overall: I had so much fun. My grey cells hurt like hell. I built some theories, and a few pieces fit the puzzle, but Stevenson beat me with his ultra-intelligent grey cells, throwing amazing twists my way and always staying miles ahead so I couldn't catch up. I cannot recommend this book enough—it deserves another shouting-from-the-rooftops recommendation! I cannot wait for book five. I'm addicted, and I'm proud to declare it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for providing me with this wonderful mystery's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
February 17, 2026
aw man i did not enjoy my time reading this
₊˚⊹♡ reading log
♡01/02 1:37pm
i'm going to try and finish this today, but i think the genre isn't hitting right for me. it's supposed to seem a little ridiculous and adaptive of the 'golden age of murder mysteries' but his own narration is starting to annoy me and only be confusing, especially when he harps on about how he's stripping everything back for the reader specifically to put all the details and clues in their view. i can't tell if i'm just stupid and my brain has been rotted by short form content, or i've missed the point of the genre. the actual plot is super interesting, but i'm not a fan of his "witty" and "clever" narration
♡26/01 10:00am
i love how australian this is
─── ୨୧ ✦ pre-read ✦ ୨୧ ───
┆ ⤿ 📖 ₊˚ title: everyone in this bank is a thief
┆ ⤿ ✍🏼 ₊˚ author: benjamin stevenson
┆ ⤿ 🌊 ₊˚ started: 23/01/2026
┆ ⤿ 🫧 ₊˚ anticipated finish: 25/01/2026
✧･ﾟ: ･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ･ﾟ: ✧
♡ why i picked this up: after reading shadow and bone everything on my list was fantasy related and I just didn't want to relearn a whole fantasy world again, i want something that grips me from the start like a locked-room thriller<3
♡ expectations: very high, everyone raves about this series, it's always on the bestsellers shelf in the bookstore, very mainstream - out of the 'book' community (my mum knows about this author)
♡ current mood going in: optimistic, excited, the blurb with all the characters feels very Cluedo with Australian humour
♡ vibes: sherlock, whodunnit glass onion/knives out, 'lighthearted' (for a thriller)
─── ୨୧ ✦ beginning ✦ ୨୧ ───
₊˚⊹♡ reading log
♡01/02 1:37pm
i'm going to try and finish this today, but i think the genre isn't hitting right for me. it's supposed to seem a little ridiculous and adaptive of the 'golden age of murder mysteries' but his own narration is starting to annoy me and only be confusing, especially when he harps on about how he's stripping everything back for the reader specifically to put all the details and clues in their view. i can't tell if i'm just stupid and my brain has been rotted by short form content, or i've missed the point of the genre. the actual plot is super interesting, but i'm not a fan of his "witty" and "clever" narration
♡26/01 10:00am
i love how australian this is
─── ୨୧ ✦ pre-read ✦ ୨୧ ───
┆ ⤿ 📖 ₊˚ title: everyone in this bank is a thief
┆ ⤿ ✍🏼 ₊˚ author: benjamin stevenson
┆ ⤿ 🌊 ₊˚ started: 23/01/2026
┆ ⤿ 🫧 ₊˚ anticipated finish: 25/01/2026
✧･ﾟ: ･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ･ﾟ: ✧
♡ why i picked this up: after reading shadow and bone everything on my list was fantasy related and I just didn't want to relearn a whole fantasy world again, i want something that grips me from the start like a locked-room thriller<3
♡ expectations: very high, everyone raves about this series, it's always on the bestsellers shelf in the bookstore, very mainstream - out of the 'book' community (my mum knows about this author)
♡ current mood going in: optimistic, excited, the blurb with all the characters feels very Cluedo with Australian humour
♡ vibes: sherlock, whodunnit glass onion/knives out, 'lighthearted' (for a thriller)
─── ୨୧ ✦ beginning ✦ ୨୧ ───
November 23, 2025
This is book 4 in the Ernest Cunningham series and I enjoyed it!
The thing about this series (for me) is I try not to spend too much energy "trying to armchair solve", because the author throws so many wrenches in the mix! And this time we have a locked room (bank) and 10 heists with 10 suspects! My brain cells can really get exhausted 😲, so I just tag along for the ride and enjoy the unraveling of the clever and witty ways the author reveals things.
There are hostages in this one and more than dollars being stolen, a large cast of feisty characters, plenty of red herrings and quite a twist. 💥 I did have a couple of theories, but they didn't pan out!
Recommend if you are an Ernest fan, like mysteries with a lot of puzzle pieces and a few outrageous happenings (these were FUN)!
Thanks to NG for the ARC! This one comes out March 17, 2026
The thing about this series (for me) is I try not to spend too much energy "trying to armchair solve", because the author throws so many wrenches in the mix! And this time we have a locked room (bank) and 10 heists with 10 suspects! My brain cells can really get exhausted 😲, so I just tag along for the ride and enjoy the unraveling of the clever and witty ways the author reveals things.
There are hostages in this one and more than dollars being stolen, a large cast of feisty characters, plenty of red herrings and quite a twist. 💥 I did have a couple of theories, but they didn't pan out!
Recommend if you are an Ernest fan, like mysteries with a lot of puzzle pieces and a few outrageous happenings (these were FUN)!
Thanks to NG for the ARC! This one comes out March 17, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've heard about this series but I've yet to actually read a book from it, until now. From my understanding, each book can be read as a standalone. I love a good murder mystery, so I decided to pick up Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief. It was definitely enjoyable. Definitely for fans of Detective Benoit Blanc in movies, Knives out and Glass Onion.
We're introduced to our mmc, Detective Ernest, and his now fiancée, Juliette, both of whom decide to visit a bank to secure a loan to start a detective agency, because Ernest is just that good. This book is set up in a locked room situation, as the couple are held hostage along with our many other colorful and suspicious characters. I love how this book is written, with Ernest talking directly to the reader, like yes include me in the mystery, I want to solve it too!!
The story is an easy read, it's quirky, filled with dry humor, and twists. Benjamin Stevenson does a great job creating puzzles and a suspenseful and entertaining atmosphere. All the characters have motives and secrets and I could not figure out whodunit. I do have to admit that at some point, I felt like the story kinda dragged and I just really wanted to flip to the last page to finally see the reveal. Parts of the story were just so over-the-top that it was a bit exhausting trying to keep track of.
Regardless, I think I'll be picking up another book from the series, as I see that the general consensus is that the previous books were delivered a bit better.
We're introduced to our mmc, Detective Ernest, and his now fiancée, Juliette, both of whom decide to visit a bank to secure a loan to start a detective agency, because Ernest is just that good. This book is set up in a locked room situation, as the couple are held hostage along with our many other colorful and suspicious characters. I love how this book is written, with Ernest talking directly to the reader, like yes include me in the mystery, I want to solve it too!!
The story is an easy read, it's quirky, filled with dry humor, and twists. Benjamin Stevenson does a great job creating puzzles and a suspenseful and entertaining atmosphere. All the characters have motives and secrets and I could not figure out whodunit. I do have to admit that at some point, I felt like the story kinda dragged and I just really wanted to flip to the last page to finally see the reveal. Parts of the story were just so over-the-top that it was a bit exhausting trying to keep track of.
Regardless, I think I'll be picking up another book from the series, as I see that the general consensus is that the previous books were delivered a bit better.
September 27, 2025
Wherever Ernest Cunningham goes trouble is not far behind him. I absolutely love this series, it is witty, clever, pretty dark and so much fun to read. With this unlikely but reliable narrator all the clues are there for the reader put the pieces of the puzzle together. That’s not saying that it easy to solve, because believe me, it isn’t.
This is the 4th book where Ernest finds himself trying to find a killer. Along with his fiancee Juliette, this time they are in a small country town in the hopes of securing a business loan. They end up being held hostage in a bank heist, where there is more than money being stolen. A large cast of characters l all of whom are hiding something and have a reason to be in the bank that morning. Using the rules of Detective fiction, Ernest tries to rule each of the hostages out, and gets so much more than he bargains for.
I love that this is a story that is being told to us, through the eyes of the detective. We follow his thought process, red herrings and all. A very clever conclusion l I thought I had figured some of it out using the clues that were given thought out the story, and yet I still failed to guess the ending. There are lots of surprising twists, this is the ultimate locked room mystery.
I always look forward to a new book from Benjamin Stevenson, a big thank you to Penguin Books Australia for allowing me to read them early. I throughly enjoyed being a hostage in a bank while trying to solve the mystery.
Out in Australia September 30th, get ready for a wild adventure with Ernest.
This is the 4th book where Ernest finds himself trying to find a killer. Along with his fiancee Juliette, this time they are in a small country town in the hopes of securing a business loan. They end up being held hostage in a bank heist, where there is more than money being stolen. A large cast of characters l all of whom are hiding something and have a reason to be in the bank that morning. Using the rules of Detective fiction, Ernest tries to rule each of the hostages out, and gets so much more than he bargains for.
I love that this is a story that is being told to us, through the eyes of the detective. We follow his thought process, red herrings and all. A very clever conclusion l I thought I had figured some of it out using the clues that were given thought out the story, and yet I still failed to guess the ending. There are lots of surprising twists, this is the ultimate locked room mystery.
I always look forward to a new book from Benjamin Stevenson, a big thank you to Penguin Books Australia for allowing me to read them early. I throughly enjoyed being a hostage in a bank while trying to solve the mystery.
Out in Australia September 30th, get ready for a wild adventure with Ernest.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**4.5-stars**
💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙
Everyone in This Bank is a Thief is a fabulously-fun installment to the Ernest Cunningham series. It successfully channels all the quirky meta-vibes that Readers, including myself, have been enjoying in the previous books.
This is the 3rd-novel in the series, and there's also a fun novella set around the Christmas holiday. At this point, our protagonist, Ernest, is a successful crime writer who's honed his craft frequently via hands-on experience.
The mystery in this story takes Ernest in a new direction though, when the bank he's at for a loan meeting, gets held-up and the people inside suddenly find themselves taken hostage, including Ernest and Juliette.
As the event starts to unfold, Ernest begins to notice unusual things about the robber and the situation in general. It seems there's more than money at stake. What is he really after, and what is the actual aim of this heist?
As Ernest gets to know everyone in the bank, and as he starts to put the various puzzle pieces together, even the hostages become his suspects.
I've enjoyed following Ernest's character arc over the course of these novels. He's very much evolved and I feel like this story was a perfect glimpse into the life he's living now. It's such a change from when we met him in the 1st-book.
I liked that Stevenson went in a different direction with the plot of this story as well. It's not just another murder mystery. The bank setting and the cast of unknown characters added a fun new direction for the series.
I listened to the audiobooks for all of the novels and the narration by Barton Welch is absolutely fantastic. He is Ernest Cunningham to me. I cannot recommend the audio versions enough, if you have them available to you.
I read this in a day. It was so quick and easy to get through. There were a ton of twists and unexpected turns, I had no clue where this was really going. It was such a fun ride.
I'd love to get a physical copy of this one for my collection, as this is the rare mystery I would love to read again and annotate. There were so many interesting clues along the way that I'd love to analyze more closely.
At this point, it's fair to say Benjamin Stevenson has found a fan in me for life. I'm not sure what the long-term plans are for this series, but I'm certainly hoping for more installments. There's so much more fun to be had!
Thank you to the publisher, Mariner Books and Harper Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. This series brings me such joy and I can't recommend it enough!
💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙
Everyone in This Bank is a Thief is a fabulously-fun installment to the Ernest Cunningham series. It successfully channels all the quirky meta-vibes that Readers, including myself, have been enjoying in the previous books.
This is the 3rd-novel in the series, and there's also a fun novella set around the Christmas holiday. At this point, our protagonist, Ernest, is a successful crime writer who's honed his craft frequently via hands-on experience.
The mystery in this story takes Ernest in a new direction though, when the bank he's at for a loan meeting, gets held-up and the people inside suddenly find themselves taken hostage, including Ernest and Juliette.
As the event starts to unfold, Ernest begins to notice unusual things about the robber and the situation in general. It seems there's more than money at stake. What is he really after, and what is the actual aim of this heist?
As Ernest gets to know everyone in the bank, and as he starts to put the various puzzle pieces together, even the hostages become his suspects.
I've enjoyed following Ernest's character arc over the course of these novels. He's very much evolved and I feel like this story was a perfect glimpse into the life he's living now. It's such a change from when we met him in the 1st-book.
I liked that Stevenson went in a different direction with the plot of this story as well. It's not just another murder mystery. The bank setting and the cast of unknown characters added a fun new direction for the series.
I listened to the audiobooks for all of the novels and the narration by Barton Welch is absolutely fantastic. He is Ernest Cunningham to me. I cannot recommend the audio versions enough, if you have them available to you.
I read this in a day. It was so quick and easy to get through. There were a ton of twists and unexpected turns, I had no clue where this was really going. It was such a fun ride.
I'd love to get a physical copy of this one for my collection, as this is the rare mystery I would love to read again and annotate. There were so many interesting clues along the way that I'd love to analyze more closely.
At this point, it's fair to say Benjamin Stevenson has found a fan in me for life. I'm not sure what the long-term plans are for this series, but I'm certainly hoping for more installments. There's so much more fun to be had!
Thank you to the publisher, Mariner Books and Harper Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. This series brings me such joy and I can't recommend it enough!
February 22, 2026
Such a great writing style and approach to solving crimes. Loved the narration once again, as it draws you in, both with the clues and the red herrings, as well as the almost to-on-the-nose explanation of what's happening in a scene. Great characters. Easily fall deep into the mystery but at the same time enjoy relaxing as it unfolds in unexpected directions. Not ideal for a traditional mystery reader but perfect for someone who likes a little something unique to their storytelling path.
February 10, 2026
Ernest Cunningham, your ever intrusive narrator, once again finds himself in a serious predicament. Determined to marry his fiancé Juliette for under $35,0000 (as anything over this cost for a wedding would inevitably lead to divorce), the two travel to the bank to ask for a loan and find themselves hostages in a heist.
All ten hostages are suspects, including Ernest and Juliette. Can Ernest solve the mystery before the police come to their rescue?
I am a huge fan of the Ernest Cunningham series and couldn’t wait to read the latest installment. I am always impressed with the intricately clever plots and Ernest’s intrusively fun way of inserting his opinions into every situation. Unfortunately, this plot felt a bit contrived and not as clever as the previous book in the series. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, but it just didn’t leave the same impression on me. I was even able to predict several of the twists, which I had never been able to do before. Some elements were also a bit too over the top and not believable.
I am still a fan of this series and will gladly continue to read the next chapter in Ernest’s life.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Barton Welch. I really enjoyed this format and highly recommend it.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 3/17/26
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ARC of Everyone in This Bank is a Thief in exchange for an honest review.
All ten hostages are suspects, including Ernest and Juliette. Can Ernest solve the mystery before the police come to their rescue?
I am a huge fan of the Ernest Cunningham series and couldn’t wait to read the latest installment. I am always impressed with the intricately clever plots and Ernest’s intrusively fun way of inserting his opinions into every situation. Unfortunately, this plot felt a bit contrived and not as clever as the previous book in the series. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, but it just didn’t leave the same impression on me. I was even able to predict several of the twists, which I had never been able to do before. Some elements were also a bit too over the top and not believable.
I am still a fan of this series and will gladly continue to read the next chapter in Ernest’s life.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Barton Welch. I really enjoyed this format and highly recommend it.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 3/17/26
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ARC of Everyone in This Bank is a Thief in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2026
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I liked the narrator a lot. The book overall wasn’t as good as the first one but it was a decent mystery. I like the style of writing and the style of mystery. This time our sleuth is in a bank when it gets robbed and he is determined to untangle the various mysteries he stumbles across while he is there. There were some choices that made me blink a lot during this one, and I thought it pushed past what was fully believable, but it was overall a very fun story. This series in general is a lot of fun and definitely one I would recommend. I gave this one 3.5 stars which I rounded up because the narration was great and the series is quite entertaining.
October 29, 2025
The Ernest Cunningham series of books is my favourite Australian mystery series and Ern is back for the fourth time in Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson. This time, Ern and Juliette are in a bank when it's held up by a gun wielding robber and they become hostages in a situation where there are ten suspects and ten heists.
Yep, you read that right! The suspects are listed in the blurb so it's not a spoiler to disclose them here as Ern considers the motives of: the bank robber, the manager, the security guard, the kid, the film producer, the priest, the receptionist, the patient, the carer and Ern himself. Each person is guilty of stealing something (including Ern and Juliette!) and Stevenson cleverly discloses the stolen items on page 4 immediately building atmosphere and suspense.
How's this for an opening line:
"Given I'm dying, and have just the one pen, let's motor through the pleasantries." Page 1
Ern is a reliable narrator and the reader knows up front his survival isn't guaranteed but he's determined to get to the truth no matter what. Ern is an amateur detective inspired by the Golden Age of detective novels and fair play mysteries where the clues are front and centre for the reader. He solves impossible crimes and was in the bank to apply for a business loan to start a detective agency.
"Solving murders is just a series of people lying to you in succession: the detective part is figuring out which lies are worth killing for. It's an endless pinball of deceit." Page 193
The thefts were creative and despite being the fourth installation in the series, the mystery felt far from formulaic. Stevenson's signature humour bursts from the page and the dialogue crackles along as Ern asks questions to identify the motives for each of the ten suspects while making questionable decisions himself along the way.
"Everyone steals, whether it's product or effort, money or time. There's more you can steal from a man than just his wallet. Air, for example." Page 310
The author is a comedian and earlier this year I attended the Melbourne Comedy Festival to see The Stevenson Experience, a comedy act he performs with his twin brother James. The show includes a little audience participation and during the performance James asked if anyone knew his brother was a published author. I clapped and cheered a little too enthusiastically and the brothers asked me a few questions. I answered that my name was Tracey and mentioned that I've reviewed Ben's books on my blog, to which Ben said: "You're not Carpe Librum are you?"
It was such a mind-blowing moment that the author knew who I was but he was quick to clarify that he doesn't read reviews of his own books but has read my reviews of other books by Australian authors. This was such a memorable experience and it's a shame he'll never see my glowing reviews for this bestselling and beloved series but I admire the self discipline required. Perhaps that's how he's able to keep producing such excellent work; he's never bogged down by negative reviews and his ego is kept in check by not reading the positive reviews either.
Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson is a terrific bank heist mystery and you don't even need to make a deposit to read a FREE extract. Each of the Ernest Cunningham books have been published a year apart and I can't wait to see where the author takes the series next; hopefully we'll find out in October 2026!
* Copy courtesy of Penguin Random House *
Yep, you read that right! The suspects are listed in the blurb so it's not a spoiler to disclose them here as Ern considers the motives of: the bank robber, the manager, the security guard, the kid, the film producer, the priest, the receptionist, the patient, the carer and Ern himself. Each person is guilty of stealing something (including Ern and Juliette!) and Stevenson cleverly discloses the stolen items on page 4 immediately building atmosphere and suspense.
How's this for an opening line:
"Given I'm dying, and have just the one pen, let's motor through the pleasantries." Page 1
Ern is a reliable narrator and the reader knows up front his survival isn't guaranteed but he's determined to get to the truth no matter what. Ern is an amateur detective inspired by the Golden Age of detective novels and fair play mysteries where the clues are front and centre for the reader. He solves impossible crimes and was in the bank to apply for a business loan to start a detective agency.
"Solving murders is just a series of people lying to you in succession: the detective part is figuring out which lies are worth killing for. It's an endless pinball of deceit." Page 193
The thefts were creative and despite being the fourth installation in the series, the mystery felt far from formulaic. Stevenson's signature humour bursts from the page and the dialogue crackles along as Ern asks questions to identify the motives for each of the ten suspects while making questionable decisions himself along the way.
"Everyone steals, whether it's product or effort, money or time. There's more you can steal from a man than just his wallet. Air, for example." Page 310
The author is a comedian and earlier this year I attended the Melbourne Comedy Festival to see The Stevenson Experience, a comedy act he performs with his twin brother James. The show includes a little audience participation and during the performance James asked if anyone knew his brother was a published author. I clapped and cheered a little too enthusiastically and the brothers asked me a few questions. I answered that my name was Tracey and mentioned that I've reviewed Ben's books on my blog, to which Ben said: "You're not Carpe Librum are you?"
It was such a mind-blowing moment that the author knew who I was but he was quick to clarify that he doesn't read reviews of his own books but has read my reviews of other books by Australian authors. This was such a memorable experience and it's a shame he'll never see my glowing reviews for this bestselling and beloved series but I admire the self discipline required. Perhaps that's how he's able to keep producing such excellent work; he's never bogged down by negative reviews and his ego is kept in check by not reading the positive reviews either.
Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson is a terrific bank heist mystery and you don't even need to make a deposit to read a FREE extract. Each of the Ernest Cunningham books have been published a year apart and I can't wait to see where the author takes the series next; hopefully we'll find out in October 2026!
* Copy courtesy of Penguin Random House *
November 18, 2025
Sadly this one didn't work for me. I have grown tired of Ernest's narration that breaks the fourth wall time and again. What I assume is supposed to come off as quirky is more cringy to me. Additionally, I have never believed the romance between Ernest and his fiancé, Julliette. Their relationship seems forced and lacks any warmth or genuine affection. The endings of the books in this series tend to dissolve into ridiculousness and this one is no exception. The lone exception was the previous book which is a novella and is by far my favorite of the series because it is so short that it stuck closely to the murder mystery and didn't drift off into Ernest's head too much.
In this newest book, Ernest and Juliette go to a bank trying to get a loan for a new detective agency but the bank manager hires him to find his brother instead. If Ernest is successful, then he will get his loan. And the timing is of the utmost importance because the missing brother is the only one who knows the code to the vault. But before Ernest can investigate the missing person case the bank is held up by a robber and we are introduced to a cast of hostages who have all stolen something. The basic premise of this book is a clever idea, that everyone in the bank is a thief of some kind, some steal the obvious, like money, while others steal the more metaphorical, like hearts. But it just takes too long to get there. And please don't get me started on the ending. Craziness upon craziness, and not in a good way. Sadly I'd recommend skipping this one unless you are a series completist. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this newest book, Ernest and Juliette go to a bank trying to get a loan for a new detective agency but the bank manager hires him to find his brother instead. If Ernest is successful, then he will get his loan. And the timing is of the utmost importance because the missing brother is the only one who knows the code to the vault. But before Ernest can investigate the missing person case the bank is held up by a robber and we are introduced to a cast of hostages who have all stolen something. The basic premise of this book is a clever idea, that everyone in the bank is a thief of some kind, some steal the obvious, like money, while others steal the more metaphorical, like hearts. But it just takes too long to get there. And please don't get me started on the ending. Craziness upon craziness, and not in a good way. Sadly I'd recommend skipping this one unless you are a series completist. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief, by, Benjamin Stevenson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. What did I just read? This was a weird read about a murder and a bank heist.
Want to read
October 26, 2025I just saw this one was coming out March 2026. Cannot wait! This series is so fun and engaging!
January 23, 2026
Man- not as fun as I was hoping. Too many twists and turns that felt reaching. I feel like maybe we need to end this series.
January 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
First, let me say that this was my favorite book in the Ernest Cunningham series. I always enjoy Stevenson’s sense of humor, his references to classic Golden Age mysteries, and his conversational approach to storytelling. What has always bugged me about this series, though, is the sheer size of the cast (because I always forget who’s who), along with how crazy and outlandish the motivations and clues leading Ernest to his deductions can get. I mean… I guess if you’re inspired by the world’s best fictional sleuths, that does make sense. Maybe it’s me? Maybe I just prefer something a bit more grounded in the realm of possibility? Stay with me, though. I swear this is a positive review.
What sets this book apart for me is that I really felt like I knew our newest band of suspects. Maybe they were better fleshed out this time. Maybe they were more likable (although some were absolutely not). I’m not sure, but this one just felt different. Ernest also feels more three-dimensional here. He’s not just an armchair detective who keeps selling books while narrowly avoiding death. He recognizes that he has a problem, putting his life and relationships in constant danger for the sake of solving a crime, simply because he’s come too far to let things go. Ernest felt human. And while this book follows the series recipe in most ways, that character growth was what tipped the scale.
First, let me say that this was my favorite book in the Ernest Cunningham series. I always enjoy Stevenson’s sense of humor, his references to classic Golden Age mysteries, and his conversational approach to storytelling. What has always bugged me about this series, though, is the sheer size of the cast (because I always forget who’s who), along with how crazy and outlandish the motivations and clues leading Ernest to his deductions can get. I mean… I guess if you’re inspired by the world’s best fictional sleuths, that does make sense. Maybe it’s me? Maybe I just prefer something a bit more grounded in the realm of possibility? Stay with me, though. I swear this is a positive review.
What sets this book apart for me is that I really felt like I knew our newest band of suspects. Maybe they were better fleshed out this time. Maybe they were more likable (although some were absolutely not). I’m not sure, but this one just felt different. Ernest also feels more three-dimensional here. He’s not just an armchair detective who keeps selling books while narrowly avoiding death. He recognizes that he has a problem, putting his life and relationships in constant danger for the sake of solving a crime, simply because he’s come too far to let things go. Ernest felt human. And while this book follows the series recipe in most ways, that character growth was what tipped the scale.
February 24, 2026
4.5/5 rounded down! I will never not eat up these books!!! Loved reuniting with Ernest, loved the new cast of characters, LOVED the banter between Ernest & Juliette (can book 4 please be their wedding, I BEG), and as always I loved the humor.
Like the rest of the series, I found myself trying to grab hold of every possible clue to try to guess the culprit which I actually somehow did?!? I honestly think the author has been subtly teaching us readers how to solve murder mysteries and as someone who LOVES to know things ahead of time, I LOVE IT.
I genuine did not want this book to end - this series continues to balance clever plotting, humor, and heart so effortlessly, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. Because… there will be a next one right?!? Right????
Thank you so much to Mariner Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Like the rest of the series, I found myself trying to grab hold of every possible clue to try to guess the culprit which I actually somehow did?!? I honestly think the author has been subtly teaching us readers how to solve murder mysteries and as someone who LOVES to know things ahead of time, I LOVE IT.
I genuine did not want this book to end - this series continues to balance clever plotting, humor, and heart so effortlessly, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. Because… there will be a next one right?!? Right????
Thank you so much to Mariner Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 20, 2026
Everyone in This Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
Everyone in This Bank is a Thief is a clever locked‑room mystery and the fourth installment in the Ernest Cunningham series, where amateur sleuth Ernest “Ernie” Cunningham and his fiancée Juliette head to a small town bank in Sydney, Australia to seek a loan for Ernie’s budding detective agency but instead are plunged into a baffling crisis: all the doors are chained shut, no one can leave, and everyone inside the bank is a suspect after a masked robber takes the ten hostages and one of them is murdered. Every person present, from the film producer to the teenage gamer, the priest to the security guard has, in their own way, stolen something, making motives tangled and intriguing as Ernie must untangle ten “heists” (literal and metaphorical) and a killer before time runs out. Stevenson’s plot is hearty with twists, humour, and a delightful homage to classic whodunits with a modern spin.
I felt both delighted and dizzy from the ingenuity of the puzzle: Stevenson’s writing made me laugh and think in equal measure, and I genuinely cared as Ernie parsed motives and oddball clues amid a motley group of characters whose secrets kept shifting. The confined setting gave each revelation real weight, and the way every character’s stolen item tied into theme and motive felt playful and satisfying even when the complexity demanded close attention. Everyone in This Bank is a Thief is a witty, cerebral mystery that leaned into classic detective fun while keeping me guessing.
Rating: 4 out of 5, for its brilliant twists and engaging ensemble mystery.
Everyone in This Bank is a Thief is a clever locked‑room mystery and the fourth installment in the Ernest Cunningham series, where amateur sleuth Ernest “Ernie” Cunningham and his fiancée Juliette head to a small town bank in Sydney, Australia to seek a loan for Ernie’s budding detective agency but instead are plunged into a baffling crisis: all the doors are chained shut, no one can leave, and everyone inside the bank is a suspect after a masked robber takes the ten hostages and one of them is murdered. Every person present, from the film producer to the teenage gamer, the priest to the security guard has, in their own way, stolen something, making motives tangled and intriguing as Ernie must untangle ten “heists” (literal and metaphorical) and a killer before time runs out. Stevenson’s plot is hearty with twists, humour, and a delightful homage to classic whodunits with a modern spin.
I felt both delighted and dizzy from the ingenuity of the puzzle: Stevenson’s writing made me laugh and think in equal measure, and I genuinely cared as Ernie parsed motives and oddball clues amid a motley group of characters whose secrets kept shifting. The confined setting gave each revelation real weight, and the way every character’s stolen item tied into theme and motive felt playful and satisfying even when the complexity demanded close attention. Everyone in This Bank is a Thief is a witty, cerebral mystery that leaned into classic detective fun while keeping me guessing.
Rating: 4 out of 5, for its brilliant twists and engaging ensemble mystery.
November 12, 2025
This time Ern is in a bank with Juliette his fiancée and a bunch of hostages. There are several heists and thefts and then the murders begin. Everyone has a secret and Ernest is naturally smarter than everyone else involved.
I liked this one. I didn’t like it as much as the previous Ernest Cunningham books as I missed the “breaking the fourth wall” and more commentary from Ern when he is addressing the reader directly. In an attempt to make the story bigger and brighter there were more characters and a whole lot going on, which was harder to follow. Still, I got the unique flavor that is
Specific to this series.
The author references how golden age detective stories came at a time when the world really wanted to see justice being done and the bad guy being caught and thrown away the key. Interesting to learn how our story preferences go along with current events and culture.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC. Ook to be published March 16, 2026
I liked this one. I didn’t like it as much as the previous Ernest Cunningham books as I missed the “breaking the fourth wall” and more commentary from Ern when he is addressing the reader directly. In an attempt to make the story bigger and brighter there were more characters and a whole lot going on, which was harder to follow. Still, I got the unique flavor that is
Specific to this series.
The author references how golden age detective stories came at a time when the world really wanted to see justice being done and the bad guy being caught and thrown away the key. Interesting to learn how our story preferences go along with current events and culture.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC. Ook to be published March 16, 2026
Want to read
November 14, 2025YES!!! I AM SCREAMING MY HEART OUT OVER RECEIVING THIS ARC AN HOUR AGO!!! 😱😱😱!!!
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Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for granting my request of Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
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Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for granting my request of Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
January 20, 2026
Not as good as the other in the series, it’s 3 stars, but probably just barely.
Let’s start with the good: I really enjoy the style of the series, and this one is no exception, also the mysteries are engaging, with a cast of characters that all have secrets it was interesting to make sense of.
The first problem came with some really stupid actions on the mc part; there was a semblance of a reason for them, so it’s not damning, but it was annoying. The second problem was with the big answers; the smaller mysteries explanations are fine, as for the big ones, the who and why work, but the how… Farfetched explanations and so many incredible coincidences that all just happened to occur together ( I suspend my disbelief but come on…).
Let’s start with the good: I really enjoy the style of the series, and this one is no exception, also the mysteries are engaging, with a cast of characters that all have secrets it was interesting to make sense of.
The first problem came with some really stupid actions on the mc part; there was a semblance of a reason for them, so it’s not damning, but it was annoying. The second problem was with the big answers; the smaller mysteries explanations are fine, as for the big ones, the who and why work, but the how… Farfetched explanations and so many incredible coincidences that all just happened to occur together ( I suspend my disbelief but come on…).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adore the Ernest Cunningham series. I have faithfully read them all and will continue to do so as the writing and creativity keeps flowing. I understand completely why the books are polarizing: with a main character who breaks the "forth wall" constantly, is kind of a buffoon, and is not a "traditional" detective despite following the rules of traditional detective stories readers don't know what to do with him. I find it charming and refreshing. May the stories of Ernest (and Juliette!) continue.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Benjamin Stevenson, and Mariner Books for my ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Benjamin Stevenson, and Mariner Books for my ARC of this book.
December 26, 2025
review to come 🕵️♂️ merry christmas !!
June 21, 2025
GOD THANK YOU IVE BEEN SO TIRED OF WAITING MY DAY IS MADE
February 14, 2026
Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 11, 2026
3.5 stars rounded down. I enjoyed this locked door mystery. I do feel like it got a little bit confusing at times with all the people involved, but it turned out nicely in the end. This book gave off ‘Anxious People’ vibes, nobody knew really what was happening. They all had their troubles and i liked how it all wrapped up.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for a copy of this eARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for a copy of this eARC.
November 6, 2025
Such a fun time!
January 31, 2026
as fun and flowing as the previous mysteries in the series. i like this series and the main character and the super interesting and different mysteries that told. like the author's voice too, though for the first chapters the snarky and cute descriptions and sometimes is too much but afterwards either i get used to them or they tone down. would definitely look forward to another story in these series, if there is another one.
Review of advance copy
Fun and witty mystery!!! Every Ernest Cunningham novel is twisty, funny and clever in a way that is self-aware of the murder mystery/crime tropes without being pretentious.
October 1, 2025
A good addition to the Ernest Cunningham series. I liked the bank heist element, added a layer of complexity. Had to take a star off because I did get very confused for a part and felt that it lost the plot.
Parlour scene was short and snappy like the end of a down hill race.
Parlour scene was short and snappy like the end of a down hill race.
November 9, 2025
4.5 stars for this instalment.
Ernest is back and in a small town bank this time.
The author sticks to his tried and tested Agatha Christie-esque formula and it works. There are ten people in the bank and each has their story. As in the other books, there are a lot of characters and there’s a lot going on. However, the reasons for the crimes/murders are more realistic and intriguing.
Still a little convoluted and I still struggle with the first-person narrative but overall a great read.
Ernest is back and in a small town bank this time.
The author sticks to his tried and tested Agatha Christie-esque formula and it works. There are ten people in the bank and each has their story. As in the other books, there are a lot of characters and there’s a lot going on. However, the reasons for the crimes/murders are more realistic and intriguing.
Still a little convoluted and I still struggle with the first-person narrative but overall a great read.
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