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The Crims #1
The Crims
The Addams Family meets Despicable Me in the first book of this new trilogy, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosch!
The Crim family is full of notorious criminals. Notoriously inept, that is. Uncle Knuckles once tried to steal a carnival. Great-Uncle Bernard held himself hostage by accident. Aunt Drusilla died slipping on a banana peel. But Imogen is different. She was born with a skill for scandal. A knack for the nefarious. A mastery of misdemeanors.
Despite her natural talent for all things unlawful, Imogen got out of the family business years ago. But when the rest of the Crims are accused of pulling off a major heist—which seems doubtful, to say the least—Imogen is forced to step in to clear their names. Because only a truly skilled criminal can prove the bumbling family’s innocence….
The Crim family is full of notorious criminals. Notoriously inept, that is. Uncle Knuckles once tried to steal a carnival. Great-Uncle Bernard held himself hostage by accident. Aunt Drusilla died slipping on a banana peel. But Imogen is different. She was born with a skill for scandal. A knack for the nefarious. A mastery of misdemeanors.
Despite her natural talent for all things unlawful, Imogen got out of the family business years ago. But when the rest of the Crims are accused of pulling off a major heist—which seems doubtful, to say the least—Imogen is forced to step in to clear their names. Because only a truly skilled criminal can prove the bumbling family’s innocence….
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2017
52 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Kate Davies
154 books11 followersLibrarian note: There are other authors with the same name. This is Kate^^Davies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 13, 2017
https://inkedbookdragon.blogspot.com/
I had such high hopes for this story. The premise promised to be a good one. I enjoy Lemony Snicket and any book that is said to be similar to that excites me. I wish that I could say that this book lived up to my expectations but it didn't. Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad book. However, when a book is slated as something, I get disappointed when it falls short.
There were moments where the story drug and I can see where the target audience (8-12 years) may get bored. The characters were enjoyable but I found myself mixing them up. There were points where a character was mentioned pretty much just to be mentioned and served no true purpose to the scene. There were holes in the story that I am hoping will be addressed in the other two books.
I am rating this book Three Stars because it didn't move me. Marketing it the way that it was marketed created a level of expectation that it could not meet. It was a good idea and the potential is there. It will be interesting to see how the trilogy reaches completion.
InkedBookDreams
I had such high hopes for this story. The premise promised to be a good one. I enjoy Lemony Snicket and any book that is said to be similar to that excites me. I wish that I could say that this book lived up to my expectations but it didn't. Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad book. However, when a book is slated as something, I get disappointed when it falls short.
There were moments where the story drug and I can see where the target audience (8-12 years) may get bored. The characters were enjoyable but I found myself mixing them up. There were points where a character was mentioned pretty much just to be mentioned and served no true purpose to the scene. There were holes in the story that I am hoping will be addressed in the other two books.
I am rating this book Three Stars because it didn't move me. Marketing it the way that it was marketed created a level of expectation that it could not meet. It was a good idea and the potential is there. It will be interesting to see how the trilogy reaches completion.
InkedBookDreams
January 19, 2021
3 stars
A Lemony Snicket vibe mixed with a dash of the Addams family, The Crims is sure to delight younger readers.
Humor: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★ 1/2
Plot/Pacing: ★★ 1/2
Imogen Crim comes from a long line of criminals.
But here's the thing—the Crims aren't even GOOD criminals. They're notoriously bad at crime. The Crims try to steal useless belongings, they aspire to make front-page headlines, and one relative even held his own body hostage by mistake one time.
So at the end of the day, the Crims are usually harmless in their small town.
Imogen thought she had left her legacy as a Crim behind when she changed her last name and went to a far-away boarding school. But then she hears that her family has really stepped in it this time—the entire Crim clan is behind bars for conducting their "white whale" dream heist: stealing a valuable lunch box from their wealthy neighbor.
It's up to Imogen to fix this catastrophe. Her boarding school won't let her come back unless she can prove their innocence... and Imogen quickly realizes that for once, the Crims AREN'T the criminals in this case.
Will she find out whodunit before its too late? With a rag-tag bunch of underage Crim cousins and one extra distracted Uncle Freddie it's time for Imogen to get to the bottom of this case.
This was pretty cute! I will say my favorite element was the humor. Author Kate Davies hit the nail on the head with the absurdism and Addams-family type black humor. Fans of the show/movies will recognize the nods.
I did think the plot itself dragged on a bit... But that might also have been due to the fact that middle grade mysteries are obviously meant for a much younger audience—one that doesn't read twisty adult mysteries!
Overall, super cute and fun for those looking for more dark-humor based reads.
Blog | Instagram
A Lemony Snicket vibe mixed with a dash of the Addams family, The Crims is sure to delight younger readers.
Humor: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★ 1/2
Plot/Pacing: ★★ 1/2
Imogen Crim comes from a long line of criminals.
But here's the thing—the Crims aren't even GOOD criminals. They're notoriously bad at crime. The Crims try to steal useless belongings, they aspire to make front-page headlines, and one relative even held his own body hostage by mistake one time.
So at the end of the day, the Crims are usually harmless in their small town.
Imogen thought she had left her legacy as a Crim behind when she changed her last name and went to a far-away boarding school. But then she hears that her family has really stepped in it this time—the entire Crim clan is behind bars for conducting their "white whale" dream heist: stealing a valuable lunch box from their wealthy neighbor.
It's up to Imogen to fix this catastrophe. Her boarding school won't let her come back unless she can prove their innocence... and Imogen quickly realizes that for once, the Crims AREN'T the criminals in this case.
Will she find out whodunit before its too late? With a rag-tag bunch of underage Crim cousins and one extra distracted Uncle Freddie it's time for Imogen to get to the bottom of this case.
This was pretty cute! I will say my favorite element was the humor. Author Kate Davies hit the nail on the head with the absurdism and Addams-family type black humor. Fans of the show/movies will recognize the nods.
I did think the plot itself dragged on a bit... But that might also have been due to the fact that middle grade mysteries are obviously meant for a much younger audience—one that doesn't read twisty adult mysteries!
Overall, super cute and fun for those looking for more dark-humor based reads.
Blog | Instagram
April 29, 2019
This was nice and silly and distracting at a time when I needed it—my job was going really badly really intensely, and YA (or nearly) was about the extent of what my brain could handle in the evenings. The family members were all quirky, and the plot, although imaginative, didn't have a lot of stakes or tension. Whatever. Fine and fun and funny and forgettable.
March 18, 2018
TLDR: Young girl attempts to break out of the family business, Crime, and fails by pulling of a heist.
Good:
Strong female character
Good reader
Funny turns of phrase
Bad:
Feels derivative
The whole crime thing is odd
For the Adamms family lovers amongst us #elementary #humor #kidlit #mystery #whodunit
Good:
Strong female character
Good reader
Funny turns of phrase
Bad:
Feels derivative
The whole crime thing is odd
For the Adamms family lovers amongst us #elementary #humor #kidlit #mystery #whodunit
May 8, 2024
So first of all, this is a children’s book, didn’t realize that at first. This book was definitely a book. It was very silly and definitely a fun read for maybe fifth graders. I don’t think I have much to say about this other than it was very silly. The math teacher’s name was literally Mrs. Pythagoras.
April 5, 2021
DNF @ 63%.
June 20, 2018
This book is a lot of fun. It's very reminiscent of the style of A Series of Unfortunate Events, in the way that it's written and certainly the descriptions and narration are very similar in feeling, as well as giving off an Addams Family aesthetic and vibe.
Following the story of 12 year old Imogin who is attending Lilyworth Ladies College, after her granny dies during one of the Crim's famously bad heists, but is pulled back into her families shenanigans when they're all arrested for stealing a priceless lunchbox and Imogin must figure out a way to prove their innocence-The Crims are bad Criminals.
Going in I had very high expectations for this book, the first on a series, and they were more or less met.
All the characters-both main and supporting-have wildly different personalities, interests and descriptions. They are all unique.
The main character Imogin is a lot of fun, she starts the book as someone who is straight edge and using her criminal intellect to become a good member of society and rule the world-like a good Crim should. I really enjoyed the contrast of her trying to remain the new Imogin, while trying not to slip back into her old habits as a Crim. The rest of the supporting cast is a lot of fun. While my least favorite is Imogin's father- a spineless accountant; I loved her cousin Freddy. He was a delight of a character, with a pretty neat twist to how you actually perceive him.
There aren't really any cons for me to this book, but one thing I can say is that it did get a bit too convenient in parts in terms of plot devices, and I really didn't particularly enjoy the end twist but that's because I did see it coming. Not dinging it too hard, as I am a 25 year old adult reading a book meant for 8 year olds so it makes sense I would figure it out a big early.
Other than that this book is a ton of fun, really funny, a great middle grade adventure book with a little quirk, because what is life without quirks?
I highly and genuinely recommend if you enjoy ASoUE or The Addams Family, Or just middlegrade adventure in general. It hits all the right note and I think any reader of middle grade fiction and actual middlegraders will enjoy this first book.
Following the story of 12 year old Imogin who is attending Lilyworth Ladies College, after her granny dies during one of the Crim's famously bad heists, but is pulled back into her families shenanigans when they're all arrested for stealing a priceless lunchbox and Imogin must figure out a way to prove their innocence-The Crims are bad Criminals.
Going in I had very high expectations for this book, the first on a series, and they were more or less met.
All the characters-both main and supporting-have wildly different personalities, interests and descriptions. They are all unique.
The main character Imogin is a lot of fun, she starts the book as someone who is straight edge and using her criminal intellect to become a good member of society and rule the world-like a good Crim should. I really enjoyed the contrast of her trying to remain the new Imogin, while trying not to slip back into her old habits as a Crim. The rest of the supporting cast is a lot of fun. While my least favorite is Imogin's father- a spineless accountant; I loved her cousin Freddy. He was a delight of a character, with a pretty neat twist to how you actually perceive him.
There aren't really any cons for me to this book, but one thing I can say is that it did get a bit too convenient in parts in terms of plot devices, and I really didn't particularly enjoy the end twist but that's because I did see it coming. Not dinging it too hard, as I am a 25 year old adult reading a book meant for 8 year olds so it makes sense I would figure it out a big early.
Other than that this book is a ton of fun, really funny, a great middle grade adventure book with a little quirk, because what is life without quirks?
I highly and genuinely recommend if you enjoy ASoUE or The Addams Family, Or just middlegrade adventure in general. It hits all the right note and I think any reader of middle grade fiction and actual middlegraders will enjoy this first book.
December 21, 2023
So fun! Perfect mix of The Addams Family and A Series of Unfortunate Events
July 6, 2022
Say hello to the Crims. They are a crime-loving family who love to pull illegal works. Let me just say that they are not your average family.
Twelve-year-old Imogen is part of the infamous Crims family, but is different. Although crime runs in her blood, she decided to leave her family for a simple life as a school girl. Imogen loved her school, but that ended when her family was accused of stealing a million dollar lunchbox. With disappointment, Imogen had to join the group once again. Somehow Imogen knows that her family is not capable of such a crime and begins to investigate on her own terms. With the help of her cousins, she searches for the real culprit of the stolen lunch box. Clues, evidence, and guesses all lead to many suspects. Imogen knows that this case is more than what she can take, but with her herself and family at stake, she can’t afford not to solve it. Imogen just needs to be the criminal that she was raised to be.
From the moment I picked up the book, I knew that The Crims was going to be captivating and entertaining. The first thing I noticed was the cover page. It was colorful and unique in a way that caught my eye. I really loved how the characters were more than meet the eyes. Each and every one of them had some sort of secret that was unexpected. Davies created a very creative and offbeat story about a crimson group that you wouldn’t think about. I also liked that because it showed many different perspectives of what people think about when they imagine a family. My most favorite part was definitely the ending because it told an important lesson about trust. This story really showed that no matter if they do crimes or if they end up in jail, the Crims are still a loving family. They will support each other no matter what happens. Out of five stars I would rate this story a four. If you want an adventurous, humorous, and mysterious book, then this might be the next one for your shelf. Happy reading!
Reviewed by: Stella L., grade 7
Twelve-year-old Imogen is part of the infamous Crims family, but is different. Although crime runs in her blood, she decided to leave her family for a simple life as a school girl. Imogen loved her school, but that ended when her family was accused of stealing a million dollar lunchbox. With disappointment, Imogen had to join the group once again. Somehow Imogen knows that her family is not capable of such a crime and begins to investigate on her own terms. With the help of her cousins, she searches for the real culprit of the stolen lunch box. Clues, evidence, and guesses all lead to many suspects. Imogen knows that this case is more than what she can take, but with her herself and family at stake, she can’t afford not to solve it. Imogen just needs to be the criminal that she was raised to be.
From the moment I picked up the book, I knew that The Crims was going to be captivating and entertaining. The first thing I noticed was the cover page. It was colorful and unique in a way that caught my eye. I really loved how the characters were more than meet the eyes. Each and every one of them had some sort of secret that was unexpected. Davies created a very creative and offbeat story about a crimson group that you wouldn’t think about. I also liked that because it showed many different perspectives of what people think about when they imagine a family. My most favorite part was definitely the ending because it told an important lesson about trust. This story really showed that no matter if they do crimes or if they end up in jail, the Crims are still a loving family. They will support each other no matter what happens. Out of five stars I would rate this story a four. If you want an adventurous, humorous, and mysterious book, then this might be the next one for your shelf. Happy reading!
Reviewed by: Stella L., grade 7
October 10, 2022
It was a good juvenile fiction book. It had a lot of features in the writing and plot that children would like. It is creative and I liked how Davies portrayed the characters through the dialogue. It was a clean book in regards to language. I don't remember reading any inappropriate content in the book. In my opinion, it is disappointing and annoying when authors try to sneak in adult humor into a children's book. I think that Kate Davies did an excellent job trying to target and cater to this age group of readers. The female characters are strong in their own way and are more realistic than other female characters in different fictional writing. I would have to say that I did have a difficult time deciding between 3 or 4 stars. It's a whimsical and entertaining book.
November 25, 2017
#Edelweiss #TheCrims
The Crims has a Lemony Snicket type feel when you read it. It is odd and strange, but absolutely hilarious. They are the worst criminals ever and always get caught, but you can't help like the whole family. Imogen gets exposed at her fancy boarding school as being part of this lack luster family. She sets out to prove they aren't what they seem on the outside. I received an E-Arc copy of this book and found it utterly enjoyable. It is the first in a series, not sure if it's a trilogy or a full on series. I will be back for book two either way. Kate Davies has an odd almost Roald Dahl type quality to this book.
The Crims has a Lemony Snicket type feel when you read it. It is odd and strange, but absolutely hilarious. They are the worst criminals ever and always get caught, but you can't help like the whole family. Imogen gets exposed at her fancy boarding school as being part of this lack luster family. She sets out to prove they aren't what they seem on the outside. I received an E-Arc copy of this book and found it utterly enjoyable. It is the first in a series, not sure if it's a trilogy or a full on series. I will be back for book two either way. Kate Davies has an odd almost Roald Dahl type quality to this book.
December 22, 2017
Meet the crazy Crims and Imogen who really wants anything than to be a Crim now that she is in a girls school, after the death of Big Nanna who was the only one who believed in her. She wants to get away from crime yet the family get blamed for a burglary that she knew they couldn't commit as they are useless. Yet the challenge of coming home would be more testing than any challenge of the girls going for head girl.
An entertaining, well written book with fleshed out characters that makes it ever eventful as well full of many a twist and turn. Brilliantly analysed characters as well as funny scenarios including a greased pig.
An entertaining, well written book with fleshed out characters that makes it ever eventful as well full of many a twist and turn. Brilliantly analysed characters as well as funny scenarios including a greased pig.
June 22, 2018
One of the most hilarious books that AJ and I have read together, he was cracking up until the bed shook at storytime. Furthermore, because of this book, AJ has decided we both need secret identities. Henceforth, I will be answering to "Abbey" as well as "Imogen," but the jury is still out as to whether AJ will ever answer to anything other than Freddie from here on out.
The humor is great for both kids and grownups--the allusions to The Sound of Music are a riot, as are the over-the-top missteps and caricatures of inept criminals trying to be the Gambino family. Likewise, the wordplay is do clever as are the stars of the book, the Horrible Children.
I can't wait for the second volume!!
The humor is great for both kids and grownups--the allusions to The Sound of Music are a riot, as are the over-the-top missteps and caricatures of inept criminals trying to be the Gambino family. Likewise, the wordplay is do clever as are the stars of the book, the Horrible Children.
I can't wait for the second volume!!
May 6, 2021
Criminally good. We discovered (and devoured) this book! It is wonderful, delightful, a quick read but full of unexpected twists and turns.
The MC is in danger of being expelled from her prestigious boarding school for girls when her family is exposed as the masterminds of a heist to steal a $1 million lunch box. They planned it, but they didn't do it (and they won't admit it!).
She has to unravel how her family did NOT steal the lunch box, who did, and why -- all in time to make her speech at school to be elected the next head-girl.
A great read!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
The MC is in danger of being expelled from her prestigious boarding school for girls when her family is exposed as the masterminds of a heist to steal a $1 million lunch box. They planned it, but they didn't do it (and they won't admit it!).
She has to unravel how her family did NOT steal the lunch box, who did, and why -- all in time to make her speech at school to be elected the next head-girl.
A great read!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
December 17, 2017
A unique idea that features a family of the world's most inept criminals ever. The main character Imogen tries hard to distance herself from her families activities, but when they're in jail for the biggest heist ever, she has to use crime to her advantage. I really enjoyed this one, the whole live of the family is clear and how each of the dynamics, plus the use of wordplay almost to the level of Snicket quality! This is the first of a planned trilogy, and I'm interested in seeing where it goes!
September 5, 2018
A lovely breath of air. I read a lot of crime/historical fiction, and every so often get my hands on a novel written for middle schoolers. This one did not disappoint.
This was a crazy read with some unforgettable characters - in fact a whole family of them. I appreciate Kate Davies' ability to connect to readers, but not talk down to them. This book did feel similar to the SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS in its ability to quirkily teach readers vocab, and educate in an electrifying way.
Was it a rad derivative? Yes. But did I enjoy it? Yes, I did. Especially the plucky Imogen!
This was a crazy read with some unforgettable characters - in fact a whole family of them. I appreciate Kate Davies' ability to connect to readers, but not talk down to them. This book did feel similar to the SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS in its ability to quirkily teach readers vocab, and educate in an electrifying way.
Was it a rad derivative? Yes. But did I enjoy it? Yes, I did. Especially the plucky Imogen!
March 30, 2019
This was an adorable semi-ridiculous read. I mean that in the best way. The characters remind me of the minions in Despicable Me that try so hard to be evil and just don't quite make it. It really makes the characters endearing and ones that you want to root for, even if they are trying to prove they are criminal masterminds.
After reading this book, I'm reading to read the next one in the series and see what else these characters can get up to.
Author: Kate Davies
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: December 5th 2017
After reading this book, I'm reading to read the next one in the series and see what else these characters can get up to.
Author: Kate Davies
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: December 5th 2017
August 16, 2017
E-ARC provided by Edelweiss
Imogen is living a double life- attending a fancy British boarding school even though she belongs to a well-known crime family. She's exposed, and goes back to the family in an attempt to prove the family is not what they seem to be. This funny story will appeal to students because of the sheer ridiculousness of many situations, and it looks like it is the first of a trilogy.
Imogen is living a double life- attending a fancy British boarding school even though she belongs to a well-known crime family. She's exposed, and goes back to the family in an attempt to prove the family is not what they seem to be. This funny story will appeal to students because of the sheer ridiculousness of many situations, and it looks like it is the first of a trilogy.
July 15, 2022
Starting the year off with a very good read.
This read was like a rom-com in a book about a criminal family who is very bad at crime.
'Crime runs in the family.'
This book was hilarious, predictably cheesy and lovable, and had great writing. It was so easy to read, I read 150 pages in one sitting. It was amazing. The only part I disliked was the typical trope (near the end).
This read was like a rom-com in a book about a criminal family who is very bad at crime.
'Crime runs in the family.'
This book was hilarious, predictably cheesy and lovable, and had great writing. It was so easy to read, I read 150 pages in one sitting. It was amazing. The only part I disliked was the typical trope (near the end).
March 13, 2020
It was a good book, a very imaginative plot and mystery. The characters were not flat, but very vivid and enjoyable. I really like how she described them. The interesting premise and the adventures were hilarious. It was a very light, fun, and easy to read book. I would recommend it, and I am intrigued to read the rest of the trilogy.
April 2, 2019
This book was much more entertaining than I thought it would be. I selected this for my Banana Splits Book Club for ages 9-13. We will see what they have to say about it. *Ms. Teakettle = Hilarious!
January 20, 2023
Silly British-y names and fun little plot twists. Has an Addams Family feel (which is notable as the Wednesday Addams TV show is hot right now.) It ends with the hint of a continuing story, but I don't think I'll read the next book right away.
February 5, 2018
Lighthearted and silly. Quite enjoyable.
February 21, 2018
At first it sounded dull but it gets really good when you read it through!
May 23, 2018
Very cute book for adults and its intended audience, children/teens. I had the movie version playing in my head and would love to see a book like this made into a fun film.
October 6, 2018
My 10 yr old and I loved it - funny, witty, and engaging story and characters.
October 9, 2018
This was cute. I really enjoyed the narrator, and the story moved along at a good pace.
May 7, 2019
This Light reading is a gateway into the criminal world of the Crims. I will be continuing this journey, but I will have to give it at least a few months.
August 26, 2019
I loved this book it was so well done and I love the storyline
January 23, 2020
Solidly fun the whole way through. The classes I read this aloud to enjoyed it enough to ask for the sequel, too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews