What do you think?
Rate this book
Heist Society #3.5
The Grift of the Magi
Katarina Bishop is a thief. To many it wouldn’t matter that she now uses her considerable skills to resteal valuable works of art and return them to their rightful homes. She’s still a thief.
So that’s why Kat’s surprised when an Interpol agent comes to her one snowy evening, asking for her help.
The Magi Miracle Network was set to auction off a very rare, very valuable Fabergé egg two days before Christmas, but the egg has been stolen and now the charity’s reputation—and their future—is on the line.
Kat’s family and Interpol might be on opposite sides of most jobs, but someone just stole Christmas.
Now it’s up to Kat and her crew to steal it back.
So that’s why Kat’s surprised when an Interpol agent comes to her one snowy evening, asking for her help.
The Magi Miracle Network was set to auction off a very rare, very valuable Fabergé egg two days before Christmas, but the egg has been stolen and now the charity’s reputation—and their future—is on the line.
Kat’s family and Interpol might be on opposite sides of most jobs, but someone just stole Christmas.
Now it’s up to Kat and her crew to steal it back.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
87 people are currently reading
2830 people want to read
About the author
Ally Carter
47 books18.2k followersAlly Carter writes books about sneaky people and movies about Christmas. She is the New York Times Best-selling author of the Gallagher Girls, Heist Society, and Embassy Row series for teens as well as WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOR for younger readers. Her books have been published all over the world, in over twenty languages.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
November 21, 2025
3 stars ⭐️ Secular YA
I didn’t realize I hadn’t read this short story when I prior read this series years ago, so it was fun to see “new” plot and the characters again. It was a fun plot and enjoyable.
I would really like to know what Hale’s actual name is—and how in the world he got the nickname “Scooter”. But I suppose that will be my Roman Empire, as they say, because it doesn’t look like we’ll ever find out.
I do think that Kat & Hale kiss a bit too much for only being 16/17, so I would suggest this series for ages 15/16+ due to that and comments in the first book.
Main Content:
Spiritual-
Kay’s family has a rule that they don’t steal from charities, orphans, widows, or nuns.
Mentions of the Magi who bought gifts to baby Jesus; Mentions of miracles (including Kat saying she is in the miracle business); A mention of Hale worshipping his grandmother (not literally but with reverence).
Negative-
No language stronger than stupid or shut up; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Obviously, this book is all about stealing, thieves, heists, planning said heists, & crimes so there’s a lot of mentions and scenes of all of that.
Mentions of deaths & grief (including Kat for her mother); A few mentions of the possibility of killing someone; A few mentions of a woman not being accepted in her family due to her gender; A mention of vampires.
Sexual-
3 forehead kisses,
4 kisses with no details,
5 kisses lasting 1-2 sentences,
1 kiss lasting 2-3 sentences.
Touches note embraces no dancing; A bit of jealousy.
In a con, Hale calls Kat his “personal assistant” and wants her to stay with him (she wants to slap him for the principle but does not); Kat and Hale are caught in a closet together (assumptions are made).
A woman comments on wishing her daughter—or her—saw Hale first (rather than Kat); A comment about men being attracted to maids is always for the wrong reasons & men dabbling with the help.
Mentions of a dying old man marrying a much younger woman and his hopes of getting a son from her (she’s looking forward to being his widow); A few mentions of kisses, kissing, boyfriends/girlfriends, & dating; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of Hale acting as a flirt or playboy in cons; A couple mentions of short skirts; A mention of an illegitimate son.
A couple mentions of a heist that involved one of the guys wearing a maternity belly.
I didn’t realize I hadn’t read this short story when I prior read this series years ago, so it was fun to see “new” plot and the characters again. It was a fun plot and enjoyable.
I would really like to know what Hale’s actual name is—and how in the world he got the nickname “Scooter”. But I suppose that will be my Roman Empire, as they say, because it doesn’t look like we’ll ever find out.
I do think that Kat & Hale kiss a bit too much for only being 16/17, so I would suggest this series for ages 15/16+ due to that and comments in the first book.
Main Content:
Spiritual-
Kay’s family has a rule that they don’t steal from charities, orphans, widows, or nuns.
Mentions of the Magi who bought gifts to baby Jesus; Mentions of miracles (including Kat saying she is in the miracle business); A mention of Hale worshipping his grandmother (not literally but with reverence).
Negative-
No language stronger than stupid or shut up; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Obviously, this book is all about stealing, thieves, heists, planning said heists, & crimes so there’s a lot of mentions and scenes of all of that.
Mentions of deaths & grief (including Kat for her mother); A few mentions of the possibility of killing someone; A few mentions of a woman not being accepted in her family due to her gender; A mention of vampires.
Sexual-
3 forehead kisses,
4 kisses with no details,
5 kisses lasting 1-2 sentences,
1 kiss lasting 2-3 sentences.
Touches note embraces no dancing; A bit of jealousy.
In a con, Hale calls Kat his “personal assistant” and wants her to stay with him (she wants to slap him for the principle but does not); Kat and Hale are caught in a closet together (assumptions are made).
A woman comments on wishing her daughter—or her—saw Hale first (rather than Kat); A comment about men being attracted to maids is always for the wrong reasons & men dabbling with the help.
Mentions of a dying old man marrying a much younger woman and his hopes of getting a son from her (she’s looking forward to being his widow); A few mentions of kisses, kissing, boyfriends/girlfriends, & dating; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of Hale acting as a flirt or playboy in cons; A couple mentions of short skirts; A mention of an illegitimate son.
A couple mentions of a heist that involved one of the guys wearing a maternity belly.
November 17, 2016
4 STARS FOR "THE GRIFT OF THE MAGI" BY ALLY CARTER
ALLY CARTER, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING MY BABIES BACK TO ME. Even if it's only in novella form.
Most people would be turned off by the sound of a "novella", because most tend to be inconsequential and only three pages, but I assure you that this is an absolute treat for any and all Heist Society fans. Yes, it's about half the size of a regular novel, but there's still a bunch of content and plot to read through. It's like a super condensed Heist Society novel, but it still keeps good pacing and characterization. It felt like I was being brought right back into Kat's world, and with her gang. I didn't get to see a whole lot of Simon, Nick, or the Bagshaw brothers, but there is a LOT of Hale and Gabrielle.
Finally we get to see Hale and Kat working together as a couple! Like actually working on a case together, not hiding things from the other person (looking at you, third book that brought them a ton of angst). The plot did involve Hale's empire and Hazel, so there was a little tension there with him, but I got so many adorable moments between him and Kat that it didn't even matter. THEIR FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER, YOU GUYS.
Ally Carter, please don't let this be the last we hear from the squad. This book does hint at some potential storylines with Gabrielle and her mother.... maybe we could follow up on that? Just give me book 4, please!
As, somewhere, a clock struck midnight, Kat looked at the eggs and thought about the Magi. They followed a star and brought presents to a king, but never before had Kat felt less like having a normal Christmas with normal presents.
ALLY CARTER, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING MY BABIES BACK TO ME. Even if it's only in novella form.
Most people would be turned off by the sound of a "novella", because most tend to be inconsequential and only three pages, but I assure you that this is an absolute treat for any and all Heist Society fans. Yes, it's about half the size of a regular novel, but there's still a bunch of content and plot to read through. It's like a super condensed Heist Society novel, but it still keeps good pacing and characterization. It felt like I was being brought right back into Kat's world, and with her gang. I didn't get to see a whole lot of Simon, Nick, or the Bagshaw brothers, but there is a LOT of Hale and Gabrielle.
Finally we get to see Hale and Kat working together as a couple! Like actually working on a case together, not hiding things from the other person (looking at you, third book that brought them a ton of angst). The plot did involve Hale's empire and Hazel, so there was a little tension there with him, but I got so many adorable moments between him and Kat that it didn't even matter. THEIR FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER, YOU GUYS.
Ally Carter, please don't let this be the last we hear from the squad. This book does hint at some potential storylines with Gabrielle and her mother.... maybe we could follow up on that? Just give me book 4, please!
November 28, 2016
The Grift of the Magi singlehandedly saved me. my crops are thriving and my skin is clear and I feel blessed that Ally Carter wrote this book, and it enchanted me so much I can't believe it's only a novella
The heist society kids are the best crew I love them to the moon and back guys <3
The heist society kids are the best crew I love them to the moon and back guys <3
November 15, 2016
pre-read: I'M STILL FREAKING OUT ABOUT THIS
post-read:
I miss the Heist gang so much. I'm still holding out for a fourth full-length book but for now, I'm satisfied with this one.
post-read:
I miss the Heist gang so much. I'm still holding out for a fourth full-length book but for now, I'm satisfied with this one.
January 14, 2019
"...he was feeling everything and choosing to show nothing."
All the stars for this one!
I love the books so much and I was so happy when I found out about this sweet novella! Everytime I'm back in this world I ache to be a part of the crew!
And yes, I ship them.
Hale- he is the most amazing example for a book-boyfriend.
But still. I Need a fourth book in the series. Please, Please, Please. Let that happen, Ally!!!
December 14, 2016
Low key I think I want to ask for Kat/Hale acquiring the Myrrh egg next year for Yuletide.
Someone remind me (@Jess/Cait).
Someone remind me (@Jess/Cait).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
3.5 Stars
In hindsight, I probably should have read The Grift of the Magi at Christmas, since it is, after all, ostensibly a Christmas novella.
But I doubt my unseasonable reading habits dampened my enjoyment of this little story. It's basically a fully-fledged Heist Society book, only condensed into less than 100 pages. And, dare I say, it's the best Heist Society story since the first book. I enjoyed books 2 and 3 but found them to be sort of bogged down with unnecessary personal drama (seriously, Kat, you should've just told Hale how you felt). I'm happy to say that, for the most part, the slightly annoying drama was absent for this book and took a backseat in favour of the plot :)
This time around, Kat & Co are approached by none other than Interpol agent Amelia Bennet to track down a missing ten-million pound Fabergé egg that has been mysteriously stolen from a charity helping disadvantaged low-income children just ahead of a Christmas auction. The kicker? The chairman of the board for the charity is none other than our beloved W.W Hale the V. Not only is our boy's reputation on the line, but also the treasured legacy of his grandmother Hazel Hale.
This novella contained all the hijinks and globe-trotting extravagance we've come to expect from a Heist Society story. Our mischievous gang must infiltrate the grand estate of an English earl, using Hale as their inside man as always. It's always entertaining watching this loveable group of unruly teenage criminal prodigies run circles around the stupid, idle rich, and this time around was no exception. Kat and her crew are basically Robin Hood types - stealing from the rich to give to the poor (or, in this case, to give to a charity that gives to the poor).
Kat and Hale were especially cute in this story. I felt a little robbed in the third book, since they were finally in a relationship but we barely got to see any of it since they were pretty consumed by angst and external worries. I'm happy to say that in this novella Kat and Hale are back on top form. In fact, I'd say they haven't been this enjoyable together since the first book. They're finally able to just be boyfriend and girlfriend, without any angst or drama (except for one teensy little part where Kat had a stupid insecure moment and thought Hale was going to marry some random rich girl which was just idiotic. Like seriously, what more does my boy gotta do to show you he's loyal at this point?)
The ending was wonderful and heartwarming and gave me the warm fuzzies <3
Overall a quick, cute, enjoyable novella that was a much welcome return to the world of Heist Society :)
Me, begging on my knees in front of Ally Carter: Please please please please please TELL ME HALE'S FIRST NAME, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL STOLEN ART AND JEWELS!!!!!!
In hindsight, I probably should have read The Grift of the Magi at Christmas, since it is, after all, ostensibly a Christmas novella.
But I doubt my unseasonable reading habits dampened my enjoyment of this little story. It's basically a fully-fledged Heist Society book, only condensed into less than 100 pages. And, dare I say, it's the best Heist Society story since the first book. I enjoyed books 2 and 3 but found them to be sort of bogged down with unnecessary personal drama (seriously, Kat, you should've just told Hale how you felt). I'm happy to say that, for the most part, the slightly annoying drama was absent for this book and took a backseat in favour of the plot :)
This time around, Kat & Co are approached by none other than Interpol agent Amelia Bennet to track down a missing ten-million pound Fabergé egg that has been mysteriously stolen from a charity helping disadvantaged low-income children just ahead of a Christmas auction. The kicker? The chairman of the board for the charity is none other than our beloved W.W Hale the V. Not only is our boy's reputation on the line, but also the treasured legacy of his grandmother Hazel Hale.
This novella contained all the hijinks and globe-trotting extravagance we've come to expect from a Heist Society story. Our mischievous gang must infiltrate the grand estate of an English earl, using Hale as their inside man as always. It's always entertaining watching this loveable group of unruly teenage criminal prodigies run circles around the stupid, idle rich, and this time around was no exception. Kat and her crew are basically Robin Hood types - stealing from the rich to give to the poor (or, in this case, to give to a charity that gives to the poor).
Kat and Hale were especially cute in this story. I felt a little robbed in the third book, since they were finally in a relationship but we barely got to see any of it since they were pretty consumed by angst and external worries. I'm happy to say that in this novella Kat and Hale are back on top form. In fact, I'd say they haven't been this enjoyable together since the first book. They're finally able to just be boyfriend and girlfriend, without any angst or drama (except for one teensy little part where Kat had a stupid insecure moment and thought Hale was going to marry some random rich girl which was just idiotic. Like seriously, what more does my boy gotta do to show you he's loyal at this point?)
The ending was wonderful and heartwarming and gave me the warm fuzzies <3
Overall a quick, cute, enjoyable novella that was a much welcome return to the world of Heist Society :)
Me, begging on my knees in front of Ally Carter: Please please please please please TELL ME HALE'S FIRST NAME, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL STOLEN ART AND JEWELS!!!!!!
December 16, 2016
This was just perfect. I've missed these books and these characters so much!!!! I hope this means Ally Carter is planning on writing more Heist Society in the future.
January 29, 2018
3.5 maybe. Good short story, but all it did was stoke my desire for a fourth FULL novel and also TELL US WHAT HALE'S NAME IS, ALLY.
November 15, 2017
Review to come!
December 12, 2016
3.5 / 5 stars. I'd give it a full 4 if it was just a bit longer with more scenes between Kat and Hale as well as Kat and Gabrielle. Also I love getting to know the emotional side of Kat more, so I wish there was more of that. But for a novella this was pretty freakin great! Very cute :)
March 13, 2023
Reread on March 13, 2023: God, what a great series. Why did we never figure out Hale’s first name? I need to know!
December 19, 2022
reading this around end of the year just makes everything more perfect. the christmas vibe, a con on top of a con, way the mysteries & riddles unfold, also each of interaction between the characters—whom i really obsessed with—after not reading them for a long time… it just felt so nostalgic and warm. i love them very much your honor they’re my family forever
July 7, 2017
I hadn't noticed how much I missed these characters and the kind of spy/crime missions they go on, they're just great! I mean I just love Ally Carter's books because she has very creative ideas and her characters just live very strange/thrilling lives, which make them really interesting. Even though they are such a fun read I do wish that we as readers could be more behind the scenes and actually see them plan they're heists or get to know more of how they pull it off, because I know I'd love it more.
Missing the Gallagher Girls, oh the teenage memories #fakecrying
Missing the Gallagher Girls, oh the teenage memories #fakecrying
May 10, 2020
I'VE WAITED 3 AND A HALF YEARS FOR THIS OKAY
December 11, 2016
I missed my kids.
December 22, 2016
This was so much fun, I loved it a lot. I also missed Kat and Hale so much and I'm so happy this exists.
May 8, 2020
Soooooo good! Possible review in the future, but for now... just read it! :D
February 23, 2018
Love, love love the Heist Society books - this one left me screaming, more, more, more!!! Please Ms. Carter write more Heist books. Love the mystery and the characters. I think I might go back and read the series all over again.
Moral Note: Nothing comes to mind
Moral Note: Nothing comes to mind
December 23, 2020
what better way to kick off the holiday season than by reading an ally carter novella! <3
January 1, 2025
one of those things that makes me want to go back a few years and look at my past self like "???? why haven't you already read this???" because kat bishop and her crew mean the WORLD to me and this lil Christmas adventure with them was everything
February 7, 2018
This was fun to read! I hope we hear more about Hale and Kat!
November 30, 2017
How is it possible that a) I didn't know about this and b) haven't read it yet! (I mean... I obviously if I didn't know about it I couldn't have read it...) [25/08/2017]
[30/11/2017]
[4.5 / 5]
As always, so nice to read something written by Ally Carter. Only taking off .5 because a) I didn't have a continuous reading flow with this novella.. it was very choppy, and b) because I'm reading it years after reading Heist Society (of course), so took me a little while to remember the characters and everything.
Still love all the characters, and Kat and Hale are as cute as ever.
Maybe it's time for a Heist Society re-read? ;)
[30/11/2017]
[4.5 / 5]
As always, so nice to read something written by Ally Carter. Only taking off .5 because a) I didn't have a continuous reading flow with this novella.. it was very choppy, and b) because I'm reading it years after reading Heist Society (of course), so took me a little while to remember the characters and everything.
Still love all the characters, and Kat and Hale are as cute as ever.
Maybe it's time for a Heist Society re-read? ;)
December 27, 2016
Oh how I have missed Hale and Kat, and long for another glimpse into their criminal lives. This was a fun read that gives just a hint of how awesome the Heist Society series is and will leave fans longing for #4! I love the worlds that Ally Carter creates, and any fan of her writing will love this novella!
November 15, 2016
Så härligt att läsa om Kat och Hale igen! Hoppas verkligen på fler Heist-böcker!
November 28, 2016
So good. SO GOOD. I want more.
Really, every time I finish a Heist Soc or GG book all I want is MORE.
Hmmm. Maybe another crossover? Please? PLEASE.
I miss them all. SO MUCH.
Really, every time I finish a Heist Soc or GG book all I want is MORE.
Hmmm. Maybe another crossover? Please? PLEASE.
I miss them all. SO MUCH.
July 9, 2020
It's hard to find a good novella or short story but this was amazing! After reading Heist Society I flew through Embassy Row trilogy and the Gallagher Girls series. Ally Carter is such a good author!
July 13, 2020
This was so cosy, definitely put me in the winter spirit ❄️
I wish there were more stories about these characters, but for now I am content with this ending.
I wish there were more stories about these characters, but for now I am content with this ending.
April 14, 2021
I want moreee of this series!! I loved it so much - esp all the twists with the egg 😂 and Hale remains my favourite character in the series - nothing will change that! I loved Irina as well tho - fun comparing her with Gab and seeing the similarities/differences:) Anyway, I want a sequellll I mean how else are we supposed to know Hale's name?? Warren? William?? Walter??? None of those sound like him 😂 Anyway, waiting for the "big reveal" hopefully in the next book!
March 24, 2017
I love this whole series. Ally knows how to write a good Young Adult book. This is a short Christmas story that includes all our favorite thieves. I was a fun story and got me excited to read the 4th Heist Society I am hoping comes out soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews