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Cop and Robber
If your mum was a cop and your dad was a crim who needed your help to commit a crime, would you do it to save him? At what cost?
Nash Hall's dad is a criminal who just can't seem to go straight. He wants Nash to help him commit a robbery. A big one. The trouble is, Nash's mum is a cop. And the robbery is at Nash's school. But Dad owes a lot of money to some very dangerous people and if Nash doesn't help him do the job, it could cost both their lives.
From the bestselling author of Two Wolves, The Fall and Detention.
Nash Hall's dad is a criminal who just can't seem to go straight. He wants Nash to help him commit a robbery. A big one. The trouble is, Nash's mum is a cop. And the robbery is at Nash's school. But Dad owes a lot of money to some very dangerous people and if Nash doesn't help him do the job, it could cost both their lives.
From the bestselling author of Two Wolves, The Fall and Detention.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2022
19 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Tristan Bancks
38 books161 followersTristan Bancks tells stories for the page and screen. His books for kids and teens include Two Wolves, The Fall, Detention, the Tom Weekly series, and Nit Boy. Ginger Meggs, Tristan’s 100th anniversary book of short stories, is based on characters created by his great-great uncle, Jimmy Bancks, in 1921. His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards, including a Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, ABIA, YABBA, KOALA, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and Queensland Literary Awards. His latest release is Cop & Robber, a nailbiting crime story for age 10+.
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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May 28, 2024This book was a bit boring at the start but then it got very interesting.
July 7, 2024
Another solid book gripping enough to keep a reluctant reader going and some fairly unexpected turns of events towards the end. My age 9-13 year olds are really going for these Tristan Bancks novels after a good read aloud of the first chapter of Scar Town.
February 28, 2023
Really solidly written middle grade/young adult crime novel. Gripping enough that the teens will find it interesting but also at a language and content level to be suited for the middle grades too.
November 14, 2022
Trigger warnings: burglary, violence, car accident
I've enjoyed Tristan Bancks' books in the past - I think he does a really good job of writing middle grade crime/thrillers without them feeling like they're dumbed down or sanitised for their intended audience. And the premise of this one - Nash's mum is a cop and his dad is a criminal - was fantastic.
I loved that it's set in a bushranging area and that Nash's dad refers to himself as a bushranger. But at the same time, reading this as an adult (especially an adult who works at an elite private school), I...had some issues with it. Starting with the fact that they're taking CASH at the fair, knowing full well they'll end up with around $100,000 in cash. Absolutely wild.
I also had a lot of thoughts about the fact that his dad . Essentially, I wanted more of the story to be focused on Nash's internal debate about whether to tell someone what we knows, and less on the execution of the crime. You know?
Still, I'm not the target audience, and the target audience would probably LOVE how the crime plays out. So...there's that.
I've enjoyed Tristan Bancks' books in the past - I think he does a really good job of writing middle grade crime/thrillers without them feeling like they're dumbed down or sanitised for their intended audience. And the premise of this one - Nash's mum is a cop and his dad is a criminal - was fantastic.
I loved that it's set in a bushranging area and that Nash's dad refers to himself as a bushranger. But at the same time, reading this as an adult (especially an adult who works at an elite private school), I...had some issues with it. Starting with the fact that they're taking CASH at the fair, knowing full well they'll end up with around $100,000 in cash. Absolutely wild.
I also had a lot of thoughts about the fact that his dad . Essentially, I wanted more of the story to be focused on Nash's internal debate about whether to tell someone what we knows, and less on the execution of the crime. You know?
Still, I'm not the target audience, and the target audience would probably LOVE how the crime plays out. So...there's that.
August 10, 2022
Great book for early teen readers
May 28, 2023
7/10, this was a good novel, but I'm not sure if this is a middle grade or young adult novel, but I enjoyed this one nonetheless. The characters were very interesting, Nash's mother is a police officer, his father is a criminal who didn't have any purpose in life after he was beaten in a boxing match, and thus decided to live a life of crime, and Nash is just caught in the middle of all of this. The story was action packed most of the time, but the pacing can slow down for the main character to interact with other characters, which didn't drag the story down at all. The ending was very emotional, Nash couldn't really forgive himself for trying to help his father rob the school to pay some other criminals until the end, and Nash's mother made a difficult decision to let him rob the school, then let him get arrested, to not get Nash and his father killed. I also liked seeing Nash being a runner, he even won a running race in the end, which was heartwarming. If you like an action packed novel, this is the book for you.
April 25, 2022
Another excellent book by Tristan Bancks who writes for a specific audience of Year 5-8 readers who need gripping novels. This book is about a 12 year Nash who has to deal with his split parents: dad who is a robber and mum who is the local police officer. Great story for all late primary school readers.
October 17, 2022
This is a story about filial loyalty, rights and wrongs and never giving up on yourself. And thanks to a considered balance of top-gear action and jurisprudence, 7 – 12-year-olds will find Cop & Robber simultaneously exhilarating and grounding.
Pop over to DIM'S re VIEWS for my full review of this thrilling read.
http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/20...
Pop over to DIM'S re VIEWS for my full review of this thrilling read.
http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/20...
July 19, 2023
Cop & Robber, by award-winning Australian author Tristan Bancks, is a captivating novel for “middle grade” or readers aged eight to twelve.
While it is widely considered that readers of this age group – especially boys – need gripping books, this story suits reluctant readers of all backgrounds. It challenges them to consider a wide range of issues about family and society.
The 13-year-old protagonist Nash Hall divides his time between his separated parents. His mother is a dedicated police officer, while his father, a former boxing champion, is a criminal “who just can’t seem to go straight”.
When Nash’s father asks him to help committing a robbery in order to clear his debts to some very dangerous men, Nash faces a tough choice between “doing the right thing” and “protecting his parents and himself”.
Worse, the plan is to rob Nash’s school, where he is about to compete in an important race that can launch his athletic career. He also has to face those schoolmates who tease and mock him everyday for having a criminal dad.
Perhaps surprising to some adults, Cop & Robber is neither “dumbed down” nor “sanitised” for its intended audience. The book opens with a thrilling car chase after Nash’s father robbed a petrol station, and there are guns, knives, punch-ups and blood in the story.
Even better, the story is set in the fictional town of Broken Ridge in inland New South Wales, a bushranging area on the edge of the desert, where the locals are about to encounter their worst dust storm in a decade.
The harsh natural environment reflects the inner conflicts that Nash constantly endures, between his love and care for his father and his sense of duty and responsibility to his mother, between right and wrong, love and resentment, justice and crime, freedom and guilt.
Although Nash is often in emotional turmoil, struggling to determine what to do, why and how, there is a light touch throughout the book that brings a smile to our faces. Indeed, whenever Nash runs, we know there is hope. There is a sense of making it through, of survival and triumph, of faith and forgiveness.
That is not to say that all readers would agree with the ending – especially not all the adults. Bancks has surely taken some risk plotting the outcome of the robbery, but it is necessary for Nash – and those reading his story – to understand that both his parents and himself are not perfect.
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional… The world is far from perfect. But, still, he needs to live in it and not think that everything is terrible all the time. He needs to keep going.”
Cop & Robber is definitely NOT a book that teachers, parents and/or guardians need to read first in order to decide whether it is suitable for those young readers in their care. Instead, it is a trustworthy and thought-provoking read about mutual understanding, acceptance and commitment among family members.
Note: This book review was originally titled “Fast-paced middle-grade crime nov el” and published under the title “A captivating novel” by Ranges Trader Star Mail, April 25, 2023, P.17.
While it is widely considered that readers of this age group – especially boys – need gripping books, this story suits reluctant readers of all backgrounds. It challenges them to consider a wide range of issues about family and society.
The 13-year-old protagonist Nash Hall divides his time between his separated parents. His mother is a dedicated police officer, while his father, a former boxing champion, is a criminal “who just can’t seem to go straight”.
When Nash’s father asks him to help committing a robbery in order to clear his debts to some very dangerous men, Nash faces a tough choice between “doing the right thing” and “protecting his parents and himself”.
Worse, the plan is to rob Nash’s school, where he is about to compete in an important race that can launch his athletic career. He also has to face those schoolmates who tease and mock him everyday for having a criminal dad.
Perhaps surprising to some adults, Cop & Robber is neither “dumbed down” nor “sanitised” for its intended audience. The book opens with a thrilling car chase after Nash’s father robbed a petrol station, and there are guns, knives, punch-ups and blood in the story.
Even better, the story is set in the fictional town of Broken Ridge in inland New South Wales, a bushranging area on the edge of the desert, where the locals are about to encounter their worst dust storm in a decade.
The harsh natural environment reflects the inner conflicts that Nash constantly endures, between his love and care for his father and his sense of duty and responsibility to his mother, between right and wrong, love and resentment, justice and crime, freedom and guilt.
Although Nash is often in emotional turmoil, struggling to determine what to do, why and how, there is a light touch throughout the book that brings a smile to our faces. Indeed, whenever Nash runs, we know there is hope. There is a sense of making it through, of survival and triumph, of faith and forgiveness.
That is not to say that all readers would agree with the ending – especially not all the adults. Bancks has surely taken some risk plotting the outcome of the robbery, but it is necessary for Nash – and those reading his story – to understand that both his parents and himself are not perfect.
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional… The world is far from perfect. But, still, he needs to live in it and not think that everything is terrible all the time. He needs to keep going.”
Cop & Robber is definitely NOT a book that teachers, parents and/or guardians need to read first in order to decide whether it is suitable for those young readers in their care. Instead, it is a trustworthy and thought-provoking read about mutual understanding, acceptance and commitment among family members.
Note: This book review was originally titled “Fast-paced middle-grade crime nov el” and published under the title “A captivating novel” by Ranges Trader Star Mail, April 25, 2023, P.17.
September 29, 2022
We bought this for our secondary school library as Bancks writes good stuff for young boys (and girls). Importantly, his books are not too dense - kids don't take one look at them and go "no way!" which happens with so many other 'larger" books - and he usually gets straight into the action, and has a boy as the main protagonist.
In this story, 14-year-old Nash has separated parents and he divides his time between his very reliable, realistic mother who is also a police officer and his dad who is pretty much the opposite (and also a criminal). His dad needs to do a couple of "big jobs" to pay off the very dangerous men who will harm him and Nash (and threaten to harm Nash's mum too) if they don't get the money owed to them. Nash's dad asks him to assist. nash is put in a no-win situation. Does he do what he knows is wrong to help save his dad and to keep him and his mum safe? There is a lot more than just actions and a surface conundrum in this story. it delves into the relationship Nash has with his dad (and to a certain extent, with his mum). there is also a bit of a twist towards the end which some readers may question (I'm still deliberating). I hope it is fast-paced enough to keep the reluctant reader invested until the end because it is a worthwhile read.
In this story, 14-year-old Nash has separated parents and he divides his time between his very reliable, realistic mother who is also a police officer and his dad who is pretty much the opposite (and also a criminal). His dad needs to do a couple of "big jobs" to pay off the very dangerous men who will harm him and Nash (and threaten to harm Nash's mum too) if they don't get the money owed to them. Nash's dad asks him to assist. nash is put in a no-win situation. Does he do what he knows is wrong to help save his dad and to keep him and his mum safe? There is a lot more than just actions and a surface conundrum in this story. it delves into the relationship Nash has with his dad (and to a certain extent, with his mum). there is also a bit of a twist towards the end which some readers may question (I'm still deliberating). I hope it is fast-paced enough to keep the reluctant reader invested until the end because it is a worthwhile read.
January 21, 2023
This book has been added to the long list for best Young Adult book in the Indie Awards.
I'm putting on my YA hat today to review this. It's obvious that it's written for a intended age-group. And I do think the intended age-group would love this story, well those that like thriller stories anyway. It has all the elements that, I think, would relate to them. A main character that's endearing and trying to work through a few big decisions. But while Nash is doing that, we see the action through his eyes, and this is shown to us very clearly. The action in the big scene, during the school fair, is something that really drags you into the story. I can imagine young readers would love this section of the book. There's some surprises in there as well, that shake Nash's world, and that adds a lot of excitement to this book.
The author did transport me to this part of Australia, and I was totally engaged with the characters in this story, mainly with Nash and his father, who we see the most. The support characters are well written, and they give me substance to Nash.
While I'm not the intended age-group for this book, I do think anybody could pick this up and enjoy the story.
I'm putting on my YA hat today to review this. It's obvious that it's written for a intended age-group. And I do think the intended age-group would love this story, well those that like thriller stories anyway. It has all the elements that, I think, would relate to them. A main character that's endearing and trying to work through a few big decisions. But while Nash is doing that, we see the action through his eyes, and this is shown to us very clearly. The action in the big scene, during the school fair, is something that really drags you into the story. I can imagine young readers would love this section of the book. There's some surprises in there as well, that shake Nash's world, and that adds a lot of excitement to this book.
The author did transport me to this part of Australia, and I was totally engaged with the characters in this story, mainly with Nash and his father, who we see the most. The support characters are well written, and they give me substance to Nash.
While I'm not the intended age-group for this book, I do think anybody could pick this up and enjoy the story.
July 5, 2022
A great premise and another riveting and suspense-filled novel by Tristan Bancks. A fantastic opening scene at the petrol station has you on the edge of your seat right from the start! There’s a touch of menace when Nash’s Dad is being dealt with by the baddies he owes money too. The tension builds throughout this book as Nash is forced to deal with some tough situations and choices, through no fault of his own. He also has to face the reality that both of his parents have flaws, despite their love for him. The way his school principal deals with him, and helps him see a way through his bad circumstances is gold. It made the book for me without ever feeling trite or staged. My eleven-year-old loved this too. A great read.
September 13, 2022
Nash Hall shares his week between his mother, the local cop, and his dad, the local small time criminal who just can’t seem to go straight. Dad wants Nash to help him commit a robbery - a big one - because he owes Sydney mobsters a large amount of money. But Nash is torn between helping his dad and letting down his mum.
Bancks has a knack for writing about families with varied and challenging backgrounds convincingly so that you a drawn into the protagonists' problems. Cop and Robber is an action packed, tense drama that will keep 10 to 14 year old readers on the edge of their seats as they relate to Nash and the very difficult and dangerous situation he is in, and the ethical dilemmas that he faces.
Bancks has a knack for writing about families with varied and challenging backgrounds convincingly so that you a drawn into the protagonists' problems. Cop and Robber is an action packed, tense drama that will keep 10 to 14 year old readers on the edge of their seats as they relate to Nash and the very difficult and dangerous situation he is in, and the ethical dilemmas that he faces.
December 9, 2022
Author of numerous children and young adult books, Cop and Robber by Tristan Bancks is his latest crime novel. Nash Hall’s parents have separated and share his weekly care. Further complicating Nash’s life are his father’s ineptitude as a criminal and his mother’s work as a police officer. The story opens with Nash’s father robbing a petrol station, as Nash looks on and a dangerous police pursuit ensues. As Nash attempts to navigate his chaotic life, his father’s past brings him into danger and running becomes his only escape. Whilst the target audience may well be middle-graders, all readers will enjoy this rollicking crime tale. It’s a gentle action-adventure romp of a read with a four and a half stars rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
November 6, 2022
I saw Tristan Bancks speak about his new book last week. He was a great speaker and I downloaded this book on Audible (he narrates his own story) straight away. It sees a 13 year old boy battle daily life with a ‘cop’ as a mum and a ‘robber’ as a dad. It’s an engaging read with enough twists and turns to keep readers interested.
Bancks writes well for young readers. There is lots of obvious language features for English teachers and students to identify and discuss.
Read for work - 10/11 year old plus (a few scenes just require a more mature primary school reader). If reading as an adult probably 3.5 star - but I am not the intended audience.
Bancks writes well for young readers. There is lots of obvious language features for English teachers and students to identify and discuss.
Read for work - 10/11 year old plus (a few scenes just require a more mature primary school reader). If reading as an adult probably 3.5 star - but I am not the intended audience.
July 6, 2023
Nash is tired of his father’s promises. He says he will give up crime, but Nash finds himself a passenger in the car when his father robs a petrol station. Things get more complicated because Nash’s mother is the arresting police officer. She wants to know if Nash was in the car, and Nash wants to protect his father. Does Nash find a way through the awful mess he finds himself in?
I enjoyed the ethical dilemmas the main character had to think about. Is it ever okay to do the wrong thing for the right reason?
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
I enjoyed the ethical dilemmas the main character had to think about. Is it ever okay to do the wrong thing for the right reason?
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
February 24, 2023
I had the privilege of listening to Tristan Bancks speak, and to have him read the first chapter of Cops & Robbers (which I swear her pretty much read off-by-heart). He’s as engaging to listen to as he is to read. This story is awesome for 12+ readers, and will especially appeal to boys, though I’m sure girls will enjoy it too, as I did! Funny, quick paced with never a dull moment, it’s an easy read and one I’m sure will entertain even the most resistant of teen readers.
July 3, 2023
This is brilliantly plotted - Mum is a cop, Dad a not particularly successful robber, with all the complications that entails, including some very threatening bad guys - but a plot outline doesn't prepare you for the depth and complexity of this excellent middle grade novel. And although there are moments of humour, Bancks doesn't pull any punches with the realism of the ending, which brought me to tears. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2025
Another excellent crime novel by Bancks. He throws a you right into the action with no preamble. There’s complex characters and moral dilemmas and a world that is not black and white. Bancks does not talk town to or simplify anything for his MG readers and I love that about his writing. His books are such a success with my MG students, I haven’t been able to keep them on the shelves and I know this one will fly off the shelf as well.
April 23, 2022
Another excellent book by Tristan Bancks! I was fortunate enough to receive an advance proof to read, and cannot wait for it to be released in July. A truly gripping and thrilling novel, encompassing a range of moral dilemmas. I will certainly be encouraging young adults and adults alike to read this when it arrives in our Library! Simply superb!
December 4, 2023
Man I love this author! He always puts his young characters into impossible dilemmas that encourage the reader to imagine what they would do in their place. As a reader, you are invested in the outcome and hope like crazy that the characters get a happy ending. They are great books for school libraries, make engaging read-alouds, and are easy "sells" for Y7-10s at our school.
December 18, 2024
Nash moved to a small town a few months ago and then his parents divorced. His Mum is a police officer and his Dad is in debt thousands of dollars to a crime mob. Nash reluctantly agrees to help his Dad illegally obtain the money he needs to repay the gangsters so he doesn’t lose any fingers. The challenge is to do this without his Mum knowing.
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June 27, 2022The following reviews have been shared by Penguin Random House Australia - publisher of Cop and Robber.
'Make sure you start this well before bedtime because you won't want to stop.' – Morris Gleitzman
'Make sure you start this well before bedtime because you won't want to stop.' – Morris Gleitzman
July 30, 2022
As always with Tristan Bancks’ books, you can expect fast paced action and ethical dilemmas. Short, punchy chapters will entice readers and propel them through the story. Students in upper primary and lower secondary are going to love this one.
February 10, 2024
Bought this for my teen and ended up reading it while I had an hour wait for her music lesson.
As an adult reading it - things annoyed me off but putting myself in the mind of a teen whose parents are on opposite sides of the law, made for a good read.
As an adult reading it - things annoyed me off but putting myself in the mind of a teen whose parents are on opposite sides of the law, made for a good read.
April 19, 2025
An interesting story in a small Aussie town about a divided family and what it's like to live someone but not like the choices they make in life. Do you protect the ones you love, no matter what, or do you do what you think is right? But then what is right?
July 17, 2022
A terrific crime novel for teenagers.
July 30, 2022
Liked it better than two wolves. Great middle grade Australian read.
September 13, 2022
Listened to audiobook read by Tristan Bancks. Excellent
October 24, 2022
Another gripping novel from Tristan. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews