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10 Heist Books You Should Read
- “The Italian Job” by Talbot Jennings: This book is a novelization of the 1969 British film of the same name. The story follows a team of criminals led by Charlie Croker who plan a heist to steal a shipment of gold from an armored car in Turin, Italy. The book is a classic caper story with a memorable cast of characters, including the suave and resourceful Charlie Croker, the eccentric computer expert Professor Peach, and the getaway driver extraordinaire, Handsome Rob.
- “The Great Train Robbery” by Michael Crichton: Set in Victorian England, this book is based on the real-life heist of a train carrying gold bullion in 1855. The story follows a group of thieves led by mastermind Edward Pierce, who hatch an elaborate plan to steal the gold. The book is notable for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, as well as its compelling characters, including the charming and charismatic Pierce and his accomplices, Agar and Miriam.
- “Ocean’s Eleven” by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell: This book follows a group of eleven criminals who plan a daring heist to rob three Las Vegas casinos at the same time. The book is a fast-paced thriller with a memorable cast of characters, including the suave and sophisticated Danny Ocean, the tough-talking Rusty Ryan, and the tech-savvy Livingston Dell.
- “The Thomas Crown Affair” by Alan Trustman: This book follows millionaire businessman Thomas Crown as he masterminds a daring art heist from a museum in Boston. The story is a taut and suspenseful thriller, with Crown playing a cat-and-mouse game with the detective assigned to the case, Vicki Anderson. The book features memorable characters, including the suave and sophisticated Crown, and the tough and determined Anderson.
- “The Heist” by Daniel Silva: This book follows art restorer and occasional spy Gabriel Allon as he is recruited by the Israeli government to recover a stolen painting by Caravaggio. The story is a twisty and suspenseful thriller, with Allon facing off against a ruthless art thief named Jack Bradshaw. The book features memorable characters, including the brilliant and brooding Allon, and the cunning and ruthless Bradshaw.
- “The Score” by Richard Stark: This book follows professional thief Parker as he plans a heist to steal a shipment of gold from an armored car. The story is a classic caper tale, with Parker and his team of skilled criminals executing a daring and meticulously planned robbery. The book features memorable characters, including the tough and resourceful Parker, and his loyal and competent partner, Grofield.
- “The Burglar in the Closet” by Lawrence Block: This book follows professional thief Bernie Rhodenbarr as he attempts to clear his name after being framed for a robbery. The story is a clever and witty mystery, with Rhodenbarr using his skills as a burglar to investigate the crime and clear his name. The book features memorable characters, including the charming and witty Rhodenbarr, and his loyal and quirky sidekick, Carolyn.
- “The Robber” by Robert Walser: This book follows the misadventures of a young man named Franz as he attempts to make his way in the world as a thief. The story is a poignant and often humorous portrayal of the life of a small-time criminal, with Franz struggling to balance his desire for wealth and status with his innate sense of decency and morality. The book features memorable characters, including the introspective and conflicted Franz, and his various criminal associates, such as the charismatic and unpredictable Bruno.
- “The Getaway” by Jim Thompson: This book follows a small-time criminal named Doc McCoy as he plans a heist to rob a bank. The story is a tense and gritty thriller, with McCoy and his wife Carol facing off against the law and their own treacherous criminal associates as they attempt to make their escape. The book features memorable characters, including the tough and resourceful McCoy, the sultry and manipulative Carol, and the ruthless and dangerous Rudy Torrento.
- “The Art of Theft” by Sherry Thomas: This book follows the adventures of Charlotte Holmes, a brilliant and unconventional detective, and her associates as they plan a heist to steal a valuable painting. The story is a clever and witty take on the classic heist genre, with Holmes using her intellect and deductive skills to pull off the daring robbery. The book features memorable characters, including the brilliant and unconventional Holmes, her loyal and capable friend and accomplice, Mrs. Watson, and the charming and charismatic art thief, Lord Ingram.
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