Get ready for stories that steal the spotlight and maybe a few priceless artifacts along the way. Naperville Public Library’s Amazing Book Challenge’s “Thick as Thieves” category is full of clever cons, high-stakes schemes and characters that might just steal your heart.
Here are a few suggestions you might want to check out. To see the full list of recommendations and other categories in our challenge, go to www.naperville-lib.org/ABC.
“The Art of Theft” by Sherry Thomas
Charlotte Holmes and Mrs. Watson must infiltrate a winter ball to recover hidden secrets behind a valuable work of art before it’s sold at auction.
“America Fantastica” by Tim O’Brien
Boyd Halverson robs a bank and takes Angie, the bank teller, on a chaotic, satirical road trip across America. Along the way, they’ll encounter hitmen, tycoons, and a culture of deceit and misinformation.
“The Great Train Robbery” by Michael Crichton
Edward Pierce walks a fine line between the lavishly elite and the impoverished in Victorian London. When a robbery takes place aboard a steam locomotive, who would ever suspect a gentleman of planning the crime of the century?
“The Last Mona Lisa” by Jonathan Santlofer
In 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen by Vincent Peruggia. In the present day, art professor Luke works to uncover his ancestor’s past as well as the crime-riddled underbelly of the modern art world.
“The Library Thief” by Kuchenga Shenjé
Florence, who passes as white, talks her way into Rose Hall to restore its rare-book collection until one night the library is broken into. Yet nothing is disturbed. Until Florence discovers a burned diary in the fireplace — a diary that may unlock the secrets of her past.
“The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch
Leader of a band of thieves, Locke Lamora is infamous in the city of Camorr. But when a coup threatens to destroy everything, Locke vows to destroy his enemy first, once and for all.
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“Lost and Found in Paris” by Lian Dolan
After learning of her husband’s affair, Joan books a trip to Paris as an art courier. When priceless art is stolen, Joan goes on a wild-goose chase to recover it and reclaim her sense of self.
“The Stardust Grail” by Yume Kitasei
Maya Hoshimoto was the best art thief in the galaxy, returning stolen art to alien civilizations, until she was forced into hiding. Then a job comes up that she can’t refuse. Now it’s up to Maya to save an alien species from extinction.
“The Feather Thief” by Kirk W. Johnson
One night in June 2009, hundreds of rare bird skins were stolen by Edwin Rist, a salmon fly-tying enthusiast. What would inspire such a crime? This true story reveals one man’s obsession and the lengths that he went to master his craft.
“A Gentleman and a Thief” by Dean Jobb
Explore the true story of the “Prince of Thieves,” Arthur Barry, a jewel thief who stole more than $60 million worth of items from the Rockefellers, members of the Royal Family and others.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.