Review: Double Crossed A Spies and Thieves Story by Ally Carter

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new novella. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.
Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?
W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?
There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.
Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.
When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help? 

MY TAKE:
I've actually never read any of the Heist Society or Gallagher Girls books, even though I've been meaning to, so I came into this not knowing who was who and what I should expect.

In Double Crossed, Gallagher Girl Macey and thief W.W. Hale V find themselves in the middle of a heist at a society gala. This short story also includes excerpts from Heist Society and I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You.

Since this is really just a short story, there's only so much that can be done plot-wise and character development-wise. However, given those limitations, this story was actually quite interesting. The mystery of the thieves and their mastermind is quite obvious when you think about it, but the fast pace and Macey and Hale's bantering help keep you from dwelling too much on the mystery before the proper time.

I didn't find Macey, Hale or Kat all that interesting, but perhaps it was because most of the short story focused on the heist and not so much on the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Book Group for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. There are plenty of interesting things going on.
2. You get to see spies and art thieves in action.
3. It whets your appetite for the other books.

THE BAD:

1. There's not as much character development as with a regular novel.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Situated on the Upper East Side with a glorious view of the park, the Athenia Hotel was supposed to be some kind of Olympus, high in the clouds above the mere mortals, a place for playing and drinking and dancing like gods.

READ IT IF:

1. You like spy novels.
2. You like strong heroines.
3. You've always wanted to be a spy.

RATING:


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