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Crookhaven The School for Thieves

Book 1: Now a BBC Television series!

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Crookhaven The School for Thieves

By: J.J. Arcanjo
Narrated by: Chris Nayak
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About this listen

 "So this is really a school for criminals." It was meant as a question, though it came out more as an accusation.

"We are so much more than that," Caspian said, sitting in a plush leather chair and gesturing for Gabriel to sit in a similar one across the table. "We are a home for the forgotten, a sanctuary for the lost and ... yes, a training ground for the greatest crooks of the future."

13-year-old Gabriel is a brilliant pickpocket, a skill which he uses to keep his often empty belly not quite so empty. And then one day, he's caught.

But instead of being arrested, he is invited by the mysterious Caspian Crook to attend Crookhaven - a school for thieves. At Crookhaven, students are trained in lock-picking, forgery and 'crim-nastics', all with the intention of doing good out in the world, by conning the bad and giving back to the innocent.

But ... can you ever really trust a thief?

With a school wide competition to be crowned Top Crook and many mysteries to uncover, Gabriel's first year at Crookhaven will be one to remember...

An irresistible series about chosen family, high stakes thievery, and what it really means to do good. Perfect for fans of M.G. Leonard and Anthony Horowitz.

© 2023 J.J. Arcanjo (P) 2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2023 J.J. Arcanjo Action & Adventure Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Friendship Thief

Critic reviews

Lively storytelling (Nicolette Jones)
Crookhaven is criminally good fun!
All stars
Most relevant
It was highly enjoyable and a absolutely wonderful read I would definitely recommend to a friend

Good book

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The story was absolutely fantastic. The characters, as actual people , are focused on in depth while the plot still continues at a good pace.

One of the best books I've read in a long time .

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A truly immersive world of diverse and fully realised characters you won’t want to leave behind - a trip for children and adults alike. Arcanjo is a scintillating new voice in children’s literature. One to watch!!!

Buy this, listen to it; it’s an absolute steal! Arcanjo and his merry band of thieves will steal your heart!

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The kids & I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. I only allow audio in the car, and they practically ran to the car each morning before school to get another chapter in, the only time we’ve managed to be on time for school ever! Brilliant book for children & adults, narrated well. Great find for young ‘uns who love adventure.

Fantastic Book

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Jumping into the book, I enjoyed the start and the setting. While I found the world of the criminal underworld and school for thieves fascinating, the last third of the book threw a lot of plot at you without fully diving into some of the premise. There was a real sense of being told rather than shown the finale to this book, and though it was interesting did sour the experience. That being said, I'm invested enough to try book 2.

A promising start

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