Novels About Thieves
There is nothing like a great heist in a novel! I am always amazed at how unbelievably creative authors are in constructing the plotlines. This is a list of my favorite novels about thieves.
Between Jackie and me, we have read so many books about thieves! We have also read some great books about con artists and mobs! But because each of these subgenres has a different feel, I wanted to give them each their own place to shine.
The novels on this list are thrilling and smart. They have twists and turns along the way. In many of the cases, you will find yourself cheering for the thief!
The Best Novels About Thieves
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fiction Book About Thieves
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman- Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction Book About Thieves
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak- Jump to Section
The Best Mystery Book About Thieves
Everyone in this Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson- Jump to Section
The Best YA Novel About Thieves
Thieves Gambit by Kayvion Lewis- Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Book About Thieves
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel –Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Books About Thieves
Anxious People
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fredrik Backman is a master storyteller and he does it again with this book. He somehow manages to tackle difficult subjects without trivializing them but still allowing them to be humorous.
This book is a story of a bank robbery gone very wrong and the idiots in the story (his word, not mine) who are taken hostage after the failed robbery. While the police are interviewing each of the hostages to find the robbers, they become more confused after each interview. It is also a story about compassion, human relationships, and the daily struggles that we all have.
Why Jackie loves it
I love how Fredrik Backman’s books show the good in people despite the flaws that make them human. Backman writes so many different kinds of books but they all have so much heart. Backman weaves themes of love, friendship, and compassion throughout all his books.
Adaptations
Angelina Jolie is set to produce and star in the movie adaptation of this book. A Swedish adaptation came out in 2021 and is on Netflix.
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / New Year’s Eve Books / Best Beach Reads / Locked Room Mysteries / Best Books of 2020 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Reads / Best Books in Translation / Books Becoming Movies / Novels About Thieves
The Parisian Heist
Author: Jo Piazza
Year: 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Emma is a scrappy young artist making her way in Paris, working as a maid to help pay for art school. She lives with two other female artists, each talented in their own right and each working to support their artistic pursuits. When Emma’s client, Stella Swanson, the recent widow of a famed art dealer, asks her for help in taking control of the art empire she helped to build, Emma is torn between helping Stella and falling for her charming step-grandson, whose father is working to cut Stella out of her inheritance.
Stella will do whatever it takes to unveil some of her deceased husband’s family secrets, and she’s trying to bring Emma and her friends along on her not-so-legal path to taking them down. While Emma is working out what to do in the present day, her story is cut between that of Jo van Gogh as she works to fulfill her late husband Theo’s dream of making his brother Vincent a famed artist.
Jo was a real-life unsung hero in the creation of Vincent as a god-like figure in the world of art, and her struggles, narrated by her fictitious nanny/assistant, intertwine with Emma’s present-day story in the most rewarding way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This propulsive novel had me flipping through the pages. I adore biographical fiction and art heist novels, and this was the perfect combination of both, with a major dose of feminism thrown in. I was enthralled by Jo’s tenacity as she became the driving force behind making Vincent van Gogh a household name, but even more, I was ensnared by the modern plotline of Emma and Stella reclaiming their power.
If you are looking for an escapist read that will also inspire you to fight the patriarchy, this should be an immediate purchase! You learn a lot, you’ll have fun while reading, and you’ll come away with renewed energy as you realize the power of women working together.
Why Jackie loves it
This book combines so many things that I love in books with a flair that only Piazza can do. The biographical fiction part of this book is so interesting and well-researched. The modern plotline of an art heist kept me completely captivated. And, as with all of Jo’s books, there is the bonus of powerful women as an integral part of the story!
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in Museums / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Novels About Thieves
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
Author: Colleen Oakley
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
More info: USA Today Bestselling Author, Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Tanner needs a place to live where she can sit and play video games to her heart’s content since she isn’t allowed to be at her house anymore. Louise Wilt’s daughter thinks she needs a caregiver.
Being Louise’s caregiver seems like the perfect gig for Tanner and the two ignore each other happily. When Tanner starts to notice that Louise has a close resemblance to a jewel thief and Louise suddenly insists on a road trip, their adventure begins. Is Louise the famed jewel thief from years ago?
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely loved this book about thieves- or potential thieves. It was everything I hoped for and more. The relationship between Tanner and Louise develops as the characters develop. The plot is unique and it is a true feel-good book.
Find this book in: Books About Thieves / Jewelry Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Books About Road Trips
Plot
Geeta lost her husband 5 years ago, but now her small Indian village thinks she killed him! The rumors have helped her for a few years, but now other local women are asking for her help in getting rid of their own husbands – and some aren’t asking nicely. Can she save the women on her own, or will she need to become a murderer to help?
Trigger Warnings
Domestic abuse, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
I found myself laughing at this band of friends and their antics. If you liked Dial A for Aunties, this book about thieves is for you.
Find this book in: Novels About Thieves/ Ultimate Beach Reads 2023
Plot
Five college students are hired by a Beijing art company to steal back relics stolen from the Old Summer Palace by colonists and now on display in famous museums the world over.
Each person brings their talents (getaway driver, hacker, art historian, etc.) and their dreams of what the life-changing sum they’ve been offered can mean for themselves and their immigrant families.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
Billed as Ocean’s 11 meets The Farewell, I found myself most closely comparing it to The Italian Job and I LOVED IT. While it might sound frivolous, it’s actually a novel about art with a more emotional vein running beneath. One of longing to fit in, the struggle of straddling two worlds, and the quest for individual and collective identity as Chinese-Americans.
Find this book in: Novels About Thieves / Novels About Art / Books Set in Museums
Plot
Dani Poissant is the daughter of the world’s most famous art thief, who happens to be in jail because Dani turned her in. Now, ten years later, she is approached for a once-in-a-lifetime heist that can make up for her past mistakes and reunite her with her mother’s old gang, which includes the love of her life and her former best friend. Can she pull off the heist? Oh, did I mention that the secret to their success is magic?
Why Kirsten likes it
The magical realism of this story sets it apart from other art heist novels, but the magical mechanisms should have been more thoroughly explored in the story. The more interesting part was Dani’s journey of self-discovery and her realizations about her relationship with her mother.
Find this book in: Books About Thieves / Novels About Art
Historical Fiction Books About Thieves
Plot
This magical realism book is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany in 1939. Liesel is living with her foster parents and learning to read from stolen books. She also shares these books with the Jewish man who is hiding in her basement.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a brilliant, powerful, poignant, and unforgettable look at Nazi Germany. It’s becoming part of many school curricula for good reason. I’ve never read a story that encapsulates life for ordinary children during this harrowing time in history.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / YA Historical Fiction Books / Books about the Holocaust / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books / Historical Fiction Books About Books / Books About Books
Woman on Fire
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Buckle up for a stunning story in Lisa Barr’s newest book, Woman on Fire. Jules, an ambitious investigative journalist, is working on a story about a piece of art that was stolen by the Nazis during WWII.
But she’s not the only one looking to track down Woman on Fire. Margaux, a gallerist and art thief, also wants to get her hands on the painting.
As we learn the origins of the painting and the many hands it switched to over the years, we also discover the dark underbelly of the art world.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Murder
Why Kirsten loves it
I was ENTHRALLED with this novel about art. I’ll be putting this pick from mystery books on every must-read list we do this year. It was thrilling and informative. Buy it now, and thank me later.
Find this book in: Books About Art / Books by Jewish Writers / Best Books of 2022 / Beach Reads 2022
Mystery Books About Thieves
Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief
Author: Benjamin Stevenson
Year: 2026
Genre: Mystery
More info: Ernest Cunningham Book 4 of 4
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a twisty new locked room mystery. Ten suspects in a bank, one murder, and more than one plan to rob the bank. Who is stealing what? Are they willing to kill for what they want?
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my first Ernest Cunningham story, even though it’s the fourth in the series, so it can absolutely be read as a standalone! I love that every person was stealing something from this bank, and the high-stakes countdown throughout. It was a fun, fair game mystery that had me trying to solve everything right along with Ernest!
The audiobook version was wonderful as well; the narrator did an excellent job. #gifted by HarperAudio and Mariner Books.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Novels About Thieves
The Plot
Author: Jean Hanff Korelitz
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: The Book Series #1, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Jacob is a formerly successful writer struggling to write his next great novel. His student Evan dies without publishing his own incredible story, so Jacob decides to write it himself to great critical acclaim. But then someone starts threatening to expose him for the theft of the story, launching him into the truth behind the tale he wrote about.
Why Kirsten loves it
What a ride! Jean Hanff Korelitz’s thriller is quite something. It’s one I just adored even if I did figure the big twist out early on. It’s the journey with this book.
Adaptation Information
This is set to be adapted into a TV series for Hulu. Mahershala Ali is set to produce and star in the series.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows / Novels About Thieves/ Books by Jewish Authors / Best Thriller Books / Books About Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
YA Novels About Thieves
Thieves’ Gambit
Author: Kayvion Lewis
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Thriller
More info: Thieves’ Gambit #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Ross Quest is a thief. She is one of the best thieves in the world, along with her mother and Aunt. But Ross wants a different life. She plans to leave and live her own life.
When a job goes wrong and Ross’s mom is taken hostage, Ross must join in the Thieves’ gambit- a high-stakes heist against the best in the world to win the ultimate prize. Ross will have to decide if there is anyone she can trust.
Why Jackie loves it
I saw this book and was totally intrigued and let me say …. I was not at all disappointed by this book. It was one of my favorite books of 2023 because I was so invested in the story. What a fast-paced adventure!
Find this book in: Books About Thieves / Fun Books for Teens / YA Thriller Books
The Hobbit (or There and Back Again)
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Year: 1937
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Classic Literary Fiction
Age Range:12+
Plot
An introduction to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit was the first high fantasy book that I ever read. Smaug, a dragon, is the main antagonist in this story. This book opened up a whole new world and genre of book.
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys his comfortable life close to home. When a wizard named Gandalf shows up with dwarves on Bibloa’s doorstep, they invite him on a quest. There, he encounters Smaug, a creature named Gollum, and finds a ring that will change his life.
Why Jackie loves it
This YA fantasy is the prelude to the amazing Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is an iconic book which has withstood the test of time.
Find this book in: Dragon Books for Adults / Book Adaptations on Amazon Prime / Graphic Novels / Books for 12-year-olds
The Gilded Wolves
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Gilded Wolves Book 1 of 3
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This YA historical fantasy takes place in Paris in 1889 where coercion, magic, betrayal, and murder are the norm. At the Exposition Universelle World Fair is an artifact that will give the owner magical Forging abilities.
Severin and his fiercely loyal friends come together to take the artifact in the hope of also obtaining Serverin’s inheritance. Severin finds himself torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire for revenge.
Why Jackie loves it
This first book in the series was captivating from the first page. The characters are fun and complex and the plot is unlike any other book I have read.
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults
Nonfiction Books About Thieves
The Art Thief
Author: Michael Finkel
Year: 2023
Genre: Nonfiction True Crime
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a nonfiction book that read so much like fiction. Imagine two people driving around Europe casually stealing billions of dollars worth of art from the most famous galleries and museums in the world. That’s what this book about thieves is all about.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Suicidal Thoughts
Why Kirsten loves it
I was floored by the writing, but the story is one I wouldn’t believe if it wasn’t true. It’s a fast, compelling book that art lovers, mystery lovers, and true crime aficionados must read.
Find this book in: Books About Thieves / Best Nonfiction Books
Expert Tip
Jackie and I have read all of these books. If you are looking for a book on this list you will love, here are a few things to consider.
- Have a look at the descriptions, trigger warnings, and the “Why I love it” section. This will give you a great idea of what the book is about and if you will like it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book about a thief?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a YA historical fiction book with a magical realism component. It is narrated by Death. It is a fantastic, must-read book.
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Epilogue
Which of these novels about thieves are you most looking forward to reading?
