Author: Deron Hicks

Publisher: Clarion Books

Release Date: November 16/21

Audio/Page Length: 320 pages

Reviewer: Laurie

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher Clarion Books for a digital ARC of this title to read.

I am using a new review format. You can find more details about 5-4-3-2-1 here.

5 - Sentence Summary

The Crown Heist is the third book in the Lost Art series and can act as a stand-alone book without reading the first two. Camille and Art are together again, this time, in London to meet Camille's estranged father after reaching out to Camille. When he is a no-show, both Camille and Art visit his home to try and find out what happened or discover more about him. When they are in his study, Art discovers a stolen artifact, realizing has ties to King Arthur. Now the two are racing around London, deciphering clues not only to find him but King Arthur's crown. 

For further details, please refer to this GoodReads Link. 

4 - Opinions

I liked the departure to another city known for its history and that the series is branching out. Crown Heist combines both mystery elements and adventure, plus readers will explore and learn about London. It is fast-paced and gritty in that the antagonists won't hesitate to use violence - which readers are looking for - particularly middle-grade readers. I like the bond between Arthur and Camille, reinforcing that friendships do not need to be of the same gender. A clever addition is the QR codes embedded in the story. Readers can see the various art pieces and get a first-hand glimpse into the buildings the clues take the duo. Although part of a series, I like that you can read the book as a stand-alone or read as a series to see how their relationship continues to evolve. I think readers who enjoy James Ponti's City Spies series and Stuart Gibb's Charlie Thorne books would enjoy this series as well. The Crown Heist is another new favourite series, and I hope there will be other Art and Camille adventures.

3 - Similar Titles

Framed by James Ponti

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

The Chasing Vermeer Series by Blue Balliett and illustrated by Brett Helquist

2 - Picture Book Connections

London City Trails: Secrets, Stories and Other Cool Stuff by Moria Butterfield

The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base

1 -Creator Contact

Deron Hick is on Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram and has a website. 

First Line Blastoff

Samuel Gamble took one last sip of coffee and placed his heavy stoneware cup on the credenza in his office.

Other Books By This Author: 

The Van Gogh Deception, The Rembrandt Conspiracy and Secrets of Shakespeare's Grave (The Shakespeare Mysteries, #1)

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