Gabriel Avery is an expert pickpocket. He’s had to be, because he and his Grandma would go hungry if he wasn’t. But one day, he meets his match. Someone picks his pocket and takes the only precious possession he has from his parents. But the wallet he took from the stranger contains a £10 note and a card which reads, ‘You’re good. I’m better’ with instructions to buy a train ticket to Moorheart.

Gabriel finds himself at Crookhaven and discovers it is a school for modern-day Robin Hoods – criminals who use illegal means to correct wrongs. Think hacking into corrupt businesses websites or stealing back artworks taken from museums. At Crookhaven the pupils are either Legacies, who are enrolled because their parents are alumni, or Merits, who have been chosen because of their skills.

Over the course of his first year, Gabriel makes several good friends, two of whom are twins who call themselves the Brothers Crim, and learns subjects such as Crimnastics and History of Crookery. He also sets out to find out who his parents are. However, he also learns of the existence of a shadowy group called The Nameless, comprised of crooks who have gone over to the ‘dark side’, and it would appear that several senior students and family members, including his own, may have joined them.

This is an original, innovative, middle grade fantasy with clever use of language, engaging characters of various ethnic backgrounds and a fast-moving plot. A sequel is already planned.

Reviewed by Lynne Babbage
Age guide 10+