When I first picked up the very first book in this series I knew that I was going to go on a wild ride and I was right.

Again JJ has put the pedal to the metal and gave us a very fast and full of action sequel. At one point I could not tell what was going to happen next and the fact that there were extra side characters who each even if it was very small played an important part.

I love the found family storyline which gets stronger and stronger.

For all the above reasons The Island Heist receives 5 massive stars.

I cannot praise this series highly enough. When I first read Crookhaven, I didn’t know what to expect and the premise had me entirely intrigued. A school for crooks but for the good of the world, not the bad!

This is book three and with a further two still to come, it is a series I will constantly recommend. It is also fair to mention that no one does cliffhanger like J.J. Arcanjo.

Since meeting Gabriel and his crew in book 1 we have really gotten to know them as a group and individually, understanding their backgrounds, ambitions and skills.

When we left the team, they were left watching as one of their own was stolen from them. Waiting for book 3 was agony but thankfully, due to JJ’s excellent writing, I was able to get right back into the story that has been building and continues to build with each book.

As we begin a new term at Crookhaven there are a few issues and secrets brewing amongst the team and they are not all on the same page. Gabe needs to figure this out and bring them back together!

While he does this, the crew must get through their lessons, plan their recon around the break-in they would love to win as well as navigate school life. There is always plenty happening and it is always impressive the fine details that Gabe notices, ensuring the reader must also pay close attention.

I know book 4 and 5 will be incredible and it is a series I definitely don’t want to see end but I just want to know what happens next!

This is one of my favourite MG series of the last few years - a commercial concept, superbly written with a classy feel to it. The world and characters now feel so familiar but the plot never fails to have real edge, giving it a dark and dangerous feel. I love the emphasis on teamwork as well as how the author explores all the different characters within that team. The opening heist was slick and the novel rattled along at its usual breathtaking pace. I wasn't as sure about the ending - it seemed obvious Gabriel's parents would escape jail. However, it's obvious that this will be picked up in the next novel and the tension is building as a series overall.

My favourite Crookhaven book yet! The characters have great development in this third installment and the plot was fantastic - full of tension and I couldn't put it down!

The third instalment in one of my favourite children’s book series of recent years and this absolutely did not disappoint! Such a brilliant story of friendship, courage and adventure.

Gabriel and his crew are now in their third year at Crookhaven but along with the challenges they are set by the school (seemingly impossible heists) they also want to find out more about the Nameless and foil their evil plans. The friendship between the children is brilliant and their interactions so believable - they don’t always get on but their overriding sense of loyalty and commitment to each other means that they make the right choices for the good of the group, even if it is to their own detriment.

I raced through the story, loving the high stakes drama and excitement throughout - a brilliant book with some of the best, funniest characters I have read about in a long time.

I'm a big fan of this series by J J Arcanjo, and the children I work with are even bigger fans!

Another good instalment which covers the antics of Gabriel and the crew through their 3rd year at Crookhaven. Lots of exploits, new subjects to master, mysteries to solve and of course the annual Break In.

All in all, a very enjoyable read.

Another epic adventure from Crookhaven with Gabriel and his crew. New lessons and old foes, this is an epic conclusion to the trilogy (although readers will certainly want more from this series). If you loved the previous books in the series you will no doubt love this!
Impeccable writing, criminally good dialogue, and a whole cast of shady secret-keeping characters. Highly recommend this not-magical-but-rather-fantastical school-based thriller-adventure.

I love this series and can't wait to share it with my new class in September. As Gabriel and his 'crew' continue to hone their various skills, other challenges get in their way and hidden secrets reveal themselves. Another gripping read that had me eagerly turning pages, desperate to find out the answers to all of my questions.
I hope the next book won't be long as I can't wait to find out what will happen next!

Another brilliant book in the Crookhaven series! Gabriel's leadership skills are put to the test when conflict brews and distractions arise in his crooked team of friends... endearing as always and with great messages about friendship and teamwork.

📚 Crook Haven 3 - The Island Heist by @jjarcanjo 📚

I was beyond excited when I was approved to read this on @netgalley ! I loved both of the preceding books in the series and this third installment did not disappoint.

The story picks up where we left Gabriel and this Crew at the end of book two, where they are now known to the Nameless who have decided they owe them a serious amount of money. Gabriel and his Crew pull off a huge heist in order to pay their debt.

Another year at Crook Haven brings it's challenges as the Crew are divided. Will Gabriel be able to bring them back together as a team? Will Villette really be on their side?

I cannot recommend this series enough. I've loved each and every book so far and cannot wait to read the next one.

Publishing in June 2024

Preview copy from @netgalley but as always views and opinions and my own. I never post books I haven't enjoyed ♥️

Third in an entertaining children’s series for readers of 7/8 and up to all ages really. There are villains, and then again there are villains. Gabriel should know, because his parents are the real type - dastardly. Instead Gabriel has his head screwed on the right way, and has found a ‘crew’ of friends while studying at Crookhaven. The school brings challenges from the teachers, third year subjects and again the end of year impossible heist. He and his friends are never far from the top of the school merit lists. With the fun and verve of youngsters they are up to everything third year throws at them. Learning about each other as they go. What are they learning? That as a crew they are really, really good. So dastardly villains better watch out. But maybe Gabriel too as the Nameless have a few more years of villainy under their belts, and Gabriel is starting to make them very angry. Thank you to Hachette Children’s Group and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

This next exciting instalment develops the main characters and gives new insights into their pasts and motivations. Yet again Gabriel’s crew show how trust and friendship can win over evil intentions. This may be a book about a school for crooks, but the Robin Hood kind. Bring on the next.

We absolutely adore this series and can't wait for the next book.

A superb premise, jam packed full of adventure and a 'criminally good' read!

Highly recommend

My son loved the first 2 Crookhaven books and I have had lots of conversations with him about it so I was excited to read this third book in the instalment. I can absolutely see why he loves them - a great diverse cast of characters who are part of the same "team" of thieves at the school for crooks, great dialogue between them and a really exciting adventure. It had me hooked from the first chapter when there was abseiling down a cliff in Cornwall on a stormy night. Gabriel Avery is the main character really and he is the glue that links everyone together and the one that they depend on, even if they are all competitive and want to be the best and win the Crooked cup and all have their own things going on.
I loved the development of the story and the mystery that needed solving as well as finding the whereabouts and identity of the mysterious Maravel. JJ writes really believable characters through their interaction with each other and characterisation in speech (apart from the facts it is a school for thieves - that isn't real surely!!)
The ending rounded things up nicely whilst also leaving the reader on an absolute cliffhanger, setting it up for the next book which already I can't wait to read.
I am going to get a set of these for our school library as they will appeal to lots of Year 5 and 6 children.

I LOVED this third book in the series. I love the characters, their relationships, the settings and dynamics. I would definitely recommend the series and it just keeps getting better. I love how there’s been over-arching mysteries throughout every book with just enough closure to satisfy you, but keep you intrigued and reading more.