5 Books To Read If You Love A Good Heist Movie

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From "Ocean's Eleven" to "Now You See Me," there's nothing quite like a high-stakes heist movie equipped with a hodge-podge ensemble cast. These suspenseful flicks are typically built with a three-act structure consisting of a planning stage, execution, and escape, with a handful of complications and twists along the way to keep things interesting. Of course, a compelling anti-hero often leads the masterminded plan, offering personal motivations and giving us something to root for. 

While there are enough of these highly-rated, star-studded movies to fill an entire weekend, avid readers can also find thrills in crime-filled, heist-related books. Many of these titles rank among the best crime novels of the 2020s, while others center on supernatural or fantasy elements for a fun twist on the subgenre. Either way, expect plenty of suspenseful action and intriguing characters in these TBR-ready books for heist-lovers.

S. A. Cosby's "Blacktop Wasteland" is the first thrilling book on our list, with the 2020 release centering around Beauregard "Bug" Montage. The family man and mechanic has attempted to leave his career as a skilled getaway driver in the past, but serious money trouble leads him to agree to one last daring heist. While he's resolved to make the diamond theft his last, things take a turn for the worse, sucking him back into the dangerous world of crime and compromising the honest life he's built for himself. 

The mystery-thriller boasts a 4.08-star rating on Goodreads, earning honors like the Macavity Award for mystery writers and the Barry Award for excellence in crime fiction. "There is excellent heist and con and double-cross criminal mastermindery stuff here — it's tight and twisty and surprised me more than a couple of times," one reviewer wrote. Other readers add that the novel effectively combines a compelling main character and fast-paced plot with Cosby's literary writing, marking a standout element. So, while "Blacktop Wasteland" promises plenty of action and twists, readers interested in explorations of identity, race, and legacy should definitely add this one to their TBR.

James Patterson is known as a prolific writer of intrigue, so it's no surprise that "The Picasso Heist," written in collaboration with Howard Roughan, deserves a place on our list of much-anticipated mystery and thriller books of 2025. The October release doubles as a good pick for fans of high-stakes crime novels, kicking off with the discovery of an unknown Picasso painting valued at 100 million dollars. While there are many high-profile parties interested in obtaining the artwork, Halston Graham, an auction-house employee, talented art thief, and expert gambler, may be the only one who can truly pull off the Picasso heist.

With a 4.16-star average rating on Goodreads, "The Picasso Heist" has been deemed a true page-turner equipped with enough intrigue and twists to keep readers guessing. "I really enjoyed the fast-paced vibes here," one reviewer wrote on the reading platform. "It felt like watching a real crime/heist movie play out." Other readers highlight protagonist Halston and the accompanying cast of characters as major appeals, with an abundance of quick wit and unclear motivations. Overall, if you're looking for a heist-centered story filled with action and intellect, this title should be on your radar.

Next, "The Monsters We Defy" by Leslye Penelope is a solid heist read that will especially appeal to fans of magic, ghosts, and history. In the 1925-set novel, Clara Johnson uses her ability to commune with the dead after an evil spirit begins plaguing the Black residents of her community. When she's tasked by a spirit to steal a magical ring from a socialite, Clara joins forces with a team of misfits, as well as Israel Lee, a magical jazz musician, to pull off the seemingly impossible heist. 

Expertly combining historical fiction and fantasy, "The Monsters We Defy" averages a 4.11-star rating on Goodreads. "I love a good heist novel and this one was delightful," author Mary Robinette Kowal wrote on the platform. "I also really enjoyed the interstitials that gave us backstory about the various team members without slowing the story down." Alongside this interesting assortment of characters, reviewers note the incorporation of Black folk magic and corresponding themes of race and community as significant cornerstones of the book. Of course, the must-needed action and suspense elements will appeal to heist enthusiasts, making this a worthwhile addition to any intrigue-filled reading list.

Leigh Bardugo's "Six of Crows" carries on the theme of heists with a fantastical spin. Set in the same universe as some of the author's other works, the young adult novel sees a rag-tag group of misfits, ranging from a gambling sharpshooter to a highly-skilled escape artist, undergo a daunting heist in the bustling city of Ketterdam. Headed by criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker, the six outcasts each bring their own baggage and motivation to the team, but they must work together if they're going to pull off the heist of the century.

The 2015 release is beloved among fantasy readers, boasting an average rating of 4.46 stars on Goodreads. If your favorite element of heist movies is the ensemble cast and group dynamics, then you'll appreciate the much-praised anti-heroes, layered relationships, and character development of this YA novel. Plus, Bardugo's effective writing and fantastical world-building are highlighted as other standout elements, making "Six of Crows" a must-read all around. As one reviewer noted, "Dark, action-packed, beautifully-written, and yes, even sexy."

Lastly, "The Girls I've Been" by Tess Sharpe is a twisty novel that belongs among the YA mystery and thriller books that even adults can enjoy. While the novel kicks off with a bank heist, the 2021 release provides a different take on the trope. As the daughter of a con-artist, Nora O'Malley finds herself in a unique position when she, her girlfriend, and her ex are taken hostage during a robbery. The thieves definitely pose an unexpected danger, but they also have no idea who they've just kidnapped. 

With an average rating of 4.03 stars on Goodreads, readers praise "The Girls I've Been" for utilizing dual timelines to explore Nora's story while expertly building tension. "It's been a while since a suspense novel has messed with my head like this, has kept me up at night, just wanting to read one more chapter," said one reviewer. Potential readers should note that heavy topics like childhood abuse and trauma are included, with readers also highlighting themes of healing and identity as positive elements. While this isn't the traditional heist novel, it's sure to provide readers with a compelling spin on the subgenre.

For this list, we researched books that feature heists as a central plotline, utilizing online reviews, lists, and recommendations to identify titles that contain relevant tropes and structures. We limited our selections to books with an average Goodreads rating of 3.75 stars or higher, tailoring our recommendations using reviews from the platform. Lastly, we aimed to feature a variety of perspectives and stories in this curated reading list.