The Thieves' Revenge

by J.J. Arcanjo, Chris Nayak (Narrator)

An irresistible series about chosen family, high stakes thievery, and what it really means to do good. Perfect for fans of M.G. Leonard and Anthony Horowitz.

It's Gabriel's fifth and final year at Crookhaven School for Thieves, and the crew have only one thing on their minds. This year, they must take down Gabriel's parents - the infamous leaders of the criminal organisation, the Nameless - once and for all.

How will the crew balance this goal alongside their last year of studies, which includes a new class called Groundwork, and the most difficult Break-in to infiltrating Crookhaven itself?

Most importantly, can they find a way to lure two of the Underworld's most notorious villains out of the shadows, without anyone getting hurt...?

The final book in the 'criminally good' Crookhaven series, the secret school where students are taught to do wrong, so that one day, they can put the world to rights.

Genres: Middle Grade

Audible Audio

Published August 14, 2025

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

no because how do I explain to people in a normal way that (re)reading this impeccable series makes me feel the same type of way as listening to Taylor Swift's entire discography at the same damn time?! A rollercoaster of emotions you never want to get down from??

The storytelling? Outstanding.
The plot twists? Mind-bending.
The foreshadowing? Out of this world.
The finale? Nothing short of perfection.
The characters? I'll treasure them forever.

Honestly, if there's only one book series I get to take with me into the afterlife? Man, I'll make sure it's this one 😭

[Claire ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid conclusion to the series.

Gabriel and co. meet their makers as the Nameless come to collect. Only one place is safe for Gabriel and his family now: Crookhaven itself.

THE THIEVES' REVENGE does a great job wrapping up all the storylines and plot threads of the previous books. Humour, action and heartfelt moments, all blended wonderfully into the last adventure story of the series. The only major thing I didn't enjoy was the off-page death of a major character. Like, what do you mean we don't get to see them? I know it's a children's book, there's not going to be murder and gore, but gosh darn it had the same impact as sweeping a dead insect under a rug.

(I continue to find Gabriel the least engaging character of the series, but at this point it's neither here nor there.)

I think overall CROOKHAVEN is a great series. Arcanjo clearly has talent, and while I didn't always agree with the narrative choices made, cough Gabriel, CROOKHAVEN's quirky thief shenanigans, colourful cast of side characters, clever plans and thoughtful morals made it a standout boarding school series for me. Don't think about it too seriously, and you will have a great time (as I imagine children will).

And the best thing is: the fun doesn't end yet! I'll admit I'm hyped for the TV show. Not sure how it'll work, given how aged-up the characters are, but I'm excited nonetheless.

WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR? Depends.

ARC received from Hachette Children's Group in exchange for an honest review. This title released on the 14th August 2025.

LAST REVIEW

1. THE SCHOOL FOR THIEVES ★★★★☆
2. THE FORGOTTEN MAZE ★★★★☆
3. THE ISLAND HEIST ★★★★☆
4. THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTRESS ★★★★☆

—

why am i only finding out now that CROOKHAVEN IS BECOMING A BBC TV SHOW IN 2026???

can't wait to see my precious girl amira on the big screen

[Leesdromen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaziiiing series! Loved and enjoyed it a lot! I know I’m gonna re-read this series, just loved it!

[Tracey Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is the final book in this wonderful series and oh boy it was a ride. Yet my favourite part of the book was that everyone involved had their story beautifully, Still though there were a few reveals and that is all i am going to say except to say a big thank you to J J Arcanjo for writing such an amazing and exciting series. So for all the above reasons The Thieves Revenge receives 5 stars

[George!! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my god and that's it for Crookhaven! AND THEY ALL CALLED ME DELUSIONAL FOR THINKING PENELOPE AND GABRIEL WOULD GET TOGETHER BY BOOK ONE, NOOOO I KNEW IT PEOPLE I KNEW IT!!!! Never doubt me again I'm all knowing.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

And so the author brings this excellent story to a satisfying close. I'll avoid spoilers, but there were plenty of classic elements here, and it was skilfully done by a great author. The central conflict is resolved, and there is plenty of action and more of the adventure we have grown used to in this series. And speaking of growing - the characters have grown throughout, and here again, the story is satisfyingly progressive, with a lovely, if not wholly unexpected, twist.

It is all good stuff, and deserves its success. I will, however, venture a small comment. Since the publication of Harry Potter, stories following characters through school age have become popular, and we have a whole genre of such stories now. The default is to go with five books over five years. Natural as that may seem, I don't think it is really better than trilogies as we used to see. There is no right or wrong number of books for any story, and this was never a bad story. Yet I just got a touch tired of the scenario by this one. Would it have made a better trilogy? Who can say for sure.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was not how i expected the series to end but now i dont know how else it would’ve. the conclusion was perfect. all loose ends were tied up and the crew are now starting their lifetime of heists!! i really hope that in the future this book series gets the recognition it deserves because it’s so good.

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely LOVED this series from the very first word! I am gutted that the author has finished it (for now), but relieved that he could wrap it up so perfectly. Yet another year full of twists. I loved watching the crew grow and develop. I think the ending was absolute perfection!

[Ross Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This part of the series made me really sad (tearful even) but I’m glad those were turned into tears of joy in the end. We’re so looking forward to the BBC series.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

cw: knife violence, arson, off-page murder

Urgh why did he get Penelope and Gabriel together after hinting at gabriel/amira this whole time?!

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. I’ll look out for the tv adaptation. The strongest messages are around love , friendship and family you create.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful end to a series that should be way more popular than it is.

[Kony Thano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt ending to one of the best series ever made.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, exciting, humorous fifth and final book in the series. A fitting end to the series. (Soon to be on TV too.) For children and younger (feeling) adults too. Villains school fifth and final year - some villains are really good (in all senses), some change and some are just dastardly.

This had a slightly different feel to start with. That’s okay, as Gabriel has had to grow up over his previous four years at Crook-haven, and things feel tarnished. He’s made friends, learned a lot about himself, gone through tragedies caused by his parents, and in fact his parents still want to kill him. So excellence by the end of the year is not top of his list.
But all of this won’t stop Gabriel and his crew, looking out for each other, having friendly banter, getting the better of their teachers. Gabriel’s parents better look out because Gabriel and his crew have a secret weapon - each other.

Thank you to Hachette Children’s book and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely expressed.