Mandel Academy, an ultra-exclusive private school in New York City, provides the nightmarish backdrop for How to Lead a Life of Crime, the latest from Kirsten Miller (The Eternal Ones). For its public image, Mandel churns out CEOs, politicians and the world's greatest businessmen. In reality, Mandel serves as a training ground for world-class criminals. Flick, a teenage pickpocket, is Mandel's newest recruit. As he navigates the ins and outs of the school, Flick uncovers a horrifying truth. In Mandel, there's one rule: graduate or disappear.
Miller's newest creation is a breathtaking roller-coaster dealing with everything from the prevalence of crime to the psychology of criminals to Flick's unresolved issues. The romance between Flick and Joi, a "brilliant criminal" on the rise, occasionally feels unrealistic. Joi is wise beyond her years, and more forgiving than most teenage girls. But Miller skillfully handles multiple intelligent, well-crafted plotlines and ties them together well. The breakneck pace and bloodshed may be a turn-off to some readers. Others will find it a refreshing break from the abundant supernatural and dystopian offerings. --Kyla Paterno, trade book buyer and blogger, Garfield Book Company at PLU