The School for Thieves, Peter Burns
The School for Thieves, Peter Burns
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

The School for Thieves

Author: Peter Burns

Series: The School for Thieves

Narrator: Zac Lowe-McAlley

Unabridged: 8 hr 33 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/26/2025


Synopsis

A New York Times bestseller

A young pickpocket gets recruited into an elite group of thieves in this “page-turning, edge-of-the-seat” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) upper middle grade boarding school adventure full of heists, danger, and secret plots perfect for fans of Spy School and Keeper of the Lost Cities.

Tom Morgan’s life on the streets of London consists of shining shoes, picking pockets, and keeping his group of street kids out of the hands of snatchers. When he fails at the last and their home is raided, Tom is the only one not carted off to the workhouse. He’s determined to rescue his friends, but breaking into the workhouse is a nearly impossible task, let alone breaking back out.

Tom is at a loss until he’s approached by a mysterious figure claiming to be an accomplished thief and Tom’s ticket to the best training in the clandestine arts in the world: an elite international boarding school that would teach him all the skills necessary to help his friends. Without any better ideas—and his curiosity piqued—Tom accepts the invitation.

Whisked away to the snowy Alps, Tom enters a thrilling world of intrigue and heists. But the deeper he gets into the Shadow League, the harder it becomes to leave. Tom has to learn fast and uncover the nefarious secrets within the league to have any chance of saving himself, his friends—and maybe even the world.

About Peter Burns

Peter Burns is the author of ten critically acclaimed nonfiction sports books and has been nominated for numerous awards—twice for the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year. The truth, however, is that he’s always wanted to write children’s books, so The School for Thieves is a dream come true. Peter studied English at the University of St Andrews before gaining a master’s in publishing at Napier University. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, four kids, and a slightly nervous cocker spaniel. He isn’t a thief, a spy, an assassin, or a politico. Or is he? Visit him at PeterBurnsAuthor.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Emily on October 24, 2025

Not bad, not enthralling......more

Goodreads review by Marianne on October 15, 2025

4.25 🩶! I really enjoyed reading this thieves/spy book.......more

Goodreads review by Vii on October 20, 2025

It was a fun book but it definitely felt like a bit too much was happening at times. By the midpoint I was having a bit of trouble keeping track of all the characters and it only got worse later on. I noticed some similarities with Harry Potter, not the superficial ones like the school but plot ones.......more

Goodreads review by Natalya on September 05, 2025

4.5 stars. This was like a mix between How To Murder Your Employer and Harry Potter but with kids and thieves. I loved the overall concept with a school for thieves. Have never read a book with thieves in it before. I liked Tom’s character and appreciated him still acting young even though he grew u......more

Goodreads review by Karen on October 18, 2025

This is a very exciting story. Some overtones of Harry Potter with the school and the different houses and years for grades. Some excellent plot twists (hello Maxine!) and creative story lines will keep readers engaged from page 1. I am eagerly awaiting the the next installment. Give this to fans of......more


Quotes

"Thirteen-year-old pickpocket Tom Morgan is dedicated to helping his fellow orphans who are imprisoned amid the unspeakable conditions of a Dickensian workhouse. Zac Lowe–McAlley breathes life into every ghastly situation and character—with Tom a standout. When a mysterious but compassionate recruiter from the School for Deception Arts encounters Tom, he recognizes the boy’s talent and encourages him to attend the school. Even though he’s been told that failure there is fatal, Tom accepts, hoping to spring his incarcerated friends. At the school, the haughtily rendered international elites disdain him, but his fearlessness confounds them. As audio showcases Lowe–McAlley’s infectious vibrancy, the moving story and breathtaking conclusion prove irresistible."