The School for Thieves - by Peter Burns (Hardcover)

About the Book

In order to rescue his friends back in London, thirteen-year-old Tom accepts an offer to attend an elite, international school for thieves run by the most powerful criminals in the world.

Book Synopsis

For the first printing only! This hardcover features vibrant sprayed edges while the special edition supply lasts.

A young pickpocket gets recruited into an elite group of thieves in this 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.

Review Quotes

"Clever and gripping, this fast-paced boarding school story will appeal to fans of the Mysterious Benedict Society and Spy School series. A thrilling first installment in an adventurous new series."--Kirkus Reviews "6/1/2025"

"The School for Thieves is criminally good. It's edge-of-your-seat exciting and oh-so stylishly written. Peter Burns is a talent to watch." --Alex Atkinson, author of Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman

"Deeply atmospheric, The School for Thieves sweeps you along from one daring escapade to the next. Set in an alternate-history vision of London, I loved the rich, immersive world-building and can't wait to read more!"--Jack Jackman, author of Maisie vs Antarctica

"I have never been as quickly hooked by a book as I have been reading The School for Thieves by debut fiction author Peter Burns. Debut author? And it's this good? The School for Thieves is the real thing. Gripping from page one, this epic novel is a more grounded Percy Jackson, a fun read start to finish" --Michael Grant, author of the Gone series

"Utterly fabulous ... engrossing and charmingly done"--Alexander Armstrong

"Dark, daring and delightful, The School for Thieves is packed with spectacular heists, stylish cons and breathtaking set-pieces. This unputdownable new fantasy is conjured with immense imagination and verve. A brilliant achievement and a thrilling read."--Jonathan Stroud, author of the Bartimaeus series

About the Author

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.