If asked to pitch my debut contemporary fiction novel, The Confidence Games, I usually say something like: “Think Ocean’s 8 meets a modern day Thelma and Louise”.
In the book, best friends Emma and Nellie, who adhere to only two rules—they will only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it—are secure in their reputation as the most trustworthy swindlers on the European black market. But when the women are blackmailed into stealing a priceless bracelet from a famous London exhibition, they must pull out all the stops (and their smartest tricks) to get out alive.
When I set out to write the book, I knew I wanted it to be effervescent and escapist, yet profound, with elements of found family and friendship. Because I seldom worry too much about genre boundaries and rules, it wasn’t until much later—during the editing stage—that I realised what I’d actually written was a feminist caper.
A sub-category of the crime fiction genre, caper stories are light in tone, often feature beguiling protagonists and generally centre around an elaborate heist or grand con. Perhaps as a result of our tumultuous times, capers—especially the feminist variety—have seen a boost in popularity in past years. In fact, this is part of the reason my agent strongly encouraged me to fast-track my drafting process after I pitched the idea for The Confidence Games in 2022. We knew then that the caper trend was heating up, and there’d likely be a surge in similar stories hitting shelves in the coming years. As you’ll see from the following list, we were right.
Here are five of my favorite feisty feminist caper stories.
The Heist by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg
Although Janet Evanovich started out writing romance, she is, in my opinion, the Queen of contemporary crime fiction. The Heist, which is co-written by bestselling author and television writer, Lee Goldberg, is the first in her long running and tremendously popular Fox and O’Hare series.
The Heist introduces us to FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare as she sets out on the trail of the world’s greatest con man: the charming Nicholas Fox. But when Fox is eventually captured, he pulls off his finest con yet by cajoling the FBI into releasing him on the condition that he joins forces with Kate and works alongside her to hunt down other criminals. This book has all the dazzling action and sharp wit Evanovich is known for, plus a dash of romantic tension. What more could anyone want?
Stolen Pieces by SK Golden
SK, best known for her fabulous The Pinnacle Historical Mystery Series, shows off her sly side with this fast-paced, snappy contemporary caper. In Stolen Pieces, we meet ex con artist Bee Cardello, who—after a life of trickery and hijinks—decides to hang up her gloves and hit the straight and narrow. However, things go pear-shaped when her mafia boss ex-husband lands himself (and their son) in serious trouble and it’s up to Bee to save the day.
SK has a knack for writing humorous, cozy stories that pack a punch with thrills and heart-pounding action, and this book is no exception.
Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen
This Reese’s Bookclub pick follows the exploits of Ava Wong—the well-to-do, law-abiding Chinese American lawyer. On the surface, Ava appears to have it all: the perfect life, a handsome, successful husband, a beautiful home and a young son she adores. But hidden beneath this polished exterior, Ava’s life and marriage are at breaking point. So, when Ava’s charming and long lost college roommate, Winnie Fang, shows up with an offer to join her counterfeit luxury handbag business, Ava must cast aside her old, do-gooder self and join the dark side. But at what cost?
This was one of the first books I read on my search for comp titles after I’d finished writing The Confidence Games. I love how smart and sassy it is—something I certainly feel is mirrored in my own book. And although it has darker undertones and a slower-burn narration than The Confidence Games, its feminist vibes, led by a strong female duo, are right up my alley.
The Housekeepers by Alex Hay
Set in 1905, London, this is the only historical caper I’ve come across recently and its unique setting really gives it a stand-out edge. With humour, gutsy characters and twists galore, this book is a gem. Historical fiction has always been my favourite genre to read (followed closely by thrillers and contemporary crime), and when done well—as in The Housekeepers—these stories offer insight and perspective into the ways humanity has changed (for better or worse) over the past decades and centuries.
The Housekeepers tells the tale of Mrs King, who, after being fired from her position as head housekeeper at Mayfair’s finest home, recruits a ragtag group of women to help her pull off a grand heist in the name of revenge.
Cover Story by Susan Rigetti
Possibly inspired by the true-life tale of Anna Sorokin, Cover Story explores the life of aspiring writer, Lora Ricci. When Lora lands a summer internship at ELLE Magazine she forms a fast friendship with the glamorous editor, Cat Wolff, who convinces Lora to become a ghost writer. For a while, Lora lives the dream—attending swanky parties and living with Cat at the Plaza hotel. But soon Lora starts to see the darker side of Cat’s “perfect” life and realises that nothing is quite what it appears to be.
Told through Instagram posts, text messages and diary entries, this is a wild ride full of glamour, action and twists (seriously…the TWISTS!). Although less lighthearted than the others on this list, Cover Story is just so gripping and brilliantly written that I had to include it.
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