Title: Fingersmith     

Author: Sarah Waters 

Genre: Historical Fiction    

Publisher: Riverhead Books

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 582

Rating: 4/5 stars 

*Warning: Mature content. Parents please be advised*

Synopsis (Goodreads):

No one and nothing is as it seems in this Dickensian novel of thrills and reversals. Sue Trinder is an orphan, left as an infant in the care of Mrs. Sucksby, a “baby farmer.” Mrs. Sucksby’s household also hosts a transient family of petty thieves—fingersmiths—for whom this house in the heart of a mean London slum is home.

One day, the most beloved thief of all arrives—Gentleman, an elegant con man, who carries with him an enticing proposition for Sue: If she wins a position as the maid to Maud Lilly, a naïve gentlewoman, and aids Gentleman in her seduction, they all will share in Maud’s vast inheritance. 

With dreams of paying back the kindness of her adopted family, Sue agrees to the plan. Once in, however, Sue begins to regret her decision. 

Review:

I knew I was going to enjoy this book merely because it’s historical fiction, set in England in the 1800s, and is written by Sarah Waters, which I enjoyed her last book I read, the Paying Guests! But you guys! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! There were so many twists and turns and unexpected things that happened that I really enjoyed the ride!

–

The book is about a young woman named Susan who lives with a gang of thieves. One day, a man they call Gentleman comes to present a plan to Sue where they both would become rich. Sue is to become a maid/companion of sorts to a rich young woman, and convince her to marry Gentleman and then they will get her committed to a mad house and take all her money! Sue really wants to be able to contribute to the household and provide for her adoptive mother (her real mother is dead) so she agrees to this plan! But not all goes exactly as planned….

–

The beginning of this book kind of dragged on and while enjoyed it, I think I became hooked by the end of part one fully! I really loved the characters and they were so interesting and engaging that I kept wanting to know what was happening! If you are a fan of historical mysteries then I highly recommend this one to you!

Happy reading!