My Fair Frauds

by Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne

A high society fraud and a scrappy swindler team up to take down Gilded Age New York in this tale of intrigue, drama, and female friendship.

The Grand Duchess Marie Charlotte Antonie of Linsbourg--a war-torn country known for its wealth of emeralds--has taken Gilded Age high society by storm. Little does the upper crust know that this "deposed duchess" is actually con artist Alice, a vengeful young woman with her sights set on the five ruthless robber barons who destroyed her father and left her family in shambles.

Alice's long con plan finally clicks into place when she meets scrappy magician's assistant Cora, a drifter with lofty aspirations of her own, a malleable young lady who proves the perfect debutante pawn to lure in Alice's final, and otherwise unattainable, target.

With the help of insider and society maestro Ward McAllister, among others, Alice and Cora launch into the social season of 1883, scheming their way through grand balls, private dinners, and opera nights, ensnaring Alice's targets one by one. But as they hurtle toward their ultimate swindle, a sprawling orchestrated scheme at their fabricated embassy to rob their targets blind, pressures close in from all sides. Mutiny within the ranks, hidden moles, crises of conscience . . .

This sting is sure to be the event of the season. Or else ruin Alice and Cora both.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Adult, Audiobook, Historical Mystery

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

Lee Kelly is the author of CITY OF SAVAGES, a Publishers Weekly pick and a VOYA Magazine “Perfect Ten” selection, A CRIMINAL MAGIC, which was optioned and developed for a television series by Warner Bros., and WITH REGRETS. With Jennifer Thorne, Lee has also co-written THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR, THE STARLETS, MY FAIR FRAUDS (forthcoming from Harper Muse, 2025) and THE MIDNIGHT SHOW (forthcoming from Crown, 2026).

Her short fiction and essays have appeared in CrimeReads, Electric Lit, and Tor.com, among other publications, and she holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. An entertainment lawyer by trade, Lee has practiced law in Los Angeles and New York. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Pennsylvania, where you’ll find them engaged in one adventure or another.

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a gilded age novel filled with drama and some female empowerment then this is the novel for you. I will admit I wasn't sure what to think when I first started reading this novel but let me tell you by the time I was finished I was having the time of my life reading this. The characters and the details of the setting were just wonderful and the plot was a work of art.
We are introduced to Alice who is a con woman that is posing as a duchess. Of course we know from the details at the start that this is obviously a very bad plan in the making however we find out the reason is that she is trying to avenge the death of her father. So therefore we can forgive her for that.
Along the way we meet Cora who is just passing through but Alice manages to convince her to go along with her plan. From there they will gobto great lenghs to have this charade be the event of the season. However they must be careful because one wrong move could ruin it all for them.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this one when it began. Wasn’t sure I was going to like it. But I was happily surprised! Once the story really began to roll out, I was engrossed!!

First of all, this takes place in the late 1800’s… so women were only good for one thing. They were not considered to have ANY brains whatsoever. 🧐

So, Cora, acting as a magician’s assistant, and making literally pennies, is getting flustered. Her goal is to buy back her family’s farm, but at this rate she’ll NEVER have enough money! So she starts to get creative… in how to make some extra money. And then one day she is in the wrong place at the wrong time,and hears something she shouldn’t have! And then, gets involved in something far more crafty, and serious, than what she was doing before.
And, the stakes are MUCH, MUCH HIGHER!!

Alice has been burned in the past. Badly. Her family lost EVERYTHING! And never recovered. Her goal now: to make all of them pay! In the worst possible way. With the absolute highest stakes!

So, as Alice and Cora begin to work together, they fabricate an entire tale of life…love…wealth…and treasures, beyond any reasonable type of imagination! And their audience falls for it… hook, line and sinker!

This was enthralling! This was amazing! This was heartfelt! This was tough to read at times! Yet, wow!
What an absolutely phenomenal tale, and scheme, and intricate web of deceit we weave!!!!

I’m not going to give any more away, but this one really tugs at your heart… your soul… and, your mind!

If you haven’t heard of it, please look it up!

#MyFairFrauds by @LeeKelly and @JenniferThorne. Narrated enthusiastically by @MeganTrout!

4 bold, bright, historical, upper-crust, beautiful flowing stars for me!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, please look 👀 for it in a few days on 12/02/25!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarperMuseAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Jenni Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Fair Frauds is everything I hoped for—and more. Who knew I’d find myself cheering for a group of con women? But that’s exactly what happened. With lost souls who stumble into found family, this cleverly crafted, utterly compulsive story is one I’ll root for time and again.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

I was so conflicted throughout the book, as far as whether or not I wanted them to actually succeed in the con. I love that the book doesn't show any 'perfect' characters; most of them aren't even evil, other than the rich people doing horrible things to make themselves richer. Mainly just imperfect people, which is very true to life.

Really loved the book. Definitely would recommend.

Content Warning: attempted rape (nothing graphic)

[Mystery, She Read]

Really excited for this one!

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this author duos book THE STARLETS last year and absolutely loved it, so I was definitely excited to read this one.

All Cora O'Malley wants to do is buy back her family's Kansas farm. But her job as a magician's assistant doesn't pay very much, so she has also resorted to stealing. After a show in NYC, she overhears Grand Duchess Marie Charlotte Antonie of Linsbourg speaking with Ward McAllister. It seems the Duchess isn't really who she says she is. In fact, the Duchess is a con artist named Alice Archer who is seeking vengeance for her family, who lost everything. There are five families she has her sights on. Cora knows she can help and gives Alice an ultimatum. Alice reluctantly takes Cora under her wing, and together they scheme to pull off the greatest con ever with the help of Beá and Dagmar. As they launch into the high society social scene with grand balls, dinners, and opera nights, will they be able to keep their cover? Will Alice get the revenge she's looking for? Will Cora get her family farm back?

Honestly, this one took me a little while to get into but once I did I couldn't put it down. It ended up being such a good story filled with drama, found family, and a slow burn romance. There were surprises along the way and things I never would have guessed happened. I loved the setting of NYC in the gilded age and the social events. The characters were complex and I really enjoyed getting to know them. And seriously, who doesn't love a good revenge story? I enjoyed this one and would recommend it🩷

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gilded Age meets Money Heist with a dash of romance, found family, and a character cast oozing with clever, sensitive, and strong women. Do I need to elaborate more? A delightful book!

Thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5🌟.

[Aliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for the ARC.

My Fair Frauds by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne is a Gilded Age novel set in New York, following two women setting out to con the elite in a tale of revenge. The main characters in this novel are a delight to read, Alice, a woman pretending to be a Grand Duchess and Cora, a former magician's assistant. Their dynamic and friendship are incredibly realistic, along with the other relationships they have in the novel. I especially enjoyed Bea and Cal. The antagonists of this novel are very well developed, and reading about the con they are about to fall for is a satisfying read. The humour in this novel is strong and adds an air of lightheartedness to the story that fits very well.

The heist in this novel is well-crafted and clever, and reading the meticulous planning and conflict in the development of this con is a wonderful mystery, along with the many plot twists that I did not see coming. The feminist themes in this book are complex and fit well in the context, along with empowering female characters who have clear goals and values. The only issue I would have with this novel is that it is a bit slow in the beginning, but it has a fast-paced narrative overall. The historical details and deceptive descriptions also contribute to the story.

My Fair Frauds is an entertaining read with complex, genuine characters and a well-crafted heist plot.

[kelly Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Easiest five stars I've given in a long time. No hesitation. I knew a quarter of the way through it was a winner for me. In fact, could this be my favorite read of the year so far?
Ok, so sure, maybe I was heavily influenced by the fact that I juay rewatched the first season and started the second season on The Gilded Age. Maybe I had "new money" vs "old money" and railroad magnates already locked and loaded in my brain. But come on... how could I not love this book? It was like The Gilded Age and Great Expectations had a baby. A beautifully heartbreaking, morally questioning, deliciously devious little baby. And the end....CHEF'S KISS! I wanted to hug my kindle and (Ok, maybe I did..) I definitely ended with a giant smile on my face. Things did not end how I was expecting and that's always amazing!

I actually found myself drawn to the second character, Alice, more than the younger, more prominent, Cora. Alice was complicated, mysterious, smart and RUTHLESS. I wanna be Alice when I grow up... OK, maybe not exactly, but you get the idea. Alice is a tough, competent woman, hellbent on fighting wrongs.

I read the Kindle version of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publisher but I will 100% be purchasing this in hardcover in December upon it's release date.

[Christopher Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can easily say, this book is absolutely perfect for fans of the 2018 film "Ocean's 8" and HBO's "The Gilded Age." This is another book I was permitted to review for NetGalley, and I can honestly say I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. It was sorted under "Mystery & Thriller", so as a massive fan of murder mysteries, I assumed it would be one... it was not. For what it was, My Fair Frauds was a pleasant way to kill time over the holidays. It's always nice to see books set in New York's Gilded Age, one's that utilize real people like Ward McCallister, and Caroline Astor. The scheme of the book was interesting enough, so much so I felt the need to research the nation of Kingdom of Württemberg.

I do think it says something though when the setting of a book is more interesting than the actual plot being offered. The swindle angle is find, if a bit of a retread having already been a main focal point of the second season of the aforementioned "Gilded Age". The characters are serviceable for the plot, even if the writing for a number of them is shallow. Such a wide gap of time - November to April - is covered in the novel. As a result, we don't spend enough time with the cast to know and care about them. The constant shifting of who the reader is following also doesn't help the matter. That being said, the small glimpses we see of some of the other character's thoughts is engaging, such as when Harry Patton considers killing his father. But those small bits are few and far between, and don't add enough to justify the constantly changing perspective.

[Valerie HappiestWhileReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely cheer for character(s) who deceive and cheat others, but that’s exactly what I did in My Fair Frauds by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne. Historical fiction set in Gilded Age New York, this story is quite unique and was great on audio narrated by Megan Trout.

The ‘recipe’ for this intriguing tale: Take two smart women who’ve been wronged by upper crust families, mix in a pound of deception, add a cup of suspension of disbelief, a dash of questionable European accents, and a dollop of emeralds. Season with a young eager newspaper reporter and other interesting secondary characters. Bake for 10.5 hours or 384 pages until done. Enjoy with a slice of satisfaction.

I thoroughly enjoyed Alice and Cora, young single women with far more agency than most women, given their circumstances and the time period. As the deceptions became more and more elaborate, I thought about AI and present-day scams and was reminded that schemes have existed throughout human history. At the midpoint, I was hoping this might be the first book in a series, but based on the satisfying happily-ever-after ending, it’s likely a stand-alone story.

Thank you to Uplit Reads and Harper Muse for the review copies of this entertaining novel. I haven’t read either of these authors before, and I’m eager to check out more of their collaborations.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Uplit and the authors for the advanced copy and the chance to listen to the audiobook as well.

I don’t usually reach for Gilded Age stories, but this one completely surprised me. My Fair Frauds blends sharp twists, layered characters, and a glittering historical setting with two unforgettable female leads you can’t help but root for.

The novel follows Alice, a sophisticated con artist posing as “Grand Duchess Marie Charlotte of Würrtemberg,” and Cora O’Malley, a scrappy magician’s assistant determined to buy back the farm her family lost. When their paths collide, Alice recruits Cora into an elaborate scheme that pulls them deep into high-society galas, opera boxes, and drawing-room intrigue.

The opening chapters lay the foundation slowly, but once the story takes off, it becomes clever, tense, and completely absorbing. I loved watching Alice and Cora navigate danger, ambition, and unexpected alliances.

A sharp, stylish con-woman caper set against a brilliantly rendered Gilded Age—rich with intrigue, unforgettable heroines, and a twist-filled charm that keeps you rooting for every moment.

If you enjoy historical fiction with suspense, strong female characters, and plenty of surprises, this is a wonderful pick.

[Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Harper Muse for a complimentary arc and alc of My Fair Frauds. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The guided age, some drama, a dash of romance, heaps female empowerment, a little bit of found family and a lot of scheming? Kelly and Thorne had my attention pretty quick with this one.

I know that when you go into a book with pretty high expectations, you’ll be disappointed no matter whether it’s good or bad - so I felt like I should’ve seen it coming when I struggled to get into the book at the beginning. My hopes for the book luckily didn’t lessen, and as the plot rolled along I got more and more sucked in.

The characters are diverse and complex, the plot is so well-crafted that I can’t imagine how much planning the storyline would’ve taken to shape out. The intrigue had me sitting down for one chapter and forgetting to put it down before I’d finished half the book.

Anyone who enjoys guided age stories, or plots with cons and frauds, would be doing themselves a disservice by sleeping on this one.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up enjoying this fiction book about a small group of women who play a long game against a group of robber barons in the 1920s. It took some time to really get into the story for me. It seemed to take awhile to set the stage and meet all the characters. However, once that was accomplished, I enjoyed watching everything play out. There were several romantic relationships between various people, causing some tension, but overall I enjoyed it. The story was interesting in that these women were swindling men who had caused much harm to others, but some innocent people were inadvertently being punished as well. There was some conflict because some of the women cared about that, and some did not. Overall a fun, easy read.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the copy.

[Bolt Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone has definitely been watching The Gilded Age! This audiobook is such a fun ride. The characters are instantly likable, and the audio performance brings them to life in a way that makes the whole story feel richer and more vivid.

Megan Trout, the narrator, does a fantastic job giving each character a distinct voice, even when they’re adopting new accents. It’s impressive how effortlessly she shifts tones and personalities, making it easy to follow along even as the plot gets twisty.

If you enjoy The Gilded Age TV series, there’s a good chance this will hit the same sweet spot for you: drama, reinvention, social games, and plenty of charm. Just don’t take it too seriously, and you’ll have an even better time.

A fun, lively listen all around.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks, Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is set in the Gilded Age during the 1880s in New York City and follows two women who are attempting to con several wealthy families. It felt like reading a Bridgeton story, but with significantly more mystery than romance (though there is some romance as well). The book includes many chapters dedicated to the con scheme they are orchestrating. However, it also features debutante balls, vivid descriptions of New York City in that era, and fashion. This perfect blend made me thoroughly enjoy the book.

I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook, which is exceptionally well done. The narrator draws you right into the story with her striking accents.

[Brielle Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

“What is magic, if not the keeping of guarded secrets?”

My Fair Frauds is a historical fiction focused on the heist of two women, Alice and Cora, during the Gilded Age with a good amount of feminist rage, adventure, mystery, and a touch of romance. I found the beginning a little slow, but it picked up by the end. I found myself definitely cheering for these women by the end!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Megan Trout who effortlessly shifted between characters and really brought the story to life.

✨3 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for this arc. My Fair Frauds comes out December 2, 2025.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so unique and fun, and even though it’s not a genre I typically reach for, this book had so many things I loved. There was a historic setting, found family, con artistry, and a super sweet, slow burn romance (definitely not the focal point of the story but the romantic in me was living for it). The plot was exciting and made this a quick read. I really enjoyed the way this unfolded right through the end!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a pleasant surprise! Thank you to UpLit Reads and Harper Muse for the advanced digital copy and audiobook and thank you to the authors for gifted physical copy!

Thoroughly entertaining but

This was like if Ocean's Eight took place in the Regency Era. I loved Cora/Coraline and Alice for the way that they were strong complex female characters who pushed the boundaries of their time period. I was super entertained throughout and I'll definitely be going back to the previous books written by Kelly and Thorne!

The audiobook was fun to listen to as well. The narrator perhaps a bit more dramatic and "breathy" than I typically prefer (but that's a me thing).

[Alexandra Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and sassy little heist book. I definitely preferred Cora over Alice, Alice seemed to lack personality for me. We get it, as the leader you have to possess a sense of seriousness and elegance but it truly got old about halfway through the book. I would have warmed up to her if I had gotten more than little tidbits about her past life. I learned more about Alice through other characters than through her.

Cora, Dagmar, Cal and Bea really held this book together for me. Cal was a dreamboat and I loved him with Cora! Dagmar and Bea brought the found family home and I could feel those sweet moments through the pages.

[McKinley Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful novel of crimes, cons, and cleverness. The beginning chapters hit you over the head a little with characters’ motivations, and the ending feels a little rushed, but overall a very fun story about the glitz gaudiness of the Gilded Age.

[Acton.and.Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing an ARC of ‘My Fair Frauds.’ I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this story from beginning to end. It’s flawless. The perfect level of historical inspiration with a lot of originality. The pages practically turned themselves.

The characters were all realistically complex. While each had their own backstory and agenda, no one was overdrawn. Everyone introduced - whether for a few paragraphs or numerous chapters - was there for a reason.

This book is smart. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, you will be surprised. This happened to me more than once. From the relationship web to details of the con, nothing was left to chance. This has to be one of the most intricate literary heists ever.

Cora, Alice, Beá, and Dagmar are officially my favorite gang - no qualifier necessary.

Kelly and Thorne are a brilliant writing duo. I look forward to their next creation.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC.
This was an enjoyable revenge story set in the Gilded Age about a group of women out to swindle New York's railroad tycoons. It took a while to really get into it as most of the book was just setting the stage for their big heist. Once all the characters and their plans are finally introduced it was easier to get invested. In spite of it feeling a bit slow at times, I love a good revenge plot and sweet justice so I thouroughly enjoyed this.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars but I will happily round up.

Have you ever had a book that seemed to be tailor made for you?

Historical fiction? Check. Brilliant, nuanced, and compelling female leads? Check. A clever heist for justice and revenge? Check. A found family of women, empowering each other? Check. A little dollop of romance on top? Check.

This story follows Cora, an intelligent spitfire of a young woman, trying to survive with small thefts and scams. She finds an opportunity, and a mentor, in Alice, another con woman. The marks? 5 robber barons that ruined Alice’s father. There’s enough money here for Alice and Cora, and a few others who help them, to get away and start over. The little team scheme their way into the social scene, replete with drama and intrigue!

The story really is almost perfect. The pacing is a little slow in the beginning, but that’s expected for heist novels. The action ramps up deliciously, and we of course are rooting for this little brigand. The villains are a little bland, but the exposition of Alice and Cora are well done. The setting is great- I love that we weren’t in the regency era like usual. More glitz and glam was exciting!

Their plan was rather simplistic in the beginning, but the adaptability of the characters was exciting and kept me interested. The characters really shined for me. Alice and Cora were easy to love, and their banter top notch. The heist itself was a little simplistic, and sometimes the prose felt like it could use tighter editing so I knocked off a quarter star. But genuinely, this book is a delight and I strongly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.

Heist stories are invariably intriguing. When they set up revenge plot by the defrauded against the frauds themselves, it’s hard not to cheer on those carrying out the crime. It seems a case of natural justice over laws that always favour the unjust, as long as they’re rich. In this case, it’s hard to argue that the plotted revenge is undeserved.

The authors, who are new to me, announce their love of ‘big stories’ in their afterword. That is clear from the start. The avengers are two smart, capable, and undeniably wily women from different backgrounds. Alice Archer was born into a wealthy family that occupied the middle rungs of New York’s Gilded Age high society. Coraline (Cora) O’Malley came from a poor Kansas farm family whose increasing debt to the banks, at increasingly high interest rates, quickly swallowed her Irish father’s every asset as well as his will to live. Both young women, barely a decade apart in age, were left orphaned and obliged to fend for themselves from childhood. Although in very different ways, both became adept liars and con artists.

Their paths crossed when Cora accidentally learned of a high stakes swindle that Alice was planning, and managed to extort her way into a share. From their different vantage points, they could easily agree that the wealthy, greedy, ostentatious New York elite deserved the pay-back initially planned by Alice. Once Cora became involved, they quickly refined an already complex and sophisticated plan—so much so that I had difficulty staying with its swerves and curves. It didn’t matter to my enjoyment of the story, however, because the writing is first-rate and the characters, both good and evil, major and minor, are very well drawn. Likewise, as a historical fiction fan, I was impressed with the way they drew the Gilded Age setting. The extravagant dinners, theme parties and balls—including a really offensive ‘Servants’ Ball’ in which they wore expensive clothes and make-up designed to make them look poor, dirty and bedraggled—are drawn directly from the mid 1880s high society pages. Familiar names, like Vanderbilt, McAllister and Astor crop up. Caroline Astor is here, and, as she was in real life, she is the doyenne of all that was New York ‘society’ and therefore all that was not. What they do with her part in the story, as well as Ward McAllister’s, is brilliant.
The tiny European kingdom of Wurrtemberg that the swindlers purport to represent, its royal family, and its conflict with the rising German nation, are also historical. It’s incredible that the Duchess (Alice) and her niece (Cora) get away with an entirely made up version of German, but it is very funny.

My only complaint concerns the long time it takes to get all the many pieces in order, but that probably reflects the ‘long game’ nature of heists. Still, the developments aren’t taking place in real time: in novel time, they take about four months, but it feels much longer. When all systems are go, the story picks up speed enough to give it a rushed feel and abrupt climax. I loved the ending, though it’s a bit more fairy-tale than swindle story. The narrator, Megan Trout, does an excellent job with male and female voices and a variety of European and American regional accents.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are heists, and then there’s My Fair Frauds, which feels like someone dared The Gilded Age to go full girlboss and then said, “Bet you won’t do it in opera gloves.” This book is an elaborate con wrapped in tulle and vengeance, and the audiobook? Megan Trout didn’t just narrate this... she hosted a one-woman masquerade ball in my ears and gave every guest a personality disorder.

We’re in New York City, 1884. The social season is as cutthroat as it is corseted, and Alice, a con artist posing as the Grand Duchess Marie Charlotte Antonie of Fake-German-Principality™ is running the long game of long games. Her targets? Five robber barons who deserve to be punched in the face with diamonds. Her plan? High society infiltration, calculated charm, and sweet, sweet revenge. Then there’s Cora, a magician’s assistant with sticky fingers and big Kansas dreams, who accidentally stumbles into Alice’s web of lies and is like, “Cool, I’m in.” And just like that, the most chaotic girlboss duo since The Parent Trap was born.

The real star of this scheme? Megan freaking Trout. The woman shapeshifts. One second she’s purring as a fake duchess, the next she’s Cora, wide-eyed and scrappy, then she whips out a gravelly robber baron or an oily society whisperer like she’s got a full cast of voice actors hidden under her skirts. Her Würrtemberg accent? Impeccable. The tonal shifts when the characters are lying to each other while also lying to themselves? Delicious. This narration isn’t just performance... it’s full-on audiobook witchcraft.

The plot is a cocktail of Ocean’s 8, My Fair Lady, and every scene from The Gilded Age where someone clutches pearls because someone else’s mother was in trade. It takes a minute to settle into the rhythm (act one is like assembling a very glamorous Ikea table) but once the gears start turning, it becomes one of those delightful chain-reaction cons where everything goes click click click until you’re screaming into your earbuds.

Alice is ruthless and wounded and may or may not have invented the term “emotional repression” while Cora is pure ambition dipped in stage makeup and survival instincts. Their dynamic is prickly and complicated in all the best ways... you’re never sure if they’re going to hug, stab each other, or scam the pope. Honestly? All three seem equally likely. Bonus points for the found family vibes with the rest of their little con squad, and double bonus points for never letting romance hijack the central storyline.

The ending gets a tiny bit neat, like justice-with-a-bow levels of neat, but after watching these women juggle lies, alliances, and fake nobility for hours, I was fully fine with it. Let them have the win. Let the duchess con the world and ride off into the sunset with her ethically ambiguous girl gang. Who among us wouldn’t? Four stars. Glitzy, clever, and just the right amount of unhinged.

Whodunity Award: For Fooling Me Into Thinking Würrtemberg Was Real, Emotionally and Geographically

Huge thanks to Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for the early access to this audiobook. I had the absolute time of my life listening to it unravel in my ears like a velvet-gloved con.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora O'Malley, small-time pickpocket and part of the backstage crew to a stage magician, makes a mistake and attempts to steal something from a European noble, the Grand Duchess Marie Charlotte Antonie of Württemberg. Except, the duchess isn't actually one. She is Alice Archer, a long time con artist who has her sights set on taking down the heads of five nouveaux riche Gilded Age families in New York City.

Seeing an opportunity for herself, and the possibility of a huge payout (which would enable her to purchase back the farm her father was swindled out of), Cora begs and blackmails Alice to bring her into her plans.

With reluctance, the highly secretive Alice does, and introduces Cora to the other members of the con: Béatrice, a gifted seamstress (and former forger), and cook Dagmar, who has more going on under her stern demeanour, and Alice's colleague, Ward McAllister, a con artist whose charm and position has allowed him to infiltrate the homes of the privileged. It doesn’t hurt that his patroness is Lady Astor of old money knickerbocker families.

Alice begins teaching Cora how to successfully pass herself off as the cousin of the duchess, who is in New York City to drum up money to help her beleaguered small nation of Württemberg, a small territory within the Germany.

Alice has convinced the five heads that there are priceless emeralds to be found in Württemberg's mines, whose full wealth is yet to be found.

Cora meanwhile makes friends with the daughter of one of the targeted families; Cora is also soon engaged to the son of Alice's wealthiest enemy. Though not privy to all of Alice's plans, Cora knows that she, and the rest of the family, which is how she comes to see herself and her colleagues, including the ruthless Alice, plan to take all the men's wealth is one huge swoop with an investment opportunity in Württemberg's fictional mines.

This was a lot of fun. Cora epitomizes pluck with her can-do attitude, hard work and occasional extemporizing about Württemberg. I never really got much of a sense of Béatrice or Dagmar, but Alice, with her deep pain and complicated plotting, was so interesting.

It's doubtful that such a plan could be pulled off today, what with google and other means to suss out information, but Alice's heist is daring, bold, dangerous, kind of reckless, and pretty exciting.

The audio is well handled by Megan Trout, whose Cora is energetic and eager, while her Alice conveys a certain contained fury and exhaustion.

The overall story is a lot of fun, though I'm not sure that the authors gave me enough moments between Alice and Cora that showed Cora developing warm feelings for her mentor. Other than that, this is a hoot.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Muse and Harper Muse Audiobooks for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

[Sara Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

** “Is it the very worst thing to be a fool? Or could it be worse to be so clouded by supposed justice, so consumed by ‘winning’ and revenge, that you lose all sense of decency?” **

Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne once gain join forces to bring us a story of revenge, bitterness and deception in “My Fair Frauds.”

Assistant stagehand Coraline O’Malley, aka Cora Mack, is looking to build some wealth so she can repurchase her family’s farm. But working a dead end job for a magician, she knows it’s an extreme long shot … until she meets Alice Archer at a party where the magic troupe is working. Posing as Grand Duchess Marie Charlotte Gabriella of Wurttemberg, a small Germanic principality “which has found itself in economic and political turmoil since joining the German Empire,” Alice draws Cora under her wing to pull off a grand scheme of revenge.

Targeting several of New York’s 1880s affluent families — the Peytons, Witts, Ames, Vandemeers and Ogdens — Alice wants to ruin them as they once ruined her own family.

As Alice and Cora work to gain the trust of the five families, they get closer and closer to their goal. Can they infiltrate the rich by proving them a fool, all while adding to their own wealth?

Authors Kelly and Thorne do an incredible job of intertwining their writing to create a fun, mysterious, thrilling plot with enigmatic and quirky characters, as well as wealthy ones that are easy to dislike. They also fill “My Fair Frauds” with several great themes, like “Pay as much mind to what people don’t say as what they do”; let go of the anger and choose to live (“This plan is a train, she reminds herself. And anger is its fuel.”); seeking justice; what happens when one is consumed by revenge; finding/making your own family; and can truth and fairness win over grift.

The story, which is due out Dec. 2, does contain some mild curse words, as well as some adult situations, including a taboo relationship.

Four stars out of five.

Harper Muse provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

[Sapna Reinant · Rating 3 out of 5]

A witty story set in the Gilded Age of New York, featuring socialites - both real and pretend; challenging and tricking the self-proclaimed purveyors of high society.
The book centers around Coraline/Cora O'Malley, a magician's apprentice who is sick of her measly income, and agrees to be recruited by an apparent Duchess of Germanic nation - only to become a part of an elaborate, high-rise/high- reward con. She takes to it readily, and manages to learn the society's customs and airs to endear herself into the lives of her marks.
The dialogues are snappy, the society learning curve a delight to read, and the flirtations are well written. The warm, impulsive Cora pairs perfectly as the M.C alongside the cool-headed, intelligent Alice, and their relationship evolution keeps you gripped to the pages. The past histories of Alice and her extended family, make her a sympathetic character despite some unscrupulous moves on her part.
The happy ending seemed a bit rushed, and the interpersonal relationships that Cora forms with her found-family could've been explored in more detail, as such it just felt glossed over. The twist at the end seemed a bit far-fetched, and the Cora’s romantic relationship lacked the depth to make it relevant.
Overall, this was a fun weekend read and I'm glad to have the opportunity to read and review this A.R.C.Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse.

Recommended if you like - Historical Fiction, New York High Society, The Gilded Age (TV Series), Edith Wharton's works, elaborate cons, quick/easy-to-read books

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Fair Frauds is a fun Gilded Age caper with two scrappy heroines at the center. Cora is working as a magician's assistant and making extra cash pickpocketing the audience at the end of each show with hopes she will be able to use the money to buy back her family's farm. Fate brings her together with The Grand Duchess Marie Charlotte Antonie of Linsbourg who is not who she says she is. Together these two women devise a plan to run a con on high society New York that will leave them with both money and satisfying revenge.

I read both the print and audio version of this book. The narration by Megan Trout was very well done. She was able to distinguish the characters well. I especially enjoyed how she performed Alice and Cora when they are putting on their Würrtemberg personas.

I appreciated the research that the author's did as part of their writing process. Their attention to detail created a lavish historical background for an entertaining, clever tale. It wasn't perfect, but it was a lot of fun!

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks, Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC.