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An Artful Dodge
Victorian London comes to vivid life in this riveting heist novel about an all-female thieving gang and one young woman’s heroic plan to escape a life of crime.
She’s stolen gems, purses, and hearts—but can she steal her life back from the ring of thieves that’s claimed it?
London, 1879: Twenty-year-old Kit Jimeson has fingers so nimble she can nick a necklace off a lady in a crowded theater without raising alarm. Kit and her dodge partner, Mary, are the highest earners in the notorious all-women thieving ring in South London’s Elephant and Castle district.
Kit, whose mother had been a thief before her, dreams of a different life, one where she’s not constantly on the lookout for constables and plainclothes detectives, and where a mistake or pure bad luck won’t land her in the hangman’s noose. She has been saving her earnings so her younger sister, a maid for a wealthy Mayfair family, might have a shot at respectability.
Kit is very close to leaving the life entirely when the legendary former thief Maggie O’Connell brings her plans to a halt. Beautiful, charismatic Maggie has returned to reclaim leadership of the ring after twenty years in a brutal Australian penal colony. But Maggie desires more than mere wealth or power: She longs for revenge against those who sent her away. Kit, with her quick mind and dangerously clever hands, is Maggie’s best weapon. If Kit wants to walk away with her life, she must carry out a heist that will demand every skill she possesses.
She’s stolen gems, purses, and hearts—but can she steal her life back from the ring of thieves that’s claimed it?
London, 1879: Twenty-year-old Kit Jimeson has fingers so nimble she can nick a necklace off a lady in a crowded theater without raising alarm. Kit and her dodge partner, Mary, are the highest earners in the notorious all-women thieving ring in South London’s Elephant and Castle district.
Kit, whose mother had been a thief before her, dreams of a different life, one where she’s not constantly on the lookout for constables and plainclothes detectives, and where a mistake or pure bad luck won’t land her in the hangman’s noose. She has been saving her earnings so her younger sister, a maid for a wealthy Mayfair family, might have a shot at respectability.
Kit is very close to leaving the life entirely when the legendary former thief Maggie O’Connell brings her plans to a halt. Beautiful, charismatic Maggie has returned to reclaim leadership of the ring after twenty years in a brutal Australian penal colony. But Maggie desires more than mere wealth or power: She longs for revenge against those who sent her away. Kit, with her quick mind and dangerously clever hands, is Maggie’s best weapon. If Kit wants to walk away with her life, she must carry out a heist that will demand every skill she possesses.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Karen Odden
11 books488 followersKaren received her Ph.D. in English literature from New York University and subsequently taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her first novel, A Lady in the Smoke, was a USA Today bestseller, and A Dangerous Duet and A Trace of Deceit have won awards for historical mystery and historical fiction. Her fourth mystery, Down a Dark River, introduces readers to Michael Corravan, a former thief and bare-knuckles boxer from Whitechapel who has become a Scotland Yard inspector in 1878 London. The sequel, Under a Veiled Moon, is available now in hardback, e-book, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 3, 2026
Got the audiobook for review from netgally.
Set in victorian England about a female thieving gang. We follow Kit as she navigates huge changes to the gang, her worries about her sister and a slow burn romance. (The romance is very light). Was easy to get immersed in the story and mysteries.
Set in victorian England about a female thieving gang. We follow Kit as she navigates huge changes to the gang, her worries about her sister and a slow burn romance. (The romance is very light). Was easy to get immersed in the story and mysteries.
March 15, 2026
I devoured this book.
I had always hoped for more Inspector Corravan books, but I don’t think I’ll get those, so I was excited Karen Odden had a new book out. Kit is part of a tight knit group of thieves and everything is threatened when the ring is taken over.
Great scene setting and pacing, if a lot of characters to learn all at once. Kit’s world is wonderfully drawn and you’re thrown right into the action. The slowly tightening net around Kit ratcheted the tension and had me turning the pages even as my anxiety rose. I wished for a different kind of retribution for the villain with public humiliation, but she still got what she deserved.
The description makes it sound like Kit desperately wants out from this life, but I never got that impression. She wants better for her sister, but she never was regretful about being a thief. This didn’t bother me, but the blurb implied she always dreamed of a better life. Kit is incredibly observant and perceptive, almost disbelievingly so. But she’s so likable and the story is so gripping I let it go.
Here’s hoping I won’t have to wait long for another Karen Odden historical mystery because they continue to be amazing!
4.5 I received an arc from NetGalley
I had always hoped for more Inspector Corravan books, but I don’t think I’ll get those, so I was excited Karen Odden had a new book out. Kit is part of a tight knit group of thieves and everything is threatened when the ring is taken over.
Great scene setting and pacing, if a lot of characters to learn all at once. Kit’s world is wonderfully drawn and you’re thrown right into the action. The slowly tightening net around Kit ratcheted the tension and had me turning the pages even as my anxiety rose. I wished for a different kind of retribution for the villain with public humiliation, but she still got what she deserved.
The description makes it sound like Kit desperately wants out from this life, but I never got that impression. She wants better for her sister, but she never was regretful about being a thief. This didn’t bother me, but the blurb implied she always dreamed of a better life. Kit is incredibly observant and perceptive, almost disbelievingly so. But she’s so likable and the story is so gripping I let it go.
Here’s hoping I won’t have to wait long for another Karen Odden historical mystery because they continue to be amazing!
4.5 I received an arc from NetGalley
June 1, 2026
There are far too few heist books coming out these days and perhaps part of the reason is that there are sterling examples like this one that show how interesting, suspenseful, and fun that kind of story can be. What a captivating read this was!
I caught myself thinking "I love this" during the very first scene. Our main character is a member of a ring of thieves who pick pockets, shop lift, and run other kinds of dodges. A past leader of their ring returns, forces their current leader out, and brings about big changes. Our main character has to figure out a way to pull off an impossible theft while protecting herself and the people she cares about. There's a romantic subplot that adds a sweet dimension to the story.
The writing shines here. Karen Odden has such a beautiful way with words! The atmosphere is gritty and fascinating. The motivations of our lead characters are powerfully conveyed. If you step back and think about how strongly you're rooting for thieves, you might laugh a little bit. This is just so well done.
I caught myself thinking "I love this" during the very first scene. Our main character is a member of a ring of thieves who pick pockets, shop lift, and run other kinds of dodges. A past leader of their ring returns, forces their current leader out, and brings about big changes. Our main character has to figure out a way to pull off an impossible theft while protecting herself and the people she cares about. There's a romantic subplot that adds a sweet dimension to the story.
The writing shines here. Karen Odden has such a beautiful way with words! The atmosphere is gritty and fascinating. The motivations of our lead characters are powerfully conveyed. If you step back and think about how strongly you're rooting for thieves, you might laugh a little bit. This is just so well done.
June 2, 2026
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ An Artful Dodge by Karen Odden ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
• 4/5 ☆ •
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
This is not my usual kind of book, but once I settled into the storytelling, I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I expected. Odden’s London is vivid and feels lived in. The noise, the grime, the crowded streets. It's easy to picture Kit moving through it all with the instincts of someone who has survived by being quick and clever.
Kit Jimeson is the heart of the story. She's a talented pickpocket and one of the top earners in an all women thieving ring, but her motivations are simple. Take care of her family and find a way out. She's written with a mix of grit and vulnerability that makes her easy to root for, especially as the pressure around her builds. I liked the tension in her choices, the way she weighs survival against the hope of something better. The stakes rise as Kit realizes how tangled the connections around her really are. The story stays grounded in character, but there are enough twists and turns to keep the momentum moving.
The audiobook narration is excellent. Anna Burnett brings the cast to life with clear, expressive delivery that fits the tone of the world. I was pleasantly surprised by how immersive the audio is. It really adds texture to the setting.
Overall, this is a well crafted historical crime story with a strong sense of place, a compelling heroine, and a cast of women trying to survive a world that gives them very few choices. I'm glad I gave it a chance.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
If you like:
✔️ Victorian heists
✔️ all women crime crews
✔️ morally grey heroines
✔️ historical crime fiction
✔️ stories about survival and loyalty
✔️ immersive audiobooks
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
📅 Pub Day: June 02, 2026 🎧📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from RBMedia. All opinions are my own.
• 4/5 ☆ •
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
This is not my usual kind of book, but once I settled into the storytelling, I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I expected. Odden’s London is vivid and feels lived in. The noise, the grime, the crowded streets. It's easy to picture Kit moving through it all with the instincts of someone who has survived by being quick and clever.
Kit Jimeson is the heart of the story. She's a talented pickpocket and one of the top earners in an all women thieving ring, but her motivations are simple. Take care of her family and find a way out. She's written with a mix of grit and vulnerability that makes her easy to root for, especially as the pressure around her builds. I liked the tension in her choices, the way she weighs survival against the hope of something better. The stakes rise as Kit realizes how tangled the connections around her really are. The story stays grounded in character, but there are enough twists and turns to keep the momentum moving.
The audiobook narration is excellent. Anna Burnett brings the cast to life with clear, expressive delivery that fits the tone of the world. I was pleasantly surprised by how immersive the audio is. It really adds texture to the setting.
Overall, this is a well crafted historical crime story with a strong sense of place, a compelling heroine, and a cast of women trying to survive a world that gives them very few choices. I'm glad I gave it a chance.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
If you like:
✔️ Victorian heists
✔️ all women crime crews
✔️ morally grey heroines
✔️ historical crime fiction
✔️ stories about survival and loyalty
✔️ immersive audiobooks
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
📅 Pub Day: June 02, 2026 🎧📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from RBMedia. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
This is officially one of my top 3 favorite books of 2026. I loved everything about this book. The heists, the found family, a strong, clever FMC, mystery, and suspense. Absolutely everything I love in a book.
Kit is one of my favorite characters that I’ve read about in a long time! She’s strong, smart, and is always looking out for everyone else. I found myself relating a lot to her! Kit also wasn’t annoying in the way that other strong and opinionated FMC’s can be. This book was a whole new twist on historical fiction, and I ate it up.
I loved the heist aspect of the book and all of the information I learned (fact and fiction) about the thieving rings of London. I have really never heard anything about them, so it was really interesting to see how the thieving rings worked.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I will definitely be picking this book up again.
Kit is one of my favorite characters that I’ve read about in a long time! She’s strong, smart, and is always looking out for everyone else. I found myself relating a lot to her! Kit also wasn’t annoying in the way that other strong and opinionated FMC’s can be. This book was a whole new twist on historical fiction, and I ate it up.
I loved the heist aspect of the book and all of the information I learned (fact and fiction) about the thieving rings of London. I have really never heard anything about them, so it was really interesting to see how the thieving rings worked.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I will definitely be picking this book up again.
May 28, 2026
In Victorian London Kit is part of an all-female theft ring. And she's one of the best. WIth her younger sister in service and desperate for Kit to leave thieving, Kit is looking to make enough money to feel stable. Since Kit's father left and her mother died several years ago, the sisters only have each other, and their work.
When the theft ring is unexpectedly taken over by a different woman, Kit suspects their new leader has a hidden agenda, and the safety of the girls is nowhere on the list. As Kit is drawn into a dangerous dodge to protect those she loves, she will have to use all of her skills to extricate herself from a deadly game of cat and mouse. Can she save her sister and the other girls?
When the theft ring is unexpectedly taken over by a different woman, Kit suspects their new leader has a hidden agenda, and the safety of the girls is nowhere on the list. As Kit is drawn into a dangerous dodge to protect those she loves, she will have to use all of her skills to extricate herself from a deadly game of cat and mouse. Can she save her sister and the other girls?
June 2, 2026
A slow story that asks the question, am I being brought through the crime or being tricked? The characters were each complex in a way that separated intentions and actions. The interwoven history with the horrors of the time gave a realistic image of the setting. The romance, friendship and found family were used well in a way that gave hope to the narrative. The pacing was slow, but it was consistent. Kit was a great heroine to follow, as she learned to trust her instincts. The twists and the reveals were done in a way that had me saying, 'what' out loud! Overall a great story!
June 2, 2026
Second generation thief Kit Jimeson is part of an all-female thieving gang in Victorian London. Karen Odden brings the dark streets and bright shops of London to life in An Artful Dodge. Kit and her partners use their nimble fingers to enrich themselves and their ring, while always on the lookout for plainclothes detectives and police. Being caught can lead to the noose or a one-way sentence to Australia. Odden ratchets up the suspense as Kit is forced into a high stakes heist. If there is a sequel, I'll be there! Thanks to Netgalley and Soho Press for a chance to read an advance copy.
June 2, 2026
Fantastic work! This was a very intriguing and captivating read. The reader was amazingly talented and did a great job with the dialogue. The mysterious characters and plot are unique.
June 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for an advanced preview of the audiobook.
Karen Odden’s An Artful Dodge gets right into the story, which I really liked. There’s no long buildup before things start happening, and I was pulled into Kit’s world pretty quickly. In fact, I listened to 50% of the audiobook in a single day because I kept wanting to know what would happen next.
One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the book’s description, which makes it sound like Kit is trying to leave her life of thievery behind. That wasn’t really my take. Before Maggie showed up, Kit actually seemed to have a pretty good thing going. As good as a thief’s life can be, anyway. To me, she’s mostly just trying to get by while looking after her sister and the people she cares about. She doesn’t seem all that focused on turning over a new leaf so much as dealing with the chaos that suddenly lands in her lap.
The story really picked up for me when the leadership changed and Maggie, a woman connected to Kit’s late mother, showed up. That added an interesting new layer to the story and gave the plot a nice boost.
My favorite parts were Kit’s observations and inner thoughts when she was sizing up potential marks. Those scenes were really interesting and showed just how sharp and skilled she is. I will incorporate these should I ever decide to become a thief.
I also enjoyed all the details about everyday life in Victorian England. Odden does a great job making the setting feel vivid, from the huge gap between social classes to the everyday struggle of getting by. The historical details never felt forced and helped me feel immersed in Kit’s world without slowing the story down.
On the downside, Kit spends a lot of time worrying, and after a while all the fretting started to get a little repetitive. It’s understandable given everything she’s dealing with, but it did wear on me at times.
Anna Burnett does an excellent job as the narrator. She brings Kit’s voice to life and does a great job distinguishing between characters, which made it easy to stay engaged with the story. Her performance added to the overall experience and kept me invested in what was happening.
I also really appreciated the author’s note at the end. It was interesting to learn how Odden came up with the idea for the story, and I liked that she included recommendations for further reading. Those extra details added some helpful historical context and made me even more interested in the real-world inspirations behind the novel.
Overall, this was a fun historical mystery with a likable heroine and an engaging plot. I’d especially recommend it to readers who enjoy Victorian London, clever thieves, and stories about women doing whatever they have to do to protect the people they love.
Karen Odden’s An Artful Dodge gets right into the story, which I really liked. There’s no long buildup before things start happening, and I was pulled into Kit’s world pretty quickly. In fact, I listened to 50% of the audiobook in a single day because I kept wanting to know what would happen next.
One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the book’s description, which makes it sound like Kit is trying to leave her life of thievery behind. That wasn’t really my take. Before Maggie showed up, Kit actually seemed to have a pretty good thing going. As good as a thief’s life can be, anyway. To me, she’s mostly just trying to get by while looking after her sister and the people she cares about. She doesn’t seem all that focused on turning over a new leaf so much as dealing with the chaos that suddenly lands in her lap.
The story really picked up for me when the leadership changed and Maggie, a woman connected to Kit’s late mother, showed up. That added an interesting new layer to the story and gave the plot a nice boost.
My favorite parts were Kit’s observations and inner thoughts when she was sizing up potential marks. Those scenes were really interesting and showed just how sharp and skilled she is. I will incorporate these should I ever decide to become a thief.
I also enjoyed all the details about everyday life in Victorian England. Odden does a great job making the setting feel vivid, from the huge gap between social classes to the everyday struggle of getting by. The historical details never felt forced and helped me feel immersed in Kit’s world without slowing the story down.
On the downside, Kit spends a lot of time worrying, and after a while all the fretting started to get a little repetitive. It’s understandable given everything she’s dealing with, but it did wear on me at times.
Anna Burnett does an excellent job as the narrator. She brings Kit’s voice to life and does a great job distinguishing between characters, which made it easy to stay engaged with the story. Her performance added to the overall experience and kept me invested in what was happening.
I also really appreciated the author’s note at the end. It was interesting to learn how Odden came up with the idea for the story, and I liked that she included recommendations for further reading. Those extra details added some helpful historical context and made me even more interested in the real-world inspirations behind the novel.
Overall, this was a fun historical mystery with a likable heroine and an engaging plot. I’d especially recommend it to readers who enjoy Victorian London, clever thieves, and stories about women doing whatever they have to do to protect the people they love.
June 5, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up.
“The city was full of people pretending to be something they were not.”
An Artful Dodge follows Kit, a young woman living within a Victorian London thieving ring, whose life becomes increasingly complicated when a dangerous job pulls her into a web of secrets, stolen jewels and murder.
I absolutely flew through this one. Kit was a fantastic protagonist; intelligent, resourceful and impossible not to like. I loved following her journey and became completely invested in what happened to her. The supporting cast was equally strong, particularly the members of the thieving ring. Their friendships, loyalties and tensions added so much depth to the story and made the characters feel incredibly real.
The Victorian London setting was one of my favourite aspects of the book. The descriptions were vivid and atmospheric, bringing both the glamour and the grime of the city to life. I could picture every street, alleyway and room.
The plot was layered and cleverly constructed, with multiple threads gradually weaving together. There was always something new to uncover and I found myself eager to keep reading “just one more chapter.”
Most of all, this was simply a hugely enjoyable read. It was exactly the kind of historical fiction I love: character-driven, atmospheric and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
“The city was full of people pretending to be something they were not.”
An Artful Dodge follows Kit, a young woman living within a Victorian London thieving ring, whose life becomes increasingly complicated when a dangerous job pulls her into a web of secrets, stolen jewels and murder.
I absolutely flew through this one. Kit was a fantastic protagonist; intelligent, resourceful and impossible not to like. I loved following her journey and became completely invested in what happened to her. The supporting cast was equally strong, particularly the members of the thieving ring. Their friendships, loyalties and tensions added so much depth to the story and made the characters feel incredibly real.
The Victorian London setting was one of my favourite aspects of the book. The descriptions were vivid and atmospheric, bringing both the glamour and the grime of the city to life. I could picture every street, alleyway and room.
The plot was layered and cleverly constructed, with multiple threads gradually weaving together. There was always something new to uncover and I found myself eager to keep reading “just one more chapter.”
Most of all, this was simply a hugely enjoyable read. It was exactly the kind of historical fiction I love: character-driven, atmospheric and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
June 5, 2026
Kit, an intelligent young woman in a thieving ring in Victorian England, has a lot to lose when the ring is to be turned over to a new manager. After the death of her mother, Kit is barely making ends meet. We know she is scrimping and saving to support herself and her younger sister, yet Kit's an "honorable" thief who turns in cash she pickpocketed in addition to the objects of her assigned lift (or "dodge"). All this is to make her sympathetic to us reader... which works, because we want Kit to succeed, not just in her "dodges" but in eventually making an honest life for herself and her sister.
It's a story that recounts the deplorable conditions of the time while crafting a spunky heroine who might just beat the odds. The audiobook is very well narrated and was an excellent companion to a full day of gardening! 4.4 stars
My thanks to the author, publisher, @RecordedBooks, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #AnArtfulDodge for review purposes. It is currently available.
It's a story that recounts the deplorable conditions of the time while crafting a spunky heroine who might just beat the odds. The audiobook is very well narrated and was an excellent companion to a full day of gardening! 4.4 stars
My thanks to the author, publisher, @RecordedBooks, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #AnArtfulDodge for review purposes. It is currently available.
June 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
An Artful Dodge is a fast paced historical fiction read that centers around a thief named Kit. She may be known for her efficiency as a thief, but she desires to build a different life. Her plan to save enough money and leave the life behind slips away when someone from the past seeks revenge on Kit.
An Artful Dodge is a book that checks many boxes including romance, family, strong and powerful women, and a future worth fighting for. I enjoyed this story so much, but did not feel that I could really immerse myself in the audiobook. The narrator still did a great job in voicing many diverse roles and keeping them separate from each other.
An Artful Dodge is a fast paced historical fiction read that centers around a thief named Kit. She may be known for her efficiency as a thief, but she desires to build a different life. Her plan to save enough money and leave the life behind slips away when someone from the past seeks revenge on Kit.
An Artful Dodge is a book that checks many boxes including romance, family, strong and powerful women, and a future worth fighting for. I enjoyed this story so much, but did not feel that I could really immerse myself in the audiobook. The narrator still did a great job in voicing many diverse roles and keeping them separate from each other.
June 2, 2026
I loved this book. Karen Odden has such a unique style - simple, yet full of detail. The world lived in here is dangerous and thrilling, yet none of the characters are ever over-the-top. Narrator Anna Burnett’s performance was hugely impactful by keeping the characters’ tones calm and melodic. She truly made listening to this story a pleasure.
May 30, 2026
Fast-paced and incredibly bingeable. Following a member of an all female thieving group set in the Victorian Era. The setting is absolutely palpable and the characters are extremely likeable despite the morally grey lives they seem to lead. Will definitely be looking into the author’s other books.
Devoured this book! And the Audiobook is amazing!!
Audiobook ARC received from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
Devoured this book! And the Audiobook is amazing!!
Audiobook ARC received from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
May 13, 2026
Review of advanced copy: not my typical read, but a story so well crafted it pulled me right in. I loved the characters for not being too over the top and imagery on some of the rougher classes of Victorian London. I can see this being made in to a petty enjoyable movie.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
London, 1879—not a great time to be poor. Kit works three jobs to make ends meet and two of them are legal. She constantly worries over money: what will happen to her sister if there isn't enough money? If she gets sick and they can't afford a doctor? If Kit can't earn enough to take care of them? She saves as much as possible, but can't bring herself to leave the all-women theiving ring she's a part of because, despite the risk, it brings in good money. The other women are more than friends, many are a second family to her. As clever as the tricks these women use are, we are never shown their crimes as glamourous or fun—they steal because they have to, from people and places that can afford to lose it.
Kit and the rest of the cast in An Artful Dodge are well-drawn and relatable. In similar situations, what would anyone do to survive, and protect a beloved family member? The gang members are loyal to each other in the face of danger and hardship, and that support is echoed by other members of the community. Even minor characters are written in a fully three-dimensional style—the reader can easily see them sitting around a pub's fireplace, telling stories and drinking after a hard day, and feel like you could almost join them for a round.
The pacing was fast and exciting throughout the book: as the danger to Kit increased, tension built and I couldn't wait to see what would happen and how she would get out of the danger Maggie was weaving around her. But one of the things that struck me was that even Maggie is never painted as a total villain. She does terrible things, but the reader (and even Kit to an extent) is able to understand her point of view. As much as loyalty and family are the backbone of this book, so is the question: what makes a monster? Can one ever turn back from a course of vengeance? Does one crime cause another, or do we have choices in life? Maggie believes in vengeance, that actions have consequences and she returns to England to make that happen. But Kit finds herself asking questions that easily can be asked in situations today: where should that circle of vengeance end?
As always, some of Karen Odden's most brilliant writing is in her depictions of Victorian London. From the Thames River to the streets of South London's Elephant and Castle district, to the fanciest jewelry shops of Holbourn, every inch of the city feels alive, as if you could walk it next to Kit.
An Artful Dodge is a masterful Victorian mystery adventure that historical mystery readers will love!
I received an ARC of this book from Soho Crime and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Kit and the rest of the cast in An Artful Dodge are well-drawn and relatable. In similar situations, what would anyone do to survive, and protect a beloved family member? The gang members are loyal to each other in the face of danger and hardship, and that support is echoed by other members of the community. Even minor characters are written in a fully three-dimensional style—the reader can easily see them sitting around a pub's fireplace, telling stories and drinking after a hard day, and feel like you could almost join them for a round.
The pacing was fast and exciting throughout the book: as the danger to Kit increased, tension built and I couldn't wait to see what would happen and how she would get out of the danger Maggie was weaving around her. But one of the things that struck me was that even Maggie is never painted as a total villain. She does terrible things, but the reader (and even Kit to an extent) is able to understand her point of view. As much as loyalty and family are the backbone of this book, so is the question: what makes a monster? Can one ever turn back from a course of vengeance? Does one crime cause another, or do we have choices in life? Maggie believes in vengeance, that actions have consequences and she returns to England to make that happen. But Kit finds herself asking questions that easily can be asked in situations today: where should that circle of vengeance end?
As always, some of Karen Odden's most brilliant writing is in her depictions of Victorian London. From the Thames River to the streets of South London's Elephant and Castle district, to the fanciest jewelry shops of Holbourn, every inch of the city feels alive, as if you could walk it next to Kit.
An Artful Dodge is a masterful Victorian mystery adventure that historical mystery readers will love!
I received an ARC of this book from Soho Crime and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 4, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
My favorite genre in historical is mysteries and I am so pleased Karen Odden invited me to read her latest, An Artful Dodge. (The ebook has a character list at the start, with no info similar in the audio, which was helpful for spelling and clear definition of relationships.) The story follows a talented young thief, Kit who has worked for a ring most of her life since teens. Her single mother died leaving her with a younger sister Sara to support. Sarah is now in service and enjoying it. But changes are afoot at the thieves ring with the old leader's daughter coming back to run it.
Maggie, the old leader's daughter is first cousin to Amelia who has run things for awhile. Amelia has instituted safety measures and savings for the ring. The ring provides a place to live, costumes and some training. Each thief has a "jenny" to make a distraction while the theft happens.
I loved Kit but I worried for her greatly. Yes, she is smart, skilled and experienced, but the "police" are working with the shop owners and making strides in anti-theft as well. Kit has her allies like Amelia, Emma whose shop she does needlework, James (Emma's brother), and Mary who is her "jenny." James was a smuggler, convicted and now gone straight, who has always been sweet on Kit, helping her and Sarah. I liked James a lot.
I don't want to spoil this excellent story. Things change with Maggie pushing out Amelia and not for the better. She goes along with everyone scrutinizing their work. Then she wants Kit to do a very dangerous job. Kit doesn't see how it can work the way it is planned. Kit has to use all her skills and friends to get out of this one alive.
An Artful Dodge was suspenseful for me and so clever. I enjoyed learning about thieving during this era, more than the plight of women that make it more necessary. The characters were so well drawn and the world with its historical aspects. The ending was very satisfying.
Narration:
I do not believe I have listened to Anna Burnett previously. Her performance was so enjoyable with its clear voices, with accents as appropriate. Female tones are slightly higher and males a bit deeper. I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
My favorite genre in historical is mysteries and I am so pleased Karen Odden invited me to read her latest, An Artful Dodge. (The ebook has a character list at the start, with no info similar in the audio, which was helpful for spelling and clear definition of relationships.) The story follows a talented young thief, Kit who has worked for a ring most of her life since teens. Her single mother died leaving her with a younger sister Sara to support. Sarah is now in service and enjoying it. But changes are afoot at the thieves ring with the old leader's daughter coming back to run it.
Maggie, the old leader's daughter is first cousin to Amelia who has run things for awhile. Amelia has instituted safety measures and savings for the ring. The ring provides a place to live, costumes and some training. Each thief has a "jenny" to make a distraction while the theft happens.
I loved Kit but I worried for her greatly. Yes, she is smart, skilled and experienced, but the "police" are working with the shop owners and making strides in anti-theft as well. Kit has her allies like Amelia, Emma whose shop she does needlework, James (Emma's brother), and Mary who is her "jenny." James was a smuggler, convicted and now gone straight, who has always been sweet on Kit, helping her and Sarah. I liked James a lot.
I don't want to spoil this excellent story. Things change with Maggie pushing out Amelia and not for the better. She goes along with everyone scrutinizing their work. Then she wants Kit to do a very dangerous job. Kit doesn't see how it can work the way it is planned. Kit has to use all her skills and friends to get out of this one alive.
An Artful Dodge was suspenseful for me and so clever. I enjoyed learning about thieving during this era, more than the plight of women that make it more necessary. The characters were so well drawn and the world with its historical aspects. The ending was very satisfying.
Narration:
I do not believe I have listened to Anna Burnett previously. Her performance was so enjoyable with its clear voices, with accents as appropriate. Female tones are slightly higher and males a bit deeper. I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
June 4, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
My favorite genre in historical is mysteries and I am so pleased Karen Odden invited me to read her latest, An Artful Dodge. (The ebook has a character list at the start, with no info similar in the audio, which was helpful for spelling and clear definition of relationships.) The story follows a talented young thief, Kit who has worked for a ring most of her life since teens. Her single mother died leaving her with a younger sister Sara to support. Sarah is now in service and enjoying it. But changes are afoot at the thieves ring with the old leader's daughter coming back to run it.
Maggie, the old leader's daughter is first cousin to Amelia who has run things for awhile. Amelia has instituted safety measures and savings for the ring. The ring provides a place to live, costumes and some training. Each thief has a "jenny" to make a distraction while the theft happens.
I loved Kit but I worried for her greatly. Yes, she is smart, skilled and experienced, but the "police" are working with the shop owners and making strides in anti-theft as well. Kit has her allies like Amelia, Emma whose shop she does needlework, James (Emma's brother), and Mary who is her "jenny." James was a smuggler, convicted and now gone straight, who has always been sweet on Kit, helping her and Sarah. I liked James a lot.
I don't want to spoil this excellent story. Things change with Maggie pushing out Amelia and not for the better. She goes along with everyone scrutinizing their work. Then she wants Kit to do a very dangerous job. Kit doesn't see how it can work the way it is planned. Kit has to use all her skills and friends to get out of this one alive.
An Artful Dodge was suspenseful for me and so clever. I enjoyed learning about thieving during this era, more than the plight of women that make it more necessary. The characters were so well drawn and the world with its historical aspects. The ending was very satisfying.
Review copy was received from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
My favorite genre in historical is mysteries and I am so pleased Karen Odden invited me to read her latest, An Artful Dodge. (The ebook has a character list at the start, with no info similar in the audio, which was helpful for spelling and clear definition of relationships.) The story follows a talented young thief, Kit who has worked for a ring most of her life since teens. Her single mother died leaving her with a younger sister Sara to support. Sarah is now in service and enjoying it. But changes are afoot at the thieves ring with the old leader's daughter coming back to run it.
Maggie, the old leader's daughter is first cousin to Amelia who has run things for awhile. Amelia has instituted safety measures and savings for the ring. The ring provides a place to live, costumes and some training. Each thief has a "jenny" to make a distraction while the theft happens.
I loved Kit but I worried for her greatly. Yes, she is smart, skilled and experienced, but the "police" are working with the shop owners and making strides in anti-theft as well. Kit has her allies like Amelia, Emma whose shop she does needlework, James (Emma's brother), and Mary who is her "jenny." James was a smuggler, convicted and now gone straight, who has always been sweet on Kit, helping her and Sarah. I liked James a lot.
I don't want to spoil this excellent story. Things change with Maggie pushing out Amelia and not for the better. She goes along with everyone scrutinizing their work. Then she wants Kit to do a very dangerous job. Kit doesn't see how it can work the way it is planned. Kit has to use all her skills and friends to get out of this one alive.
An Artful Dodge was suspenseful for me and so clever. I enjoyed learning about thieving during this era, more than the plight of women that make it more necessary. The characters were so well drawn and the world with its historical aspects. The ending was very satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adored this.
I went into this expecting “solid historical crime fiction” and instead got completely swept away by one of the most immersive, heartfelt, compulsively listenable audiobook experiences I’ve had in ages.
Imagine the criminal underworld atmosphere and female-led tension of Fingersmith mixed with the found-family charm, camaraderie, and criminal scheming energy of The Lies of Locke Lamora — but wrapped in a beautifully readable Victorian setting that never once disappears into slow, self-indulgent historical-fiction padding.
This book understands something many historical novels forget: atmosphere only works if the story is alive underneath it.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Not because of shocking twists or nonstop action, but because the world felt lived in, the characters instantly mattered, and every scene carried momentum. Even while laying groundwork, the story was deeply engaging. I actually found myself listening at normal speed — which basically never happens for me with audiobooks — because I was genuinely savouring the experience rather than racing toward the ending.
And then the tension just keeps tightening.
The stakes rise naturally and effectively, but what really made this special for me was the warmth running beneath the danger. In a world full of hardship, scams, survival, and shifting loyalties, there are still moments of kindness, decency, loyalty, and hope that make the entire story feel emotionally satisfying rather than bleak. Some of the side characters genuinely restored my faith in humanity.
There’s also a slight romantic thread woven through the story, and it’s handled exactly the way I love: quietly, minimally, naturally, and beautifully. No melodrama. No hijacking the plot. Just emotional honesty and tenderness emerging organically through the story.
And the audiobook narration by Anna Burnett was phenomenal. Clear, immersive, expressive without being overacted, and incredibly easy to follow. She elevated an already excellent story into something I genuinely didn’t want to leave.
This was one of those rare books where the journey itself became the reward. I didn’t want to rush it. I wanted to stay inside it.
Huge thanks to RBmedia and Recorded Books for the ALC via NetGalley. This was an absolute joy.
I went into this expecting “solid historical crime fiction” and instead got completely swept away by one of the most immersive, heartfelt, compulsively listenable audiobook experiences I’ve had in ages.
Imagine the criminal underworld atmosphere and female-led tension of Fingersmith mixed with the found-family charm, camaraderie, and criminal scheming energy of The Lies of Locke Lamora — but wrapped in a beautifully readable Victorian setting that never once disappears into slow, self-indulgent historical-fiction padding.
This book understands something many historical novels forget: atmosphere only works if the story is alive underneath it.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Not because of shocking twists or nonstop action, but because the world felt lived in, the characters instantly mattered, and every scene carried momentum. Even while laying groundwork, the story was deeply engaging. I actually found myself listening at normal speed — which basically never happens for me with audiobooks — because I was genuinely savouring the experience rather than racing toward the ending.
And then the tension just keeps tightening.
The stakes rise naturally and effectively, but what really made this special for me was the warmth running beneath the danger. In a world full of hardship, scams, survival, and shifting loyalties, there are still moments of kindness, decency, loyalty, and hope that make the entire story feel emotionally satisfying rather than bleak. Some of the side characters genuinely restored my faith in humanity.
There’s also a slight romantic thread woven through the story, and it’s handled exactly the way I love: quietly, minimally, naturally, and beautifully. No melodrama. No hijacking the plot. Just emotional honesty and tenderness emerging organically through the story.
And the audiobook narration by Anna Burnett was phenomenal. Clear, immersive, expressive without being overacted, and incredibly easy to follow. She elevated an already excellent story into something I genuinely didn’t want to leave.
This was one of those rare books where the journey itself became the reward. I didn’t want to rush it. I wanted to stay inside it.
Huge thanks to RBmedia and Recorded Books for the ALC via NetGalley. This was an absolute joy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Artful Dodge is another excellent, well-researched and -written historical thriller by Karen Odden. The pace and tension build steadily, characters are intriguing and endearing, and the betrayal-revenge-justice maneuvering is pitch perfect. It’s gripping, unputdownable, action-packed women’s historical fiction done right and I highly recommend it.
The real-life Forty Elephants women’s crime syndicate—who specialized in highly-skilled and coordinated shoplifting and theft—is truly fascinating 19th/20th century history and I really enjoyed Ms. Odden’s spin on it. She transports readers into the heart of a similar ring of women thieves, peopled with sympathetic characters, an impossible dodge (heist), and the desperate circumstances in which 20-year-old leading lady Kit Jimeson finds herself.
Kit’s a tremendously clever heroine, observant, quick-witted, and fiercely loyal to and protective of her family, friends and literal partners-in-crime. She’s caught between a rock and a hard place, knows it’s an impossible mission that will probably lead to her death, but will risk anything to save her kidnapped 14-year-old sister. With no good options, she creates an audacious scheme to commit the crime, save her sister, protect her friends, get justice and get away. The heist is whip smart, well-choreographed, totally brazen and nerve-wracking in the best way. It’s completely engrossing, off-the-charts tension and classic one-more-chapter excitement.
Kit is bold, brave, shrewd and strategic, and as each precise stage of the meticulous plan unfolds, she becomes more remarkable. Sarah, James, Mary and Amelia are sympathetic, three-dimensional supporting characters who shape and enrich the story. Kit’s love, loyalty and decency is rock solid and unwavering, ratcheting up the suspense and making the stakes that much more urgent. It’s simply riveting and I loved the satisfying denouement.
Might there be a sequel to Kit’s story? Who knows, but in the epilogue, we get a delicious tease of what could come next and I’m so here for it.
Many thanks to Soho Press | Soho Crime and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC. This is my honest, unbiased review.
The real-life Forty Elephants women’s crime syndicate—who specialized in highly-skilled and coordinated shoplifting and theft—is truly fascinating 19th/20th century history and I really enjoyed Ms. Odden’s spin on it. She transports readers into the heart of a similar ring of women thieves, peopled with sympathetic characters, an impossible dodge (heist), and the desperate circumstances in which 20-year-old leading lady Kit Jimeson finds herself.
Kit’s a tremendously clever heroine, observant, quick-witted, and fiercely loyal to and protective of her family, friends and literal partners-in-crime. She’s caught between a rock and a hard place, knows it’s an impossible mission that will probably lead to her death, but will risk anything to save her kidnapped 14-year-old sister. With no good options, she creates an audacious scheme to commit the crime, save her sister, protect her friends, get justice and get away. The heist is whip smart, well-choreographed, totally brazen and nerve-wracking in the best way. It’s completely engrossing, off-the-charts tension and classic one-more-chapter excitement.
Kit is bold, brave, shrewd and strategic, and as each precise stage of the meticulous plan unfolds, she becomes more remarkable. Sarah, James, Mary and Amelia are sympathetic, three-dimensional supporting characters who shape and enrich the story. Kit’s love, loyalty and decency is rock solid and unwavering, ratcheting up the suspense and making the stakes that much more urgent. It’s simply riveting and I loved the satisfying denouement.
Might there be a sequel to Kit’s story? Who knows, but in the epilogue, we get a delicious tease of what could come next and I’m so here for it.
Many thanks to Soho Press | Soho Crime and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Artful Dodge is a Victorian-era historical fiction novel about a ring of poor female thieves in England who stole jewelry from wealthy men and women for their livelihood. Although immoral in nature, their thieving methods were well-researched by the author and based on real-life history.
I found it interesting to learn about how they lived, and how they chose and conducted their thieving. I recommend listening to the author's notes at the end of the book to learn more about fact versus fiction in this story. The main characters were put into tough situations that forced them to make choices they would otherwise not make in order to protect their family members. My eyes were opened to some of the hardships these women faced and why they were forced to live this lifestyle.
If you liked "The Exiles" by Christina Baker Kline or "The Eights" by Joanna Miller, you'll want to pick up this book with similar vibes.
Audiobook Notes: The narrator's voice was excellent and believable with a great lower-class British accent. The audiobook was easy to listen to and I recommend it!
Content Considerations: Sexual assault recounted (not explicitly detailed), one scene of almost-seduction with some mild details, implied intimacy between unmarried couple (mentioned not described), no profanity that I can remember, no spice.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author or publisher.
I found it interesting to learn about how they lived, and how they chose and conducted their thieving. I recommend listening to the author's notes at the end of the book to learn more about fact versus fiction in this story. The main characters were put into tough situations that forced them to make choices they would otherwise not make in order to protect their family members. My eyes were opened to some of the hardships these women faced and why they were forced to live this lifestyle.
If you liked "The Exiles" by Christina Baker Kline or "The Eights" by Joanna Miller, you'll want to pick up this book with similar vibes.
Audiobook Notes: The narrator's voice was excellent and believable with a great lower-class British accent. The audiobook was easy to listen to and I recommend it!
Content Considerations: Sexual assault recounted (not explicitly detailed), one scene of almost-seduction with some mild details, implied intimacy between unmarried couple (mentioned not described), no profanity that I can remember, no spice.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author or publisher.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a great story and a wonderful audiobook, and I highly recommend it for historical fiction and historical mystery readers.
The book description is spot on. Kit is a young Victorian who is a member of an all-female theft ring. She’s been through a lot in her life and has a younger sister she tries to protect from the dark side of life in London. She wants to leave the ring but can’t afford to do it yet. Her strength and smarts shine through the foggy streets.
The writing was straightforward and the descriptions were terrific. Kit observes her world with an eye for beauty in an ugly environment. I could visualize the sooty rooftops, the smoky pubs, and the creaking floors.
The characters aren’t necessarily unique, but they are either likeable or despicable. Maggie, especially, is introduced as a mystery but grows more shady on every appearance. Sarah shows more backbone than expected, and I cheered her on. James was a bit too good to be true, in my opinion, but still appealing.
The plot was easy to follow and there were several hair-raising action sequences. Pacing was excellent; I never felt bogged down. The ending was satisfactory, and the author’s notes were very interesting. Content: some violence, implied adult situations, no foul language.
The audiobook was fabulously narrated by Anna Burnett. Sound was crystal clear and timing was exact. I recommend this format!
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book description is spot on. Kit is a young Victorian who is a member of an all-female theft ring. She’s been through a lot in her life and has a younger sister she tries to protect from the dark side of life in London. She wants to leave the ring but can’t afford to do it yet. Her strength and smarts shine through the foggy streets.
The writing was straightforward and the descriptions were terrific. Kit observes her world with an eye for beauty in an ugly environment. I could visualize the sooty rooftops, the smoky pubs, and the creaking floors.
The characters aren’t necessarily unique, but they are either likeable or despicable. Maggie, especially, is introduced as a mystery but grows more shady on every appearance. Sarah shows more backbone than expected, and I cheered her on. James was a bit too good to be true, in my opinion, but still appealing.
The plot was easy to follow and there were several hair-raising action sequences. Pacing was excellent; I never felt bogged down. The ending was satisfactory, and the author’s notes were very interesting. Content: some violence, implied adult situations, no foul language.
The audiobook was fabulously narrated by Anna Burnett. Sound was crystal clear and timing was exact. I recommend this format!
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance copy of An Artful Dodge by Karen Odden, and once again, she delivers a richly immersive and compelling story.
Set in Victorian England, the novel follows a ring of thieves struggling to survive in a time of deep poverty. While their way of life is undeniably criminal, the author portrays their desperation with such nuance and humanity that I found myself rooting for them. Their loyalty to one another—especially in the face of real danger—adds emotional weight to the story and makes their choices feel both understandable and deeply affecting.
At the center of the novel is a daring and seemingly impossible heist, and part of the suspense comes from wondering how they could possibly pull it off. The tension builds steadily, keeping me fully engaged throughout.
Karen Odden’s strength lies not only in her storytelling but also in her clear command of the historical setting. Her research shines through in the vivid details of Victorian life, adding depth and authenticity without ever slowing the pace.
Overall, An Artful Dodge is a gripping, character-driven story that blends historical richness with suspense and heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #anartfuldodge #NetGalley
Set in Victorian England, the novel follows a ring of thieves struggling to survive in a time of deep poverty. While their way of life is undeniably criminal, the author portrays their desperation with such nuance and humanity that I found myself rooting for them. Their loyalty to one another—especially in the face of real danger—adds emotional weight to the story and makes their choices feel both understandable and deeply affecting.
At the center of the novel is a daring and seemingly impossible heist, and part of the suspense comes from wondering how they could possibly pull it off. The tension builds steadily, keeping me fully engaged throughout.
Karen Odden’s strength lies not only in her storytelling but also in her clear command of the historical setting. Her research shines through in the vivid details of Victorian life, adding depth and authenticity without ever slowing the pace.
Overall, An Artful Dodge is a gripping, character-driven story that blends historical richness with suspense and heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #anartfuldodge #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“An Artful Dodge” by Karen Odden is well-written, with historical depth and accuracy and well-developed characters. The protagonist, Kit Jimeson, is someone I cared about. She is smart, capable, and relatable. She also happens to be the part of a female thieving band in 1879 London. Karen Odden’s research and understanding of this period informs her characters, her setting, and the events of the novel. “An Artful Dodge” is based on a historical crime gang who worked out of the Elephant and Castle District of London. The city is accurately mapped and the various districts and divisions become known to the reader as Kit moves through London. Kit’s keen skills of observation are necessary for her survival. They also make her a great protagonist. It is a privilege to spend time with her and understand the world through her experiences. The novel brings both the Elephant and Castle District, and the city of London in the late 1800’s, to life. I highly recommend “An Artful Dodge” to readers of historical fiction and women’s fiction, as well as to those who are drawn to crime and adventure novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and SoHo press for access to this ARC. This review reflects my honest personal opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and SoHo press for access to this ARC. This review reflects my honest personal opinion.
June 2, 2026
🎧4⭐️
I had the audiobook read by Anna Burnett whose narration kept my interest well, the narration felt classy, with a good level of feeling. I think the audiobook held my attention better than reading would have.
I had read a book previously about the notorious women gang located at the Elephant and Castle in South London.
I expected more of a London accent, but on reading it looks like the women were passing themselves off as ‘ladies’ so that made sense, plus it gives the book a broader appeal.
It’s a slow paced more character driven story, it kept my attention. It certainly draws you into the era with its detailed descriptions and shows how they set up and pulled off their schemes. For added interest there’s a gentle romance side thread.
I found Kit likeable, I was rooting for her. She needed to get inventive to achieve a mission that she was forced into to keep everyone safe.
It’s an easy listen, I enjoyed it. I liked the honour amongst thieves code, and how they looked after each other, in reality that was probably achieved more by threat than caring, but it makes the characters more endearing.
If you enjoyed this try Poor Girls by Clare Whitfield which I gave a similar rating.
I had the audiobook read by Anna Burnett whose narration kept my interest well, the narration felt classy, with a good level of feeling. I think the audiobook held my attention better than reading would have.
I had read a book previously about the notorious women gang located at the Elephant and Castle in South London.
I expected more of a London accent, but on reading it looks like the women were passing themselves off as ‘ladies’ so that made sense, plus it gives the book a broader appeal.
It’s a slow paced more character driven story, it kept my attention. It certainly draws you into the era with its detailed descriptions and shows how they set up and pulled off their schemes. For added interest there’s a gentle romance side thread.
I found Kit likeable, I was rooting for her. She needed to get inventive to achieve a mission that she was forced into to keep everyone safe.
It’s an easy listen, I enjoyed it. I liked the honour amongst thieves code, and how they looked after each other, in reality that was probably achieved more by threat than caring, but it makes the characters more endearing.
If you enjoyed this try Poor Girls by Clare Whitfield which I gave a similar rating.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley & RBmedia for the Advanced Readers Copy!
I want to start off by saying, this is not my usual read. However, I LOVED this and sat through it in one sitting. I found myself on the edge of my seat, guessing what was going to happen the entire time.
Kit is a headstrong, determined young woman who would do anything to keep her sister, Sarah, safe & taken care of. They come by thieving rings honestly, as it is a generational skill passed down by their mom, honed in with the help from Amelia.
I loved Jason’s character, the bad boy who goes sweet for the angry girl. Tale as old as time, yet you never get tired of it.
Maggie & Amelia were characters I liked but wished I understood just a bit better, knew the backstory just a little bit more, just for character development sake.
Karen Odden really captured the setting, the detail to the history that made it what it is. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction & suspense!
I want to start off by saying, this is not my usual read. However, I LOVED this and sat through it in one sitting. I found myself on the edge of my seat, guessing what was going to happen the entire time.
Kit is a headstrong, determined young woman who would do anything to keep her sister, Sarah, safe & taken care of. They come by thieving rings honestly, as it is a generational skill passed down by their mom, honed in with the help from Amelia.
I loved Jason’s character, the bad boy who goes sweet for the angry girl. Tale as old as time, yet you never get tired of it.
Maggie & Amelia were characters I liked but wished I understood just a bit better, knew the backstory just a little bit more, just for character development sake.
Karen Odden really captured the setting, the detail to the history that made it what it is. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction & suspense!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
What an awesome read! These characters are struggling in 1879 London. Kit is an experienced thief and is trying so hard to keep her little sister from being brought into this life of crime, but the best job her sister can get is as a maid.
Karen Odden does a great job of portraying how life must have been then and how hard the lower class struggled just to survive. Like the Robin Hood mantra,,,they steal from the rich to give to themselves (the poor). When a new leader takes over the "ring" Kit must make decisions that will affect not only her, but her sister as well.
This book reads very smoothly and kept me entertained throughout...and wondering how Kit was going to turn things around in her favor. I did receive this as a Goodreads Giveaway,,and I'm so glad that I did. I love this book and can't wait for more from Karen Odden.
Karen Odden does a great job of portraying how life must have been then and how hard the lower class struggled just to survive. Like the Robin Hood mantra,,,they steal from the rich to give to themselves (the poor). When a new leader takes over the "ring" Kit must make decisions that will affect not only her, but her sister as well.
This book reads very smoothly and kept me entertained throughout...and wondering how Kit was going to turn things around in her favor. I did receive this as a Goodreads Giveaway,,and I'm so glad that I did. I love this book and can't wait for more from Karen Odden.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook!
The narrator was talented and captured each character and their emotions perfectly!
I loved the feeling of 1800s London this book provided. I felt like i was there with the characters, living through the trials and frustrations they were feeling.
One element I especially enjoyed was that it was clear the conflict Kit felt as she moved forward with the heist she needed to pull off. It brings forward the conundrum between making choices that are good and safe and doing something bad to improve your circumstances and help yourself and your loved ones.
I was engrossed in the story at every turn! I liked learning about the interpersonal connections that were not obvious from the start of the book, and how the characters were much more connected than even they realized.
I loved every minute of the book and recommend the audiobook
The narrator was talented and captured each character and their emotions perfectly!
I loved the feeling of 1800s London this book provided. I felt like i was there with the characters, living through the trials and frustrations they were feeling.
One element I especially enjoyed was that it was clear the conflict Kit felt as she moved forward with the heist she needed to pull off. It brings forward the conundrum between making choices that are good and safe and doing something bad to improve your circumstances and help yourself and your loved ones.
I was engrossed in the story at every turn! I liked learning about the interpersonal connections that were not obvious from the start of the book, and how the characters were much more connected than even they realized.
I loved every minute of the book and recommend the audiobook
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kit Jimeson's motivations are dead simple and complicated all at once: take care of her family, seek justice. Karen Odden's 1870s London is the kind of vivid where the Southend's noise and smells and characters are distinct and alive. I feel like I could navigate the streets along with Kit.
Kit has been saving toward a way out, but the ring's new leader has other plans. Maggie O'Connell has returned from twenty years in an Australian penal colony with revenge on her mind and Kit in her sights. The plot keeps you off-balance in the best way as motivations shift, loyalties get complicated, and women with no good options try to survive and thrive.
Anna Burnett's narration is outstanding. She's clear, expressive, fully inhabiting Kit's world from Elephant and Castle to Mayfair. The right people get the right justice.
Kit has been saving toward a way out, but the ring's new leader has other plans. Maggie O'Connell has returned from twenty years in an Australian penal colony with revenge on her mind and Kit in her sights. The plot keeps you off-balance in the best way as motivations shift, loyalties get complicated, and women with no good options try to survive and thrive.
Anna Burnett's narration is outstanding. She's clear, expressive, fully inhabiting Kit's world from Elephant and Castle to Mayfair. The right people get the right justice.
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