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The Thief Takers #1
A Talent for Trickery
The Lady is a Thief
Years ago, Owen Renderwell earned acclaim—and a title—for the dashing rescue of a kidnapped duchess. But only a select few knew that Scotland Yard’s most famous detective was working alongside London’s most infamous thief…and his criminally brilliant daughter, Charlotte Walker.
Lottie was like no other woman in Victorian England. She challenged him. She dazzled him. She questioned everything he believed and everything he was, and he has never wanted anyone more. And then he lost her.
Now a private detective on the trail of a murderer, Owen has stormed back into Lottie’s life. She knows that no matter what they may pretend, he will always be a man of the law and she a criminal. Yet whenever he’s near, Owen has a way of making things complicated…and long for a future that can never be theirs.
Years ago, Owen Renderwell earned acclaim—and a title—for the dashing rescue of a kidnapped duchess. But only a select few knew that Scotland Yard’s most famous detective was working alongside London’s most infamous thief…and his criminally brilliant daughter, Charlotte Walker.
Lottie was like no other woman in Victorian England. She challenged him. She dazzled him. She questioned everything he believed and everything he was, and he has never wanted anyone more. And then he lost her.
Now a private detective on the trail of a murderer, Owen has stormed back into Lottie’s life. She knows that no matter what they may pretend, he will always be a man of the law and she a criminal. Yet whenever he’s near, Owen has a way of making things complicated…and long for a future that can never be theirs.
411 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
72 people are currently reading
1877 people want to read
About the author
Alissa Johnson
19 books368 followersAlissa Johnson lives in the rolling hills of the Ozarks, where she is hard at work on her next romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
August 16, 2023
I read the first chapter and was hooked! What fantastic banter and great dialogue. 5*. Then came the plot...it was extremely slow moving so that gets a little under a 3*. Do I plan to continue the series YES! But I go into it knowing the characters are well written with great dialogue and will see how well the next plot moves along.
June 25, 2018
So so different from the usual historical romances and so very entertaining. I would highly recommend this to all historical romance fans.
Never thought I'd use the term action-packed to describe a HR book or come across ladies who excel at knife throwing and code decryption in HR. I'm pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained. Need to read the next book soon.
Never thought I'd use the term action-packed to describe a HR book or come across ladies who excel at knife throwing and code decryption in HR. I'm pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained. Need to read the next book soon.
September 17, 2016
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars.
A Talent for Trickery is Alissa Johnson’s first new novel since 2012, and I, for one, have missed her. The books of hers I’ve read have been strongly characterised and intelligently written; she has an engaging, easy-to-read style that is laced with wit and subtle humour and the ability to develop her romances in a manner that never feels rushed or forced - and I’m happy to report that this latest book sees her in fine form.
Owen Renderwell, a Detective Inspector at Scotland Yard became the focus of public attention some eight years previously by virtue of the fact that he solved a high-profile case involving a kidnapped duchess and a fortune in diamonds. As a result, Owen was elevated to a viscountcy and his two friends and colleagues received knighthoods; and now the three of them work as private investigators. An inquiry into the recent murder of a brothel owner might not normally have come their way, but for two things: the murderer left a coded letter at the scene of the crime that was clearly intended to pique Owen’s interest; and the victim had been a friend of the notorious criminal Will Walker, the man with whom Owen had secretly worked on a number of cases – including that of the missing duchess and diamonds.
Walker, an all-round blackguard, scoundrel and con-man worked with Owen for some four years before being killed attempting to rescue the Duchess of Strale. In order to protect his family – two daughters and a son – Owen arranged for them to disappear and assume new identities, but now, he has to seek them out for the first time since their father’s death, knowing that he is the last person they are likely to want to see or trust.
“They” being – specifically - Lottie, Walker’s eldest daughter and one-time accomplice. Fiercely loyal to her father, she blames Owen for his death and, more importantly, the fact that her father never received any recognition for his work on the right side of the law. Even though she knows, rationally, that keeping her father’s name out of the limelight was the safest option for her and her siblings, she can’t help feeling that Owen betrayed her and cheated her father out of any credit he may have been due for the fact that he had changed his ways and was at last walking along the straight and narrow.
Throughout the four years of their association, Owen was strongly attracted to Lottie, but never made the slightest move in her direction because he didn’t want to put her in a position where she felt she couldn’t refuse him. His attempts to communicate with her following her father’s death were unceremoniously rebuffed and he had to resign himself to never seeing her again, although in the eight years that followed, he has never been able to completely forget her.
But now he needs Lottie’s help to decipher the encoded letter that was left at the scene of the murder, together with those that were left at a number of high-profile crime-scenes in London. Initially hostile, she can’t refuse if her aid will see the murderer of her old family friend brought to justice, and an uneasy truce is struck between them.
Lottie’s resentment of Owen is deep-seated and she is furious with herself when she is forced to acknowledge that the girlish infatuation she had harboured for him has never died – and worse, that she’s as attracted to him as she ever was. She tries hard to maintain a frosty demeanour, but the more time she spends in his company, the more she remembers about old times while at the same time learning new things about the man he has become. Ms Johnson very wisely doesn’t drag out the misunderstanding between the couple, and even though they can’t completely agree, they have nonetheless come to a better understanding of the past well before the half-way point. Lottie is still keeping one devastating secret, and can’t bear the thought of losing Owen again so soon after their reconciliation. But the sudden realisation that there is a killer on their trail leaves them no time to figure out what happens next, as they are plunged into a desperate fight survival against an unknown adversary.
Anyone who reads science-fiction or suspense novels on a regular basis will know what I mean when I describe the rest of this book as a kind of “base under siege” story, which is something I don’t think I’ve come across in an historical romance before. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, it’s basically a story in which the protagonists are somehow trapped in a particular location and facing a threat – known or unknown – either from the outside or within. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book; Owen and Lottie still have things to sort out between them, but don’t let that get in the way of their working together to figure out the cipher and then to keep everyone safe; and the way their relationship is transformed throughout the course of the book is incredibly well-done. The balance between suspense and romance is just about right, and the author skilfully slips seamlessly between the two.
Both protagonists are three-dimensional, flawed characters whose interactions are enlivened by humour and a lovely undercurrent of affection and attraction, even during that initial period of hostility and mistrust. They have great chemistry and I loved their flirtatious, tender and sometimes combative interactions. Owen is a gorgeous hero – an honourable man who is nonetheless prepared to make sacrifices for the woman he has loved for so long; a man of action when he has to be, and a man accustomed to command in a way that is attractive rather than arrogant. Lottie is highly intelligent and devoted to her family, but is blinded by the deep love she held for the father who used her for his own ends. The secondary characters of Owen’s colleagues and Lottie’s siblings are well-rounded, with inner lives of their own, and I’m intrigued at the prospect of Esther – whose revelations late on in the story are most unexpected – and Sir Samuel as a future couple in another book in the series.
A Talent for Trickery is the sort of book that leaves one with a smile on one’s face and a feeling of real satisfaction after it’s finished. It’s not flashy or gimmicky; it’s just a very well-told story peopled with characters whose flaws make them easy to identify with and like and I’m happy to recommend it. Welcome back, Ms Johnson – and please don’t make me wait another three years for your next book!
A Talent for Trickery is Alissa Johnson’s first new novel since 2012, and I, for one, have missed her. The books of hers I’ve read have been strongly characterised and intelligently written; she has an engaging, easy-to-read style that is laced with wit and subtle humour and the ability to develop her romances in a manner that never feels rushed or forced - and I’m happy to report that this latest book sees her in fine form.
Owen Renderwell, a Detective Inspector at Scotland Yard became the focus of public attention some eight years previously by virtue of the fact that he solved a high-profile case involving a kidnapped duchess and a fortune in diamonds. As a result, Owen was elevated to a viscountcy and his two friends and colleagues received knighthoods; and now the three of them work as private investigators. An inquiry into the recent murder of a brothel owner might not normally have come their way, but for two things: the murderer left a coded letter at the scene of the crime that was clearly intended to pique Owen’s interest; and the victim had been a friend of the notorious criminal Will Walker, the man with whom Owen had secretly worked on a number of cases – including that of the missing duchess and diamonds.
Walker, an all-round blackguard, scoundrel and con-man worked with Owen for some four years before being killed attempting to rescue the Duchess of Strale. In order to protect his family – two daughters and a son – Owen arranged for them to disappear and assume new identities, but now, he has to seek them out for the first time since their father’s death, knowing that he is the last person they are likely to want to see or trust.
“They” being – specifically - Lottie, Walker’s eldest daughter and one-time accomplice. Fiercely loyal to her father, she blames Owen for his death and, more importantly, the fact that her father never received any recognition for his work on the right side of the law. Even though she knows, rationally, that keeping her father’s name out of the limelight was the safest option for her and her siblings, she can’t help feeling that Owen betrayed her and cheated her father out of any credit he may have been due for the fact that he had changed his ways and was at last walking along the straight and narrow.
Throughout the four years of their association, Owen was strongly attracted to Lottie, but never made the slightest move in her direction because he didn’t want to put her in a position where she felt she couldn’t refuse him. His attempts to communicate with her following her father’s death were unceremoniously rebuffed and he had to resign himself to never seeing her again, although in the eight years that followed, he has never been able to completely forget her.
But now he needs Lottie’s help to decipher the encoded letter that was left at the scene of the murder, together with those that were left at a number of high-profile crime-scenes in London. Initially hostile, she can’t refuse if her aid will see the murderer of her old family friend brought to justice, and an uneasy truce is struck between them.
Lottie’s resentment of Owen is deep-seated and she is furious with herself when she is forced to acknowledge that the girlish infatuation she had harboured for him has never died – and worse, that she’s as attracted to him as she ever was. She tries hard to maintain a frosty demeanour, but the more time she spends in his company, the more she remembers about old times while at the same time learning new things about the man he has become. Ms Johnson very wisely doesn’t drag out the misunderstanding between the couple, and even though they can’t completely agree, they have nonetheless come to a better understanding of the past well before the half-way point. Lottie is still keeping one devastating secret, and can’t bear the thought of losing Owen again so soon after their reconciliation. But the sudden realisation that there is a killer on their trail leaves them no time to figure out what happens next, as they are plunged into a desperate fight survival against an unknown adversary.
Anyone who reads science-fiction or suspense novels on a regular basis will know what I mean when I describe the rest of this book as a kind of “base under siege” story, which is something I don’t think I’ve come across in an historical romance before. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, it’s basically a story in which the protagonists are somehow trapped in a particular location and facing a threat – known or unknown – either from the outside or within. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book; Owen and Lottie still have things to sort out between them, but don’t let that get in the way of their working together to figure out the cipher and then to keep everyone safe; and the way their relationship is transformed throughout the course of the book is incredibly well-done. The balance between suspense and romance is just about right, and the author skilfully slips seamlessly between the two.
Both protagonists are three-dimensional, flawed characters whose interactions are enlivened by humour and a lovely undercurrent of affection and attraction, even during that initial period of hostility and mistrust. They have great chemistry and I loved their flirtatious, tender and sometimes combative interactions. Owen is a gorgeous hero – an honourable man who is nonetheless prepared to make sacrifices for the woman he has loved for so long; a man of action when he has to be, and a man accustomed to command in a way that is attractive rather than arrogant. Lottie is highly intelligent and devoted to her family, but is blinded by the deep love she held for the father who used her for his own ends. The secondary characters of Owen’s colleagues and Lottie’s siblings are well-rounded, with inner lives of their own, and I’m intrigued at the prospect of Esther – whose revelations late on in the story are most unexpected – and Sir Samuel as a future couple in another book in the series.
A Talent for Trickery is the sort of book that leaves one with a smile on one’s face and a feeling of real satisfaction after it’s finished. It’s not flashy or gimmicky; it’s just a very well-told story peopled with characters whose flaws make them easy to identify with and like and I’m happy to recommend it. Welcome back, Ms Johnson – and please don’t make me wait another three years for your next book!
October 8, 2023
A biased 4 stars. This book was likely more of a 3 for me, but since I adore the characters in this book and loved book 3 of this series, I bumped this book up to a 4.
I'm a big fan of the heroine, Lottie. She is smart, independent and quick-witted. It's nice to read a historical romance where the heroine has a solid backbone and bonus points for Lottie having a checkered past. Lottie grew up with a notorious criminal and as a result, bears the burden of his sins.
Enter Owen Renderwell.
Twelve years ago, as part of a deal to avoid prison, Lottie's father worked with Owen Renderwell, who was a police officer at the time. Lottie ends up working with Owen as well and uses her aptitude for cryptography to aid Owen. While working together, the two fall for one another -- though they never admit their feelings (this is all off page by the way). Stuff happens which leads Lottie to feeling deeply betrayed by Owen, leaving her hurt and bitter. Fast forward to the present and the two are brought together again in hopes that Lottie can help Owen solve a mystery. What unfolds is a decent story involving a second-chance love story of sorts.
Personally, the relationship between Owen and Lottie seemed to drag a bit. They seemed to move past any grudges rather quickly but didn't get to the actual romance till much later. The mystery also went on several chapters too long for my tastes and I got a little sleepy during all the cryptography chatter. While the book could have been shorter, it was an overall enjoyable story. I especially liked the MCs and their friends and family. I will definitely be reading book 2.
I'm a big fan of the heroine, Lottie. She is smart, independent and quick-witted. It's nice to read a historical romance where the heroine has a solid backbone and bonus points for Lottie having a checkered past. Lottie grew up with a notorious criminal and as a result, bears the burden of his sins.
Enter Owen Renderwell.
Twelve years ago, as part of a deal to avoid prison, Lottie's father worked with Owen Renderwell, who was a police officer at the time. Lottie ends up working with Owen as well and uses her aptitude for cryptography to aid Owen. While working together, the two fall for one another -- though they never admit their feelings (this is all off page by the way). Stuff happens which leads Lottie to feeling deeply betrayed by Owen, leaving her hurt and bitter. Fast forward to the present and the two are brought together again in hopes that Lottie can help Owen solve a mystery. What unfolds is a decent story involving a second-chance love story of sorts.
Personally, the relationship between Owen and Lottie seemed to drag a bit. They seemed to move past any grudges rather quickly but didn't get to the actual romance till much later. The mystery also went on several chapters too long for my tastes and I got a little sleepy during all the cryptography chatter. While the book could have been shorter, it was an overall enjoyable story. I especially liked the MCs and their friends and family. I will definitely be reading book 2.
November 24, 2024
Merry's review and Tenley's review both do an excellent job capturing this story and their reviews are why I tried it.
This is my second book by Alissa Johnson and I am going to continue reading her backlog. The way that the author writes dialogue, intelligent women characters, and her overall style are very engaging. My attention span did waver in this story, despite the intriguing start and components. The characters are dynamic, but the plot drags in places unfortunately. The story is balancing their shared past, the secrets the h is still keeping, family dynamics, the current investigation, and what the H and h will do about this simmering interest between them. It's a lot and does end up being uneven in parts.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, H is experienced (there is a brief mention of mistresses kept but nothing more specific and no current details) and h had been kissed but nothing more (she didn't want to pursue something more serious while hiding huge pieces of herself, which was admirable in a way).
The romance takes quite a long time to do anything, despite the tension and attraction each feels. It reads sort of like a second chance, except Owen (H) and Lottie's (h) first chance never officially got off the ground because Owen recognized that he was in a position of power over her and then Lottie was furious with him over how prior events played out. Owen really is such a genuinely good guy and Lottie is an amazingly resilient and strong woman. Though they sometimes go a little stupid when it comes to each other. Owen believes that Lottie blames him for one aspect of their previous association and her feelings and beliefs are actually much more complicated. He also makes plans for how he's approaching a relationship with her and it's definitely highhanded, thankfully those are all internally thought about or she'd probably have clobbered him over the head.
Owen has come back in her life as he needs assistance with a private investigation. Coded letters were left at crime scenes and Lottie has a talent for cryptography that was cultivated by her criminal father (her past is heartbreaking and the conflicted emotions about her father are intense). Except Lottie and her sister have created entire new identities for their family because of their father's past, which they've hidden from their younger brother, so the intrusion of Owen and his team back into their lives is not a welcome one. Especially when danger suddenly comes right to their front door.
The investigation and the suspenseful plot lines are what dragged the most for me. I believe it was written the way it was to give the main characters time to air out all their issues and reconnect, in a deeper way, however all these competent people felt a little like they were trying and failing to solve what was happening and getting outsmarted because of it. I think it goes back to the balance being slightly off for their story as a whole. The mystery was still compelling in places, though mainly because of secrets that get uncovered and made it more emotionally hard-hitting.
This is a slow burn and there's one steamy scene that's light on the steam. The climax is predictably dramatic and was good. The ending is very much HFN and was not as satisfying because while we know they plan on being married, I had questions about what that would look like, how the concerns Lottie had about shifting into Owen's life would be resolved, and what would happen to her sister and brother. I know from reading the third book that we get updates on Lottie and her sister (who's the h in the next book) in that story, but I'll never stop wanting more resolution for the character in their own book.
Content warnings: some violence, recollections of a toxic and manipulative parent, family secrets, recollections of children committing crimes, feelings of guilt and shame over past, and an animal briefly in peril (he's fine)
This is my second book by Alissa Johnson and I am going to continue reading her backlog. The way that the author writes dialogue, intelligent women characters, and her overall style are very engaging. My attention span did waver in this story, despite the intriguing start and components. The characters are dynamic, but the plot drags in places unfortunately. The story is balancing their shared past, the secrets the h is still keeping, family dynamics, the current investigation, and what the H and h will do about this simmering interest between them. It's a lot and does end up being uneven in parts.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, H is experienced (there is a brief mention of mistresses kept but nothing more specific and no current details) and h had been kissed but nothing more (she didn't want to pursue something more serious while hiding huge pieces of herself, which was admirable in a way).
The romance takes quite a long time to do anything, despite the tension and attraction each feels. It reads sort of like a second chance, except Owen (H) and Lottie's (h) first chance never officially got off the ground because Owen recognized that he was in a position of power over her and then Lottie was furious with him over how prior events played out. Owen really is such a genuinely good guy and Lottie is an amazingly resilient and strong woman. Though they sometimes go a little stupid when it comes to each other. Owen believes that Lottie blames him for one aspect of their previous association and her feelings and beliefs are actually much more complicated. He also makes plans for how he's approaching a relationship with her and it's definitely highhanded, thankfully those are all internally thought about or she'd probably have clobbered him over the head.
Owen has come back in her life as he needs assistance with a private investigation. Coded letters were left at crime scenes and Lottie has a talent for cryptography that was cultivated by her criminal father (her past is heartbreaking and the conflicted emotions about her father are intense). Except Lottie and her sister have created entire new identities for their family because of their father's past, which they've hidden from their younger brother, so the intrusion of Owen and his team back into their lives is not a welcome one. Especially when danger suddenly comes right to their front door.
The investigation and the suspenseful plot lines are what dragged the most for me. I believe it was written the way it was to give the main characters time to air out all their issues and reconnect, in a deeper way, however all these competent people felt a little like they were trying and failing to solve what was happening and getting outsmarted because of it. I think it goes back to the balance being slightly off for their story as a whole. The mystery was still compelling in places, though mainly because of secrets that get uncovered and made it more emotionally hard-hitting.
This is a slow burn and there's one steamy scene that's light on the steam. The climax is predictably dramatic and was good. The ending is very much HFN and was not as satisfying because while we know they plan on being married, I had questions about what that would look like, how the concerns Lottie had about shifting into Owen's life would be resolved, and what would happen to her sister and brother. I know from reading the third book that we get updates on Lottie and her sister (who's the h in the next book) in that story, but I'll never stop wanting more resolution for the character in their own book.
Content warnings: some violence, recollections of a toxic and manipulative parent, family secrets, recollections of children committing crimes, feelings of guilt and shame over past, and an animal briefly in peril (he's fine)
March 30, 2018
Alissa Johnson, IMO, is a quietly dependable historical romance writer. She often flies under the radar of HR readers, because, perhaps, her stories are not splashy, super-sexy or fast-moving. I like her quiet relationship stories and this one, which actually has a bit more action in it than is usual for Johnson, shines more in the H/h romance and in the family dynamics of the h and her two siblings than in any of the moments of "high drama".
Heroine Lottie Walker is the daughter of a now-deceased thief and code-master. The hero Owen Renderwell, now a private investigator, had been a Scotland Yard detective some 8 years ago and had exposed the father's criminal activities and forced him to cooperate with the Yard in criminal investigations. During this collaboration, things went wrong and the father was killed.
Now, many years later, Lottie resents Owen, blaming him for how her father was treated and for how things ended. She and her young adult sister Esther and adolescent brother Peter have moved on to a "respectable" life using the last name Bales and moving out of London to a new home, hoping to avoid any notoriety and any revenge by criminals the father may have crossed or double-crossed in his criminal dealings.
Owen comes back into their lives, needing Lottie's help to catch a murderer who is leaving coded messages. Since Lottie was familiar with her father's coding systems, he is hoping she will be able to decipher these messages. And there's the matter of the father's journals, some of which had been handed over to Scotland Yard years ago, but he suspects that there are more still in Lottie's possession. And it seems that perhaps Owen has been followed by some criminal or criminals who seem to want to do harm to the Walker-Bales siblings.
Add to that some complicated relationships. There's the romantic one between Lottie and Owen. Eight years ago she was attracted to him but now is left with deep resentment after the death of her father. They need to clear up all misunderstandings from the past. And the family dynamics are a bit messed up. Both sisters have a few secrets from each other and, in addition, both have been very careful to keep Peter, who was only 4 when his father died, ignorant of their past life. Turns out that may not have been such a good thing.
That's the best part of this novel. Getting all the relationships in order. Getting all the secrets out in the open and promoting real communication with each other. I found the romance to be very satisfying and also enjoyed seeing the siblings straighten out their family relationships, which had been messed up by their charming, charismatic con man of a father.
Esther's story is the next one up in the series. She's a real firecracker. I'm hoping her book delivers on this.
Heroine Lottie Walker is the daughter of a now-deceased thief and code-master. The hero Owen Renderwell, now a private investigator, had been a Scotland Yard detective some 8 years ago and had exposed the father's criminal activities and forced him to cooperate with the Yard in criminal investigations. During this collaboration, things went wrong and the father was killed.
Now, many years later, Lottie resents Owen, blaming him for how her father was treated and for how things ended. She and her young adult sister Esther and adolescent brother Peter have moved on to a "respectable" life using the last name Bales and moving out of London to a new home, hoping to avoid any notoriety and any revenge by criminals the father may have crossed or double-crossed in his criminal dealings.
Owen comes back into their lives, needing Lottie's help to catch a murderer who is leaving coded messages. Since Lottie was familiar with her father's coding systems, he is hoping she will be able to decipher these messages. And there's the matter of the father's journals, some of which had been handed over to Scotland Yard years ago, but he suspects that there are more still in Lottie's possession. And it seems that perhaps Owen has been followed by some criminal or criminals who seem to want to do harm to the Walker-Bales siblings.
Add to that some complicated relationships. There's the romantic one between Lottie and Owen. Eight years ago she was attracted to him but now is left with deep resentment after the death of her father. They need to clear up all misunderstandings from the past. And the family dynamics are a bit messed up. Both sisters have a few secrets from each other and, in addition, both have been very careful to keep Peter, who was only 4 when his father died, ignorant of their past life. Turns out that may not have been such a good thing.
That's the best part of this novel. Getting all the relationships in order. Getting all the secrets out in the open and promoting real communication with each other. I found the romance to be very satisfying and also enjoyed seeing the siblings straighten out their family relationships, which had been messed up by their charming, charismatic con man of a father.
Esther's story is the next one up in the series. She's a real firecracker. I'm hoping her book delivers on this.
July 3, 2018
3.5 Stars — wavering between rounding up or down.
Really enjoyed the writing style of Johnson but felt the romance was underwhelming.
Thanks to Lorii and Mariana for the buddy read!
Really enjoyed the writing style of Johnson but felt the romance was underwhelming.
Thanks to Lorii and Mariana for the buddy read!
July 13, 2016
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I must say that is good, not fantastic, but really good.
I like most the way the characters, both main and secondary, are described.
Both Owen and Lottie are complex characters with their own flaws. Owen is commandeering and arrogant in his convictions, but also ready to listen to Lottie when her expertise is needed. Lottie is at the same time very sure and unsecure of herself.
Both their lives have not been easy, but Lottie’s was even less so IMHO. Her father was a con artist and criminal to the bone who manipulated both his daughters shamelessly, which left Lottie with deep scars about the value of honesty and honor. She overanalyzes and double check everything, always pondering of what is correct and just.
While Owen appreciates these qualities, he’s unaware of the fact that Lottie is deeply ashamed of her action while working with her father in the past. But, at the same time, he’s always been attracted to her and is ready to help her heal.
I loved their interaction and their growing closeness. Once the why Lottie shunned Owen is clarified, they work together very well. The way each one of them teases and goad the other is very, very well done here.
The humor is cleverly done and I loved these moments too.
The only thing that I didn’t like is the somewhat loss of action in the middle of the book. There the things got a little too slow for my taste, but I understand that this is not and action driven story. So, if you like a very good slow moving story, with clever humor and clever MCs, than this book is perfect for you!
I like most the way the characters, both main and secondary, are described.
Both Owen and Lottie are complex characters with their own flaws. Owen is commandeering and arrogant in his convictions, but also ready to listen to Lottie when her expertise is needed. Lottie is at the same time very sure and unsecure of herself.
Both their lives have not been easy, but Lottie’s was even less so IMHO. Her father was a con artist and criminal to the bone who manipulated both his daughters shamelessly, which left Lottie with deep scars about the value of honesty and honor. She overanalyzes and double check everything, always pondering of what is correct and just.
While Owen appreciates these qualities, he’s unaware of the fact that Lottie is deeply ashamed of her action while working with her father in the past. But, at the same time, he’s always been attracted to her and is ready to help her heal.
I loved their interaction and their growing closeness. Once the why Lottie shunned Owen is clarified, they work together very well. The way each one of them teases and goad the other is very, very well done here.
The humor is cleverly done and I loved these moments too.
The only thing that I didn’t like is the somewhat loss of action in the middle of the book. There the things got a little too slow for my taste, but I understand that this is not and action driven story. So, if you like a very good slow moving story, with clever humor and clever MCs, than this book is perfect for you!
October 26, 2015
Can the remaining member of a father-daughter team of professional thieves leave their sins behind and start over undetected as a law abiding citizens? A once famous Scotland Yard detective became a force to be reckoned with the aide of the father, thief turned informant, but that was years ago. The father is gone and it is his records and journals that bring Private Investigator Owen Renderwell to Lottie’s door. Inside those journals could hold clues to recent robberies and a grizzly death. Will Lottie hand them over to the man who was once a the embodiment of her worst nightmare but now makes her life and emotions come alive? Will his intrusion into her new life expose her secrets to a man bent on her destruction? What about the danger to her family?
Lottie is intriguing, strong and never fails to challenge Owen and he likes it. There are crimes to be solved and their prickly relationship could be perfect, except he was the law and she was the criminal.
A Talent for Trickery by Alissa Johnson is a journey back into the world of Victorian London, complete with all of the atmosphere and grace. Her characters are formidable, the plot twisted and the romance adds more depth to her tale. There is a mystery, some suspense and a killer waiting in the shadows. Not a fast-paced tale, the dialogue is very proper and one can visualize each scene, the family dynamics and the tension that threads throughout. A bit slow moving at times, but one definitely knows they aren’t in Kansas anymore.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Thief-takers - Book 1
Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-10: 1492620505
ISBN-13: 978-1492620501
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Victorian Romance
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Lottie is intriguing, strong and never fails to challenge Owen and he likes it. There are crimes to be solved and their prickly relationship could be perfect, except he was the law and she was the criminal.
A Talent for Trickery by Alissa Johnson is a journey back into the world of Victorian London, complete with all of the atmosphere and grace. Her characters are formidable, the plot twisted and the romance adds more depth to her tale. There is a mystery, some suspense and a killer waiting in the shadows. Not a fast-paced tale, the dialogue is very proper and one can visualize each scene, the family dynamics and the tension that threads throughout. A bit slow moving at times, but one definitely knows they aren’t in Kansas anymore.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Thief-takers - Book 1
Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-10: 1492620505
ISBN-13: 978-1492620501
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Victorian Romance
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 10, 2022
4,5 “Chiunque può essere ingannato una volta, piccola. Chiunque. Non c’è vergogna in questo.
Ma non c’è niente di più pietoso sulla verde terra di Dio dell’allocco che si fa fregare di nuovo.”
Otto anni prima, William Walker, celebre ladro ed esperto in codici segreti, è morto aiutando gli agenti della Corona a salvare una gentildonna rapita.
Otto anni prima, quegli agenti se ne sono presi il merito, mentre i tre figli di Walker hanno dovuto cambiare identità e ricostruirsi una vita in campagna per sfuggire a sospetti e potenziali nemici.
Peccato che la primogenita, Charlotte, si fosse invaghita proprio del capo dei detective, quel lord Owen divenuto un eroe e ricompensato con il titolo di visconte al posto di suo padre. E otto anni sono lunghi da trascorrere in solitudine, con il cuore raffreddato dall'astio, dal senso di tradimento e dal rimorso per tutto ciò che poteva essere e non è stato.
Ma adesso è sir Owen a presentarsi alla porta di una Lottie ormai trentenne e rassegnata a una vita nell'anonimato; e se lui vuole rivangare il passato, frugare tra i segreti di famiglia e, soprattutto, non ha alcuna intenzione di chiedere scusa, Lottie è combattuta tra lo sbattergli la posta in faccia o concedersi una seconda occasione.
Perchè i giovani Walker sono cresciuti tra menzogne e truffe, hanno perso fiducia nel prossimo e non riescono più a credere a nessuno, neanche a se stessi e ai loro reali sentimenti.
Per quanto ambientato unicamente in un cottage di campagna, ho trovato questo romanzo avvincente e pieno d'azione, con anche belle scene introspettive.
All'inizio Owen appare arrogante e orgoglioso, ma tra lui e Lotti ci sono state così tante bugie e incomprensioni, che a poco a poco si finisce per convincersi della sua buona fede.
Al contrario, la protagonista mi è apparsa tosta e tormentata sin dalla prima scena e non ha mai perso la mia simpatia.
Interessanti anche i comprimari, i due fratelli più giovani, e soprattutto i due colleghi agenti, il massiccio sir Samuel e il furbo Gabriel, che saranno protagonisti dei prossimi volumi.
Buon inizio serie; la continuerò senza dubbio.
Ma non c’è niente di più pietoso sulla verde terra di Dio dell’allocco che si fa fregare di nuovo.”
Otto anni prima, William Walker, celebre ladro ed esperto in codici segreti, è morto aiutando gli agenti della Corona a salvare una gentildonna rapita.
Otto anni prima, quegli agenti se ne sono presi il merito, mentre i tre figli di Walker hanno dovuto cambiare identità e ricostruirsi una vita in campagna per sfuggire a sospetti e potenziali nemici.
Peccato che la primogenita, Charlotte, si fosse invaghita proprio del capo dei detective, quel lord Owen divenuto un eroe e ricompensato con il titolo di visconte al posto di suo padre. E otto anni sono lunghi da trascorrere in solitudine, con il cuore raffreddato dall'astio, dal senso di tradimento e dal rimorso per tutto ciò che poteva essere e non è stato.
Ma adesso è sir Owen a presentarsi alla porta di una Lottie ormai trentenne e rassegnata a una vita nell'anonimato; e se lui vuole rivangare il passato, frugare tra i segreti di famiglia e, soprattutto, non ha alcuna intenzione di chiedere scusa, Lottie è combattuta tra lo sbattergli la posta in faccia o concedersi una seconda occasione.
Perchè i giovani Walker sono cresciuti tra menzogne e truffe, hanno perso fiducia nel prossimo e non riescono più a credere a nessuno, neanche a se stessi e ai loro reali sentimenti.
Per quanto ambientato unicamente in un cottage di campagna, ho trovato questo romanzo avvincente e pieno d'azione, con anche belle scene introspettive.
All'inizio Owen appare arrogante e orgoglioso, ma tra lui e Lotti ci sono state così tante bugie e incomprensioni, che a poco a poco si finisce per convincersi della sua buona fede.
Al contrario, la protagonista mi è apparsa tosta e tormentata sin dalla prima scena e non ha mai perso la mia simpatia.
Interessanti anche i comprimari, i due fratelli più giovani, e soprattutto i due colleghi agenti, il massiccio sir Samuel e il furbo Gabriel, che saranno protagonisti dei prossimi volumi.
Buon inizio serie; la continuerò senza dubbio.
September 27, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/20KIAXA
A man of the law and the criminal he fell in love with. Murder. Encrypted messages. Secret identities and danger. A chance to right past mistakes and maybe find love and forgiveness. A Talent for Trickery was full of so much yummy historical goodness!
Okay so real quick. These two have a past. Her daddy was a criminal and code master who made a deal with the law (Owen) to spare being prosecuted. But things went bad, he died during a case, and, well, Lottie is good on and pissed at Owen for his part in things. But now , 8 years later, there's a new case and it's led Owen and his men to her doorstep for help in breaking a code left by a murderer. He just might have brought more to her doorstep than they bargained for though when someone starts sneak attacking their group.
First, I couldn't resist this gorgeous cover! It pulled me right in and so did the characters. I had a lovely time slowly uncovering the past as Lottie and Owen set aside their broken trust in one another (and hurt feelings) in order to solve the murder. I really liked both of them and that while they could flub up or react on pure emotion they could also admit when they were wrong and apologize to each other. I love when characters actually act like adults. They weren't perfect along the way but they were solid.
The mystery of the codes they were trying to break was interesting. I liked seeing them work through her father's old notes and Lottie's mind work over the possibilities. And I enjoyed the danger as they tried to figure out who was attacking. If it was someone from their current lives or someone they'd wronged in the past that was out for revenge. There were moments that seriously had my palms sweating!
It's a slower moving read but one that kept my attention and has me very excited for the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what's in store for his friends and co-workers.
November 6, 2015
Five reasons to grab A Talent for Trickery
The backstory: Owen Renderwell helped rescue a kidnapped duchess with the aid of a thief and his brilliant daughter Charlotte Walker. The thief ended up dead and Charlotte along with her siblings ended up in the countryside under assumed names. Owen got all the glory and a title to boot. Owen was smitten with Charlotte and reached out over the years, but she refused to see him and returned his letters unopened.
The situation: Someone is murdering folks in London and leaving cryptic messages. Viscount Renderwell, now working as a private detective seeks help from the Walkers, Charlotte in particular. The setup for both the romance and the suspense was brilliant, engaging me as the reader from the start.
The characters: Charlotte (Lottie), having grown up with a thief for a father has developed into a strong, somewhat outspoken lady. I loved her remarks and the banter that ensued upon Owen’s arrival. Owen, the poor smitten sod, Charlotte both fascinates and confounds him. He is hoping this case allows them to connect again,. It won't be easy as she is very angry with him. Owen is use to being the leader and quickly takes charge. Charlotte on the other hand will never accept second in command making things interesting. Their chemistry was sizzling and they were equally matched.
Secondary characters: All were well-developed and added to the story. Ester, Lottie’s younger sister is a tad scary but I adored her and look forward to her story. Their younger brother Peter at fifteen considers himself the man of the house and is not aware of the truth behind his father or his sister's past. Gabriel and Samuel are private detectives who work with Owen and I am curious to learn more. It is clear the three men trust each other and we see hints of another budding romance.
The murder mystery: Johnson created a captivating set up with the murders in London, and brought it all to the countryside estate. She weaved the past into the present mystery with twists and turns that kept everyone guessing. Our characters faced danger keeping the suspense high even as we allowed time for this second chance romance to develop.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The backstory: Owen Renderwell helped rescue a kidnapped duchess with the aid of a thief and his brilliant daughter Charlotte Walker. The thief ended up dead and Charlotte along with her siblings ended up in the countryside under assumed names. Owen got all the glory and a title to boot. Owen was smitten with Charlotte and reached out over the years, but she refused to see him and returned his letters unopened.
The situation: Someone is murdering folks in London and leaving cryptic messages. Viscount Renderwell, now working as a private detective seeks help from the Walkers, Charlotte in particular. The setup for both the romance and the suspense was brilliant, engaging me as the reader from the start.
The characters: Charlotte (Lottie), having grown up with a thief for a father has developed into a strong, somewhat outspoken lady. I loved her remarks and the banter that ensued upon Owen’s arrival. Owen, the poor smitten sod, Charlotte both fascinates and confounds him. He is hoping this case allows them to connect again,. It won't be easy as she is very angry with him. Owen is use to being the leader and quickly takes charge. Charlotte on the other hand will never accept second in command making things interesting. Their chemistry was sizzling and they were equally matched.
Secondary characters: All were well-developed and added to the story. Ester, Lottie’s younger sister is a tad scary but I adored her and look forward to her story. Their younger brother Peter at fifteen considers himself the man of the house and is not aware of the truth behind his father or his sister's past. Gabriel and Samuel are private detectives who work with Owen and I am curious to learn more. It is clear the three men trust each other and we see hints of another budding romance.
The murder mystery: Johnson created a captivating set up with the murders in London, and brought it all to the countryside estate. She weaved the past into the present mystery with twists and turns that kept everyone guessing. Our characters faced danger keeping the suspense high even as we allowed time for this second chance romance to develop.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
August 8, 2016
If you devour historical romances, I have no reason not to recommend this one; but if you only read one once in a while, I'm not going to say you need to run out and get A Talent for Trickery. It is a character-focused story -- much of it is internal (Lottie's endlessly conflicted thoughts) or intimate (as in, conversations taking place among a couple of people in the privacy of a home, not intimate X-rated). At the very end there is a confrontation with a dangerous villain, but that content is not the strong point of the book, and it represents only about 1 or 2% of the story. The strong point of the story is that it is about a couple (both of whom are intelligent and have their own talents and interests) overcoming distrust and their own personal baggage in order to be brave enough to explore their feelings for each other. The biggest weakness of the story is that the source of their distrust is reasonable, but it is unnaturally prolonged by the author in order to create the circumstances of the book.
My biggest personal problem with the story is that there are two daughters who idealize their sadistic, exploitive, criminal father to a pathological degree. I'm not saying that the psychology of it is impossible, I'm merely expressing a personal preference that I don't like to dwell in a story of that sort of result of emotional abuse. For some people, such a story may be healing or empowering, and some may be relatively indifferent to that angle of the book; but I ended up skimming past a lot of the passages about exactly how awful this man was to his daughters and just how traumatizing it was for them to be disillusioned after a very, very long time of denying the truth. I am glad that Charlotte and Esther are finally free at the end of this book to find real love elsewhere instead of being trapped in a fantasy that they constructed in order to sustain the false belief that their father loved them, but I never enjoy reading a story about someone who was genuinely unloved by a parent and whose emotional landscape is entirely shaped by that sad fact.
Ultimately, I think I would read something else by Alissa Johnson, but I would be careful to check a couple of reviews first and make sure it doesn't have a similarly depressing/upsetting background before I get into it.
My biggest personal problem with the story is that there are two daughters who idealize their sadistic, exploitive, criminal father to a pathological degree. I'm not saying that the psychology of it is impossible, I'm merely expressing a personal preference that I don't like to dwell in a story of that sort of result of emotional abuse. For some people, such a story may be healing or empowering, and some may be relatively indifferent to that angle of the book; but I ended up skimming past a lot of the passages about exactly how awful this man was to his daughters and just how traumatizing it was for them to be disillusioned after a very, very long time of denying the truth. I am glad that Charlotte and Esther are finally free at the end of this book to find real love elsewhere instead of being trapped in a fantasy that they constructed in order to sustain the false belief that their father loved them, but I never enjoy reading a story about someone who was genuinely unloved by a parent and whose emotional landscape is entirely shaped by that sad fact.
Ultimately, I think I would read something else by Alissa Johnson, but I would be careful to check a couple of reviews first and make sure it doesn't have a similarly depressing/upsetting background before I get into it.
November 5, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the Publisher, via Netgalley, this does not affect my opinion of this book or the content of my review.
I picked this up because I realized it was the same author who wrote A Christmas Dance, which I found charming and day brightening. Plus, the blurb sounded pretty intriguing, and since it is the first book in the series it was a relief to not have to dig through a backlist. The issue with that, of course, is then you have to wait impatiently for the next one to come out.
This is a somewhat different story than A Christmas Dance, not just that it is a full length story, but the themes are a bit darker. But the same trick of creating likable characters and especially a strong, capable, and quirky heroine were here. There are two main prongs to the story. One is the mystery itself, and the second is the Big Misunderstanding between the main characters. But the misunderstanding is more one of intent and perspective than anything else. Lottie and Owen have themselves in a fine tangle of misunderstanding and hurt feelings, but it is difficult to blame them, it is a fraught situation. And it doesn’t drag on either, they sit down and talk their way through most things approximately a quarter of the way into the story. Granted, it had dragged out 8 years prior to the start of the story, but since we as readers weren’t dragged through it as well, I didn’t find it bothersome. Which leaves the Big Secret, or rather Big Secrets. It is a twist alright.
I think this was really more Lottie’s story than it was Owen’s though. There was quite a bit of character growth for her. And a lot of heartache. Owen on the other hand, well, he was solid, and reliable. He was also on occasion, at least in his own head, somewhat ridiculous and kind of funny.
As for the plotting, the beginning and the ending were rather fast paced, but the middle dragged a bit. Sometimes it was frustrating and this is one of those books that I could put down for a bit and do other things and come back to it. While I do generally prefer that a book be gripping and that I can’t put it down, by the end I kind of understood the point. This isn’t one of those stories where the main characters hop into bed on a whim in a mad frenzy of lust. Despite their history, they got the chance to get to know each other as they are now. And that was lovely to see.
So my final verdict is to stick with it through the slog, and you’ll end up with a delightful romance and plenty of payoff in the end. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of the rest of the thief takers.
3.5 stars
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
I picked this up because I realized it was the same author who wrote A Christmas Dance, which I found charming and day brightening. Plus, the blurb sounded pretty intriguing, and since it is the first book in the series it was a relief to not have to dig through a backlist. The issue with that, of course, is then you have to wait impatiently for the next one to come out.
This is a somewhat different story than A Christmas Dance, not just that it is a full length story, but the themes are a bit darker. But the same trick of creating likable characters and especially a strong, capable, and quirky heroine were here. There are two main prongs to the story. One is the mystery itself, and the second is the Big Misunderstanding between the main characters. But the misunderstanding is more one of intent and perspective than anything else. Lottie and Owen have themselves in a fine tangle of misunderstanding and hurt feelings, but it is difficult to blame them, it is a fraught situation. And it doesn’t drag on either, they sit down and talk their way through most things approximately a quarter of the way into the story. Granted, it had dragged out 8 years prior to the start of the story, but since we as readers weren’t dragged through it as well, I didn’t find it bothersome. Which leaves the Big Secret, or rather Big Secrets. It is a twist alright.
I think this was really more Lottie’s story than it was Owen’s though. There was quite a bit of character growth for her. And a lot of heartache. Owen on the other hand, well, he was solid, and reliable. He was also on occasion, at least in his own head, somewhat ridiculous and kind of funny.
As for the plotting, the beginning and the ending were rather fast paced, but the middle dragged a bit. Sometimes it was frustrating and this is one of those books that I could put down for a bit and do other things and come back to it. While I do generally prefer that a book be gripping and that I can’t put it down, by the end I kind of understood the point. This isn’t one of those stories where the main characters hop into bed on a whim in a mad frenzy of lust. Despite their history, they got the chance to get to know each other as they are now. And that was lovely to see.
So my final verdict is to stick with it through the slog, and you’ll end up with a delightful romance and plenty of payoff in the end. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of the rest of the thief takers.
3.5 stars
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
November 25, 2015
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I saw some great reviews about this novel and I confess that it made me curious. It must be said that the story puts forward many characters with a historical novel based on an intriguing mystery, all complemented by a little romance.
We discover Charlotte, a young woman who tried to rebuild her life and the one of her family after the death of her father, a famous thief. A death that could have cleared their names, (since her father died while trying to save a young woman), has only benefited to one man, Owen Renderwell, who received all the credit. While she greatly appreciated the policeman when he worked with her dad, the feelings evolved into anger and sadness of such an act. But now, a new murder takes Owen back to Charlotte to have more information on her father and so to discover the identity of the killer and his motives. Alas, the welcome she reserves him is quite cold but after so many years of hard feelings, the young woman is this time determined to help the detectives, if she does not subsequently falls in love again. But as the secrets are revealed, Lottie will understand that her father was not the man she thought he was and that he hurt more people than what she thought.
I appreciated to see the relationship between our two main characters evolve over the chapters. I was quickly swept away by the events at the beginning of the novel, but it is true that once passed half, I had a harder time hanging on to what was happening … the pace of the plot became slower without a lot of event happening and I had a little trouble to go back in the story.
For the rest of the book, it’s a pretty good story, and I was curious and surprised about the revelations of this family which we do not necessarily expect. The end was also quite nice and I was eager to find out why the family had been targeted this time.
It was a good story even though I expected a little more I have to admit. However, I am curious to see what will happen afterwards if we have one sequel.
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I saw some great reviews about this novel and I confess that it made me curious. It must be said that the story puts forward many characters with a historical novel based on an intriguing mystery, all complemented by a little romance.
We discover Charlotte, a young woman who tried to rebuild her life and the one of her family after the death of her father, a famous thief. A death that could have cleared their names, (since her father died while trying to save a young woman), has only benefited to one man, Owen Renderwell, who received all the credit. While she greatly appreciated the policeman when he worked with her dad, the feelings evolved into anger and sadness of such an act. But now, a new murder takes Owen back to Charlotte to have more information on her father and so to discover the identity of the killer and his motives. Alas, the welcome she reserves him is quite cold but after so many years of hard feelings, the young woman is this time determined to help the detectives, if she does not subsequently falls in love again. But as the secrets are revealed, Lottie will understand that her father was not the man she thought he was and that he hurt more people than what she thought.
I appreciated to see the relationship between our two main characters evolve over the chapters. I was quickly swept away by the events at the beginning of the novel, but it is true that once passed half, I had a harder time hanging on to what was happening … the pace of the plot became slower without a lot of event happening and I had a little trouble to go back in the story.
For the rest of the book, it’s a pretty good story, and I was curious and surprised about the revelations of this family which we do not necessarily expect. The end was also quite nice and I was eager to find out why the family had been targeted this time.
It was a good story even though I expected a little more I have to admit. However, I am curious to see what will happen afterwards if we have one sequel.
September 9, 2020
Glad I read the sequel first. If I’d started here I wouldn’t have bothered with other books in the series. Now the question is, do I ready any others?
October 27, 2015
A Talent for Trickery found itself on my reading radar because it features a heroine with a checkered, criminal past and a hero that’s an investigator. I was pretty confident that this was going to be a great combination. I was not disappointed.
Owen Renderwell first encountered Charlotte Walker years ago when he worked with her criminally inclined father. However, they did not part on good terms. Charlotte has always believed that Owen took the credit that was due to her father, leaving her father to die in disgrace and necessitating the need for her and her siblings to disguise their origins. Years later, Owen has come knocking on Lottie’s door to ask for her help. Needless to say, Lottie isn’t exactly jumping at the chance to help Owen, and it certainly doesn’t help that Owen has not a clue as to why Lottie is angry with him. Sparks will fly!
A Talent for Trickery is a really good historical romance. Not only does the author create an interesting premise (law maker vs. law breaker) there’s also some real intellectual meat to the story. It’s interesting that the novel explores the ideas of crime and class and how morality is for the rich, who have a number of choices available to them. For Charlotte and her siblings, helping their father with his criminal endeavors was not something they had a choice in. I was pleasantly surprised that this was not glossed over in the novel. Charlotte’s conflicting attitude about her background and her initial willingness to help her father was explored much more than I would have expected, giving this romance a more serious tone. The ideas behind class and crime are also what make Owen and Charlotte’s relationship more complex than many of the romances that I’ve read. The author spends a significant amount of time resolving the differences in both their class and their moral outlook. Charlotte has very fluid ideas of morality whereas Owen’s are more rigid, for a romance to flourish those differences needed to be resolved and the author does this.
The mystery element to A Talent for Trickery is another facet that makes this a strong read. What draws Owen back into Charlotte’s orbit is his need for help in breaking a cipher. This cipher may be one of Charlotte’s father’s and Owen needs access to his journals if he’s going to crack it. However, the murder that necessitates Owen’s return into Charlotte’s life might also be the reason that Charlotte and her two siblings are now in danger. Like the romance, the mystery was also well executed and served a larger purpose and further developed the romance. Without the need to work together to decipher the mysterious correspondence, Charlotte and Owen would never have gotten to know one another again.
While not a steamy romance, A Talent for Trickery was a well-crafted story. Not only were the hero and heroine well developed, but so too were the secondary characters of Charlotte’s siblings and Owen’s fellow investigators. I can only hope that Esther (Charlotte’s sister) gets her own story.
So if you’re looking for a romance that has a bit of meat to it, A Talent for Trickery more than fits the bill. This one gets bonus points for featuring an unusual heroine and her unusual family. I can’t wait for more in this series.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
Owen Renderwell first encountered Charlotte Walker years ago when he worked with her criminally inclined father. However, they did not part on good terms. Charlotte has always believed that Owen took the credit that was due to her father, leaving her father to die in disgrace and necessitating the need for her and her siblings to disguise their origins. Years later, Owen has come knocking on Lottie’s door to ask for her help. Needless to say, Lottie isn’t exactly jumping at the chance to help Owen, and it certainly doesn’t help that Owen has not a clue as to why Lottie is angry with him. Sparks will fly!
A Talent for Trickery is a really good historical romance. Not only does the author create an interesting premise (law maker vs. law breaker) there’s also some real intellectual meat to the story. It’s interesting that the novel explores the ideas of crime and class and how morality is for the rich, who have a number of choices available to them. For Charlotte and her siblings, helping their father with his criminal endeavors was not something they had a choice in. I was pleasantly surprised that this was not glossed over in the novel. Charlotte’s conflicting attitude about her background and her initial willingness to help her father was explored much more than I would have expected, giving this romance a more serious tone. The ideas behind class and crime are also what make Owen and Charlotte’s relationship more complex than many of the romances that I’ve read. The author spends a significant amount of time resolving the differences in both their class and their moral outlook. Charlotte has very fluid ideas of morality whereas Owen’s are more rigid, for a romance to flourish those differences needed to be resolved and the author does this.
The mystery element to A Talent for Trickery is another facet that makes this a strong read. What draws Owen back into Charlotte’s orbit is his need for help in breaking a cipher. This cipher may be one of Charlotte’s father’s and Owen needs access to his journals if he’s going to crack it. However, the murder that necessitates Owen’s return into Charlotte’s life might also be the reason that Charlotte and her two siblings are now in danger. Like the romance, the mystery was also well executed and served a larger purpose and further developed the romance. Without the need to work together to decipher the mysterious correspondence, Charlotte and Owen would never have gotten to know one another again.
While not a steamy romance, A Talent for Trickery was a well-crafted story. Not only were the hero and heroine well developed, but so too were the secondary characters of Charlotte’s siblings and Owen’s fellow investigators. I can only hope that Esther (Charlotte’s sister) gets her own story.
So if you’re looking for a romance that has a bit of meat to it, A Talent for Trickery more than fits the bill. This one gets bonus points for featuring an unusual heroine and her unusual family. I can’t wait for more in this series.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
June 1, 2016
I've noticed lately that I've found a lot of historical romances either unappealing or less than engaging when I try reading them. I'm not sure if I've burnt myself out on them or I just need a break but I think this book may be getting the DNF label partly because of it. I just wasn't hooked either way. It wasn't necessarily bad and I thought for an HR it had some clever writing and the premise sounds good. Maybe if you are into HR you would like this but it just wasn't for me.
March 2, 2016
HRBC February 1-15, 2016 BOTM theme: Late Victorian
This is a perfectly respectable and end enjoyable book. It just doesn't have that extra something or oomph to make it a 4-5 star read.
However, this was a very good reading experience.
I like the law-enforcement angle of the series and I hope to read the second book in the series.
This is a perfectly respectable and end enjoyable book. It just doesn't have that extra something or oomph to make it a 4-5 star read.
However, this was a very good reading experience.
I like the law-enforcement angle of the series and I hope to read the second book in the series.
July 18, 2022
Ginny Weasley - per RFS
.
Cari lettori, mi trovo oggi a recensire l’ultimo romanzo edito in Italia di un’autrice che non avevo ancora avuto il piacere di leggere, Alissa Johnson. La protagonista è la rispettabile Charlotte Bales… o forse la ladra Charlotte Walker nota come “Tulipano”, figlia del defunto William Walker, famigerato ladro e truffatore? Essendo stato scoperto, William aveva deciso di evitare la pena di morte in cambio di aiuto a Scotland Yard nella cattura di pericolosi criminali. Alla sua morte, avvenuta nel tentativo di salvare una duchessa rapita, la sua famiglia ricevette alcune migliaia di sterline che permise loro di cambiare nome, ritirarsi in campagna e abbandonare il passato. Lottie è la capofamiglia, si occupa amorevolmente della sorella e del fratello minore e ha lasciato dietro di sé, senza rimpianti, la vita di un tempo. Purtroppo però è costretta a rivangare quel passato per aiutare lord Owen Renderwell nel catturare un pericoloso criminale che ha lasciato sui luoghi dei misfatti lettere crittografate che solo Lottie, con l’aiuto dei diari del padre, può decifrare. Lottie e Owen si sono già conosciuti molti anni addietro, quando William Walker collaborava con le forze dell’ordine, ma una serie di incomprensioni li ha divisi per anni. Quest’incontro sarà l’occasione per rivedersi e superare il passato, svelando segreti nascosti e rivelando verità a lungo taciute perché troppo pericolose o difficili da affrontare.
Non l’aveva tenuto per sé per motivi di segretezza, né perché fosse spiacevole. Ma per autoconservazione. Perché, come tanti altri ricordi, era pericoloso. Era una pietruzza affilata in mezzo a chilometri di sentiero ghiaioso disseminato di pietre. C’erano stive che puzzavano e ceppi di ferro che ferivano. C’era la paura costante per Peter ed Esther, gli incubi della prigione e della forca, il ricordo di suo padre sanguinante sul pavimento e il suo passato da Tulipano. Sempre il suo passato da Tulipano. Così tante vulnerabilità da custodire. (Tratto dal libro)
Mi ha colpito il grande coraggio e la forza della protagonista, la sua ferrea volontà nel costruire una vita meritevole per sé e i suoi cari, la capacità di perdonare, nonostante tutto, un padre che le aveva insegnato a rubare e mentire sin dalla più tenera età, facendo patire ai suoi figli una vita disonesta e rischiosa. Ma ho ammirato anche la comprensione e la maturità di Owen che, forte del suo sentimento, offre amore, dolcezza e sicurezza a Lottie, accettando completamente il suo passato e le azioni compiute per amore del padre.
Si raddrizzò, catturandole lo sguardo. — Non amo tutto ciò che hai fatto e non posso promettere di amare tutto ciò che farai, né che tu amerai tutto ciò che farò io. Ma amo la persona che sei, che ho sempre conosciuto. Questo posso prometterlo. (Tratto dal libro)
Il romanzo è ben scritto e con l’uso del pov alternato l’autrice permette di addentrarsi nei pensieri dei protagonisti e conoscerli meglio. La storia in sé è originale e mai banale, molto ben costruita. E mi sono innamorata dei personaggi secondari, dai colleghi di Owen alla sorella di Lottie, Esther. Anzi, soprattutto di Esther, questo perché una serie di segreti la circondano e la tormentano, alcuni saranno svelati nel corso della narrazione, ma una parte saranno lasciati per uno dei prossimi romanzi della serie. Posso dire che l’autrice è riuscita a creare una certa attesa e suspense rispetto al proseguo della saga.
Vi invito quindi caldamente a leggere il romanzo e a buttarvi in questa storia di amore, accettazione e redenzione.
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Cari lettori, mi trovo oggi a recensire l’ultimo romanzo edito in Italia di un’autrice che non avevo ancora avuto il piacere di leggere, Alissa Johnson. La protagonista è la rispettabile Charlotte Bales… o forse la ladra Charlotte Walker nota come “Tulipano”, figlia del defunto William Walker, famigerato ladro e truffatore? Essendo stato scoperto, William aveva deciso di evitare la pena di morte in cambio di aiuto a Scotland Yard nella cattura di pericolosi criminali. Alla sua morte, avvenuta nel tentativo di salvare una duchessa rapita, la sua famiglia ricevette alcune migliaia di sterline che permise loro di cambiare nome, ritirarsi in campagna e abbandonare il passato. Lottie è la capofamiglia, si occupa amorevolmente della sorella e del fratello minore e ha lasciato dietro di sé, senza rimpianti, la vita di un tempo. Purtroppo però è costretta a rivangare quel passato per aiutare lord Owen Renderwell nel catturare un pericoloso criminale che ha lasciato sui luoghi dei misfatti lettere crittografate che solo Lottie, con l’aiuto dei diari del padre, può decifrare. Lottie e Owen si sono già conosciuti molti anni addietro, quando William Walker collaborava con le forze dell’ordine, ma una serie di incomprensioni li ha divisi per anni. Quest’incontro sarà l’occasione per rivedersi e superare il passato, svelando segreti nascosti e rivelando verità a lungo taciute perché troppo pericolose o difficili da affrontare.
Non l’aveva tenuto per sé per motivi di segretezza, né perché fosse spiacevole. Ma per autoconservazione. Perché, come tanti altri ricordi, era pericoloso. Era una pietruzza affilata in mezzo a chilometri di sentiero ghiaioso disseminato di pietre. C’erano stive che puzzavano e ceppi di ferro che ferivano. C’era la paura costante per Peter ed Esther, gli incubi della prigione e della forca, il ricordo di suo padre sanguinante sul pavimento e il suo passato da Tulipano. Sempre il suo passato da Tulipano. Così tante vulnerabilità da custodire. (Tratto dal libro)
Mi ha colpito il grande coraggio e la forza della protagonista, la sua ferrea volontà nel costruire una vita meritevole per sé e i suoi cari, la capacità di perdonare, nonostante tutto, un padre che le aveva insegnato a rubare e mentire sin dalla più tenera età, facendo patire ai suoi figli una vita disonesta e rischiosa. Ma ho ammirato anche la comprensione e la maturità di Owen che, forte del suo sentimento, offre amore, dolcezza e sicurezza a Lottie, accettando completamente il suo passato e le azioni compiute per amore del padre.
Si raddrizzò, catturandole lo sguardo. — Non amo tutto ciò che hai fatto e non posso promettere di amare tutto ciò che farai, né che tu amerai tutto ciò che farò io. Ma amo la persona che sei, che ho sempre conosciuto. Questo posso prometterlo. (Tratto dal libro)
Il romanzo è ben scritto e con l’uso del pov alternato l’autrice permette di addentrarsi nei pensieri dei protagonisti e conoscerli meglio. La storia in sé è originale e mai banale, molto ben costruita. E mi sono innamorata dei personaggi secondari, dai colleghi di Owen alla sorella di Lottie, Esther. Anzi, soprattutto di Esther, questo perché una serie di segreti la circondano e la tormentano, alcuni saranno svelati nel corso della narrazione, ma una parte saranno lasciati per uno dei prossimi romanzi della serie. Posso dire che l’autrice è riuscita a creare una certa attesa e suspense rispetto al proseguo della saga.
Vi invito quindi caldamente a leggere il romanzo e a buttarvi in questa storia di amore, accettazione e redenzione.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2018
Why haven't I read an Alissa Johnson book before????
This was so good. Really a cut above. The dialogue flows so naturally.
This was a lot of fun, with interesting characters, witty repartee, villainous action, and a romance that builds on a past friendship.
The only off-note for me was when Owen kept pestering Lottie to tell him all the details of a traumatic night when she was 9 and saw her father shot. There was no point to that, it had nothing to do with the case and it didn't do anything to change their relationship, it felt invasive.
This was so good. Really a cut above. The dialogue flows so naturally.
Gabriel stepped forward from the windows. “Certain you don’t know it?”
She looked up. “Yes.”
“Why should we believe you?”
“Still the thickest of the three, aren’t you?” She glanced at Owen. “Why ever have you kept him around so long?”
Owen shrugged lightly. “He’s a good shot.”
This was a lot of fun, with interesting characters, witty repartee, villainous action, and a romance that builds on a past friendship.
The only off-note for me was when Owen kept pestering Lottie to tell him all the details of a traumatic night when she was 9 and saw her father shot. There was no point to that, it had nothing to do with the case and it didn't do anything to change their relationship, it felt invasive.
October 28, 2015
Disclosure: I received this ARC through Netgalley. Thank you to Alissa Johnson and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
I really loved the books from Alissa Johnson's debut series (Providence), and I've read 2 out of 3 of her stand-alone stand-alone full-length novels. (I actually have a copy of that last book, and I'm wondering to myself now how I had forgotten to read it. Her last novel was published in 2012, and she released a novella in 2014, so I was delighted to see that she has a new series coming out.
The first book is A Talent for Trickery, and let's take a moment to admire the cover. *points up* I rarely talk about covers, but this one merits a sentence or two about how dramatic the colors are. Such a great cover for a Fall/Winter read. ^_^
Owen is known as The gentleman Thief-taker, and Charlotte is the daughter of the infamous William Walker, a con artist and master thief. They haven't seen each other in years, but Owen seeks out Charlotte because he needs her help in his latest case.
There's a lot of unresolved issues between Charlotte and Owen, whom Charlotte blames for her father's death. I understand Charlotte's anger -- she believes Owen had betrayed her father's trust, and had taken credit for her father's rescue of Lady Strale and her diamonds -- while Owen enjoyed the fame and adoration of society, Charlotte's father was never redeemed in the eyes of society, and she and her siblings left London, and assumed different identities.
What makes this story stand out are the female characters. Charlotte and her sister, Esther, we're both trained by their father and it's fascinating to read about how they can size up a person so astutely. These aren't naive and sheltered ladies, but women who recognized their "unique" talents and abilities to survive.
Between the two, Charlotte is the idealist -- she loves their new life, and has painstakingly maintained the fictional narrative of their past, for the sake of their little brother, Peter. The story they've concocted reveals Charlotte's yearning for normalcy and decency.
Esther is the realist. I really love Esther (and can't wait to read her story). I love how she embraced and accepted herself. She respects and loves Charlotte, which is why she plays along and pretends along with Charlotte, for the sake of their brother. (Esther kicks ass in Chapter 18.)
When Owen steps back into their lives, Charlotte doesn't know what to think or feel. On one hand, it's a reminder of a past she has worked so hard to escape all these years, and, on the other hand, it's a chance to resolve things between the two of them.
It's always interesting when two people with a shared past reunite once again, and more interesting if the parting wasn't amicable. There's a lot of anger and a lot of resentment, but there's also a bit of confusion borne of the long-brewing attraction and yearning between the two of them.
And there's also a case that needs to be answered -- and the only clues are messages left at the scene of the crime, all encrypted in Charlotte's late father's very distinctive style. It's fun to read how Charlotte tries to break the code. (On a more personal note, as a fan of journals and planners, I loved how diligently William Walker chronicled his life.) I can't say much more about the mystery, for fear of spoiling it, but the author does a really great job of piecing together the puzzle.
William Walker, Charlotte's father, is such a compelling and curious character -- his daughters at once love, adored, and loathed him. I found his moral ambiguity fascinating, and he seemed like such a clever, and complex person. I wonder if the author will ever do a prequel novel featuring him.
There's a lot to love about this novel -- the characters, the storyline, and everything else just works out and makes A Talent for Trickery a real page-turner from beginning to end.
* * *
I really loved the books from Alissa Johnson's debut series (Providence), and I've read 2 out of 3 of her stand-alone stand-alone full-length novels. (I actually have a copy of that last book, and I'm wondering to myself now how I had forgotten to read it. Her last novel was published in 2012, and she released a novella in 2014, so I was delighted to see that she has a new series coming out.
The first book is A Talent for Trickery, and let's take a moment to admire the cover. *points up* I rarely talk about covers, but this one merits a sentence or two about how dramatic the colors are. Such a great cover for a Fall/Winter read. ^_^
Owen is known as The gentleman Thief-taker, and Charlotte is the daughter of the infamous William Walker, a con artist and master thief. They haven't seen each other in years, but Owen seeks out Charlotte because he needs her help in his latest case.
There's a lot of unresolved issues between Charlotte and Owen, whom Charlotte blames for her father's death. I understand Charlotte's anger -- she believes Owen had betrayed her father's trust, and had taken credit for her father's rescue of Lady Strale and her diamonds -- while Owen enjoyed the fame and adoration of society, Charlotte's father was never redeemed in the eyes of society, and she and her siblings left London, and assumed different identities.
What makes this story stand out are the female characters. Charlotte and her sister, Esther, we're both trained by their father and it's fascinating to read about how they can size up a person so astutely. These aren't naive and sheltered ladies, but women who recognized their "unique" talents and abilities to survive.
Between the two, Charlotte is the idealist -- she loves their new life, and has painstakingly maintained the fictional narrative of their past, for the sake of their little brother, Peter. The story they've concocted reveals Charlotte's yearning for normalcy and decency.
Esther is the realist. I really love Esther (and can't wait to read her story). I love how she embraced and accepted herself. She respects and loves Charlotte, which is why she plays along and pretends along with Charlotte, for the sake of their brother. (Esther kicks ass in Chapter 18.)
..."This family became respectable three weeks after my fifteenth birthday. Just like --" she lightly jabbed the tip of the knife into the armrest -- "that, and we were all good children of the God-fearing Mr. Bales, successful tradesman. At fourteen we were criminals and at fifteen we were not. Do you know how much changed for me then?"
"How much?"
"Not a damn thing."
- loc 2794 to 2806
When Owen steps back into their lives, Charlotte doesn't know what to think or feel. On one hand, it's a reminder of a past she has worked so hard to escape all these years, and, on the other hand, it's a chance to resolve things between the two of them.
It's always interesting when two people with a shared past reunite once again, and more interesting if the parting wasn't amicable. There's a lot of anger and a lot of resentment, but there's also a bit of confusion borne of the long-brewing attraction and yearning between the two of them.
If parents had a queen, he mused, she would enter a room like Miss Charlotte Walker-Bales.
- loc 58
And there's also a case that needs to be answered -- and the only clues are messages left at the scene of the crime, all encrypted in Charlotte's late father's very distinctive style. It's fun to read how Charlotte tries to break the code. (On a more personal note, as a fan of journals and planners, I loved how diligently William Walker chronicled his life.) I can't say much more about the mystery, for fear of spoiling it, but the author does a really great job of piecing together the puzzle.
William Walker, Charlotte's father, is such a compelling and curious character -- his daughters at once love, adored, and loathed him. I found his moral ambiguity fascinating, and he seemed like such a clever, and complex person. I wonder if the author will ever do a prequel novel featuring him.
"My father used to say morality was a currency. The very poor sell it off quickly because it is the only thing of value they possess, and the very rich spend it frivolously because they've other commodities with which to replace its value."
- loc 1020
There's a lot to love about this novel -- the characters, the storyline, and everything else just works out and makes A Talent for Trickery a real page-turner from beginning to end.
October 26, 2015
I don’t read a lot of historical romance, a few here and there when I need a change of pace from my norm, and when I decide it’s time for one I tend to waffle over which one to choose, but A Talent for Trickery was pretty much a no brainer. It wasn’t because I’ve read anything by Alissa Johnson before, I haven’t, but instead it was the cover that caught my eye. I don’t typically base my choices on the cover, but I loved the composition and the contrasting colors used in and then I saw the opening line to the description “The Lady is a Thief” and after reading the rest of the description, I was sold on giving this on a go, because just the idea of a man of that era going to a woman, and thief, no less for help was just too intriguing to pass up. And I must say that I’m happy I did because I found A Talent for Trickery to be a very enjoyable and engaging with interesting characters and some nice twists and turns to the story.
Owen I really liked. He is used to being in control and yet he isn’t unreasonable. He actually listens to the wants and needs of those around him and will adjust, or even apologize for his actions, if they prove to be logical. There is a sweet, sexy and playful side to him, and though he is quite confident in his capabilities, he’s not necessarily as confident when it comes to Lottie and it made him much more real and relatable to have even that slight vulnerability. Lottie is a smart, take charge and do what needs to be done woman who doesn’t allow people to walk all over her, but while she does like to have things done her way, she can look past her own wants and make exception. Lottie’s love of her family and the lengths she went to in order to keep them safe shows what a huge heart she has for those she cares about.
I really enjoyed the progression of Owen and Lottie’s relationship from the moment they see each other for the first time in eight years, to them finally discussing and coming to an understanding about what had torn them apart and then to the two of them realizing and coming to terms with their feelings for each other. I like the fact that they both held an equal amount of power in their relationship. The respect they had of each other’s intellect was practically equal to that of their physical attraction to each other. And the bantering/arguing that went on between them was quite amusing and also showed how well suited they were for each other.
I’m a sucker for well written supporting characters and Gabriel and Samuel, Owen’s men, fit the bill. The bantering between them was fun and felt real. There is also a bit of mystery about them that has me wanting to find out more. Peter, Lottie’s brother and the youngest of the family, was very believable as a 14 year old boy on the brink of becoming a man with all the growing pains that go along with it. But it was Esther, the middle sibling, who intrigues me the most. Though she is younger than Lottie, there were many times when she appeared older and wiser and as the story reached it’s end, she is the one that I have the most questions about.
I liked the writing style and enjoyed the dual 3rd person POV. The twists and turns in the murder case were very well done and though it did take a while for things in regards to the case to really get going, once it’s did I had a difficult time putting the book down and I was quite pleasantly surprised at the outcome, especially since I definitely didn’t see it coming.
The Bottom Line: If you like your historical romance mixed with a little mystery and suspense and well written characters, then this one is for you!
~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
Owen I really liked. He is used to being in control and yet he isn’t unreasonable. He actually listens to the wants and needs of those around him and will adjust, or even apologize for his actions, if they prove to be logical. There is a sweet, sexy and playful side to him, and though he is quite confident in his capabilities, he’s not necessarily as confident when it comes to Lottie and it made him much more real and relatable to have even that slight vulnerability. Lottie is a smart, take charge and do what needs to be done woman who doesn’t allow people to walk all over her, but while she does like to have things done her way, she can look past her own wants and make exception. Lottie’s love of her family and the lengths she went to in order to keep them safe shows what a huge heart she has for those she cares about.
I really enjoyed the progression of Owen and Lottie’s relationship from the moment they see each other for the first time in eight years, to them finally discussing and coming to an understanding about what had torn them apart and then to the two of them realizing and coming to terms with their feelings for each other. I like the fact that they both held an equal amount of power in their relationship. The respect they had of each other’s intellect was practically equal to that of their physical attraction to each other. And the bantering/arguing that went on between them was quite amusing and also showed how well suited they were for each other.
I’m a sucker for well written supporting characters and Gabriel and Samuel, Owen’s men, fit the bill. The bantering between them was fun and felt real. There is also a bit of mystery about them that has me wanting to find out more. Peter, Lottie’s brother and the youngest of the family, was very believable as a 14 year old boy on the brink of becoming a man with all the growing pains that go along with it. But it was Esther, the middle sibling, who intrigues me the most. Though she is younger than Lottie, there were many times when she appeared older and wiser and as the story reached it’s end, she is the one that I have the most questions about.
I liked the writing style and enjoyed the dual 3rd person POV. The twists and turns in the murder case were very well done and though it did take a while for things in regards to the case to really get going, once it’s did I had a difficult time putting the book down and I was quite pleasantly surprised at the outcome, especially since I definitely didn’t see it coming.
The Bottom Line: If you like your historical romance mixed with a little mystery and suspense and well written characters, then this one is for you!
~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
October 29, 2015
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/10...
Sparks fly when a titled London investigator is forced to ask the (former) criminal he once loved for help in A Talent for Trickery . Author Alissa Johnson charmed the heck out of me with this first Thief-takers novel. Lottie and Owen’s story is bright, engaging, and filled with memorable characters who will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Owen is an incredibly appealing hero, one who is everything that is honorable. He’s also smart enough to admit when he needs help, and he risks his own pride and heart by asking Lottie for her assistance on his current case. Though it’s been eight years, it’s clear that Owen’s feelings for Lottie are as strong as ever, and the way he sees the true her and loves Lottie for all that she is made me smile. As for Lottie, she is an endearing mix of strength and vulnerability. When she was younger, she was forced to act as her father’s accomplice; a fact which still causes her shame. In the wake of his death, she put everything she had into forging a new life for the sake of her sister and brother. Lottie is incredibly intelligent and fiercely protective of her siblings. She also still carries a torch for Owen, though she doesn’t want to admit it. Lottie wasn’t given the whole story about her father’s death and what happened immediately after, so she is wrong in hating Owen, but her logic is understandable. Their mutual attraction is palpable from the start, even though there’s distrust and wariness between them. Once the air is cleared between them, Owen and Lottie make a truly dynamic couple.
Though it’s clear Owen and Lottie fit one another like lock and key, that doesn’t mean their road to happily ever after is an easy one. Issues regarding social class and opinions on morality aren’t things that can be ignored, especially given Lottie and Owen’s respective positions. There’s also the not-so-small matter of someone who seems to be targeting the Walker family. Not all of Lottie’s father’s secrets died with him, and said secrets may or may not be tied to Owen’s current case. The mystery plotline fleshes out A Talent for Trickery , adding exciting twists and turns to the story and making it all the more compelling.
A Talent for Trickery is the first book in the Thief-takers series, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Ms. Johnson has in store for readers with future books. If my suspicions are correct, Lottie’s intriguing sister, Esther, will get a book of her own one day and I’m truly excited – I’m not at all ready to leave the Walker family behind. If you enjoy historical romances with unusual heroines and a heartwarming love story, then you won’t want to miss A Talent for Trickery !
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sparks fly when a titled London investigator is forced to ask the (former) criminal he once loved for help in A Talent for Trickery . Author Alissa Johnson charmed the heck out of me with this first Thief-takers novel. Lottie and Owen’s story is bright, engaging, and filled with memorable characters who will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Owen is an incredibly appealing hero, one who is everything that is honorable. He’s also smart enough to admit when he needs help, and he risks his own pride and heart by asking Lottie for her assistance on his current case. Though it’s been eight years, it’s clear that Owen’s feelings for Lottie are as strong as ever, and the way he sees the true her and loves Lottie for all that she is made me smile. As for Lottie, she is an endearing mix of strength and vulnerability. When she was younger, she was forced to act as her father’s accomplice; a fact which still causes her shame. In the wake of his death, she put everything she had into forging a new life for the sake of her sister and brother. Lottie is incredibly intelligent and fiercely protective of her siblings. She also still carries a torch for Owen, though she doesn’t want to admit it. Lottie wasn’t given the whole story about her father’s death and what happened immediately after, so she is wrong in hating Owen, but her logic is understandable. Their mutual attraction is palpable from the start, even though there’s distrust and wariness between them. Once the air is cleared between them, Owen and Lottie make a truly dynamic couple.
Though it’s clear Owen and Lottie fit one another like lock and key, that doesn’t mean their road to happily ever after is an easy one. Issues regarding social class and opinions on morality aren’t things that can be ignored, especially given Lottie and Owen’s respective positions. There’s also the not-so-small matter of someone who seems to be targeting the Walker family. Not all of Lottie’s father’s secrets died with him, and said secrets may or may not be tied to Owen’s current case. The mystery plotline fleshes out A Talent for Trickery , adding exciting twists and turns to the story and making it all the more compelling.
A Talent for Trickery is the first book in the Thief-takers series, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Ms. Johnson has in store for readers with future books. If my suspicions are correct, Lottie’s intriguing sister, Esther, will get a book of her own one day and I’m truly excited – I’m not at all ready to leave the Walker family behind. If you enjoy historical romances with unusual heroines and a heartwarming love story, then you won’t want to miss A Talent for Trickery !
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 15, 2016
4.5 stars
"A Talent For Trickery" has a very sweet lovestory with nice and likable characters that aren't without faults but with good hearts. Like every other novel from Alissa Johnson I read this book is more focused on a realistic development of the lovestory and romance than on desire and passion. There is only on lovescene in this book and for HR standards it's rather short and non-graphic and I liked it. I really love it when HRs aren't only about passion and more about romance! My only problem with most of Alissa Johnsons lovestories is that they cannot surprise or affect me emotionally. I like her lovestories but I'm normally missing the heartaches, angst and drama but in that way she is not ruining her lovestories with stupid and unnecessary plot twists.
A major part of "A Talent For Trickery" was the crime part. Normally I'm not a huge fan of HRs with crime plots but I liked it in this one. It might not be as good as a romantic suspense/romantic thrill novel because it's not the main part of the story and one always knows that the main characters will never ever die (and this just reduces the suspense and tension of the story). But I thought that the story fit the characters background, Lottie is not just involved in this story because she was at the wrong place at the wrong time or something similiar but because of her past. The crime plot wasn't innovative but it could surprise me with little scenes. Not in the "I'm surprised who the criminal is or what his motives are" but in a "I didn't expected this moment to happen now" (just like scarejumps in horror movies. I know they are coming but I'm always startled nonetheless). And one scene still stickes in my mind: Neverthess the crime story isn't overly dark, thrilling or complex but a nice addition to the love story .
Overall a nice and sweet historical romance with a better than average historical romance crime story! I will definitely read the sequel, it's about Esther (Lotties sister) and Samuel (Owens partner) and their lovestory was already introduced in this story (it fit the story but was a little bit to obvious in a "I want you to read the next book!" sense).
"A Talent For Trickery" has a very sweet lovestory with nice and likable characters that aren't without faults but with good hearts. Like every other novel from Alissa Johnson I read this book is more focused on a realistic development of the lovestory and romance than on desire and passion. There is only on lovescene in this book and for HR standards it's rather short and non-graphic and I liked it. I really love it when HRs aren't only about passion and more about romance! My only problem with most of Alissa Johnsons lovestories is that they cannot surprise or affect me emotionally. I like her lovestories but I'm normally missing the heartaches, angst and drama but in that way she is not ruining her lovestories with stupid and unnecessary plot twists.
A major part of "A Talent For Trickery" was the crime part. Normally I'm not a huge fan of HRs with crime plots but I liked it in this one. It might not be as good as a romantic suspense/romantic thrill novel because it's not the main part of the story and one always knows that the main characters will never ever die (and this just reduces the suspense and tension of the story). But I thought that the story fit the characters background, Lottie is not just involved in this story because she was at the wrong place at the wrong time or something similiar but because of her past. The crime plot wasn't innovative but it could surprise me with little scenes. Not in the "I'm surprised who the criminal is or what his motives are" but in a "I didn't expected this moment to happen now" (just like scarejumps in horror movies. I know they are coming but I'm always startled nonetheless). And one scene still stickes in my mind: Neverthess the crime story isn't overly dark, thrilling or complex but a nice addition to the love story .
Overall a nice and sweet historical romance with a better than average historical romance crime story! I will definitely read the sequel, it's about Esther (Lotties sister) and Samuel (Owens partner) and their lovestory was already introduced in this story (it fit the story but was a little bit to obvious in a "I want you to read the next book!" sense).
January 11, 2017
I've enjoyed almost all of the books that I've read by this author and this was no exception. The banter was witty and fun and the inner monologue was a hoot. This was a character driven story and I appreciated that the MCs got to know each other again before rekindling whatever was going on before their separation. This book was not filled with intimate scenes and I appreciate that so much. The story focused more on *gasp* character and relationship development instead of bodice ripping. Not too much happens in this story plotwise, but I didn't mind that much.
So why only 3 stars? Well, I didn't really appreciate the fact that the H only comes back into the h's life because he needs something from her. And he didn't try all that hard at the beginning of their eight year separation to clear up any misunderstandings. And of course, the author has to mention the fact that he's kept mistresses. It's not specified whether or not he kept them after he and the h were separated, but logically it makes sense. So his assertion at the end of the story that didn't ring true. And I hate it when the author adds details like that. Just don't mention anything about that part of his life and I could mentally sweep it under the rug. Plus he's not sure whether or not he wants to have the h as a mistress or just as a dalliance. He didn't entertain the idea of marrying her until way later. And while I understand that not everyone's idea of romance ends in marriage, it should at least not include the terms "mistress" or "dalliance". Maybe I'm just too old fashioned.
Then there's the h who suffers from feeling inadequate. The H is so good and she's not. So not. What kind of future could she possibly have with him? After a while, her inner monologue became monotonous and boring. And the BIG SECRET she kept from the H was sort of boring, too. Her insecurities started to grate after a while.
Despite these quibbles, I would still recommend this to someone who likes to read historical romance that doesn't make you feel like you're losing brain cells by reading it. I enjoyed the witty banter, the dual povs, and the well fleshed out MCs. There was also just the right amount of angst in this book. It wasn't painful, didn't drag on for too long, and there was also absolutely no ow/om drama. I also do like the fact that the MCs, especially the H, didn't let harsh feelings drag on for too long. Their past differences were pretty quickly hashed out and I appreciate that. The message of forgiveness is also lovely. Overall, a worthy read.
So why only 3 stars? Well, I didn't really appreciate the fact that the H only comes back into the h's life because he needs something from her. And he didn't try all that hard at the beginning of their eight year separation to clear up any misunderstandings. And of course, the author has to mention the fact that he's kept mistresses. It's not specified whether or not he kept them after he and the h were separated, but logically it makes sense. So his assertion at the end of the story that didn't ring true. And I hate it when the author adds details like that. Just don't mention anything about that part of his life and I could mentally sweep it under the rug. Plus he's not sure whether or not he wants to have the h as a mistress or just as a dalliance. He didn't entertain the idea of marrying her until way later. And while I understand that not everyone's idea of romance ends in marriage, it should at least not include the terms "mistress" or "dalliance". Maybe I'm just too old fashioned.
Then there's the h who suffers from feeling inadequate. The H is so good and she's not. So not. What kind of future could she possibly have with him? After a while, her inner monologue became monotonous and boring. And the BIG SECRET she kept from the H was sort of boring, too. Her insecurities started to grate after a while.
Despite these quibbles, I would still recommend this to someone who likes to read historical romance that doesn't make you feel like you're losing brain cells by reading it. I enjoyed the witty banter, the dual povs, and the well fleshed out MCs. There was also just the right amount of angst in this book. It wasn't painful, didn't drag on for too long, and there was also absolutely no ow/om drama. I also do like the fact that the MCs, especially the H, didn't let harsh feelings drag on for too long. Their past differences were pretty quickly hashed out and I appreciate that. The message of forgiveness is also lovely. Overall, a worthy read.
November 10, 2015
Alissa Johnson's historical romances are hit or miss with me. She writes with wit, her dialogue is always sharp, and her characters are always intriguing. But too often these strengths are overburdened by improbably or outright nonsensical plotting, which, alas, is the case here.
Eight years ago, Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Owen, Lord Renderwell blackmailed swindler William Walker into helping the Yard with criminal cases. At the time, Walker's eldest daughter, Lottie, was convinced that her father had turned to the good side, and when her father died as a result of his involvement in a case, Lottie blamed Owen. For not telling the world that her father had been working for him, and redeeming his name; for allowing Lottie and her siblings to leave without offering any help. That 22-year-old Lottie had long nursed a crush on Owen only made his apparent betrayal all the worse. At least, I think that's what happened; the backstory comes out in confusing bits and starts, making it rather difficult to piece it all together.
After her father's death, Lottie and her two younger siblings adopted another name and moved to the country, trying to build a new life and escape their father's reputation. But now, eight years later, a murderer leaves a note linking the Walker family to the deaths, and Owen is forced back into Lottie's circle. About which resentful Lottie is not at all happy, despite their obvious physical attraction to one another.
The current mystery plot is rather annoying, with a villain who comes out of the blue. What was more annoying was the fits and starts to Owen's and Lottie's relationship. As Owen himself notes, "There had to be something he could say to set things right between them. Again. It seemed as if he was always searching for the right word to smooth over some new argument, constantly struggling to bridge some new gap between them" (Kindle Loc 2947). Some readers may find this "push them together, pull them apart for no good reason" pattern amusing, but for me, it made them far from an appealing couple.
Eight years ago, Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Owen, Lord Renderwell blackmailed swindler William Walker into helping the Yard with criminal cases. At the time, Walker's eldest daughter, Lottie, was convinced that her father had turned to the good side, and when her father died as a result of his involvement in a case, Lottie blamed Owen. For not telling the world that her father had been working for him, and redeeming his name; for allowing Lottie and her siblings to leave without offering any help. That 22-year-old Lottie had long nursed a crush on Owen only made his apparent betrayal all the worse. At least, I think that's what happened; the backstory comes out in confusing bits and starts, making it rather difficult to piece it all together.
After her father's death, Lottie and her two younger siblings adopted another name and moved to the country, trying to build a new life and escape their father's reputation. But now, eight years later, a murderer leaves a note linking the Walker family to the deaths, and Owen is forced back into Lottie's circle. About which resentful Lottie is not at all happy, despite their obvious physical attraction to one another.
The current mystery plot is rather annoying, with a villain who comes out of the blue. What was more annoying was the fits and starts to Owen's and Lottie's relationship. As Owen himself notes, "There had to be something he could say to set things right between them. Again. It seemed as if he was always searching for the right word to smooth over some new argument, constantly struggling to bridge some new gap between them" (Kindle Loc 2947). Some readers may find this "push them together, pull them apart for no good reason" pattern amusing, but for me, it made them far from an appealing couple.
March 2, 2016
Alissa Johnson is one fine writer. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between hero Owen and heroine Lottie. Johnson managed to make it funny and poignant, sharp and tender. No mean feat. I liked Owen and Lottie resolving their shared fraught past, with misunderstanding and misinterpretation reigning at the time. About a third of the way through the narrative, however, the tenor changed completely. ATFT became a conventional histrom suspense novel. If this is your cuppa, you're likely to enjoy its entirety. I found it a bit draggy, but I loved the characters and stuck with it to their lovely HEA. Overall, a middling to better histrom read. If you'd like to read a more extensive review, please follow the link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2016...
Please note I received an e-ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca, via Netgalley.
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2016...
Please note I received an e-ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca, via Netgalley.
February 4, 2016
I enjoyed the premise of this, the ex-Scotland Yard detective made a Viscount (Owen, Viscount Renderwell) after capturing the criminal father of the girl whom he secretly has a thing for and who isn't entirely innocent (Charlotte Bales AKA Walker, The Tulip) ... lots of backstory and herein lay the problem for me. The past somewhat hampered the story moving forward. So a little slow moving with all the action and resolution in the last 20% of the book.
Nevertheless quite enjoyable and a great set up for the characters featured in the next book - the crusty ex-sergeant and the dangerous sister.
3.5 stars.
Nevertheless quite enjoyable and a great set up for the characters featured in the next book - the crusty ex-sergeant and the dangerous sister.
3.5 stars.
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