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Counterfeit Lady #8
City of Promises
10 hours, 59 minutes
Elizabeth Bates must use everything she knows about the art of the con to stop a fellow scammer in his tracks in this first-ever thrilling crossover in the Victoria Thompson universe, featuring characters from her bestselling Gaslight Mysteries.
Famed former police detective turned private investigator Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, come to Gideon Bates desperate for legal guidance. The Malloys’ adopted daughter, Catherine, a burgeoning star of the stage, has announced her engagement to a man she barely knows. Catherine has recently gained access to her trust fund, and Sebastian Talbot appears very eager to marry her as quickly as possible.
As Gideon and his wife, Elizabeth, investigate, it becomes all the clearer that Talbot may not be who he says he is. As a former con artist herself, Elizabeth suspects one may be in their midst. Undeterred by her pregnancy, she must pull out all the stops to out swindle a swindler and save another woman from ruin.
Elizabeth Bates must use everything she knows about the art of the con to stop a fellow scammer in his tracks in this first-ever thrilling crossover in the Victoria Thompson universe, featuring characters from her bestselling Gaslight Mysteries.
Famed former police detective turned private investigator Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, come to Gideon Bates desperate for legal guidance. The Malloys’ adopted daughter, Catherine, a burgeoning star of the stage, has announced her engagement to a man she barely knows. Catherine has recently gained access to her trust fund, and Sebastian Talbot appears very eager to marry her as quickly as possible.
As Gideon and his wife, Elizabeth, investigate, it becomes all the clearer that Talbot may not be who he says he is. As a former con artist herself, Elizabeth suspects one may be in their midst. Undeterred by her pregnancy, she must pull out all the stops to out swindle a swindler and save another woman from ruin.
Audiobook
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Victoria Thompson
82 books2,499 followersVictoria Thompson is the USA Today bestselling, Edgar® and Agatha Award–nominated author of the Gaslight Mysteries and the Counterfeit Lady novels. Humor, romance, family, justice, and compassion balance out the crimes in Victoria's unforgettable cozy mystery novels.
This page is managed by Victoria's daughter, Ellen Thompson.
This page is managed by Victoria's daughter, Ellen Thompson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 3, 2026
What a treat to revisit some of my favorite characters after the author’s passing. And it’s a crossover, to boot! The fun in these books is not finding out whodunit, but watching the MCs process in discovery and taking them down. I’d welcome more stories set in this sphere, but I’m completely happy with this final installment. Thanks to Berkley for the arc.
May 22, 2026
I’ll admit the last book in this series was a slog of suffragist history rather than a good mystery, so I was skeptical about this one. But then I saw it was a crossover with Frank and Sarah, so I’d get to see what happened to them.
As a result of such a large cast, Gideon was sidelined, but I love the Gaslight characters more, so I didn’t care. The motion picture angle was shoehorned in to give Elizabeth more to do. There was some telling when I wanted showing, but on the plus side I couldn’t tell when one author’s voice ended and the other began.
This is still Elizabeth running, or stopping, a con, but unless you’re also a fan of the Frank and Sarah mysteries, there may not be enough here for you to care. The resolution was rushed and anticlimactic, and I was disappointed Sarah didn’t deliver Elizabeth’s baby, and that Jake didn’t end up with Catherine and mooned over a married Maeve instead. This series ran out of steam, but as least Gaslight fans got to revisit the Malloys.
Read this if you’re a fan and want one final book with either Victoria Thompson series. New readers should just go back and start with Murder on Astor Place or City of Lies.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
As a result of such a large cast, Gideon was sidelined, but I love the Gaslight characters more, so I didn’t care. The motion picture angle was shoehorned in to give Elizabeth more to do. There was some telling when I wanted showing, but on the plus side I couldn’t tell when one author’s voice ended and the other began.
This is still Elizabeth running, or stopping, a con, but unless you’re also a fan of the Frank and Sarah mysteries, there may not be enough here for you to care. The resolution was rushed and anticlimactic, and I was disappointed Sarah didn’t deliver Elizabeth’s baby, and that Jake didn’t end up with Catherine and mooned over a married Maeve instead. This series ran out of steam, but as least Gaslight fans got to revisit the Malloys.
Read this if you’re a fan and want one final book with either Victoria Thompson series. New readers should just go back and start with Murder on Astor Place or City of Lies.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
Famed former police detective turned private investigator Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, come to Gideon Bates desperate for legal guidance. The Malloys’ adopted daughter, Catherine, a burgeoning star of the stage, has announced her engagement to a man she barely knows. Catherine has recently gained access to her trust fund, and Sebastian Talbot appears very eager to marry her as quickly as possible.
I enjoyed the setting and the time period. I also enjoyed learning about con artists. Nothing like some smart crooks to keep you reading.
This is a quick story and I almost finished it in one sitting. I did feel it is a bit simple, I mean…you knew where it was going from the first paragraph and it did not deviate!
This is part of a series. I have not read any in this series. It is not necessary that you do so, but I feel like I would have cared more for the characters if I had read at least one.
Need a quick read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a hones review.
I enjoyed the setting and the time period. I also enjoyed learning about con artists. Nothing like some smart crooks to keep you reading.
This is a quick story and I almost finished it in one sitting. I did feel it is a bit simple, I mean…you knew where it was going from the first paragraph and it did not deviate!
This is part of a series. I have not read any in this series. It is not necessary that you do so, but I feel like I would have cared more for the characters if I had read at least one.
Need a quick read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a hones review.
August 1, 2026
A prefect ending to this series upon the author's passing. Plus, a cross over! I'll miss these characters.
July 31, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 Time is my biggest nemesis. When I opened City of Promises and saw that this was a crossover of beloved characters from Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight mystery series (still on the TBR pile), I made the tough decision to not read the dozens of backlist titles and read this one as a standalone and had no problem jumping right in, I promise.
So while I can not compare this book to the original series, I can say that Ellen Thompson, carrying on the torch of Victoria Thompson, has delivered an impeccably written, riveting tale that brings readers back to a time when suffragists exuded confidence for women but a sense of unease lurks for one family as an engagement rocks the boat. A Broadway star with wealth from an inheritance certainly has raised some questions and the intrigue is palatable. City of Promises is a smart historical mystery that balances matters of heart and ambition, and now I am fascinated to dive deeper into the rest of the books!
📖 Book Review 📖 Time is my biggest nemesis. When I opened City of Promises and saw that this was a crossover of beloved characters from Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight mystery series (still on the TBR pile), I made the tough decision to not read the dozens of backlist titles and read this one as a standalone and had no problem jumping right in, I promise.
So while I can not compare this book to the original series, I can say that Ellen Thompson, carrying on the torch of Victoria Thompson, has delivered an impeccably written, riveting tale that brings readers back to a time when suffragists exuded confidence for women but a sense of unease lurks for one family as an engagement rocks the boat. A Broadway star with wealth from an inheritance certainly has raised some questions and the intrigue is palatable. City of Promises is a smart historical mystery that balances matters of heart and ambition, and now I am fascinated to dive deeper into the rest of the books!
Want to Read
September 16, 2026**was going to read this one, but realized that it's a crossover with the Gaslight series. I'm only in the middle of the series, and will have spoilers. I will come back to this book once I catch up/finish the other series**
Did Not Finish
March 20, 2026This series hasn't been holding much of my attention in recent times, and the fact that the author passed away and her daughter completed this one didn't help matters. I just couldn't keep reading it
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
City of Promises is the 8th book in Victoria Thompson's historical mystery series Counterfeit Lady. If that's not exciting enough, there's a crossover with the characters of her Gaslight Mystery series! I've read books 4 and 5 of this series, and book 26 in the other. Trust me, you can follow along just fine and understand what's going on if you haven't read any of the previous books. If you're like me, you'll be wanting to read all you missed, as well! Sadly, Victoria Thompson died while she was writing this book. The world has lost a marvelous writer. After her death, however, her daughter Ellen Thompson finished the book. She did so seamlessly; her mother would be proud. You would never have known the difference if you hand't heard about her mother's passing.
Famed former police detective turned private investigator Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, come to Gideon Bates desperate for legal guidance. The Malloys’ adopted daughter, Catherine, a burgeoning star of the stage, has announced her engagement to a man she barely knows. Catherine has recently gained access to her trust fund, and Sebastian Talbot appears very eager to marry her as quickly as possible. As Gideon and his wife, Elizabeth, investigate, it becomes all the clearer that Talbot may not be who he says he is. As a former con artist herself, Elizabeth suspects one may be in their midst. Undeterred by her pregnancy, she must pull out all the stops to out swindle a swindler and save another woman from ruin.
This was quite an entertaining book! It takes place in prohibition-era New York. Elizabeth is a fun character. Her mother died while she was young, so she was raised by her father, a well-known conman who was referred to as the "Old Man". Apparently he was the head man in that neighborhood; no one was to run a con without checking with the Old Man first. Elizabeth brother was a conman, as well. So you know that she was raised in the art of the con. Now that she's married to Gideon, a successful attorney, and is pregnant with her first child, she will only run cons if it helps someone who desperately needs assistance. This is one of those times. The Malloys' daughter Catherine is engaged to a man she barely knows. Her parents are suspicious that the man is a fortune hunter, with good reason. Catherine had just gained access to her trust fund, and here comes Sebastian Talbot! At that time, when a woman married a man, the money became his property. (Thank goodness that has changed!) Elizabeth immediately suspects him, so she and Gideon, and a number of their friends, are determined to come to Catherine's aid. I won't go into too many details, because that would ruin the fun in the book. By the time it ends, you'll be hoping that Sebastian gets what's coming to him! It was nice to see the Malloys make an appearance in this book; I enjoyed their characters in the Gaslight Mystery book I read. All of the characters were well drawn, but I have a couple of favorites. Gideon's mother, Mother Bates, lives with them. She's a hoot! (She and Elizabeth have a secret from Gideon...they sometimes go to the saloon where the Old Man works out of, and she does like an occasional nip of gin!). The Old Man is great, as well. He and Mother Bates seem to have an attraction to each other; I would love to see that played out. I don't know if Ellen Thompson will be continuing the series in her mother's stead (I'd be happy!); if not, I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book which would be a fitting end to these series.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Famed former police detective turned private investigator Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, come to Gideon Bates desperate for legal guidance. The Malloys’ adopted daughter, Catherine, a burgeoning star of the stage, has announced her engagement to a man she barely knows. Catherine has recently gained access to her trust fund, and Sebastian Talbot appears very eager to marry her as quickly as possible. As Gideon and his wife, Elizabeth, investigate, it becomes all the clearer that Talbot may not be who he says he is. As a former con artist herself, Elizabeth suspects one may be in their midst. Undeterred by her pregnancy, she must pull out all the stops to out swindle a swindler and save another woman from ruin.
This was quite an entertaining book! It takes place in prohibition-era New York. Elizabeth is a fun character. Her mother died while she was young, so she was raised by her father, a well-known conman who was referred to as the "Old Man". Apparently he was the head man in that neighborhood; no one was to run a con without checking with the Old Man first. Elizabeth brother was a conman, as well. So you know that she was raised in the art of the con. Now that she's married to Gideon, a successful attorney, and is pregnant with her first child, she will only run cons if it helps someone who desperately needs assistance. This is one of those times. The Malloys' daughter Catherine is engaged to a man she barely knows. Her parents are suspicious that the man is a fortune hunter, with good reason. Catherine had just gained access to her trust fund, and here comes Sebastian Talbot! At that time, when a woman married a man, the money became his property. (Thank goodness that has changed!) Elizabeth immediately suspects him, so she and Gideon, and a number of their friends, are determined to come to Catherine's aid. I won't go into too many details, because that would ruin the fun in the book. By the time it ends, you'll be hoping that Sebastian gets what's coming to him! It was nice to see the Malloys make an appearance in this book; I enjoyed their characters in the Gaslight Mystery book I read. All of the characters were well drawn, but I have a couple of favorites. Gideon's mother, Mother Bates, lives with them. She's a hoot! (She and Elizabeth have a secret from Gideon...they sometimes go to the saloon where the Old Man works out of, and she does like an occasional nip of gin!). The Old Man is great, as well. He and Mother Bates seem to have an attraction to each other; I would love to see that played out. I don't know if Ellen Thompson will be continuing the series in her mother's stead (I'd be happy!); if not, I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book which would be a fitting end to these series.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
August 11, 2026
I've been a fan of Victoria Thompson books for a very long time. I had finished reading (or re-reading) all of Agatha Christie's novels and I remember being thrilled to find out there were more than twenty books in the Gaslight Mystery series. As I worked my way through those, I also started on her second series called Counterfeit Lady. When City of Promises, a new book in that series, was released, I was surprised that it had a co-author who turned out to be Victoria's daughter. I had missed that Victoria Thompson passed away in 2024 after battling cancer for many years. In the afterword, Ellen Thompson reveals that the book was about 50% completed when she took over from her mother.
Although this is a Counterfeit Lady book featuring former con artist Elizabeth Miles Bates, the authors bring in characters from the Gaslight Mystery series for a literary mash-up. The book starts with former midwife Sarah and former police office (now private detective) Frank Malloy having a meeting with attorney Gideon Miles about their daughter Catherine. Because of the time difference between the two series, the Gaslight characters are now about twenty years old so Catherine is now a successful actress on Broadway in her late twenties who has a fiance that Sarah and Frank don't trust.
The plan to save Catherine (and her trust fund) ends up requiring almost all of the past characters from the two series. That includes Gino Donatelli (Frank's partner in their detective agency), his wife Maeve who was Catherine's nursemaid, and Frank's son Brian along with his new family. From Counterfeit Lady cast, we meet again: Elizabeth's father the "Old Man" who is the king of con artists in NYC, her brother Jake, Gideon's mother, plus friends Anna and Freddie.
With so many characters in one story, some get pushed to the side. We barely see Gideon and Jake doesn't join in until half way through the book. Brian is only in one brief segment. Because of the time shift, we learn that several of the characters from the Gaslight series have died.
My favorite chapter is when Maeve and Elizabeth discover that they have very similar backgrounds and that they are at least aware of each other's family. It is obvious that they will become close friends. In fact, Maeve ends up having a major role in the scheme to protect Catherine.
On the other hand, some of the writing in the second half of the book was disjointed. Jake didn't seem like the character we knew from the earlier books and some of the plot points happened suddenly and didn't always make sense.
Since this was a mash-up of the two series, I wish that the title had reflected that by combining both named practices. Instead of just City of Promises, it could have easily been Murder in the City of Promises.
Although she answered many of the questions I had about City of Promises in the afterword, Ellen Thompson doesn't mention whether there will be any more books in the two series after this one. If this is the final one, it certainly was a nice way to wrap up both series.
3 lattes out of 5
Disclaimer: This eARC was provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although this is a Counterfeit Lady book featuring former con artist Elizabeth Miles Bates, the authors bring in characters from the Gaslight Mystery series for a literary mash-up. The book starts with former midwife Sarah and former police office (now private detective) Frank Malloy having a meeting with attorney Gideon Miles about their daughter Catherine. Because of the time difference between the two series, the Gaslight characters are now about twenty years old so Catherine is now a successful actress on Broadway in her late twenties who has a fiance that Sarah and Frank don't trust.
The plan to save Catherine (and her trust fund) ends up requiring almost all of the past characters from the two series. That includes Gino Donatelli (Frank's partner in their detective agency), his wife Maeve who was Catherine's nursemaid, and Frank's son Brian along with his new family. From Counterfeit Lady cast, we meet again: Elizabeth's father the "Old Man" who is the king of con artists in NYC, her brother Jake, Gideon's mother, plus friends Anna and Freddie.
With so many characters in one story, some get pushed to the side. We barely see Gideon and Jake doesn't join in until half way through the book. Brian is only in one brief segment. Because of the time shift, we learn that several of the characters from the Gaslight series have died.
My favorite chapter is when Maeve and Elizabeth discover that they have very similar backgrounds and that they are at least aware of each other's family. It is obvious that they will become close friends. In fact, Maeve ends up having a major role in the scheme to protect Catherine.
On the other hand, some of the writing in the second half of the book was disjointed. Jake didn't seem like the character we knew from the earlier books and some of the plot points happened suddenly and didn't always make sense.
Since this was a mash-up of the two series, I wish that the title had reflected that by combining both named practices. Instead of just City of Promises, it could have easily been Murder in the City of Promises.
Although she answered many of the questions I had about City of Promises in the afterword, Ellen Thompson doesn't mention whether there will be any more books in the two series after this one. If this is the final one, it certainly was a nice way to wrap up both series.
3 lattes out of 5
Disclaimer: This eARC was provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from the Publisher, Library. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
So I was thrilled to hear that the new book coming out in the Counterfeit Lady series has a crossover of some of the Gaslight Mystery characters about 20 years later! I devoured all the Gaslight Mysteries in a couple months . I just read the first in this newer series, City of Lies. I'm so glad I had this foundation as I skipped into book 8, City of Promises.
Elizabeth is married now to lawyer, Gideon, and they live with his mother Mrs. Bates. Gideon has an appt with a new client Frank and Sarah Malloy. They need a new attorney but also they need advice on how to protect their daughter Catherine. She met an older man and wants to marry right away. They fear something is not right. Gideon thinks his "colleague" may be able to help.
His colleague, wife Elizabeth, is from a grifter family and can spot one easily. The two couples go to Catherine's play - she is a famous Broadway actress - and Elizabeth doesn't like him from the start. She checks with her father to get more info on him.
Elizabeth knows if they tell Catherine she will just be hurt and not believe them and defend the scoundrel. So they come up with a plan to con the con. It is rather fun, but also infuriating how Catherine trusts the grifter. We get to see Brian and his wife and child, Maeve who now has four children, Sarah's parents are alive and well, also Mrs. Ellsworth. I love catching up with all these great characters.
I appreciated the historical bits like the poor house and the legal status for women in this time period, the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age. Women have just gotten the right to vote but when they marry they, and all their money, become property of their husband. Prohibition is part of the current life.
I enjoyed this so much and now look forward to reading the rest of the Counterfeit Lady series
Narration:
Kate Forbes narrates this whole series. I was comfortable with her voices in City of Lies. I had a little more trouble with her character voices here which I had heard a different narrator for the Gaslight Mysteries . But that's just me; there was nothing wrong. Elizabeth is still the primary point of view. The other voices were also well performed with the appropriate emotions. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Review copy was received from the Publisher, Library. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
So I was thrilled to hear that the new book coming out in the Counterfeit Lady series has a crossover of some of the Gaslight Mystery characters about 20 years later! I devoured all the Gaslight Mysteries in a couple months . I just read the first in this newer series, City of Lies. I'm so glad I had this foundation as I skipped into book 8, City of Promises.
Elizabeth is married now to lawyer, Gideon, and they live with his mother Mrs. Bates. Gideon has an appt with a new client Frank and Sarah Malloy. They need a new attorney but also they need advice on how to protect their daughter Catherine. She met an older man and wants to marry right away. They fear something is not right. Gideon thinks his "colleague" may be able to help.
His colleague, wife Elizabeth, is from a grifter family and can spot one easily. The two couples go to Catherine's play - she is a famous Broadway actress - and Elizabeth doesn't like him from the start. She checks with her father to get more info on him.
Elizabeth knows if they tell Catherine she will just be hurt and not believe them and defend the scoundrel. So they come up with a plan to con the con. It is rather fun, but also infuriating how Catherine trusts the grifter. We get to see Brian and his wife and child, Maeve who now has four children, Sarah's parents are alive and well, also Mrs. Ellsworth. I love catching up with all these great characters.
I appreciated the historical bits like the poor house and the legal status for women in this time period, the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age. Women have just gotten the right to vote but when they marry they, and all their money, become property of their husband. Prohibition is part of the current life.
I enjoyed this so much and now look forward to reading the rest of the Counterfeit Lady series
Narration:
Kate Forbes narrates this whole series. I was comfortable with her voices in City of Lies. I had a little more trouble with her character voices here which I had heard a different narrator for the Gaslight Mysteries . But that's just me; there was nothing wrong. Elizabeth is still the primary point of view. The other voices were also well performed with the appropriate emotions. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5 stars: This Thompson & Thompson's eighth entry in the Counterfeit Lady series which is a Historical Mystery set in New York, 1920. Featuring a pregnant former con artist and her lawyer husband as they work with a famed police detective turned private investigator and his wife, who's a midwife, who are worried about their wealthy adopted daughter's hasty engagement to a man they don't know. As they investigate, it quickly becomes clear the burgeoning stage star's fiance may not be who he says he is. And if they're going to stop this fortune hunting con artist, she'll have to use all her resources, including her husband, her con artist family members and the young woman's parent's, and pull out all the stops to out swindle a swindler before he can ruin this woman.
With plenty of twists and turns, Thompson & Thompson has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in multiple POVs, Thompson & Thompson's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that is well crafted and uniquely voiced. The historical research is evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and providing a sense of time and place perfectly. Victoria Thompson passed away before finishing this book and her daughter, Ellen Thompson, picked up her pen to complete the novel.
While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, City of Lies. This is a crossover with the Gaslight Mysteries series and if you want to read more, check out book one, Murder on Astor Place.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, Thompson & Thompson has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in multiple POVs, Thompson & Thompson's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that is well crafted and uniquely voiced. The historical research is evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and providing a sense of time and place perfectly. Victoria Thompson passed away before finishing this book and her daughter, Ellen Thompson, picked up her pen to complete the novel.
While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, City of Lies. This is a crossover with the Gaslight Mysteries series and if you want to read more, check out book one, Murder on Astor Place.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGallery and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance e-edition of City of Promises.
In City of Promises, Victoria and Ellen Thompson, blend the story lines of two of Victoria Thompson's popular series, the Counterfeit Lady and the Gaslight Mysteries.
Gideon Bates, a lawyer, is hired to help Frank Malloy, a former NY detective now current private investigator, and his wife Sarah, a midwife, try to protect the couple's adult daughter Catherine who is a Broadway actress. Catherine is engaged to what the Malloys believe is a fortune hunter and are trying to find a way to protect Catherine's newly inherited fortune. Gideon, of course, consults with his wife Elizabeth, a former con-woman turned suffragist, to see if the fiancé is actually a con-artist.
Over the course of the investigation, Elizabeth's father, the Old Man, and brother, Jake, along with Gideon's mother, Mother Bates, find themselves along. Fans of the Gaslight Mysteries will also be excited to see the much loved characters of Gino Donatelli and his now wife Maeve also become part of the investigation of con-man Sebastian "Charming Billy" Talbot.
As a huge fan of both book series, I was so excited to see this crossover book! Questions were answered, characters' stories were brought logical conclusions, and maybe there is the possibility of another book, but if there isn't, as a reader I feel like I am left complete. When Victoria Thompson passed away, I had hoped that maybe she had been working on a final book in either series, one that would wrap up the stories. I was so excited to learn of the collaboration between Victoria and her daughter Ellen to finish this final book. Thank you for your work, Ellen, on this book, which I'm quite sure was a labor of love. This reader certainly appreciates it!
I am normally an audiobook listener and thoroughly enjoyed the narration of Kate Forbes (Counterfeit Lady) and Suzanne Toren (Gaslight Mysteries) in those series. I am keeping my fingers crossed that possibly, maybe, hopefully, there would be a dual narration of this book with both narrators, giving familiar voices to the characters that I have come to love.
In City of Promises, Victoria and Ellen Thompson, blend the story lines of two of Victoria Thompson's popular series, the Counterfeit Lady and the Gaslight Mysteries.
Gideon Bates, a lawyer, is hired to help Frank Malloy, a former NY detective now current private investigator, and his wife Sarah, a midwife, try to protect the couple's adult daughter Catherine who is a Broadway actress. Catherine is engaged to what the Malloys believe is a fortune hunter and are trying to find a way to protect Catherine's newly inherited fortune. Gideon, of course, consults with his wife Elizabeth, a former con-woman turned suffragist, to see if the fiancé is actually a con-artist.
Over the course of the investigation, Elizabeth's father, the Old Man, and brother, Jake, along with Gideon's mother, Mother Bates, find themselves along. Fans of the Gaslight Mysteries will also be excited to see the much loved characters of Gino Donatelli and his now wife Maeve also become part of the investigation of con-man Sebastian "Charming Billy" Talbot.
As a huge fan of both book series, I was so excited to see this crossover book! Questions were answered, characters' stories were brought logical conclusions, and maybe there is the possibility of another book, but if there isn't, as a reader I feel like I am left complete. When Victoria Thompson passed away, I had hoped that maybe she had been working on a final book in either series, one that would wrap up the stories. I was so excited to learn of the collaboration between Victoria and her daughter Ellen to finish this final book. Thank you for your work, Ellen, on this book, which I'm quite sure was a labor of love. This reader certainly appreciates it!
I am normally an audiobook listener and thoroughly enjoyed the narration of Kate Forbes (Counterfeit Lady) and Suzanne Toren (Gaslight Mysteries) in those series. I am keeping my fingers crossed that possibly, maybe, hopefully, there would be a dual narration of this book with both narrators, giving familiar voices to the characters that I have come to love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"City of Promises" is a historical set in 1920 in New York City. This is the 8th book in the series, and it also included the characters from the Gaslight Mysteries, 20 years later from their timeline. Catherine has grown up, become a famous actress, and she let slip that she had inherited money. A con man has her convinced she's found true love, and no one thinks she believe them if they simply confirm he's a con man (which Elizabeth does) and tell her. So Elizabeth set up this overly complicated "con" where another woman catches the con man's attention to divert him from Catherine.
While I enjoyed the fun story, it seemed like the characters lost focus on what they were about at times. We got a funny sequence about Elizabeth trying out to play in films. Elizabeth could have just asked various actresses about how much film actresses made, or, really, that whole section could have been removed without anyone noticing. It ended up playing no role in the actual "con." Also, her brother Jake was an experienced con artist, yet he kept getting distracted mooning over the married woman playing the rich widow decoy. Mother Bates somehow changed from a strong suffragist to drinking gin (during prohibition and behind her son's back) to calm her nerves.
The historical details were woven into the story to create a sense of the specific time and place and brought the story alive. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this entertaining historical novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
While I enjoyed the fun story, it seemed like the characters lost focus on what they were about at times. We got a funny sequence about Elizabeth trying out to play in films. Elizabeth could have just asked various actresses about how much film actresses made, or, really, that whole section could have been removed without anyone noticing. It ended up playing no role in the actual "con." Also, her brother Jake was an experienced con artist, yet he kept getting distracted mooning over the married woman playing the rich widow decoy. Mother Bates somehow changed from a strong suffragist to drinking gin (during prohibition and behind her son's back) to calm her nerves.
The historical details were woven into the story to create a sense of the specific time and place and brought the story alive. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this entertaining historical novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on July 28th, 2026.
This latest Thompson book is a crossover novel bringing together the characters from her two mystery series for the first time: the Gaslight Mysteries and the Counterfeit Lady Mysteries. New York City circa 1900 —when the adopted (and highly successful) daughter of Frank Malloy and his wife Sarah (Gaslight Mysteries) becomes enamored with a handsome man who is urging a quick wedding, their worried suspicions take them to the lawyer Gideon Bates whose wife, once a con-woman extraordinaire (Counterfeit Lady Mysteries), helps conceive a plot to unmask the interloper without raising the ire of the bride to be. It’s fun, full of period bits (I love the fact that the ringing of the newly installed telephone terrifies its upper class owner as it is jarring and assumed to be a harbinger of ill!), and the integration of the two character sets done so smoothly it’s difficult to remember that they began fictional life in two distinct series.
It is with great sadness that I report that Victoria Thompson passed away in late 2024. This book, conceived and partially written by Victoria, was completed by her daughter Ellen. I am happy (and surprised) to say that I couldn’t tell the difference — very unusual in my experience. I am looking forward to future installments!
This latest Thompson book is a crossover novel bringing together the characters from her two mystery series for the first time: the Gaslight Mysteries and the Counterfeit Lady Mysteries. New York City circa 1900 —when the adopted (and highly successful) daughter of Frank Malloy and his wife Sarah (Gaslight Mysteries) becomes enamored with a handsome man who is urging a quick wedding, their worried suspicions take them to the lawyer Gideon Bates whose wife, once a con-woman extraordinaire (Counterfeit Lady Mysteries), helps conceive a plot to unmask the interloper without raising the ire of the bride to be. It’s fun, full of period bits (I love the fact that the ringing of the newly installed telephone terrifies its upper class owner as it is jarring and assumed to be a harbinger of ill!), and the integration of the two character sets done so smoothly it’s difficult to remember that they began fictional life in two distinct series.
It is with great sadness that I report that Victoria Thompson passed away in late 2024. This book, conceived and partially written by Victoria, was completed by her daughter Ellen. I am happy (and surprised) to say that I couldn’t tell the difference — very unusual in my experience. I am looking forward to future installments!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4+ stars
City of Promise, book 8 in Counterfeit Lady Novels with links to Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson (and Ellen Thompson)
Frank and Sarah Malloy are worried about their daughter Catherine and her sudden engagement. They appeal to Gideon Bates (and through him, his wife Elizabeth) to see what they can do to make sure the new fiancé isn’t just trying to get his hands on Catherine’s fortune. (Which is exactly what he is doing.) If you’ve read any of Victoria Thompson’s books, at least some of these characters will be familiar to you. The Malloys from her Gaslight Mysteries series; the Bates from Counterfeit Lady Novels.
Sadly, Victoria recently passed away, and this book was finished by her daughter Ellen Thompson.
I haven’t read any of the Counterfeit Lady books, but I have read all 27 Gaslight Mysteries. This book takes place 20 years after the latest Gaslight book, and I REALLY enjoyed seeing into the future of the Gaslight characters. Not knowing if there will be more books in the Gaslight series, this story feels like a wonderful farewell to the characters I have gotten to know in that series.
Besides the return to beloved characters, the mystery was also compelling. Most of the mysteries I read are murder mysteries, so it was interesting to have a white-collar criminal to outsmart and apprehend. A very enjoyable read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced copy.
City of Promise, book 8 in Counterfeit Lady Novels with links to Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson (and Ellen Thompson)
Frank and Sarah Malloy are worried about their daughter Catherine and her sudden engagement. They appeal to Gideon Bates (and through him, his wife Elizabeth) to see what they can do to make sure the new fiancé isn’t just trying to get his hands on Catherine’s fortune. (Which is exactly what he is doing.) If you’ve read any of Victoria Thompson’s books, at least some of these characters will be familiar to you. The Malloys from her Gaslight Mysteries series; the Bates from Counterfeit Lady Novels.
Sadly, Victoria recently passed away, and this book was finished by her daughter Ellen Thompson.
I haven’t read any of the Counterfeit Lady books, but I have read all 27 Gaslight Mysteries. This book takes place 20 years after the latest Gaslight book, and I REALLY enjoyed seeing into the future of the Gaslight characters. Not knowing if there will be more books in the Gaslight series, this story feels like a wonderful farewell to the characters I have gotten to know in that series.
Besides the return to beloved characters, the mystery was also compelling. Most of the mysteries I read are murder mysteries, so it was interesting to have a white-collar criminal to outsmart and apprehend. A very enjoyable read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced copy.
July 28, 2026
A Seamless Continuation, But My Heart Lies with the Gaslight Series
Victoria Thompson has always been my all-time favorite author. I fell in love with her Gaslight Mystery series long ago, which eventually led me to discover her Counterfeit Lady series. While I enjoyed many of those books, I couldn't help noticing that the quality dipped during the final years of her life—something I pointed out candidly in my earlier reviews. When she sadly passed away from cancer, it all clicked into place; you simply cannot produce your best work while dealing with that kind of pain.
Understandably, I was deeply skeptical when her daughter, Ellen, stepped in to finish the latest book, City of Promises. I remained skeptical even as I turned the pages.
However, one major triumph of this novel is how seamlessly the writing style is maintained. As a reader, I couldn't tell where the original author left off and the daughter began. That is a massive relief because discovering stark shifts in writing style usually brings a wave of melancholy that ruins the reading experience for me.
The Verdict:
I am giving City of Promises 4 stars. I am so glad to finally know what happened to the beloved characters from the Gaslight world. That said, as much as I've enjoyed the journey, I genuinely wish Thompson had chosen to wrap up the Gaslight series instead of the Counterfeit Lady books—at the end of the day, I would always prefer a classic mystery over a con.
Victoria Thompson has always been my all-time favorite author. I fell in love with her Gaslight Mystery series long ago, which eventually led me to discover her Counterfeit Lady series. While I enjoyed many of those books, I couldn't help noticing that the quality dipped during the final years of her life—something I pointed out candidly in my earlier reviews. When she sadly passed away from cancer, it all clicked into place; you simply cannot produce your best work while dealing with that kind of pain.
Understandably, I was deeply skeptical when her daughter, Ellen, stepped in to finish the latest book, City of Promises. I remained skeptical even as I turned the pages.
However, one major triumph of this novel is how seamlessly the writing style is maintained. As a reader, I couldn't tell where the original author left off and the daughter began. That is a massive relief because discovering stark shifts in writing style usually brings a wave of melancholy that ruins the reading experience for me.
The Verdict:
I am giving City of Promises 4 stars. I am so glad to finally know what happened to the beloved characters from the Gaslight world. That said, as much as I've enjoyed the journey, I genuinely wish Thompson had chosen to wrap up the Gaslight series instead of the Counterfeit Lady books—at the end of the day, I would always prefer a classic mystery over a con.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a longtime fan of Victoria Thompson, I was devastated when I learned she had died. Selfishly, I was sad that there would be no more books from her Gaslight Mysteries or Counterfeit Lady series to read. And while still sad, I was thrilled when I read City of Promises to see that in her last book, written to completion by her daughter Ellen, was a melding of both series! It couldn't have thrilled me more.
While her last Counterfeit Lady book was a bit of a disappointment (not quite in the regular style of the series), City of Promises was everything I could have hoped it to be and more! It takes place following the events of City of Betrayal for Elizabeth and Gideon Bates, and about 15 years after the last Gaslight Mystery, Murder in Rose Hill. Catherine, the adopted daughter of Frank and Sarah Malloy, is a popular Broadway stage actress and recently engaged. The Malloys are concerned about her fiancé, concerned he is planning to marry Catherine only for her money. So, they reach out to Gideon Bates to see if there is anything he can do to protect her financially. Soon, Elizabeth gets involved to stop what they believe to be a con.
It was a thrill to see what had happened with the Malloys, Gino and Maeve, Brian, and Catherine. However, for anyone not familiar with the Gaslight Mysteries, don't worry; that background knowledge is not necessary for this book. It only enhances it. Thompson does a great job of fleshing out the characters to reveal their motivations in a well-developed plot.
Also, it's a fun read! One of the things I love about these books is that you learn a little more about the history of the time and how women were truly seen and treated as property, in a way that isn't preachy or dull.
While I'm sad there will never be another Victoria Thompson book, I'm glad this is how both series ended. It truly was the perfect way to say goodbye to a wonderful author!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ellen & Victoria Thompson, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
While her last Counterfeit Lady book was a bit of a disappointment (not quite in the regular style of the series), City of Promises was everything I could have hoped it to be and more! It takes place following the events of City of Betrayal for Elizabeth and Gideon Bates, and about 15 years after the last Gaslight Mystery, Murder in Rose Hill. Catherine, the adopted daughter of Frank and Sarah Malloy, is a popular Broadway stage actress and recently engaged. The Malloys are concerned about her fiancé, concerned he is planning to marry Catherine only for her money. So, they reach out to Gideon Bates to see if there is anything he can do to protect her financially. Soon, Elizabeth gets involved to stop what they believe to be a con.
It was a thrill to see what had happened with the Malloys, Gino and Maeve, Brian, and Catherine. However, for anyone not familiar with the Gaslight Mysteries, don't worry; that background knowledge is not necessary for this book. It only enhances it. Thompson does a great job of fleshing out the characters to reveal their motivations in a well-developed plot.
Also, it's a fun read! One of the things I love about these books is that you learn a little more about the history of the time and how women were truly seen and treated as property, in a way that isn't preachy or dull.
While I'm sad there will never be another Victoria Thompson book, I'm glad this is how both series ended. It truly was the perfect way to say goodbye to a wonderful author!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ellen & Victoria Thompson, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
August 25, 2026
Frank and Sarah Malloy approach Gideon Bates in his job as an estate attorney. Their daughter, Catherine, has recently gotten engaged, and they fear her fiancé is just out to swindle her out of her trust fund, which she has recently gotten access to. While there is nothing that Gideon can do legally to help protect the young woman, his wife, reformed conwoman Elizabeth, is quite willing to see what she can do. Is Catherine under the sway of a conman? Will the combined cast of characters be able to protect her?
Anyone familiar with the late Victoria Thompson’s mysteries will recognize this as a crossover between her two series. And they will love every page. The Gaslight characters don’t just have cameos but play a major part in the story. Most importantly, everyone feels like themselves, and I loved seeing where those characters are in twenty years. I also enjoy seeing the Counterfeit Lady characters again. I do wish the plot were a little better, but that’s been an overall complaint with this series. I need more cat and mouse. But I did still find the story fun. If you are a fan of Victoria’s books, you’ll be as happy as I am that her daughter has picked up the mantel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Anyone familiar with the late Victoria Thompson’s mysteries will recognize this as a crossover between her two series. And they will love every page. The Gaslight characters don’t just have cameos but play a major part in the story. Most importantly, everyone feels like themselves, and I loved seeing where those characters are in twenty years. I also enjoy seeing the Counterfeit Lady characters again. I do wish the plot were a little better, but that’s been an overall complaint with this series. I need more cat and mouse. But I did still find the story fun. If you are a fan of Victoria’s books, you’ll be as happy as I am that her daughter has picked up the mantel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
CITY OF PROMISES by Victoria and Ellen Thompson
Bittersweet delight in this cross-over finale to two splendid series, a mother-daughter partnership gift to readers. COUNTERFEIT LADY Elizabeth with willing family and friends assist Sarah and Frank Malloy in a mission to protect daughter Catherine from a fortune hunter. Tricky business, that, as a woman swept away by love might not heed a life preserver offered by loving family — “they’re trying to CONTROL me.” It takes brilliant coordination, including The Old Man and brother Jake, and Maeve, another daughter of a con artist, using her skills for good. Many twists and turns, suspense, a few laughs, and warmth of friends and family in this hard-to-put down book. Could we persuade Ellen Thompson to write some more? Author’s Notes describe much of the reality of the history, times changing from Gaslight to telephones and automobiles, early film-making, fascinating insights, including perhaps the worst “long con” ever, taking Minnahannock from the Lenape.
Coming July 28 — There’s time to read or review some of the early books in the series if you wish.
Bittersweet delight in this cross-over finale to two splendid series, a mother-daughter partnership gift to readers. COUNTERFEIT LADY Elizabeth with willing family and friends assist Sarah and Frank Malloy in a mission to protect daughter Catherine from a fortune hunter. Tricky business, that, as a woman swept away by love might not heed a life preserver offered by loving family — “they’re trying to CONTROL me.” It takes brilliant coordination, including The Old Man and brother Jake, and Maeve, another daughter of a con artist, using her skills for good. Many twists and turns, suspense, a few laughs, and warmth of friends and family in this hard-to-put down book. Could we persuade Ellen Thompson to write some more? Author’s Notes describe much of the reality of the history, times changing from Gaslight to telephones and automobiles, early film-making, fascinating insights, including perhaps the worst “long con” ever, taking Minnahannock from the Lenape.
Coming July 28 — There’s time to read or review some of the early books in the series if you wish.
August 28, 2026
I am so happy to have read this book, set in Prohibition Era, New York City our main character Elizabeth comes from a family of con artists, however since meeting her husband Gideon, Elizabeth only uses her con artist skills for good. When her husband takes on new clients who believe their wealthy daughter has become engaged too quickly, Elizabeth sets out a scheme of her own to discredit the fiancée. I have to say I loved this book, as the clients in this story were none other than Frank and Sarah Malloy from this author’s long running gas light mystery series (and yes I have read all 27 books in that series), characters I totally adore. The gas light series was set around the turn of the 20th century so this book takes place about 15 to 20 years in the future, it was great to see the 2 series collide together.
Victoria Thompson died in 2024, she had started this book before she died and her daughter finished it and I feel like it was a wonderful tribute to all the great characters her mother created for these 2 series and was a perfect way to end both. So glad I read this book.
Victoria Thompson died in 2024, she had started this book before she died and her daughter finished it and I feel like it was a wonderful tribute to all the great characters her mother created for these 2 series and was a perfect way to end both. So glad I read this book.
August 29, 2026
A fitting tribute to the prolific historical fiction author Victoria Thompson who had started this book before her death and finished by her daughter Ellen Thompson. Set in the 1920s in New York City, a fun factor for this story took place: it combines various characters from.her series, the Gaslight Mysteries and the Counterfeit Lady novels. Attorney Gideon Bates has as a new client, Frank Malloy, a former policeman who now owns an investigative agency. Frank and his wife are concerned that their daughter, who after dating an older man for only a short time and has proposed to their daughter and is pushing for a quick wedding. THey are concerned that he might be more interested in her trust fund rather than their daughter so employ the Bates firm to ascertain the authenticity of the financed. GOrdon calls on his wife, Elizabeth, to assist in assessing the situation. ELizabeth wasn’t raised in the aristocracy as her husband but her father taught her well in the tricks of his trade and she will seek to make her father proud. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for a digital ARC of this book; opinions reflected are truly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fantastic book! I was unsure if I would like this book for several reasons. One, I knew Victoria Thompson had passed away and only part of the book was written by her and two I knew this would be the very last book in the series and I was a little sad to read it. I am so glad I gave it a chance. The book is an amazing tribute to Victoria Thompson, partially written by her and finished by her daughter. Her daughter did a wonderful job of finishing and polishing the book and it truly was a wonderful book. This story joins both of Ms.Thompson’s series together and it was so fun to see the characters interact and to find out what they have been up to. There isn’t a murder in the book, but there is a mystery involving a con man and his many crimes. I loved how all the characters came together to save the Malloy's daughter from making a huge mistake and how perfectly the con worked out in the end. Thank you to Victoria and Ellen Thompson for providing a wonderful conclusion to both series’. I will miss Frank and Sarah and Elizabeth and Gideon.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2026
Two stars for this one. With the passing of the author who wrote the Gaslight Mystery series, I was missing new books with all my favourite characters, and then I saw this one which is a crossover book from Ms. Thompson’s two series., written by her daughter. It was nice to touch base with Sarah and Malloy and their now grown children. But the book didn’t really meet my expectations unfortunately. My main complaint was 27 year old Catherine who is a famous actress on Broadway. Surely she should be more grown up and making her own decisions as to what she wants out of life. She has gotten mixed up with a dapper con artist and even though her parents warn her about the man, she acts like a teenager and does whatever he tells her to. The story of Catherine’s family and friends trying to protect her from the man seems to go on forever. The book is not a mystery. We know who the bad guy is all the way through and there’s no crime committed. It is more a social discourse on what life was like, especially for women, in the early twentieth century.
September 4, 2026
Interesting story, New York, 1920s. A meeting of Victoria Thompson's two series, neither of which I have read. But the Malloys come to the Bateses to have them investigate the man their actress daughter, Catherine, has become engaged to. On the surface, Sebastian Talbot is everything a woman wants - good looking, apparently successful. A little older than Catherine, but not excessively so. But the Malloys feel he is only a fortune hunter, and plans on marrying Catherine, taking her fortune, and leaving her penniless. To help in this, Elizabeth Bates calls on her skills in running a con, along with Malloy's partner's wife, another daughter of a con artist. Talbot's error? Not checking in with the con boss of the city, aka as the Old Man, aka, Elizabeth's father. Also, he broke an unwritten con rule (who knew!) you don't con ladies, only wealthy foolish old men.
This book was started as a joint project between Victoria Thompson, and her co-author daughter, Ellen Thompson, who finished the book after her mother's death.
This book was started as a joint project between Victoria Thompson, and her co-author daughter, Ellen Thompson, who finished the book after her mother's death.
August 5, 2026
I have loved the Gaslight Mystery series for over 20 years. My heart hurt when I learned of Victoria thompson's passing. I was so touched that she wanted to make sure we had a last book . I truly loved it even if it was mainly a Counterfeit Lady book a series I have not really read. My series was Gaslight. I loved this book and how it combined both worlds. My only peeved is that once again Maeve is overused and it did not made sense. I admit I never cared for Maeve, but am I to believe Frank has offices all over the nation and no one can do the job but Maeve? Am I to believe Katherine never introduced her fiancé to Maeve? Maeve no longer visits not even one Sunday dinner? Catherine is 30 she could have gone to the hotel for breakfast to surprise her beau. The chances of Catherine running into Maeve as undercover were many. Also I was sad there was no proper final scene with Sarah and Frank. I will miss them dearly. Thank You to Ellen Thompson. Greatful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2026
What a delight to once again read about the Malloys in fashionable New York, this time during Prohibition. Malloy, former cop now head of several detective agencies, and his society wife, former midwife, are down-to-earth people firmly established in New York’s upper class.
Unfortunately, the circumstances are sad because the author of this wonderful old New York series was Victoria Thompson, who passed away in 2024, after tasking her daughter with completing this book for her.
The Malloys are concerned that their talented daughter is being mislead by a con man seeking to gain control of her wealth. They have enlisted the assistance of attorney Gideon Bates and his wife Elizabeth, a former con artist who met the Malloys through her work with the suffragists working to get the Nineteenth Amendment passed.
A great story about how to con a con man…or grift a grifter.
Unfortunately, the circumstances are sad because the author of this wonderful old New York series was Victoria Thompson, who passed away in 2024, after tasking her daughter with completing this book for her.
The Malloys are concerned that their talented daughter is being mislead by a con man seeking to gain control of her wealth. They have enlisted the assistance of attorney Gideon Bates and his wife Elizabeth, a former con artist who met the Malloys through her work with the suffragists working to get the Nineteenth Amendment passed.
A great story about how to con a con man…or grift a grifter.
August 22, 2026
It was unclear to me if this would be the last of these novels. The author has died, and her daughter helped finish the novel, stating that her mother had already intended for the two series (the Gaslight Mysteries and the Counterfeit Lady) to merge in this one. If it was the last one, it felt like a fitting end for both Elizabeth and Gideon Bates and Frank and Sarah Malloy.
The mystery was decent, but I admit that my favorite aspects of the novel were the crossover portions with Gaslight characters: an adult Brian with his wife and child, an adult Catherine making her way in the world, the middle-aged Maeve and Gino with their four kids. It brought a lot of resolution and hope, if this is the end.
The mystery was decent, but I admit that my favorite aspects of the novel were the crossover portions with Gaslight characters: an adult Brian with his wife and child, an adult Catherine making her way in the world, the middle-aged Maeve and Gino with their four kids. It brought a lot of resolution and hope, if this is the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victoria Thompson and Ellen Thompson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for City of Promises coming out July 28, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I was sad to hear of the author Victoria’s passing. The Gaslight series is one of my favorites. I was definitely excited this was a crossover with those characters. I really enjoyed it. I love Victorian stories. I hope Ellen keeps writing. I would check out more books by this author.
I was sad to hear of the author Victoria’s passing. The Gaslight series is one of my favorites. I was definitely excited this was a crossover with those characters. I really enjoyed it. I love Victorian stories. I hope Ellen keeps writing. I would check out more books by this author.
August 20, 2026
So sad to hear that Victoria Thompson passed away, but happy that her daughter finished this manuscript—and that it’s a crossover between these two excellent series. Interesting to see the two intertwined and to see how the young people from the Gaslight series end up after a decade or two. This was a compelling story centered on the con artists, who are always entertaining, and while I thought there was a little narrative hiccup or two near the end that belied the fact that there were two different authors, it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
September 6, 2026
I loved the Gaslight Mysteries written by Victoria Thompson and was sorry to hear of her death two years ago, which, of course, ended that series. Because I "followed" the author on Amazon, I was alerted when this book in her other series, Counterfeit Lady, was published. I saw that it was completed by her daughter and thrilled to see that the characters, Sarah and Malloy, from the Gaslight Mysteries were included in this book. It was a great read to see these characters twenty years later. Loved the story.
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