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Counterfeit Lady #3
City of Scoundrels
Elizabeth Miles finds herself in a position no con can help her escape. Her beloved fiancé, Gideon Bates, is awaiting his turn in the draft to fight in the Great War. Elizabeth is finding it hard to think of anything else, but Gideon has thrown himself into his work, preparing wills for soldiers before they ship out. Corporal Tom Preston is part owner of Preston Shoes, a company that is making footwear for the army, so he has a rather large estate. He needs a new will, however, because he has just been secretly married to a woman whom his family would never approve. He wants to make sure she and their unborn child are provided for if he does not return.
When Tom is later reported killed, Elizabeth and Gideon learn that the new will has gone missing after Tom's bride revealed her identity to his family. Unless the new will is found and validated, the original will, which leaves everything to Tom's brother, will prevail and the wife and child will get nothing. If Tom's new bride survives, that is. Some terrible threats have been leveled against her, and Elizabeth and Gideon must figure out a way, legal or not quite, to secure Tom's fortune for his wife and child while saving her life in the process.
When Tom is later reported killed, Elizabeth and Gideon learn that the new will has gone missing after Tom's bride revealed her identity to his family. Unless the new will is found and validated, the original will, which leaves everything to Tom's brother, will prevail and the wife and child will get nothing. If Tom's new bride survives, that is. Some terrible threats have been leveled against her, and Elizabeth and Gideon must figure out a way, legal or not quite, to secure Tom's fortune for his wife and child while saving her life in the process.
327 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2019
231 people are currently reading
2842 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,446 followersVictoria Thompson was a beloved authoress of 'standard mystery' novels.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
December 24, 2019
The way Victoria describes how criminals cheat folks out of their money makes me wonder just what she use to do before she started writing books? I mean it was that good! Now I am almost sorry I sent her my address for the book she sent me. Well, maybe she will spare me if she likes my review.
The story is set in New York in 1917-18. America is at war with Germany. A young woman comes into the lawyers office seeking help. Newly married and expecting, she received the dreaded telegram from the War Department. Now that her husband is dead her brother-in-law and his evil stepmother are trying to cheat her out of her inheritance. What complicates things is that women still lack many rights, and though it was true that she married him for money, she now realizes just how much she loved him.
Several characters popped up and each of them I found I grew to like. Even the villains could be appreciated the way they were presented.
Now I know a lot about military history, but I never knew the extent of the German espionage in this country. Nor did I know about the American Protective League, which had neighbors spying on neighbors. Both of these were cleverly woven into the story. In light of events of WWII and current events, it got me wondering if such things could happen again?
As if man killing man wasn't bad enough, the flu broke out. Imagine no one on the street of a city, people falling over dead and others walking around them. Now I am not talking about the homeless, but well dressed, respectable folks, as if that should matter. And people holding visiting nurses against their will in homes to care for the sick. And all the while the newspapers covered it up, as directed by the government. Victoria put a lot of effort into research into this story, as well as sharing knowledge of her former self.
Though this book was a freebie, I would have bought it had I known how good it was.
The story is set in New York in 1917-18. America is at war with Germany. A young woman comes into the lawyers office seeking help. Newly married and expecting, she received the dreaded telegram from the War Department. Now that her husband is dead her brother-in-law and his evil stepmother are trying to cheat her out of her inheritance. What complicates things is that women still lack many rights, and though it was true that she married him for money, she now realizes just how much she loved him.
Several characters popped up and each of them I found I grew to like. Even the villains could be appreciated the way they were presented.
Now I know a lot about military history, but I never knew the extent of the German espionage in this country. Nor did I know about the American Protective League, which had neighbors spying on neighbors. Both of these were cleverly woven into the story. In light of events of WWII and current events, it got me wondering if such things could happen again?
As if man killing man wasn't bad enough, the flu broke out. Imagine no one on the street of a city, people falling over dead and others walking around them. Now I am not talking about the homeless, but well dressed, respectable folks, as if that should matter. And people holding visiting nurses against their will in homes to care for the sick. And all the while the newspapers covered it up, as directed by the government. Victoria put a lot of effort into research into this story, as well as sharing knowledge of her former self.
Though this book was a freebie, I would have bought it had I known how good it was.
November 22, 2023
The third book in the Counterfeit Lady series and it was every bit as enjoyable as the first two.
City of Scoundrels is set in New York towards the end of the first World War and as usual the author provides plenty of historical facts about the war as it affected America, and the terrible Spanish Flu the results of which were very similar to Covid.
Our main characters are Elizabeth Miles who is from a grifter background and is the counterfeit lady of the series title, and Gideon Bates who is a lawyer and a man who regards his own honesty very highly. They are engaged to be married so we have to hope that they can continue to meet halfway when it comes to morals.
Entertaining, well written and very interesting, the book also had a lovely ending. I am ready for book four.
City of Scoundrels is set in New York towards the end of the first World War and as usual the author provides plenty of historical facts about the war as it affected America, and the terrible Spanish Flu the results of which were very similar to Covid.
Our main characters are Elizabeth Miles who is from a grifter background and is the counterfeit lady of the series title, and Gideon Bates who is a lawyer and a man who regards his own honesty very highly. They are engaged to be married so we have to hope that they can continue to meet halfway when it comes to morals.
Entertaining, well written and very interesting, the book also had a lovely ending. I am ready for book four.
November 7, 2019
It’s the fall of 1918, and the draft age for World War I has been increased, upsetting Elizabeth Miles since her fiance, Gideon Bates, has been drafted. Gideon is focusing his last few weeks as a civilian on drafting wills for soldiers. Most of them are, but one of the exceptions is Tom Preston, part owner of Preston Shoes, which has made a fortune providing shoes to the soldiers. Tom wants a new will leaving his share of the family business to his new wife and their unborn child – a wife the rest of his family knows nothing about. When word comes back that Tom has died, this new will goes missing, and his family doesn’t want to acknowledge his widow. Elizabeth is quick to jump in, getting her family, all conmen, to come up with a scheme to get this war widow the money she should have inherited. But what complications might there be along the way?
Yes, there are complications. We wouldn’t have much of a novel without them. It would have been nice if they are started a little sooner, but that’s a minor complaint. I was hooked the entire time, and it only became harder to put the book down the further I got into it. History came alive, and I felt like I was part of what was happening in the New York City area during this time. It helps that the characters are extremely strong. Through them, I came to care about the plot and the history that was unfolding around us. Yes, I felt that welcomed into the world that I was actually part of what was happening on the page. If you aren’t taking these trips back in time, you need to do so today.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Yes, there are complications. We wouldn’t have much of a novel without them. It would have been nice if they are started a little sooner, but that’s a minor complaint. I was hooked the entire time, and it only became harder to put the book down the further I got into it. History came alive, and I felt like I was part of what was happening in the New York City area during this time. It helps that the characters are extremely strong. Through them, I came to care about the plot and the history that was unfolding around us. Yes, I felt that welcomed into the world that I was actually part of what was happening on the page. If you aren’t taking these trips back in time, you need to do so today.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 17, 2022
This book was published in 2019 right before that start of the current pandemic. I enjoy Thompson's weaving a plot about WWI and the Spanish Flu. The storyline and the grift did not grab me as much as her other stories others have. Still the history and actions regarding President Wilson, Suffragettes, and the Spanish Flu make this a good read. The romance is there but does seem secondary. I rate it 3.5 and round up.
March 9, 2021
4 Stars
I've been having a hard time getting past 3.5 star ratings for the books in this series. There are some elements that I really love and then there are always a few aspects that are simply meh. I’m usually delighted by the historical references that the author inserts into her story line. The grifting is also fun to watch play out. Currently, it’s the blandness of the remaining elements, mostly the overarching romance. While I really like the characters, I find their romance lacking in authentic development. Probably because I'm a romance reader at heart. Although, the ending was very sweet and in that regard, this book was the best of bunch.
What was eerily compelling in this story, was the coincidental publishing of the book a mere few months before the world went into Covid-19 lockdown. These books regularly rely on true historical events, usually focused on The Great War and the Suffragist Movement. Yet, coinciding with the mystery in this story was the beginning stages of the Spanish Flu epidemic. Relevant to today, the increased fear and panic, deaths, wearing of masks, as well as questioning the validity of masks were all portrayed. This author must have been surprised when soon after publication our world was again in a similar state. Also depicted in this story, was the increase in anti-German sentiment along with the historical Black Tom explosion by German agents.
There was a lot more going on in this entry and I found that it also increased my enjoyment. I'm giving this book four stars, finally breaking free of the 3.5 zone.
January 2, 2020
*Source* Library
*Genre* Historical / Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
City of Scoundrels, by Victoria Thompson, is the third installment in the authors Counterfeit Lady series. The Counterfeit Lady series is a historical mystery series featuring Elizabeth Miles, a con woman who finds herself embroiled in intrigue in turn of the century New York. There are several historically accurate events taking place in this story. First, World War I and the impending arrival of US military to the war in Europe.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical / Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
City of Scoundrels, by Victoria Thompson, is the third installment in the authors Counterfeit Lady series. The Counterfeit Lady series is a historical mystery series featuring Elizabeth Miles, a con woman who finds herself embroiled in intrigue in turn of the century New York. There are several historically accurate events taking place in this story. First, World War I and the impending arrival of US military to the war in Europe.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
July 10, 2019
I have learn of things that happened during the World War that I didn't know to my knowledge we didn't have The American Protective League in WW TWO. It seems those of German descent were treated similar to the Japanese during the second war. The flu of 1918 was a world problem as it spread every where and many dropped dead where ever they were.. Gideon has it and Elizabeth and his Mother work together to pull him through it. This is the 3rd installment of the Counterfeit Lady series.
Gideon Bates awaiting his call up is writing wills for the soldiers before they are shipped overseas. He writes a will for Tom, a partial owner of a shoe factory. Tom's brother and stepmother do not approve of his wife. When Tom is reported dead, his brother steals the original will leaving the only will left that leaves every thing to his brother. He removed all the money from Tom's bank, this leaves the widow and unborn child penniless. The World War I is about over, but an another draft is possible, age limit has been raised and Gideon Bates is awaiting is his call up.
Elizabeth's family decides to do a con that will recover the stolen money. The twist and turns the con takes will your amuse and hold your attention. The ending is a surprise. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Disclosure: Thanks to Berkley for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Gideon Bates awaiting his call up is writing wills for the soldiers before they are shipped overseas. He writes a will for Tom, a partial owner of a shoe factory. Tom's brother and stepmother do not approve of his wife. When Tom is reported dead, his brother steals the original will leaving the only will left that leaves every thing to his brother. He removed all the money from Tom's bank, this leaves the widow and unborn child penniless. The World War I is about over, but an another draft is possible, age limit has been raised and Gideon Bates is awaiting is his call up.
Elizabeth's family decides to do a con that will recover the stolen money. The twist and turns the con takes will your amuse and hold your attention. The ending is a surprise. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Disclosure: Thanks to Berkley for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2019
I really enjoyed the setting and plot of this mystery. Elizabeth and Gideon were interesting and well-written characters. I loved all of the historical details woven throughout, and the author did a particularly good job of portraying how the flu epidemic rampaged the city. The mystery part was well-plotted and solidly executed. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
I do recommend reading this series in order, so plenty of time to catch up before this one releases on November 5, 2019!
Thank you Berkeley and Netgalley for a free digital copy!
I do recommend reading this series in order, so plenty of time to catch up before this one releases on November 5, 2019!
Thank you Berkeley and Netgalley for a free digital copy!
January 4, 2020
3.5 / 5.0 stars
The is the third installment in author Victoria Thompson's charming, "A Counterfeit Lady Novel" mystery series. As in a previous installment, a young woman is cheated out of her anticipated inheritance and our protagonist Elizabeth Miles is brought in to help right the wrong. Yet this time it's a young recently wed widow of an industrialist who had done his part for the war effort. She was to have received his ownership in a factory holding governmental contracts in support of the war effort. Someone in his family (presumably) is committed to cutting her out completely. Elizabeth, her family and fiancé Gideon all work together to turn tables on the cheats. Spies are everywhere. Be careful what you say and with whom you consort. Folks are bound for jail for the smallest infractions. It's a grifter's game. But who holds all the pieces?
Initially, the book felt a bit formulaic but the insightful historical details and the fast-paced action left this reader breathless at times and unable to set the book down. It's definitely an enjoyable read.
The is the third installment in author Victoria Thompson's charming, "A Counterfeit Lady Novel" mystery series. As in a previous installment, a young woman is cheated out of her anticipated inheritance and our protagonist Elizabeth Miles is brought in to help right the wrong. Yet this time it's a young recently wed widow of an industrialist who had done his part for the war effort. She was to have received his ownership in a factory holding governmental contracts in support of the war effort. Someone in his family (presumably) is committed to cutting her out completely. Elizabeth, her family and fiancé Gideon all work together to turn tables on the cheats. Spies are everywhere. Be careful what you say and with whom you consort. Folks are bound for jail for the smallest infractions. It's a grifter's game. But who holds all the pieces?
Initially, the book felt a bit formulaic but the insightful historical details and the fast-paced action left this reader breathless at times and unable to set the book down. It's definitely an enjoyable read.
September 29, 2020
Another great one!
This time Lizzie, Gideon, and the Old Man take on war profiteering, a shot ring, and her desire to help a pregnant war widow. Legal machinations involving wills, probate, a land deal, and illegal prize-fighting all take place while the draft and the flu threaten everyone's lives.
This time Lizzie, Gideon, and the Old Man take on war profiteering, a shot ring, and her desire to help a pregnant war widow. Legal machinations involving wills, probate, a land deal, and illegal prize-fighting all take place while the draft and the flu threaten everyone's lives.
November 24, 2019
1.5 star … This one was boring.
December 4, 2019
Did not like this one as much as the others.
October 21, 2022
In many ways, this was the best of the series so far. But this book also takes place in 1918, and the 1918 flu is a big part of the setting in this one. This book was published in November 2019, so there's no way the author had any idea what was coming. But, woof. The visceral flashbacks I had to 2020, and in particular to what life was like in NYC in March-May 2020, was just not a great reading experience for me! Lived it once, do not ever need to experience it again.
January 8, 2023
There was nothing really that felt like a misstep here or that I found personally annoying, it just moved a bit too slow and the flu epidemic of it all, while quite relatable, was A LOT.
On to book 4!
On to book 4!
July 1, 2019
Writing: 3 Plot: 3.5 Character: 4
Another fun historical mystery in Thompson’s Counterfeit Lady series. This episode is set in New York amid the American Protective League, the dollar-a-year men, and the women’s suffrage movement of the late WWI years. Elizabeth Miles — our “reformed” grifter engaged to strait-laced lawyer Gideon Bates — applies her “arts” to the case of a war widow whose husband’s greedy family is trying to cut her off without a cent. Elizabeth’s rakish relations are brought in to run the con, donating a portion of their take to the widow. A definite cozy, the historical detail and appealing characters make this an enjoyable read. A nice new series from the author of the Gaslight Mysteries (which I loved but have definitely run their course).
Thank you to Berkley Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on November 5th, 2019.
Another fun historical mystery in Thompson’s Counterfeit Lady series. This episode is set in New York amid the American Protective League, the dollar-a-year men, and the women’s suffrage movement of the late WWI years. Elizabeth Miles — our “reformed” grifter engaged to strait-laced lawyer Gideon Bates — applies her “arts” to the case of a war widow whose husband’s greedy family is trying to cut her off without a cent. Elizabeth’s rakish relations are brought in to run the con, donating a portion of their take to the widow. A definite cozy, the historical detail and appealing characters make this an enjoyable read. A nice new series from the author of the Gaslight Mysteries (which I loved but have definitely run their course).
Thank you to Berkley Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on November 5th, 2019.
May 5, 2022
RATING: 4.5 STARS
The Counterfeit Lady series is one of those "it gets better with each book" rather than "some are better than others". I love Elizabeth as the main character as she is always teetering between good and bad but always has a good heart. Her romance with Gideon, friendships, and conmen family all make this series one I cannot wait to read, and am both happy and sad to get to the end of the story. I read the first novel, and loved it. I missed out when then next few novels came out but then saw book four is already out. I was so excited when my eLibrary bought the audio and I could do a binge read. I am going to regret it when I get to the end, but hey, like I would run out of books to read, lol.
The Counterfeit Lady series is one of those "it gets better with each book" rather than "some are better than others". I love Elizabeth as the main character as she is always teetering between good and bad but always has a good heart. Her romance with Gideon, friendships, and conmen family all make this series one I cannot wait to read, and am both happy and sad to get to the end of the story. I read the first novel, and loved it. I missed out when then next few novels came out but then saw book four is already out. I was so excited when my eLibrary bought the audio and I could do a binge read. I am going to regret it when I get to the end, but hey, like I would run out of books to read, lol.
November 3, 2019
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
This series continues to be particularly excellent. Victoria Thompson knows the time period well, and this time the story includes Gideon's imminent draft into World War I, as well as the 1918 influenza pandemic (if you read this, the streetcar scene!!). I have to be honest, I'm not sure I totally understood how the con in this story was going to work (too much back and forth about money passing hands for me to keep track of), but I liked the story and appreciate Elizabeth continuing to combine her family's skills as grifters with her desire to help people (and let greedy businessmen be conned). This was a fast paced historical fiction- though this series is definitely best if read in order!
This series continues to be particularly excellent. Victoria Thompson knows the time period well, and this time the story includes Gideon's imminent draft into World War I, as well as the 1918 influenza pandemic (if you read this, the streetcar scene!!). I have to be honest, I'm not sure I totally understood how the con in this story was going to work (too much back and forth about money passing hands for me to keep track of), but I liked the story and appreciate Elizabeth continuing to combine her family's skills as grifters with her desire to help people (and let greedy businessmen be conned). This was a fast paced historical fiction- though this series is definitely best if read in order!
August 28, 2021
4 stars.
This was a very compelling read. The con/scam was suitably engrossing, but it was the background story of America in the midst of both WWI and the Spanish Flu that gave this book a much more sombre and sobering mood, unlike the first 2 books.
This book was published in late 2019, so I have to wonder if Ms Thompson would've expected how timely the theme of her book was going to be. The thing about mask wearing and seemingly healthy people just dropping dead on the streets, hospitals running out of beds and staff, also show us we really haven't learned that much about dealing with a pandemic a century later, unfortunately.
This was a very compelling read. The con/scam was suitably engrossing, but it was the background story of America in the midst of both WWI and the Spanish Flu that gave this book a much more sombre and sobering mood, unlike the first 2 books.
This book was published in late 2019, so I have to wonder if Ms Thompson would've expected how timely the theme of her book was going to be. The thing about mask wearing and seemingly healthy people just dropping dead on the streets, hospitals running out of beds and staff, also show us we really haven't learned that much about dealing with a pandemic a century later, unfortunately.
December 31, 2022
This series just gets better and better. Elizabeth Miles, her grifter family, and her straight arrow fiancé, Gideon once again come to the aid of a widow in need. This time it is a war widow whose brother-in-law wants to withhold her inheritance.
The previous books have had the historical interest of the suffrage movement with WW1 in the background. This one brings the war to the forefront as Gideon has been drafted. The Spanish Flu also begins to rage. The grift, or con,in this book is particularly complicated and I lost of a few threads in the end of how it all came together. I recommend reading this series in order.
The previous books have had the historical interest of the suffrage movement with WW1 in the background. This one brings the war to the forefront as Gideon has been drafted. The Spanish Flu also begins to rage. The grift, or con,in this book is particularly complicated and I lost of a few threads in the end of how it all came together. I recommend reading this series in order.
September 8, 2020
Victoria Thompson must feel like a clairvoyant right about now. Interesting to read about the Spanish Flu pandemic a hundred years before the one we are currently in. Sounds far worse than COVID-19, but we have the benefit of advanced medical science and technology, as well as communication. The plot was good as usual, with the pandemic more of a backdrop than the main event, which involves Elizabeth and her colorful family involved in another adventure while Gideon reluctantly gets involved.
June 3, 2024
Fun reading about this era. And post-Covid, reading about the masks and the Spanish Flu was quite interesting. This book was published in 2019, wondering if it would have been a little different if it had been written during or post Covid.
Looking forward to the next one in the series. These characters are very enjoyable.
Looking forward to the next one in the series. These characters are very enjoyable.
November 15, 2019
Another great entry in the series. I love how Thompson melds the talents of Elizabeth and Gideon, who on the surface possess very different value systems, yet together they are formidable in helping find justice for victims of unscrupulous but powerful people. In this book we learn about the home front during WWI, the Great War, which was also happening at the same time as the deadly Spanish Flu, the worst flu epidemic in history. Thompson manages to feed us history in delicious bites while her characters plot how to restore a war widow's legacy at the same time as taking down war profiteers. Those who enjoyed the TV series Leverage will delight in this series.
December 1, 2019
Best yet in the series. Elizabeth and her straight laced lawyer fiance Gideon face a complicated con to help his client get her rightful inheritance. With World War I still at the forefront of everyone's minds and the Spanish Flu running rampant, they face more danger than ever. Recommended
August 4, 2024
The con was a little complicated and harder to follow than expected. It takes place in 1918 and the influenza pandemic plays a role. In the afterwords she mentions how that was the worst epidemic in history. The book was written in 2019!
November 7, 2019
Round up to 3.5 stars. Review to come at AAR.
March 13, 2022
I just love this series.
March 22, 2023
Good story. Interesting details regarding the 1918 flu epidemic
November 17, 2023
I didn't really enjoy this one, especially at the end. The grift was also a little too convoluted AND boring compared to the previous ones.
March 29, 2020
Very good story, as usual. It features the 1918 Flu pandemic as a part of the story, which was eerily familiar to today. Everyone was wearing masks, the streets were empty, healthy people getting sick and dying quickly. Scary! I really liked the scam they pulled this time, though Lizzie whining about Gideon having to go to war soon was getting on my nerves.
May 7, 2023
Full of history... Set during the Great War. But, there is a lot more to it. Aside from the main concept of the story, which is helping a recent widow claim what is rightfully hers through the help of some unexpected friends, other plots unravel as well. A fantastic novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews