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Counterfeit Contessa #2
A Sleuth & a Charlatan
Whispers in ballrooms. A blade in the dark. In Arianople, secrets can prove deadly.
Quin might have saved Atesh from the gallows, but her problems didn't end there. Someone's spreading nasty rumours about her. Rumours that edge dangerously close to the truth.
Atesh might not have the hangman's noose around his neck anymore, but he has got questions. Lots of them. Is he ready to discover the answers?
As a thief, Quin can't afford to get involved in another murder investigation. But when a killer strikes close to home, does she really have a choice?
A monster stalks the streets. Blood stains the cobbles. And to uncover the truth, Quin and Atesh are going to have to learn to trust each other.
If you love thrilling action, strong heroines, and a dash of romance then you’ll love this page-turning new instalment in the Counterfeit Contessa series, recommended for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black.
Buy A Sleuth & a Charlatan today to discover a lush world of danger and intrigue.
Quin might have saved Atesh from the gallows, but her problems didn't end there. Someone's spreading nasty rumours about her. Rumours that edge dangerously close to the truth.
Atesh might not have the hangman's noose around his neck anymore, but he has got questions. Lots of them. Is he ready to discover the answers?
As a thief, Quin can't afford to get involved in another murder investigation. But when a killer strikes close to home, does she really have a choice?
A monster stalks the streets. Blood stains the cobbles. And to uncover the truth, Quin and Atesh are going to have to learn to trust each other.
If you love thrilling action, strong heroines, and a dash of romance then you’ll love this page-turning new instalment in the Counterfeit Contessa series, recommended for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black.
Buy A Sleuth & a Charlatan today to discover a lush world of danger and intrigue.
504 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2019
11 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 9, 2019
Gorgeous writing. Darkly twisted plotting. A great cast of fascinating characters. A swoon-worthy romance. And above all, a kick-butt heroine who positively LEAPS off the page.
Yes, A Sleuth & a Charlatan is a worthy sequel to book 1 of the Counterfeit Contessa series. In fact . . . it might actually be the better book! (It’s hard for me to judge clearly since I loved book 1 so hard.) At nearly 700 pages it is a massive, tour de force of a creation that never once lags in pacing or intrigue. In fact, I sped through this adventure faster than many a shorter novel, so eagerly was I turning the pages!
One concern I’d had going in was whether or not the romance would continue to captivate me. My personal preferences gear more to the slow-burn-build-up of a romance, and I often lose a interest once the two characters have made their professions and (ahem!) taken things to a new level (as these two did by the end of book 1). I knew I’d still love the book because the plot would keep me invested, but I wasn’t sure that I’d be all that invested in where the romance was going.
I was wrong. Quin and Atesh have SO MANY ODDS stacked against them, that just being madly in love doesn’t solve any of their problems. Quin is struggling with the reality of love, which was NEVER part of the plan. If she sticks around, her whole little world and the people who depend on her is threatened . . . but how can she resist what she feels for Atesh? And handsome, true-hearted, noble Atesh still doesn’t know the whole truth about the lovely Contessa who has stolen his heart.
Yeah, there’s plenty of drama in the works for these two, and the chemistry between them sizzles!
But there’s so much more going on in this story as well! A gruesome serial killer plagues the streets, and the brutal crimes creep ever closer to Quin’s door. The unfolding mystery Clare lays out for her readers is so beautifully constructed! I had so many theories spinning through my head, but I could not predict where this story would take me. And it’s all done with such deft skill, I was consistently amazed by the author’s abilities!
Just a Note: This book is definitely on the steamier side with a lot more sex than the previous book. But it’s not gratuitous or graphic. And it’s not one of those stories where you feel like all the characters have between them is sex—you definitely feel the bond and respect between the two, and sex is a natural extension of that bond. I don’t read a lot of sexy-times books (just not my thing), and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. So take that for what it’s worth!
So in conclusion—if you haven’t done yourself the favor of picking up the Counterfeit Contessa series yet . . . what are you waiting for???? Dive into this multi-layered, beautifully written adventure today!
Yes, A Sleuth & a Charlatan is a worthy sequel to book 1 of the Counterfeit Contessa series. In fact . . . it might actually be the better book! (It’s hard for me to judge clearly since I loved book 1 so hard.) At nearly 700 pages it is a massive, tour de force of a creation that never once lags in pacing or intrigue. In fact, I sped through this adventure faster than many a shorter novel, so eagerly was I turning the pages!
One concern I’d had going in was whether or not the romance would continue to captivate me. My personal preferences gear more to the slow-burn-build-up of a romance, and I often lose a interest once the two characters have made their professions and (ahem!) taken things to a new level (as these two did by the end of book 1). I knew I’d still love the book because the plot would keep me invested, but I wasn’t sure that I’d be all that invested in where the romance was going.
I was wrong. Quin and Atesh have SO MANY ODDS stacked against them, that just being madly in love doesn’t solve any of their problems. Quin is struggling with the reality of love, which was NEVER part of the plan. If she sticks around, her whole little world and the people who depend on her is threatened . . . but how can she resist what she feels for Atesh? And handsome, true-hearted, noble Atesh still doesn’t know the whole truth about the lovely Contessa who has stolen his heart.
Yeah, there’s plenty of drama in the works for these two, and the chemistry between them sizzles!
But there’s so much more going on in this story as well! A gruesome serial killer plagues the streets, and the brutal crimes creep ever closer to Quin’s door. The unfolding mystery Clare lays out for her readers is so beautifully constructed! I had so many theories spinning through my head, but I could not predict where this story would take me. And it’s all done with such deft skill, I was consistently amazed by the author’s abilities!
Just a Note: This book is definitely on the steamier side with a lot more sex than the previous book. But it’s not gratuitous or graphic. And it’s not one of those stories where you feel like all the characters have between them is sex—you definitely feel the bond and respect between the two, and sex is a natural extension of that bond. I don’t read a lot of sexy-times books (just not my thing), and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. So take that for what it’s worth!
So in conclusion—if you haven’t done yourself the favor of picking up the Counterfeit Contessa series yet . . . what are you waiting for???? Dive into this multi-layered, beautifully written adventure today!
September 10, 2019
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a break-out star of indie published fiction, must be in want of an equally astounding follow-up. It is also a truth to say that this book - this tome of nearly 700 pages - is not found wanting. It is quite frankly one of those books that nabs you and refuses to let you go until the last, breathless, terrifying, exhilarating word.
Wildly inappropriate barely touches the sides of describing just how addictive this series is. Rabid sabrecats couldn't drag me away. Did I mention this was indie published? You would scarcely believe it. How on earth do I do it justice?
After the frightful business of murder and mystery, Quin and Atesh are finally allowed a little time to themselves. Or each other. You know, young wildly inappropriate love. But there's a snag, the same snag that's always been there: Quin was supposed to con and get gone. When rumours start swirling in high society about the nature of Contessa Sabia, surely it's time to leave Arianople. But with her heart tied in knots over the handsome Pasha, Quin's not so sure about her next move. Atesh cannot know the truth, that much is clear.
Then comes the news: murder. Women of the Gutter Streets have been mutilated before, but now it seems there's a serial killer on the loose. The crimes edge a little too close to Quin's contacts for comfort, so perhaps she can stay long enough to solve the mystery and save a few more lives. Of course, that she'll be able to see Atesh all the while is of little consequence. But there are worse things in the darkness of the City of Cities than blades and whispered lies. Things like revenge...
It is long. Oh goodness, it is long. I read into the night. I read throughout the day. Every snatched moment, I read. Because this is a compelling mystery that teases, playing with your expectations. It never once treats you like an idiot, nor is it so convoluted that it's impossible to follow. I've never made a dramatis personae/family tree of a book before to keep track of my theories, but this one drew me in so much I just had to know the ins and outs of the cast. I felt like the sleuth! Honestly, the foreshadowing is a thing of rare beauty - were it a jewel Quin would have nabbed it by now. I wish I'd had time to re-read book one before starting here because of just how much context you piece together. Threads from book one are interwoven with such neat literary dexterity; some tied up while others are only just brought to light (for book 3, one hopes).
It is delicious.
Now my friends, the romance. I said when I read the first book, romance is not my thing. All that Sarah J. Mass scenes of Porn Without a Point, or YA swooning/gushing/"ooh, look at his glistening torso" business: No.
That is not this book. There's fluff, there's sensuality, there's - let's not beat around the bush - sexuality, but it's is so astoundingly well done I cared nought that it's outside of my usual interests. Relationships, between whoever, are believable. Sex scenes are geared more towards mature readers, but there's nothing graphic or explicit as such. Nor are we subject to gratuitous PWaP - it feels natural and elaborates on the character relationships rather than being used as a lazy way of defining it.
Like Quin's fan-blade, this book may seem frilly, yet you cannot deny it's got bite. There is nastiness of course; the plot involves murder alongside courtly machinations. There's a whole deep, dark, and utterly remarkable amount of history to the story, be it about the world or the individual characters. Europa and it's magic is brought to life by those little details, from a stray personal anecdote here to the description of servers offering spiced koftas there. Add in action sequences which are so well-written it hurts combined with sleuthing and sneaking aplenty. The pace is so darn perfect.
The characters again are amazing. Quin and Atesh caught in their circular thinking as they try to figure each other out, Derry dealing with her demons, Ariston the strength behind the team. There is so much sympathy created for Livia, the lady with a mysterious past and an illness that takes ever more away from her as time progresses. The villains are horribly well-rounded (and I mean that in the best character development sort of way). Side characters are never short-changed. They will break your heart.
Don't think I'm letting such an amazing book of entirely though. There's always going to be something that niggles and here it was a bit of a Sarah J. Maas writing tick: "[their] throat bobbed" (go on, count the times, you cannot unsee). There are also tiny little glimpses of past events that are fairly important that only got hinted at later on (do I sense a companion novella in there somewhere?)
But alas, if you think those trifles damage this series your are severely mistaken. Having dedicated over 8 hours of my life (or so my Kindle tells me) to reading this book, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for fantasy that is a whirlwind ride of romance, mystery and adventure. If that doesn't sell it for you: sabrecats. They ride round an alt-reality Mediterranean/Turkish Renaissance land on giant cats while calling on the magic of their Hundred Gods using sorta-Tarot cards and solving murders (aaaand maybe being wildly inappropriate).
Go. Read this. Right now.
(After book one, of course.)
Wildly inappropriate barely touches the sides of describing just how addictive this series is. Rabid sabrecats couldn't drag me away. Did I mention this was indie published? You would scarcely believe it. How on earth do I do it justice?
After the frightful business of murder and mystery, Quin and Atesh are finally allowed a little time to themselves. Or each other. You know, young wildly inappropriate love. But there's a snag, the same snag that's always been there: Quin was supposed to con and get gone. When rumours start swirling in high society about the nature of Contessa Sabia, surely it's time to leave Arianople. But with her heart tied in knots over the handsome Pasha, Quin's not so sure about her next move. Atesh cannot know the truth, that much is clear.
Then comes the news: murder. Women of the Gutter Streets have been mutilated before, but now it seems there's a serial killer on the loose. The crimes edge a little too close to Quin's contacts for comfort, so perhaps she can stay long enough to solve the mystery and save a few more lives. Of course, that she'll be able to see Atesh all the while is of little consequence. But there are worse things in the darkness of the City of Cities than blades and whispered lies. Things like revenge...
It is long. Oh goodness, it is long. I read into the night. I read throughout the day. Every snatched moment, I read. Because this is a compelling mystery that teases, playing with your expectations. It never once treats you like an idiot, nor is it so convoluted that it's impossible to follow. I've never made a dramatis personae/family tree of a book before to keep track of my theories, but this one drew me in so much I just had to know the ins and outs of the cast. I felt like the sleuth! Honestly, the foreshadowing is a thing of rare beauty - were it a jewel Quin would have nabbed it by now. I wish I'd had time to re-read book one before starting here because of just how much context you piece together. Threads from book one are interwoven with such neat literary dexterity; some tied up while others are only just brought to light (for book 3, one hopes).
It is delicious.
Now my friends, the romance. I said when I read the first book, romance is not my thing. All that Sarah J. Mass scenes of Porn Without a Point, or YA swooning/gushing/"ooh, look at his glistening torso" business: No.
That is not this book. There's fluff, there's sensuality, there's - let's not beat around the bush - sexuality, but it's is so astoundingly well done I cared nought that it's outside of my usual interests. Relationships, between whoever, are believable. Sex scenes are geared more towards mature readers, but there's nothing graphic or explicit as such. Nor are we subject to gratuitous PWaP - it feels natural and elaborates on the character relationships rather than being used as a lazy way of defining it.
Like Quin's fan-blade, this book may seem frilly, yet you cannot deny it's got bite. There is nastiness of course; the plot involves murder alongside courtly machinations. There's a whole deep, dark, and utterly remarkable amount of history to the story, be it about the world or the individual characters. Europa and it's magic is brought to life by those little details, from a stray personal anecdote here to the description of servers offering spiced koftas there. Add in action sequences which are so well-written it hurts combined with sleuthing and sneaking aplenty. The pace is so darn perfect.
The characters again are amazing. Quin and Atesh caught in their circular thinking as they try to figure each other out, Derry dealing with her demons, Ariston the strength behind the team. There is so much sympathy created for Livia, the lady with a mysterious past and an illness that takes ever more away from her as time progresses. The villains are horribly well-rounded (and I mean that in the best character development sort of way). Side characters are never short-changed. They will break your heart.
Don't think I'm letting such an amazing book of entirely though. There's always going to be something that niggles and here it was a bit of a Sarah J. Maas writing tick: "[their] throat bobbed" (go on, count the times, you cannot unsee). There are also tiny little glimpses of past events that are fairly important that only got hinted at later on (do I sense a companion novella in there somewhere?)
But alas, if you think those trifles damage this series your are severely mistaken. Having dedicated over 8 hours of my life (or so my Kindle tells me) to reading this book, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for fantasy that is a whirlwind ride of romance, mystery and adventure. If that doesn't sell it for you: sabrecats. They ride round an alt-reality Mediterranean/Turkish Renaissance land on giant cats while calling on the magic of their Hundred Gods using sorta-Tarot cards and solving murders (aaaand maybe being wildly inappropriate).
Go. Read this. Right now.
(After book one, of course.)
June 29, 2020
A captivating sequel that I literally couldn’t put down. I loved the romance between Quin and Atesh (it’s not often you find a completely functional (and likely acceptable in the real world) relationship in YA but this one showed caring, compassion, safety and love in the best way possible.
I also loved how Atesh decided NOT to pry into Quin’s past because so often that is a common plot hiccup in YA.
Outside of that I loved how the characters flaws became more obvious: Quin’s fear of sticking around long enough to form strong relationship bonds, Darry’s wish to find a corner of life for herself, and Atesh’s worry that he won’t be able to change anything.
Pair these awesome characters with a string of murders and another visit from Alora I was hooked throughout EVERY page.
*there are a few rather gory descriptions of murder victims but they’re not unnecessary
I also loved how Atesh decided NOT to pry into Quin’s past because so often that is a common plot hiccup in YA.
Outside of that I loved how the characters flaws became more obvious: Quin’s fear of sticking around long enough to form strong relationship bonds, Darry’s wish to find a corner of life for herself, and Atesh’s worry that he won’t be able to change anything.
Pair these awesome characters with a string of murders and another visit from Alora I was hooked throughout EVERY page.
*there are a few rather gory descriptions of murder victims but they’re not unnecessary
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2021
Do you enjoy having your heart ripped from your chest?
If yes, then please give this book a chance!
Thanks, Clare Sager, because I. Am. Wrecked.
My favorite scene is between Atesh and Porto, when Atesh has received a scathing letter about his beloved’s alleged crimes.
Porto asks what Atesh would do if any of the allegations were proven true...
And Atesh says that it could all be true, and he’d still love her.
Get yourself an Atesh, ladies!
In this installment of Pride and Prejudice meets Steel and Glass, we have another murder mystery, and I am HERE FOR IT!
Sager does a sublime job at balancing the clues with the emotional stuff. Most readers will guess the WHO, but the slow build up is conflict gold.
If yes, then please give this book a chance!
Thanks, Clare Sager, because I. Am. Wrecked.
My favorite scene is between Atesh and Porto, when Atesh has received a scathing letter about his beloved’s alleged crimes.
Porto asks what Atesh would do if any of the allegations were proven true...
And Atesh says that it could all be true, and he’d still love her.
Get yourself an Atesh, ladies!
In this installment of Pride and Prejudice meets Steel and Glass, we have another murder mystery, and I am HERE FOR IT!
Sager does a sublime job at balancing the clues with the emotional stuff. Most readers will guess the WHO, but the slow build up is conflict gold.
December 25, 2020
I loved book one, but this one was even better! I read it a while ago, but just thinking of reading it again gets my stomach in all kinds of twists. What a thrilling read this was. Highly recommend.
September 9, 2019
Loved it!
So glad I finally got a bit more of Quin! The book kept me turning pages constantly, and as in the previous book, it has a little bit of everything I love to read about. Love, secrets, adventure.....all of it! This book was worth the wait and I’m already ready for the next one.
So glad I finally got a bit more of Quin! The book kept me turning pages constantly, and as in the previous book, it has a little bit of everything I love to read about. Love, secrets, adventure.....all of it! This book was worth the wait and I’m already ready for the next one.
September 28, 2019
Ready for book three!
Well darn, finished it too fast. Picking up where T&G left off, diving back into Quinn’s story made for a bit of catch up. I throughly enjoyed it, faced paced and very entertaining. Looking forward to the next chapter of Quinn getting herself and her friends into and out of all sorts of trouble.
Well darn, finished it too fast. Picking up where T&G left off, diving back into Quinn’s story made for a bit of catch up. I throughly enjoyed it, faced paced and very entertaining. Looking forward to the next chapter of Quinn getting herself and her friends into and out of all sorts of trouble.
October 2, 2019
Great read
An excellent continuation of the first novel. Engaging all the way through and well written characters. Can’t wait for the next one.
An excellent continuation of the first novel. Engaging all the way through and well written characters. Can’t wait for the next one.
February 21, 2020
But what a FANTASTIC continuation of the series!
The first book left off in a comfortable place. I didn't feel the NEED to continue, in the irksome story-not-completed sense. But knowing that these characters had more story, NATURALLY I could not just leave them alone.
And boy was I ever not disappointed. Court intrigue, serial murder, romance and betrayal, thrills, terror, every damn sensory detail that brought me to love book 1...
The first book left off in a comfortable place. I didn't feel the NEED to continue, in the irksome story-not-completed sense. But knowing that these characters had more story, NATURALLY I could not just leave them alone.
And boy was I ever not disappointed. Court intrigue, serial murder, romance and betrayal, thrills, terror, every damn sensory detail that brought me to love book 1...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews