What do you think?
Rate this book
Counterfeit Lady #4
City of Schemes
Elizabeth Miles is preparing for her wedding to Gideon Bates, when a menacing shadow from her past threatens to destroy the life she has built for herself in this all-new Counterfeit Lady Novel from USA Today bestselling author Victoria Thompson.
The Great War is over, and Elizabeth and Gideon are busily planning their wedding and welcoming home old friends now discharged from the army. One of them, Captain Logan Carstens, the son and heir of a wealthy family, seems less than happy to be home and with good reason. While Logan was in France, he fell in love with a beautiful French woman named Noelle. He desperately wanted to propose, but he was already engaged and felt bound to honor his commitment.
When Logan receives a letter supposedly from Noelle begging for money to help her flee the terrible conditions in France and come to America, Elizabeth is suspicious. There is no way to verify the letter is actually from Noelle, and she fears that a con man or woman might be trying to take advantage of Logan in his vulnerable state.
But that is not all Elizabeth has to worry about. Vicious thug Oscar Thornton has gotten wind of her wedding announcement and realizes the woman who conned him is still alive and well. Gideon and Elizabeth have to figure out a way to help their friend while making sure their worst enemy does not destroy their future. . . .
The Great War is over, and Elizabeth and Gideon are busily planning their wedding and welcoming home old friends now discharged from the army. One of them, Captain Logan Carstens, the son and heir of a wealthy family, seems less than happy to be home and with good reason. While Logan was in France, he fell in love with a beautiful French woman named Noelle. He desperately wanted to propose, but he was already engaged and felt bound to honor his commitment.
When Logan receives a letter supposedly from Noelle begging for money to help her flee the terrible conditions in France and come to America, Elizabeth is suspicious. There is no way to verify the letter is actually from Noelle, and she fears that a con man or woman might be trying to take advantage of Logan in his vulnerable state.
But that is not all Elizabeth has to worry about. Vicious thug Oscar Thornton has gotten wind of her wedding announcement and realizes the woman who conned him is still alive and well. Gideon and Elizabeth have to figure out a way to help their friend while making sure their worst enemy does not destroy their future. . . .
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2020
111 people are currently reading
2318 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,448 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
January 6, 2021
Reformed conwoman Elizabeth Miles is getting ready for her wedding to Gideon Bates. They have tried to keep their engagement quiet, but it still shows up in the papers. That brings Oscar Thornton back into their lives, insisting that Elizabeth refund the money that he feels she owes him. Can they stop him once and for all? Meanwhile, Gideon has reconnected with one of his friends who has returned home from World War I. Logan Carsten had become engaged to a young woman before he left, but he fell in love with someone else while stationed in France. He intends to honor his engagement, but then, he hears from this Frenchwoman asking for his help in coming in America. Elizabeth thinks something more is going on. Can she also help Logan?
If you haven’t read this series yet, I recommend you read it from the beginning. This book includes some call back to earlier adventures as well as a major spoiler for the previous book. All of that is wonderful for fans, however, as it allows the characters to grow in some great ways. I love Elizabeth, Gideon, and the rest of the regulars, so I enjoyed spending time with them again. Since this is more a caper than a traditional mystery, I enjoy watching the plot unfold in different ways, and it kept me engaged the entire time. I did have an issue with one part of the climax; if Elizabeth’s motives for her actions had been built into the story a bit more, I probably would have been okay with it. I also enjoyed the humor early in the book. Once again, author Victoria Thompson has written a book that pulled me in and only let me go when I reached the final page.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I recommend you read it from the beginning. This book includes some call back to earlier adventures as well as a major spoiler for the previous book. All of that is wonderful for fans, however, as it allows the characters to grow in some great ways. I love Elizabeth, Gideon, and the rest of the regulars, so I enjoyed spending time with them again. Since this is more a caper than a traditional mystery, I enjoy watching the plot unfold in different ways, and it kept me engaged the entire time. I did have an issue with one part of the climax; if Elizabeth’s motives for her actions had been built into the story a bit more, I probably would have been okay with it. I also enjoyed the humor early in the book. Once again, author Victoria Thompson has written a book that pulled me in and only let me go when I reached the final page.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 29, 2022
World War I has just ended and war brides and the soldiers are returning home. Elizabeth Miles is planning her wedding and it is to be a quiet family affair due to a previous incident. All of sudden a villain from her past is back. I think this is my favorite story so far and the cons within cons are terrific. I would call this a cozy con artist story rather than a cozy mystery. Already have the next book in the series lines up.
October 10, 2020
The Counterfeit Lady historical mystery series by Victoria Thompson is such a fun story. This fourth in series finds our plucky heroine preparing for her quiet family and close-friends-only wedding. If only her society "friend", Rosemary Westerly, had not been so eager to leak the upcoming nuptials to the society page reporters, then perhaps our plucky protagonist, Elizabeth Miles, could have continued to evade the wrath of Oscar Thornton (the mark from the con in book #1). Meanwhile, fiancé Gideon's friend, Army Captain Logan Carsten, betrothed to Rosemary and still pining for his WWI French girlfriend, Noelle, receives a letter via his sergeant. It is presumably from Noelle asking for financial assistance and passage from France to America. Logan, being duty bound, would never break off the engagement with Rosemary to pursue a further relationship with Noelle and Noelle states that she's aware of that. At any rate, there are cons a-plenty as Elizabeth's family gets in on the action. Ms. Thompson has done her research and added historical elements of the day, which are spot on. She even provides a few notes regarding the historical record at the end of the book. It's an action-packed story with never a dull moment.
If historical fiction with a high-spirited, plucky and courageous female protagonist at its center appeals, then this is definitely a series you won't want to miss. As of this writing, publication date is January 5, 2021
I am grateful to Penguin Random House LLC for having provided a complimentary uncorrected e-book file of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
If historical fiction with a high-spirited, plucky and courageous female protagonist at its center appeals, then this is definitely a series you won't want to miss. As of this writing, publication date is January 5, 2021
I am grateful to Penguin Random House LLC for having provided a complimentary uncorrected e-book file of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
April 8, 2021
4.5 Stars
I feel as if I’ve finally settled into this series. Each book has been stronger than it’s predecessor, with City of Schemes having now become my favorite of the first four. There were a few different plot lines, all intriguing, that inevitably converged by the end of the book. This particular story was less of a whodunnit and more of a how-dunnit while the good guys tried to stay one-step ahead of the antagonist(s.) City of Schemes was an apropos title for a story that underscored the con-artist element when semi-reformed grifter Elizabeth and her family of (non-reformed) grifters used their skills to help various friends out of precarious circumstances, as well as Elizabeth's own deadly predicament. A comeuppance, a reunion, and a wedding made for a fabulous entry in this series.
January 28, 2021
Elizabeth Miles, determined to leave her dubious past behind is about to marry her beloved upstanding lawyer fiancé, Gideon Bates.
Naturally all is not going to go smoothly for the couple as Elizabeth is forced to get involved, yet again, with some not so proper schemes when an old nemesis discovers her to be very much alive when he thought her dead!
There are cons within cons that had me smiling throughout at their very cleverness.
This book is just good fun.
#4 in the “Counterfeit Lady Novel” series it’s my first but I had no trouble identifying the characters.
Victoria Thompson has never disappointed with likable characters and clever plotting.
Naturally all is not going to go smoothly for the couple as Elizabeth is forced to get involved, yet again, with some not so proper schemes when an old nemesis discovers her to be very much alive when he thought her dead!
There are cons within cons that had me smiling throughout at their very cleverness.
This book is just good fun.
#4 in the “Counterfeit Lady Novel” series it’s my first but I had no trouble identifying the characters.
Victoria Thompson has never disappointed with likable characters and clever plotting.
January 5, 2021
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Historical / Mystery
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
City of Schemes is the fourth installment in author Victoria Thompson's Counterfeit Lady series. It has been two months since World War I ended, Elizabeth Miles and Gideon Bates are preparing for their wedding. Thanks to the War ending before Gideon could be shipped overseas and likely not returning, plans are now going full speed ahead with the invitations, the place for the wedding, the guests who will be invited, the dress, etc. Then comes the revelation that Gideon's friend Logan Carstens is not as happy to return home as Gideon expected.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical / Mystery
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
City of Schemes is the fourth installment in author Victoria Thompson's Counterfeit Lady series. It has been two months since World War I ended, Elizabeth Miles and Gideon Bates are preparing for their wedding. Thanks to the War ending before Gideon could be shipped overseas and likely not returning, plans are now going full speed ahead with the invitations, the place for the wedding, the guests who will be invited, the dress, etc. Then comes the revelation that Gideon's friend Logan Carstens is not as happy to return home as Gideon expected.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
May 5, 2022
RATING: 4.5 STARS
2021; Berkley Publishing
I am so happy that this series keeps getting better! In book four, we have Elizabeth and Gideon planning their wedding (yay!). And, even better the Great War is over so the men and women are now coming home. The consequences of the war are not the same for everyone, and Thompson does a great job in keeping that in mind when writing this book. I label this series as a "cozy" historical mystery as nothing is overly graphic in violence and sex. Yet, this is not as fluffy as "cozy" may sound. The covers for the novels are also gorgeous and give off that light series vibe. I would compare it to C.S. Harris series but with less graphic murder scenes. If you have not read this series or Sebastian St. Cyr series, oh my, you are in for such great treats. I am all caught up with the latter series and each book gets better (much like this one).
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2021; Berkley Publishing
I am so happy that this series keeps getting better! In book four, we have Elizabeth and Gideon planning their wedding (yay!). And, even better the Great War is over so the men and women are now coming home. The consequences of the war are not the same for everyone, and Thompson does a great job in keeping that in mind when writing this book. I label this series as a "cozy" historical mystery as nothing is overly graphic in violence and sex. Yet, this is not as fluffy as "cozy" may sound. The covers for the novels are also gorgeous and give off that light series vibe. I would compare it to C.S. Harris series but with less graphic murder scenes. If you have not read this series or Sebastian St. Cyr series, oh my, you are in for such great treats. I am all caught up with the latter series and each book gets better (much like this one).
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
January 3, 2021
"City of Schemes" was a fun read. This book is actually the fourth book in the series, "A Counterfeit Lady Novel". I have not read the earlier books, but I enjoyed this one, so I plan to go back and read them. Elizabeth Miles is a semi-reformed con woman. She is also set to marry Gideon Bates, a successful lawyer from an old society New York family, and who is well acquainted with Elizabeth's less than pristine past. Unfortunately, her past comes back to haunt them when Rosemary, a society girl with a penchant for gossip, arranges for news of Gideon and Elizabeth's engagement to appear in the gossip sections of the New York papers. The announcement is seen by Oscar Thornton, who believes Elizabeth is dead. He wants his revenge, as she had foiled his attempts to swindle the U.S. Army during WWI, and especially he wants the money he lost. Thornton shows up at Gideon's office and demands that Elizabeth pay him $250,000, due in a month, or he will make sure New York society knows about her past, which will result in her and Gideon, as well as Gideon's family, being ostracized. Therefore, Elizabeth's family (who are also grifters) have to run an elaborate con to eliminate Thornton as an ongoing threat.
Elizabeth also takes action to protect a friend of Gideon who appears might be a victim of the classic con, the Spanish Prisoner. She also has the opportunity to run that con herself not once, but twice. Elizabeth Miles is a delightful character. The author does a wonderful job of making the schemes and cons of Elizabeth appear authentic, while also making Elizabeth appear sincere to the "marks." The plot flows well and it is fun to see what schemes Elizabeth and her family come up and how the cons play out. The book is set shortly after WWI and the author makes good use of historical events, including US soldiers coming home with French war brides, the ongoing prejudice against Germans and German-Americans, and new fear of the Bolsheviks.
I would definitely recommend this book. As I noted above, I plan to read the earlier books in the series to find out what adventures Elizabeth got up to previously (including the full backstory of her past encounter with Oscar Thornton). There are numerous references to past events, and I am sure that having read the prior books would have provided greater insight into some of the characters and events, but "City of Schemes" stands on its own.
I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Elizabeth also takes action to protect a friend of Gideon who appears might be a victim of the classic con, the Spanish Prisoner. She also has the opportunity to run that con herself not once, but twice. Elizabeth Miles is a delightful character. The author does a wonderful job of making the schemes and cons of Elizabeth appear authentic, while also making Elizabeth appear sincere to the "marks." The plot flows well and it is fun to see what schemes Elizabeth and her family come up and how the cons play out. The book is set shortly after WWI and the author makes good use of historical events, including US soldiers coming home with French war brides, the ongoing prejudice against Germans and German-Americans, and new fear of the Bolsheviks.
I would definitely recommend this book. As I noted above, I plan to read the earlier books in the series to find out what adventures Elizabeth got up to previously (including the full backstory of her past encounter with Oscar Thornton). There are numerous references to past events, and I am sure that having read the prior books would have provided greater insight into some of the characters and events, but "City of Schemes" stands on its own.
I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
January 15, 2021
In this fourth book in the Counterfeit Lady series, we again encounter the delightful Elizabeth Miles. Raised in a New York family of grifters, she has had a change of circumstance. In the first book we meet her in Washington D.C as she tries to elude an irate victim of a sting, prompting her to attach herself to a group of protesting suffragettes. Unfortunately, the suffragettes are thrown in jail for their efforts. While in jail, Elizabeth learns that these women are from New York and part of the upper crust Knickerbocker “ Four Hundred” families. Upon release, one of the women, Mrs Bates, takes Elizabeth under her wing .Upon their return to New York, Elizabeth meets some of the upper crust society, including Mrs Bates’ son, Gideon.They form a relationship and Elizabeth begins a journey trying to reconcile her new social circle and the colorful characters from her past, including the grifter group headed by her father, The Old Man.
As the current book opens, Elizabeth is preparing for her wedding to Gideon.In the midst of this planning, the victim from the first book, Oscar Thornton, reappears in New York and learns of Elizabeth’s change of fortune and upcoming wedding.Thornton attempts to both gain revenge on Elizabeth and extort her, threatening to expose her to her new social circle. At the same time, one of Gideon’s close friends has returned home from France after World War 1 and becomes enmeshed in a confidence scheme that is aimed at parting him from his money.
Despite Gideon’s desire to have Elizabeth abandon her grifting past, he is compelled to consult with her and the Old Man to assist his friend.At the same time, Elizabeth must find a way to thwart the irate and revenge minded Thornton to secure her future.These events set off a set of antics and schemes worthy of a Frank Capra directed film possibly starring Cary Grant.
This book( and the whole series) is a light and fun filled read.It also portrays the customs and some of the issues confronting New York City in the World War 1 era and the incipient twenties. Those who have read the previous books will be delighted to meet these characters once again.Those who are new to the series will probably want to get better acquainted with this cast.
As the current book opens, Elizabeth is preparing for her wedding to Gideon.In the midst of this planning, the victim from the first book, Oscar Thornton, reappears in New York and learns of Elizabeth’s change of fortune and upcoming wedding.Thornton attempts to both gain revenge on Elizabeth and extort her, threatening to expose her to her new social circle. At the same time, one of Gideon’s close friends has returned home from France after World War 1 and becomes enmeshed in a confidence scheme that is aimed at parting him from his money.
Despite Gideon’s desire to have Elizabeth abandon her grifting past, he is compelled to consult with her and the Old Man to assist his friend.At the same time, Elizabeth must find a way to thwart the irate and revenge minded Thornton to secure her future.These events set off a set of antics and schemes worthy of a Frank Capra directed film possibly starring Cary Grant.
This book( and the whole series) is a light and fun filled read.It also portrays the customs and some of the issues confronting New York City in the World War 1 era and the incipient twenties. Those who have read the previous books will be delighted to meet these characters once again.Those who are new to the series will probably want to get better acquainted with this cast.
Read
December 19, 2020This story has left me with a genuine smile. World War I has just ended, Elizabeth and Gideon are excited to prepare for their wedding. The plans seem endless, the invitations, the place, everything must be perfect. Captain Archie Carstens is the son and heir to a fortune. He is not as happy to return home as Gideon expected. Despite the terrible ravages of the war, Archie found his great love. Gideon's love is a beautiful French young woman named Noelle. Archie wants to propose to her and bring her to the United States. One day, Archie receives a letter in which Noelle asks for money to help Noelle flee her home country. However, Elizabeth notices something suspicious in the content of this letter. Elizabeth desires the most to verify the authenticity of the letter. This way, Archie has a chance to be happy. I loved this story, especially since Elizabeth is a genius, capable of solving the most difficult mysteries. I like Gideon teaming up with her, but he also gives her the freedom to do what she has to do. This book made me feel intrigued by Archie and Noelle's situation. However, Europe was recently healing from a devastating war. I know this book is part of a series I want to be able to read the rest. I thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2021
I’ve really enjoyed this series. I love how each of the books has a con that helps people out and I like seeing how each of the conmen seem to change a little each book to be a little better. I also love how I never know exactly how things will end until the book is done. It keeps my attention the whole time. I also love the characters. I think they are relatable and easy to love. I also love that in this book we finally see Elizabeth and Gideon get married!
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
August 29, 2021
4 stars.
The con was again quite intricate and fun. I did get the impression that Ms Thompson might have wanted to end the series here by having the villain from the first book City of Lies return for his vengeance and be finally vanquished. But, the denouement still seem a bit iffy and the whole Lord Percy/Rosemary part feels unfinished as well.
I'm glad to see that there will be at least another book for after the wedding. It'll be interesting to see if Gideon will be able to curtail Elizabeth's tendency to meddle.
The con was again quite intricate and fun. I did get the impression that Ms Thompson might have wanted to end the series here by having the villain from the first book City of Lies return for his vengeance and be finally vanquished. But, the denouement still seem a bit iffy and the whole Lord Percy/Rosemary part feels unfinished as well.
I'm glad to see that there will be at least another book for after the wedding. It'll be interesting to see if Gideon will be able to curtail Elizabeth's tendency to meddle.
May 31, 2023
NetGalley ARC.
Elizabeth Miles and Co. are always a solid 3-star for me. I pretty much forget the plot as soon as I'm done the book. I feel like this was a bid repeat of City of Scoundrels with Thornton being a main protagonist again. I just didn't care for the conning in this book and I'm still sad
Elizabeth Miles and Co. are always a solid 3-star for me. I pretty much forget the plot as soon as I'm done the book. I feel like this was a bid repeat of City of Scoundrels with Thornton being a main protagonist again. I just didn't care for the conning in this book and I'm still sad
October 30, 2022
3.5/5 stars, rounding up this time
There were a few minor threads in this one I felt were left hanging a bit (mostly related to Rosemary's past misdeeds), but overall I liked how this one came out and how all of the cons ended up coming together. It's also been long enough in the series now that I'm feeling more comfortable with the characters and this world, even if I wish more time had been spent on their development and some things still feel a little more surface.
There were a few minor threads in this one I felt were left hanging a bit (mostly related to Rosemary's past misdeeds), but overall I liked how this one came out and how all of the cons ended up coming together. It's also been long enough in the series now that I'm feeling more comfortable with the characters and this world, even if I wish more time had been spent on their development and some things still feel a little more surface.
March 18, 2025
Wow, Victoria Thompson had the knack of weaving multiple characters and narratives throughout her books that ultimately come together brilliantly.
This wonderful author passed away last summer, and I’m sorry there will be no more writings by her. I have a few more books to read in this ‘Counterfeit Lady’ series, and I’ve read all 27 books in her ‘Gaslight Mystery’ series.
I will miss all of the characters who grew and evolved in their roles throughout both of these series.
This wonderful author passed away last summer, and I’m sorry there will be no more writings by her. I have a few more books to read in this ‘Counterfeit Lady’ series, and I’ve read all 27 books in her ‘Gaslight Mystery’ series.
I will miss all of the characters who grew and evolved in their roles throughout both of these series.
January 15, 2021
This is the best one of the series. Everything that has been building up from the last three books finally comes together and makes a great story filled with twists, turns, and intrigue that kept me hooked the entire time. I loved it.
April 29, 2022
This book had me laughing out loud at times, it was so much fun! 3 cons and a wedding make for a truly entertaining read. As well, seeing how the characters evolve from book to book, it just makes me excited for the next book. :-)
August 4, 2022
Anna is my kindred spirit, she must run schemes of her own!
I enjoyed Elizabeth's take on these cons. Let's face it, she didn't have to get money from Rosemary's family if her endgame was breaking the engagement. That was pure revenge, and I loved it.
I enjoyed Elizabeth's take on these cons. Let's face it, she didn't have to get money from Rosemary's family if her endgame was breaking the engagement. That was pure revenge, and I loved it.
August 14, 2022
If you take this story at face value, it is an excellent cozy mystery. The hero and heroine are unusual, to say the least; Elizabeth is a former con artist, and her father still is one. Gideon is an upright member of the Gilded Age four hundred; talk about opposites attract! I enjoyed the ruse they played to help out their friend Logan, who fell in love with a French girl during the first world war. Logan could not marry the young lady because he was engaged before leaving for Europe. Once home, he receives a letter from Noelle, pleading for help, which starts Elizabeth back into her father's world. The other problem arises when a man from her past who had tried to kill her returns! It brings much to do before Gideon and Elizabeth marry. It is an escape from daily life, a sweet read. For once, I refused to allow the politics that I picked up to let my enjoyment be ruined.
Thank you, #Netgalley #TheCityofSchemes
carolintallahassee
Thank you, #Netgalley #TheCityofSchemes
carolintallahassee
January 24, 2021
Cons within cons in this one, but all beautifully worked out by the end of the story.
April 3, 2021
Continuing story of a con artist in the 1900's who enters the world of upperclass New York. Learned about the Spanish Prisoner con and other aspects of post-WW1 life in NY city.
October 21, 2021
Enjoyable story set in New York after World War I and featuring Elizabeth Miles as the main character. She is a former con woman who is marrying into New York society. She has run a con to make sure an enemy is forever out of her life. The book was an easy read.
February 26, 2021
My favorite! Laughed so much, teared up a little! Please let there be more in this series!
January 16, 2023
This series gets better and better. Victoria Thompson is quite the devious schemer to think of all this! As the country adjusts after the end of WW1, Elizabeth Miles, former con artist , is planning to marry upright lawyer Gideon Bates. The story that ensues involves socialites, returning soldiers, war brides, English Lords, political vigilantes, a returning cast of con artists, and a few weddings and engagements. This series is fun and is best read in order.
November 27, 2021
This was a good book that kept me guessing. I could see the weaving of the plot all around me but I couldnt figure out how it was done and what the final picture would look like and I quite enjoyed it. These books are always a delightful heist book combined with a historical lesson of sorts. This one talked about the returning soldiers and the conditions post war, post flu.
I know in this day and age it astounds me that they keep pulling off capers in the same city and go unrecognized but I can see how things were very different a hundred years ago.
I am adding a star for the LGBTQ+ characters that are prominent in the book.
I know in this day and age it astounds me that they keep pulling off capers in the same city and go unrecognized but I can see how things were very different a hundred years ago.
I am adding a star for the LGBTQ+ characters that are prominent in the book.
August 29, 2020
City of Schemes by Victoria Thompson kept the pace moving! This is the first book I have read in the Counterfeit Lady series and the author did a great job of weaving in the back story from the previous book, and firmly establishing the relationships between each character. The story and plot of this book was refreshing and new to me. For some reason, I was expecting this book to be a murder mystery, but instead the main character is a con artist, and a woman, and it is set in New York City right after WWI, which is one of my favorite eras. Many of my reviews are on murder mystery books because it is my favorite genre, but I am trying to venture out into other genres and this was a good story that didn't have murder in it! Elizabeth Miles, the main character, has been a con artist most of her life because of her father, whom she calls "The Old Man." In this book, she has found the love of her life and is getting married to Gideon Bates. Unfortunately, Oscar Thornton, a man from Elizabeth's dark past, comes back to retrieve money he believes he had lost to her in one of her so-called schemes. In order to get rid of him once and forever, Elizabeth goes to her father, The Old Man, in seek of help, and the con her father cooks up is one that will leave Thornton down and out for good. Thompson did her research well while writing this story and scheming up the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the "Spanish Prisoner" and how many cons, back in the day before the internet, were easily done, especially to those who craved money and power. I will definitely go back and read the first book in this series. It was delightful!
January 17, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/c...
City of Schemes
Counterfeit Lady #4
By Victoria Thompson
ISBN#9780593197509
http://www.victoriathompson.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
The Great War is over, and Elizabeth and Gideon are busily planning their wedding and welcoming home old friends now discharged from the army. One of them, Captain Logan Carsten, the son and heir of a wealthy Knickerbocker family, seems less happy to be home than Gideon had expected. While Logan was in France, he fell in love with a beautiful French woman named Noelle. He desperately wanted to propose, but he was already engaged to a girl he had known all his life back in America.
When Logan receives a letter supposedly from Noelle begging for money to help her flee the terrible conditions in France and come to America, Elizabeth is suspicious. There’s no way to verify the letter is actually from Noelle, and she fears that a conman or woman might be trying to take advantage of Logan in his vulnerable state. But that’s not all Elizabeth has to worry about. Vicious thug Oscar Thornton has gotten wind of her wedding announcement and realizes the woman who conned him is still alive and well. Gideon and Elizabeth have to figure out a way to help their friend while making sure their worst enemy doesn’t destroy their future…. (Goodreads)
Review:
Victoria Thompson’s fourth Counterfeit Lady novel City of Schemes finds Elizabeth facing her most personal, potentially life changing, con to date in addition to helping Gideon’s friend and planning her wedding. More escapade than mystery, it is a fun multi-layered deception sure to please fans and new readers alike.
Reformed con artist Elizabeth and her fiancé Gideon are counting the days until their wedding but trying to keep the affair intimate and under-the-radar. When Gideon’s friend Logan’s fiancée Rosemary spills the beans to the society pages, a former mark learns that Elizabeth is alive and returns to blackmail her. Logan feels duty bound to marry Rosemary, but he left his heart in France with another woman, Noelle. When he receives letters from Noelle asking for money so that she can come America, Logan, along with Gideon and Elizabeth, feels that something else is afoot. What unfolds is a triple scheme where everyone gets what they deserve.
I have come to really like Elizabeth over the course of the series. She is plucky, brave, intelligent, and resourceful. Ever truthful Gideon is her perfect foil, and I love him for his upright manner. Readers get glimpses of their parents, but they do not get a lot of time this time around. Logan reminds us that even though the war is over, it is still relevant and very much part of everyday life. I appreciate his intention to fulfill his promise to marry Rosemary, but they would both be so miserable. Rosemary is unlikable even before she makes an appearance, and watching her story unfold is the highlight of the book.
It is a pleasure spending time with Elizabeth and Gideon, and I hope there are many more adventures ahead. City of Schemes can be read as a standalone but is probably best enjoyed as part of the series. Recommended.
City of Schemes
Counterfeit Lady #4
By Victoria Thompson
ISBN#9780593197509
http://www.victoriathompson.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
The Great War is over, and Elizabeth and Gideon are busily planning their wedding and welcoming home old friends now discharged from the army. One of them, Captain Logan Carsten, the son and heir of a wealthy Knickerbocker family, seems less happy to be home than Gideon had expected. While Logan was in France, he fell in love with a beautiful French woman named Noelle. He desperately wanted to propose, but he was already engaged to a girl he had known all his life back in America.
When Logan receives a letter supposedly from Noelle begging for money to help her flee the terrible conditions in France and come to America, Elizabeth is suspicious. There’s no way to verify the letter is actually from Noelle, and she fears that a conman or woman might be trying to take advantage of Logan in his vulnerable state. But that’s not all Elizabeth has to worry about. Vicious thug Oscar Thornton has gotten wind of her wedding announcement and realizes the woman who conned him is still alive and well. Gideon and Elizabeth have to figure out a way to help their friend while making sure their worst enemy doesn’t destroy their future…. (Goodreads)
Review:
Victoria Thompson’s fourth Counterfeit Lady novel City of Schemes finds Elizabeth facing her most personal, potentially life changing, con to date in addition to helping Gideon’s friend and planning her wedding. More escapade than mystery, it is a fun multi-layered deception sure to please fans and new readers alike.
Reformed con artist Elizabeth and her fiancé Gideon are counting the days until their wedding but trying to keep the affair intimate and under-the-radar. When Gideon’s friend Logan’s fiancée Rosemary spills the beans to the society pages, a former mark learns that Elizabeth is alive and returns to blackmail her. Logan feels duty bound to marry Rosemary, but he left his heart in France with another woman, Noelle. When he receives letters from Noelle asking for money so that she can come America, Logan, along with Gideon and Elizabeth, feels that something else is afoot. What unfolds is a triple scheme where everyone gets what they deserve.
I have come to really like Elizabeth over the course of the series. She is plucky, brave, intelligent, and resourceful. Ever truthful Gideon is her perfect foil, and I love him for his upright manner. Readers get glimpses of their parents, but they do not get a lot of time this time around. Logan reminds us that even though the war is over, it is still relevant and very much part of everyday life. I appreciate his intention to fulfill his promise to marry Rosemary, but they would both be so miserable. Rosemary is unlikable even before she makes an appearance, and watching her story unfold is the highlight of the book.
It is a pleasure spending time with Elizabeth and Gideon, and I hope there are many more adventures ahead. City of Schemes can be read as a standalone but is probably best enjoyed as part of the series. Recommended.
January 13, 2021
City of Schemes is the fourth book of Victoria Thompson's Counterfeit Lady series. This story was extremely fun and I look forward to reading the previous books that I missed. Was I confused a bit since I didn't read the other books first? I must admit, I was a little. But once I got into the meat of the story I was able to enjoy it thoroughly!
The Great War is over and (somewhat) reformed grifter Elizabeth Miles is busily planning her wedding to her beloved, successful lawyer Gideon Bates. A good friend of Gideon's, Logan Carstens, doesn't seem particularly happy to be home from the war; it seems he fell in love with a beautiful woman in France, but he was too honorable to ditch his totally unlikable betrothed back home. When Logan receives a letter from his love Noelle, she begs him for help to escape to America from the horrendous conditions in her homeland. Elizabeth is rather suspicious - do they really know Noelle wrote the letter, or is someone trying to con their friend? Meanwhile, someone tips off the newspaper about Elizabeth and Gideon's wedding, bringing Elizabeth's former nemesis Oscar Thornton to town, vowing revenge against her. Can they save both Logan's and their own futures?
This is my first Victoria Thompson book, and it certainly will not be my last. The con in this story is rather complex - I had no idea how everything would come together - yet so darn entertaining! The main characters, however, are what made the book shine. Elizabeth is absolutely charming. She is marrying into an upper-class family and is doing her best not to cause any problems for their reputation. When Gideon's friend, however, needs help, she is right there for him, willing to run just a wee scam. When Thornton threatens Elizabeth with blackmail, though, she turns to her father, the "Old Man", for assistance. Gideon, too, is a great character. He knows Elizabeth's history isn't squeaky clean, yet he loves her unconditionally and seems pleased at times with her mechanations. If Thornton's blackmail would ruin them, he'd willingly give up everything for her. The supporting characters were great, especially the Old Man, Anna and Jake. I can't wait to see what future cons Ms. Thompson comes up with for Elizabeth and Company!
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.
The Great War is over and (somewhat) reformed grifter Elizabeth Miles is busily planning her wedding to her beloved, successful lawyer Gideon Bates. A good friend of Gideon's, Logan Carstens, doesn't seem particularly happy to be home from the war; it seems he fell in love with a beautiful woman in France, but he was too honorable to ditch his totally unlikable betrothed back home. When Logan receives a letter from his love Noelle, she begs him for help to escape to America from the horrendous conditions in her homeland. Elizabeth is rather suspicious - do they really know Noelle wrote the letter, or is someone trying to con their friend? Meanwhile, someone tips off the newspaper about Elizabeth and Gideon's wedding, bringing Elizabeth's former nemesis Oscar Thornton to town, vowing revenge against her. Can they save both Logan's and their own futures?
This is my first Victoria Thompson book, and it certainly will not be my last. The con in this story is rather complex - I had no idea how everything would come together - yet so darn entertaining! The main characters, however, are what made the book shine. Elizabeth is absolutely charming. She is marrying into an upper-class family and is doing her best not to cause any problems for their reputation. When Gideon's friend, however, needs help, she is right there for him, willing to run just a wee scam. When Thornton threatens Elizabeth with blackmail, though, she turns to her father, the "Old Man", for assistance. Gideon, too, is a great character. He knows Elizabeth's history isn't squeaky clean, yet he loves her unconditionally and seems pleased at times with her mechanations. If Thornton's blackmail would ruin them, he'd willingly give up everything for her. The supporting characters were great, especially the Old Man, Anna and Jake. I can't wait to see what future cons Ms. Thompson comes up with for Elizabeth and Company!
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.
January 20, 2021
CITY OF SCHEMES by Victoria Thompson is the fourth book in the Counterfeit Lady series. It’s the wonderfully crafted story of Elizabeth Miles in the days leading up to her marriage to Gideon Bates and the events that make her wonder if the union will take place. Written in the days after the Great War when our country is trying to deal with the pain and hardships left behind by the war, it’s also the time when Elizabeth is trying to leave her past behind her and to step into the world where running a con isn’t an everyday occurrence and to deserve the place of standing beside the man she loves. There is one person that is standing in the way of Elizabeth and Gideon’s happily ever after – Oscar Thornton.
Rosemary Westerly, who considers herself high society and fiancée of Logan Carstens (who is marrying her out of duty when his heart belongs to a French girl he had to leave behind when the war ended), was the one that leaked the upcoming marriage to the gossip columnist even after Elizabeth had made it very clear they were keeping the wedding small and quiet. It was through that article that Thornton found out that Elizabeth is still alive. He shows up at Gideon’s office demanding repayment for the funds that Elizabeth cost him to the sum of a quarter of a million dollars or he will leak the story to the newspapers about Elizabeth’s shady past. Knowing that a blackmailer never stops, Elizabeth knows the only way to stop him is to discredit it. The best way to con a conman is to out con him and even better when others are doing the con you conceived.
Along the way, if she can repay Rosemary for starting this mess and also free Logan from her grips, all the better. With the help of the Old Man, her father, with his connections and Jake, her brother, while impersonating Lord Percy Hyde-Langdon - Earl of Hartwood, she may just be able to pull this off while not getting caught or making Gideon tell a lie. She will do anything to keep anyone or anything from harming those she loves!
Can they get all their ducks in a row before Thornton blows the whistle? Will Logan get his freedom from Rosemary? Who sent Logan those letter asking for money? Does Rosemary find that the third time is not the charm? How many cons does it take to con a con-man?
CITY OF SCHEMES by Victoria Thompson is a wonderful story written to where you can’t help but keep turning pages and feeling like you are right there in the thick of it with Elizabeth and Gideon. You can feel the emotions emitted from the pages from anger to humor, despair to elation, and sadness to pure glee. Victoria Thompson pulls you in and takes you for a wonderful ride as you read this installment in the Counterfeit Lady series all the while wondering if they will be able to trick Thornton and if the marriage will take place between this loving couple. Although part of a series, CITY OF SCHEMES can most definitely be read as a standalone book. You will have no problem knowing who is who and getting right in the mist of the story even if you haven’t read any of the other books.
Rosemary Westerly, who considers herself high society and fiancée of Logan Carstens (who is marrying her out of duty when his heart belongs to a French girl he had to leave behind when the war ended), was the one that leaked the upcoming marriage to the gossip columnist even after Elizabeth had made it very clear they were keeping the wedding small and quiet. It was through that article that Thornton found out that Elizabeth is still alive. He shows up at Gideon’s office demanding repayment for the funds that Elizabeth cost him to the sum of a quarter of a million dollars or he will leak the story to the newspapers about Elizabeth’s shady past. Knowing that a blackmailer never stops, Elizabeth knows the only way to stop him is to discredit it. The best way to con a conman is to out con him and even better when others are doing the con you conceived.
Along the way, if she can repay Rosemary for starting this mess and also free Logan from her grips, all the better. With the help of the Old Man, her father, with his connections and Jake, her brother, while impersonating Lord Percy Hyde-Langdon - Earl of Hartwood, she may just be able to pull this off while not getting caught or making Gideon tell a lie. She will do anything to keep anyone or anything from harming those she loves!
Can they get all their ducks in a row before Thornton blows the whistle? Will Logan get his freedom from Rosemary? Who sent Logan those letter asking for money? Does Rosemary find that the third time is not the charm? How many cons does it take to con a con-man?
CITY OF SCHEMES by Victoria Thompson is a wonderful story written to where you can’t help but keep turning pages and feeling like you are right there in the thick of it with Elizabeth and Gideon. You can feel the emotions emitted from the pages from anger to humor, despair to elation, and sadness to pure glee. Victoria Thompson pulls you in and takes you for a wonderful ride as you read this installment in the Counterfeit Lady series all the while wondering if they will be able to trick Thornton and if the marriage will take place between this loving couple. Although part of a series, CITY OF SCHEMES can most definitely be read as a standalone book. You will have no problem knowing who is who and getting right in the mist of the story even if you haven’t read any of the other books.
January 12, 2021
In City of Schemes, book four in the Counterfeit Lady series by Victoria Thompson, it's wedding time for our favorite con woman and her law-abiding fiancé. Elizabeth and Gideon are busy with the planning, along with welcoming back Gideon's friend Logan from war. Logan isn't as relieved to be back on American soil as one would expect but he has a lot on his shoulders. Besides attempting to fit back into civilian life, Logan reveals he fell in love with a French woman, despite being engaged to someone here at home. I've never been a fan of marrying someone out of obligation, but back during the time period this book is based, breaking an engagement was poor form. If an engagement is broken by a man, the action attached incorrect and unflattering labels to women. Therein lies Logan's problem - he doesn't want to ruin the reputation of his betrothed, Rosemary.
In the meantime, Logan receives a letter from his love in France, Noelle, indicating conditions in France have gotten considerably more terrible, and she request money from in order to aid her in fleeing Europe. Gideon immediately involves Elizabeth, who expresses her disbelief and her suspicions regarding the letter. No one can prove it's from Noelle, and if it's someone running a con, Logan will be left without the money or the presence of his love by his side. Elizabeth knows it's time to intervene and see exactly what's going on with these letters and the so-called author.
While aiding Logan, Elizabeth is put in a jam when a previous foe, Oscar Thornton, discovers she's still alive and well. Now, Oscar is on her tail, putting her mind on other things, as she should be preparing to marry Gideon, while helping Logan not become a victim of a con. It's up to Gideon and Elizabeth to protect Logan, help him find happiness, and keep Elizabeth out of harm's way before Oscar can make good on any of his threats.
City of Schemes is a wonderful book filled with realism and emotion from start to finish. The author’s world building in the book is vivid and descriptive. The author did a great job with the continued character development in City of Schemes. Elizabeth is s a strong character but you must be if the art of the long con is your way of living. She’s also compassionate especially towards Logan and his situation. It is easy to identify with Elizabeth, feel her emotions and the emotions of others, and fit right into the story. All the characters were written well, and I enjoyed each one of them.
This book is rich in emotional content and I was engaged in the story from the very beginning. There are so many twists, turns, and double-crosses and it was all wonderful. I couldn't put the book down. The story is fast paced and truly set up and executed well. I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for Elizabeth and Gideon next.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
In the meantime, Logan receives a letter from his love in France, Noelle, indicating conditions in France have gotten considerably more terrible, and she request money from in order to aid her in fleeing Europe. Gideon immediately involves Elizabeth, who expresses her disbelief and her suspicions regarding the letter. No one can prove it's from Noelle, and if it's someone running a con, Logan will be left without the money or the presence of his love by his side. Elizabeth knows it's time to intervene and see exactly what's going on with these letters and the so-called author.
While aiding Logan, Elizabeth is put in a jam when a previous foe, Oscar Thornton, discovers she's still alive and well. Now, Oscar is on her tail, putting her mind on other things, as she should be preparing to marry Gideon, while helping Logan not become a victim of a con. It's up to Gideon and Elizabeth to protect Logan, help him find happiness, and keep Elizabeth out of harm's way before Oscar can make good on any of his threats.
City of Schemes is a wonderful book filled with realism and emotion from start to finish. The author’s world building in the book is vivid and descriptive. The author did a great job with the continued character development in City of Schemes. Elizabeth is s a strong character but you must be if the art of the long con is your way of living. She’s also compassionate especially towards Logan and his situation. It is easy to identify with Elizabeth, feel her emotions and the emotions of others, and fit right into the story. All the characters were written well, and I enjoyed each one of them.
This book is rich in emotional content and I was engaged in the story from the very beginning. There are so many twists, turns, and double-crosses and it was all wonderful. I couldn't put the book down. The story is fast paced and truly set up and executed well. I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for Elizabeth and Gideon next.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews