Title: The Art of Theft
Author: Sherry Thomas
First published October 15, 2019
304 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451492470 (ISBN10: 0451492471)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
In Sherry Thomas’s latest mystery novel, The Art of Theft, Lady Sherlock, also known as Charlotte Holmes, is taking on a new challenge. While she’s solved murders and found missing persons before, she’s never stolen a priceless piece of artwork.
However, when a dear friend begs for her help in recovering secrets hidden behind a coveted canvas, Charlotte finds herself embroiled in a daring scheme to infiltrate a glamorous Yuletide ball. With the help of her sister, her friend Lord Ingram, and Livia’s admirer Stephen Marbleton, Charlotte must work quickly to retrieve the secrets before they’re exposed.
But with danger lurking around every corner, one wrong step could lead to disaster. The Art of Theft is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Sherry Thomas, a USA Today best-selling author, has a goal to write books that she enjoys reading. She has written a variety of genres including romance, fantasy, mystery, and young adult novels.
Additionally, she has written three books inspired by martial arts epics that she loved as a child. Her books have received numerous accolades, including starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications such as the New York Times and National Public Radio.
Thomas’ Lady Sherlock historical mystery series, which includes A Study in Scarlet Women, A Conspiracy in Belgravia, and The Hollow of Fear, have all been named best books of the year by NPR. In 2019, she released The Magnolia Sword, the first young adult retelling of the original Ballad of Mulan in the English language.
As an immigrant from China, Thomas learned English as her second language, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming a successful writer. Her work has been praised by other best-selling authors such as Deanna Raybourn, who said, “Sherry Thomas has done the impossible and crafted a fresh, exciting new version of Sherlock Holmes.
This book is everything I hoped it would be, and the next adventure cannot come too soon!” Marie Lu, the author of the Legend series, also praised Thomas’ work, saying, “Thomas weaves a lush, intricate fantasy world around a gorgeous romance that kept me riveted until the very last page. What a breathtaking journey!” Finally, Lisa Kleypas, another New York Times best-selling author, called Thomas “the most powerfully original historical romance author writing today.”
Editoral Review
Sherry Thomas’ latest addition to the Lady Sherlock series, The Art of Theft, is a captivating and thrilling novel that fans of historical mystery fiction will no doubt relish. Thomas is a renowned author with a distinct style of writing that combines historical elements with anachronistic touches to produce works that are both entertaining and poignant.
Set in Victorian London, the novel follows the cunning Lady Sherlock and her team of skilled investigators as they embark on a series of elaborate heists that are both audacious and dangerous. The plot is filled with twists and turns and is paced perfectly to leave readers in suspense until the end.
Thomas’ writing is immersive, and the blend of historical and fictional characters makes it easy to imagine oneself being transported to the 19th century. The Art of Theft tackles themes that are relevant even in the contemporary world.
For instance, it touches on the theme of gender and the fact that in Victorian Britain, women were not accorded the same rights and privileges as their male counterparts. The novel also touches on political intrigue and the uneasy alliance between the ruling class and the criminal underworld.
Thomas’ character development is impeccable, and even minor characters come to life with her deft touch. The protagonist, Lady Sherlock, is an enigmatic and fascinating figure, whose depth and complexity make her truly compelling.
Through the eyes of Lady Sherlock, Thomas portrays a strong female presence in a time when women were second-class citizens; this serves to inspire and uplift modern women who face similar challenges. One of the book’s major strengths is its ability to keep the reader in a state of constant anticipation.
The author leads us through layers of mystery and misdirection before finally revealing the truth, leaving one speculating until the very last page. While the plot is intricate and convoluted, Thomas skillfully expounds on the story with simple and straightforward language, and this simplicity is what makes the book accessible and immensely readable.
The Art of Theft is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and those who enjoy strong female leads. The novel is an exceptional addition to the Lady Sherlock series, not only for its captivating story but also for its scholarly insight into Victorian society.
While Thomas’ storytelling and characterization are nearly flawless, there are a few areas where the book falls a bit short. For instance, the pacing is slower compared to the previous works in the series, and some moments seem overly drawn-out.
Additionally, the climax of the book feels a bit rushed, leaving one wanting more details and closure. In conclusion, The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas is a brilliant work of historical mystery fiction that is both engaging and informative.
It is one of those novels that will have you engrossed from start to finish, and even after the final page has been turned, you will be left with a sense of admiration and awe. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates good writing, and who enjoys a well-crafted and inventive tale.
Overall, the book deserves a rating of four out of five stars.
