“Oliver Twist with a twist…Waters spins an absorbing tale that withholds as much as it discloses. A pulsating story.”—The New York Times Book Review Sue Trinder is an orphan, left as an infant in the care of Mrs. Sucksby, a “baby farmer,” who raised her with unusual tenderness, as if Sue were her own. Mrs. Sucksby’s household, with its fussy babies calmed with doses of gin, also hosts a transient … with doses of gin, also hosts a transient family of petty thieves—fingersmiths—for whom this house in the heart of a mean London slum is home.
One day, the most beloved thief of all arrives—Gentleman, an elegant con man, who carries with him an enticing proposition for Sue: If she wins a position as the maid to Maud Lilly, a naïve gentlewoman, and aids Gentleman in her seduction, then they will all share in Maud’s vast inheritance. Once the inheritance is secured, Maud will be disposed of—passed off as mad, and made to live out the rest of her days in a lunatic asylum.
With dreams of paying back the kindness of her adopted family, Sue agrees to the plan. Once in, however, Sue begins to pity her helpless mark and care for Maud Lilly in unexpected ways…But no one and nothing is as it seems in this Dickensian novel of thrills and reversals.
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This book is one of the most twisted plots l have read kept surprising me at every turn .
Great Victorian love story. Sarah Waters is one of the finest writers of fictional historical literature. The characters’ sexual orientation is viewed through a historical lens. I highly recommended ANY of her novels.
Another great book by Sarah Waters! Weird plotline. Strange grifter characters. And an unusual lesbian love affair!
Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! Had to know what was going to happen next!
A good read with a glimpse of London from years ago.
Dubious characters living nefariously to get through each day. First and last parts are real page turners…middle is somewhat mundane, but necessary to introduce individual attitudes and intertwine the story.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a very good read kept me involved throughout the whole story and I highly recommend it.
Almost put this down because it seemed too formulaic, and glad I didn’t! Scenes in mental hospital just awful; thank God we have a better understanding of mental illness.
From another era; evil ; deception; poverty; manipulation. Most of the characters are at least unattractive if not downright reprehensible. I gave up about 3/4 of the way through, couldn’t take it any more.
Great book! Beware twisted plot. A definite must read.
I like this author’s writing, story structure and her characters. Keep writing!
This was a good story! Scheherazade would have been proud
I really couldn’t get into this one and l read anything!
Interesting plot twists but was a bit slow. Kept my interest, though, and had a few surprises.
wow, what a page turning, corset-busting drag you by your neck story-teller What is not to love. I could not be tore from this book BRAVO!!!
This had so many twists, just caught me off guard several times, great writer.
Excellent read. Well written!
I love books of another era..I enjoyed this. There are twist and turns that are a little unexpected and sympathetic characters and anti hero’s. It did move a bit slow in the repeat of the escape though…and I was not aware I had choosen a lgbt book till deep in the book yet that doesn’t matter…just like to knows before buying book what it’s …
I think this book is full of twists and turns. The main characters are lesbians. Even the Koreans made of movie out of this book. From beginning to end, it is full of twists and turns as well as a love story. Love is love
Waters is an excellent writer with lots of mystery, character driven, twists and turns. You never know until the end what is going to happen
One of my favorites! Great read