From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would … would be broke.
Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced the family fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.
When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.
When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, but working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?
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I enjoyed my time reading this delightful story. This charming, page turning mystery set in Victorian England is sure to not only entertain your imagination, but keep you up late into the night sipping tea and turning pages. I especially enjoyed the fun banter between the characters.
I enjoyed watching these characters growth in this story, both as individuals and together. Sarah Eden weaves an enchanting story with a rich plot and engaging characters and I simply did not want to put this story down. A light, fun mystery that is sure to entertain!
This is the second book in the series, and I need to go back and read the first book. However, I caught up fairly quickly and didn’t feel that my not reading the first book put me at too great of a disadvantage.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden is a great read. I enjoyed every minute of this fun story and very much appreciated the escape it afforded me this week. The characters in this novel are the best! From upper-crust elites to devastatingly poor street urchins, and those with hearts of gold willing to do whatever it takes to save the lives of those less fortunate to those who relish belonging to the seedy underbelly of London society, this novel truly portrays a unique and well-crafted cast of characters sure to delight any reader. Hollis and Ana, our hero and heroine, clearly have chemistry very early on but are hesitant to declare their feelings because both are keeping some BIG secrets. But as they spend more time with one another, as they grow more comfortable in each other’s company, their relationship blossoms into something genuinely sweet and realistic. In addition to the excellent characters, I was thrilled to read more penny dreadful serials. In this novel readers are treated to two new installments — one a delightful romantic mystery and the other a super fun ghost story. I found myself as excited and engaged in these serials as I was in the main story.
Hollis is an excellent hero with a relatable issue. He is a full-fledged member of the Penny Dreadful Society, but because he’s not originally from the mean streets as the other members are he often feels like the outsider. And, it doesn’t help matters that his fellow PDS members only see him as a socialite. But what’s really frustrating to Hollis is that he doesn’t really belong to the upper-crust set either as his family coffers are basically empty. Hollis is a man without a place and he just doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere — that is until he meets Ana. What I appreciate about Hollis is his need to be seen for who he truly is. Too often we judge others by what we see or hear, or by first impressions only, and we never really get to know the true person. What a shame this is! How many friendships might we be missing out on because we judge too hastily?
The Gentleman and the Thief is a fantastic Historical Romance/Suspense novel I highly recommend. It’s engaging, it’s fast-paced, and it’s so much fun. Purchase yourself a copy today — you won’t be disappointed that you did!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is a delightful book with plots within plots, mystery and danger tossed up with romance!
This second book in the series can be read as a stand alone but I have enjoyed reading it in sequence with the first and plan to do so with subsequent books in the series. Bi think it adds a deeper dimension to the sub plots etc.
Well written characters and storyline that keeps the reader engaged as well as cheering for the good guys and boos for the bad guys.
I highly recommend this book and author.
The second installment of the Penny Dreadful Society Series, finds Hollis Darby smitten with music teacher, Ana Newport, a young woman from a society family that fell on hard times.
A fast paced romantic mystery with charming characters that blends Hollis and Ana’s story along with the mysterious, and hilariously haunting tales of the Penny Dreadfuls. I especially loved the one about the human boy living in a school for ghosts!
This was such a fun read with great characters and stories within the story, I loved seeing characters from the previous book like Elizabeth and Fletcher. I can’t wait to read the next book about Donnelly! Enjoyable and entertaining, a light-hearted read set in Victorian England.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love the creativity behind this book and series. Sarah Eden does not disappoint in her second installment of The Dread Penny Society. I really enjoyed the two penny dreadful stories in this book. They fit so well with the overall plot and I was just as entertained by them individually as I was by the main plot line. I liked the characters and that this is an area of historical fiction that’s not as often explored. The contrast between a second son (Hollis) and his place in society, with our heroine, Ana’s, fall from grace and secret work as a thief, was highly entertaining. 4.5 stars.
This is a clean Victorian historical romance with a bit of mystery. I definitely recommend it.
Loved it! Such an interesting and unique story line. Great “twist” at the end.
The Gentleman and the Thief is yet another masterpiece from this talented author. I absolutely love this series of books. (Yes, I recommend you read them in order, you’ll appreciate characters more.) and the penny dreadfuls woven through the story are just as delightful as the main plot. This book has everything I love in a story, especially the little touches of humor and suspense. Ana and Hollis are fabulous. And, as always, it’s some side characters that steal the show. In this book, Very Merry. This author writes her books brilliantly and I appreciate the care she takes with the characters and details. I watched a video of her explaining how she plots these books and it is an amazing process.
Love the story with a story concept. First time, I’ve read this author. I plan on reading The Lady and they Highway man.
The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden is a Victorian romance. Besides the main plot it has two other ‘Penny Dreadful’ stories interspersed. All in all the book has mystery, ghosts, impersonations, thief rings, gambling, secret societies, rescued children, crime, danger, and intrigue, along with sweet love stories. Characters are interesting, the book is fun and easy to read, and plot lines are well paced. The book is a thoroughly enjoyable clean read.
This is another wonderful hit by Sarah Eden. I feel like Eden is known for writing memorable characters and that’s especially true in her Dread Penny Society books. The Gentleman and the Thief is bursting with unique, lovable characters that steal your heart and leave you rooting for them every step of the way. Eden especially accomplishes this through the talents and passions, such as burglary, music, gambling, and storytelling, of her quirky cast.
A thief is targeting the wealthiest homes in London, but is it a young street urchin like the Dread Penny Society believes or is there something else afoot? In his efforts to find the urchin, Hollis finds himself drawn to Ana, a music teacher at a nearby school. However, they both have secrets that may very well tear them apart.
While that sums up the main story line, you also can’t forget the two penny dreadfuls included in this book. They are full of mystery with a hint of paranormal. I love how the short stories included add to the overarching storyline, making for a wonderful, unique read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series
A sweet historical romance that can be enjoyed by all readers, continuing the tale of the DPS, a group of authors who band together in Victorian London to fight injustice. Each of these books contains a story-within-a-story, samples of the hero author’s “penny dreadful” efforts, pulp fiction aimed at entertaining the masses, not pleasing the literary critics.
I like Ms. Eden’s voice in these books as she captures a flavor of the writing of the times while still penning a rollicking good tale for the modern reader. I look forward to more from the DPS, fighting crime one good story at a time!
This was an interesting story. I absolutely love this author and have ready many of her books and loved them. This was kept you on your toes, though, because there were three stories in one. It is the second in the series. It isn’t my favorite of hers, although, I really enjoyed reading each of the stories but it was a little confusing bouncing around between the three stories while reading, especially since I read late at night.
For the most part, I still love reading this author’s work and look forward to many wonderful stories to come.
This was a clean, romantic, suspenseful story with many, many layers.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
What fun going back to Victorian London to be reading more “Penny Dreadfuls” written by those who belong to the Dread Penny Society. Their true mission is to take care of the poor and young being taken advantage of by ruthless people. Readers are introduced to this world in book one in the Lady and the Highwayman. Beloved characters from this first book are in the second but we quickly become involved in the lives of gentleman Hollis Darby. He secretly writes the penny dreadfuls to keep himself afloat in high society. We also meet music teacher, Ana Newport, who has her own secrets as she tries to reclaim mementos from her past.
The best part of this book is when the two main characters finally team up to solve some unsolved crimes. Their attraction to one another can’t be denied as this odd pairing try to bring down a bad guy. Once again in this book, the Penny Dreadful stories are interspersed throughout the novel. I really like these and they are fun to read. Sarah Eden’s wit and humor come shining through in her characters making this novel another delightful read for her fans. This being the second book in the series, I strongly suggest you read book one first.
uch a fun book! It’s great to see Fletcher and Elizabeth again and so involved, not just merely mentioned. They are such a fun couple, and I love how Flecher talks! Hollis is actively pursuing Ana in The Gentleman and the Thief and it’s adorable. I enjoy watching the man fall head over heels. They get into lots of scrapes together and trust in each other despite not having all the information. It’s a blast to have the two penny dreadfuls throughout the book. They are a very fun addition to the main story yet not taking away from it. I hope more are to come from Sarah Eden like this to further the story and I want to read more of the fun Penny Dreadfuls!
Hollis and Ana. So many secrets, but together they form a formidable and entertaining team. I love that they are from different stations in life as it offers different perspectives and points of view. Bring your focus factor as there is more than story occurring and you don’t want to get lost in the details. The descriptions of London in the mid-1800s are enlightening and transport you to the scene. The mystery, intrigue and chemistry will charm and satisfy lovers of historical fiction. This is book two in a series from Sarah M. Eden, but easily stands alone.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
Another winner in this series by Sarah M. Eden. I love the Penny Dreadfuls and the stories with just enough fanciful magic to make it fun. It is fun to sort through the three stories. It takes talent to put three stories interwoven in one book with pieces that overlap.
This book was pure enjoyment and escape for me. The mystery is really just coming together and I anticipate it reaching across the rest of the series. I loved getting richer details about characters that we were introduced to in The Lady and the Highwayman. I will certainly be adding this book to my shelves when it hits the bookstores.
The romance was perfect and fun as well. As the title suggests there is a gentleman and a thief that are truly perfect for each other and understanding of each other’s flaws.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the early access to the eARC that I was able to read for this review.
Sarah M. Eden has long been a favorite author of mine. Her creative talent and fun sense of humor greatly appeal to me. Her new book, The Gentleman and the Thief, showcases these brilliantly. With rich historical detail and colorful, intriguing characters, Eden brings Victorian England in 1865 alive, so I could easily envision the scenes and actions.
The main characters are so fascinating and endearing that I was immediately drawn to them. Part of that is due to their unique talents, a Penny Dreadful writer and a music teacher/thief bent on recovering her family’s stolen treasures. Hollis Darby is a wonderful hero who is compassionate, brave, and smitten by Ana Newport. Ana is talented in both music and thievery, and is courageous and determined. I enjoyed the witty banter between them and the other characters. It brings such a touch of fun and amusement to the tale.
This is the second story in The Dread Penny series. It can easily be read alone, but there is a little carry-over from the first book in the series. There is also a little bit of a cliff-hanger at the end of this one, but the main story is complete in the book. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain. All opinions are my own.
Sarah M Eden’s books are some of my very favorites! If you haven’t read The Lady and The Highwayman yet, make sure to start there. You can read this on it’s own, but I think it’ll make more sense with that one read first.
This one features Hollis and Ana. I loved these two characters so much. They are a bit of an unlikely match. But at the same time, they just work.
Ana is a teacher of music at a girls’ school by day. But she has a darker side by night. It’s not as dastardly as it sounds. but she is a thief. She’s only stealing back treasures that were her own. But…the law would see it differently, I’m afraid. What do you think? Tell me in the comments if you’d like.
Hollis is a member of the Dread Penny Society. And as such, he lives a double life as well. I liked the way he was. Hollis always has wanted to be more involved in the society, but they see him as a proper gentleman and a bit of a joke sometimes. That makes him try harder than he would in a normal circumstance. And he writes Penny Dreadfuls too!
I love the way this book includes two Penny Dreadfuls. They both mirror the plot just a little bit. And it’s just a fun bit inserted into the story. One happens to be written by Hollis.
I love the dangerous aspect of the plot. There is danger for both Ana and Hollis because of what they get themselves caught up in. But they work well together. And the ending was satisfying.
I can’t wait to see what this author comes up for her next book in this series!
I was sent a copy of The Gentleman and the Thief as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
He is a gentleman. She is a thief. A love story full of compassion, secrets, and adventure.
The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden is an adventurous historical romance with a wide range of exciting characters, including a perishable (you will have to read the book to find out what I’m talking about).
It is book #2 in the Dread Penny Society series but can be read as a standalone.
Anna used to be in society but became a teacher after her father’s business was ruined.
Hollis was the second son in a family that did not manage its fortune well and had to fend for himself without appearing to be doing so.
Both of them held secrets. Anna was a teacher by day and a thief by night. Hollis was the perfect gentleman, but secretly a writer of cheap literature called penny dreadful.
Both characters were charming. Anna was strong and perseverant. She did not make excuses for her actions, was very focused and relentless.
Hollis was so warm and sweet, a gentleman through and through.
The story is full of adventure, with some crime-related subplots and very intriguing side characters.
I especially enjoyed the two full penny dreadful stories included in between the chapters. Higglebottom’s School for The Dead was light and fun, and The Gentleman and the Thief was innocent and romantic.
This was my first book by the author, but I’m looking forward to reading more of her stories.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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WHAT IT’S ABOUT
A gentleman scribes penny dreadful novels by night and falls in love with a woman who is a music teacher by day—and a thief at night.
MY TAKE
I love this series so much. Eden creates such fun yet deep characters. This second edition in The Dread Penny Society once again provides us with three stories for the price of one. And I was rooting for the characters in all three stories.
Hollis and Ana were introduced in the first book, and it was obvious then that they were interested in each other. Not only did we get to see the development of an interesting start to their courtship, but we also got a deep looking into both of their histories and their families. And both kind of broke my heart. There’s romance, action, and intrigue.
This particular story is resolved but the overall mystery hasn’t been solved. For me, it’s the perfect kind of cliffhanger. I’m not left frustrated but rather intrigued and looking forward to the next installment.
I listened to the audiobook and Justine Eyre was wonderful as the narrator. As usual.