⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars, an unexpected delight!

This book started off a bit slow and I really wasn’t sure about it at first but I’m so glad I stuck with it because I absolutely adored it by the end. I’m a huge fan of Agatha Christie books and this gave me that same crime in high society with clever banter and ingenious schemes vibe.

What I loved in particular:
- I liked Cora’s lesson’s on society, it reminded me so much of My fair Lady, except with criminal intent.
- I loved the setting, I’d never read a cozy crime set in the gilded age before and I liked learning a bit about as I read. It was nice to have a break from the regency era in a light historical book too.
-By far my favourite moment was the use of Cora’s sleight of hand magic training to pull off an epic pistol theft.

Thank you so much to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Big thanks to the authors and NetGalley for the free arc.
Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne's "My Fair Frauds" is a deliciously witty and utterly engaging historical caper that combines the charm of a Regency romance with the thrill of a clever heist. This collaborative effort delivers a fresh and fun take on the period, perfect for readers looking for something beyond the traditional.

The story follows a pair of ingenious con artists navigating the glittering ballrooms and treacherous drawing-rooms of Regency London. What makes this book shine is the dynamic between the two protagonists, whose banter and schemes are both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt. Kelly and Thorne expertly craft a plot filled with twists, turns, and genuinely clever deceptions, keeping readers guessing while thoroughly entertained. The historical details are well-researched but never bog down the fast-paced narrative.

"My Fair Frauds" is a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and a touch of romance, all wrapped up in a sparkling Regency package. If you're in the mood for a smart, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable read with a unique premise, this book is an absolute treat.

A gilded age mystery. Overall a good story but must admit I ended up skimming a bit. Otherwise would recommend.

If you are looking for a gilded age novel filled with drama and some female empowerment then this is the novel for you. I will admit I wasn't sure what to think when I first started reading this novel but let me tell you by the time I was finished I was having the time of my life reading this. The characters and the details of the setting were just wonderful and the plot was a work of art.
We are introduced to Alice who is a con woman that is posing as a duchess. Of course we know from the details at the start that this is obviously a very bad plan in the making however we find out the reason is that she is trying to avenge the death of her father. So therefore we can forgive her for that.
Along the way we meet Cora who is just passing through but Alice manages to convince her to go along with her plan. From there they will go to great lengths to have this charade be the event of the season. However they must be careful because one wrong move could ruin it all for them.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.