From the moment I opened this novel I was engrossed in it. The introduction where Ruby steals the coat, plus quite a few items is beautifully described although I did feel sorry for the shop assistant who would lose her job. A fascinating tale of the Twenties, with the character of Ruby well drawn. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

Great read! I really liked the main characters and learning more about the forty thieves.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy.

An engrossing story about two women in 1920's London. One is a member of a notorious all-female crime gang, the other is an upstanding member of society, engaged to a member of Parliament and writing for the appropriate women's section of a newspaper. Their lives intersect and although they are seemingly so different, they both are struggling to carve out a role for themselves in a patriarchal society. I'm hoping for a sequel!

I hugely enjoyed this immersive read, rich in historical detail, expertly plotted with glorious writing. In Ruby Mills, Clarke has created a glamorous, seductive anti-heroine. I felt her ambition, and her yearning for something more from life than the hand she'd been dealt as part of the notorious "Forty Thieves" all-female crime gang.
Whilst Ruby was undoubtedly the star, I'd have enjoyed seeing more of Harriet in the earlier chapters and learning more about her seemingly gilded life. Harriet has ambitions of her own, and both women are confined by convention in a world run by men.
I don't think it's giving anything away to say we're teased with the possibility of Ruby in Paris, and I'd love to see a sequel. Thank you to Verve Books and NetGalley. 4.5 stars.

I admit I thought I’d like this a lot more than I did. It’s a decent story of two very different women, Ruby a thief, and Harriet an aspiring journalist, trying to go their own way in 1920s London. There is a good range of characters that all work well, and the pace is pretty good. Unfortunately, I didn’t really like either of the main characters, which meant I never really got immersed in the story. I also never really got a feel of 1920s London, in parts it felt more like a Victorian underworld setting, although the parts that dealt with some of the men returning from World War One were very well done. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, and I don't doubt other readers will probably enjoy it more than I did.

I really really enjoyed this book! My only 'negative' was the ending, I would have liked a bit more about Ruby and Harriet in the months between Ruby going away and then coming back.
I really liked Ruby as she did what she had to do to survive and she didn't apologise for it. Harriet grew on me but she came across quite weak compared to Ruby.
I loved the setting of the book and the parallels from either side of the river.

I actually pre-ordered the special edition through Verve and I'm so glad I have because I 100% need the physical copy.

Well written with a gripping storyline and well developed characters. The book was full of vivid descriptions and rich imagery and really packed a punch with the historical details. I really enjoyed it.

A fascinating tale seamlessly weaving together intricate historical detailing, atmosphere and well rounded characters. A unique setting of London in its roaring twenties is used to skilfully explore the boundaries of the patriarchy and class dynamics. Wonderful writing style and well paced. Overall an absorbing read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Oldcastle Books for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

(N.B. When attempting to post to Goodreads the following error message 'Unable to find book with ISBN "9780857308306" on Goodreads' appears - I too am unable to find this book on Goodreads, hence I will keep and eye out for when it is on Goodreads and post this review at that time)