A clever story, like a card trick by slight of hand!

Thank you NetGalley and Headline for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Quinn Le Blanc, the current Queen of Fives of the Chateau, a historically renowned confidence residence. With the position comes rules and regulations of the trick, from Number 1, The Mark, through to Number 5, All In.

It is London 1896 and Quinn is a con woman who desperately needs to change her luck. Recently her scams have been not going to plan or getting the results she expects. This needs to change as her debts are building.

Her new Mark, Max, The Duke of Kendal, is a wealthy gentleman that lives with his sister and mother in law. Her plan is to pretend to be a wealthy heiress and lure the Duke into marriage and take the family fortune. However, this does not go to plan and the story is full of twists and turns from all players on both sides.

I really enjoyed the complexity of this story. There were so many little snippets of information to absorb and consider as the story built, that it kept you guessing along the way. Although, some elements were a little unbelievable of the time, it was an engaging read.

I will definitely look to read another from this author. Recommended.

I loved Alex's previous book The Housekeepers. It was like a cross between Upstairs Downstairs and Ocean's 11.

I know authors worry about the second novel, whether it would live up to the first. It's never been a worry for me as a reader, but I admit that I was worried before going into this one because his first book was such a marvel, I was dubious as to whether he could replicate it. And whilst it didn't hit quite those high marks, it was still a very good book.

But I admit, I was wrong with my assessment of The Housekeepers. It turns out that THIS is the cross between Upstairs Downstairs and Ocean's 11.

On reflection, I did enjoy The Housekeepers slightly more. That's not to say I didn't enjoy this. Of course not. This was very enjoyable, well written, fun and such a good book.

What I have come to love about Alex's writing (even just two books in) is that he's writing about a time he has no first-hand knowledge of (unless he's a 200 year old vampire), and yet there's so much depth to everything. I know you can do research and whatnot, but even from my layman's perspective, there's only so much you can get from books and whatnot. But he has managed to write a layered story, with believable characters. Okay, so the plot itself might be a bit hard to believe when you think of it on its own, but in combination with everything else, he's mastered the historical novel.

Another thing I liked about his first book, and now this one, is his use of female characters. Usually when I read historical novels, it usually involves a young woman who is a bit lost and trying to stand up for herself in a man's world - and I do thoroughly enjoy those. But in these books, they are women (often older than the female protagonist I'm used to reading) and they are brave, confident, almost man-like (relative to the era) in their way of getting what they want and that is refreshing to read.

I did have a slight issue with Quinn though. I didn't much care for her. That's not to say she's badly written, I don't think that's the case at all. I think in fact she is well written. But I just couldn't find myself willing her on at all. In fact I found her to be a bit awkward and embarrassing if I'm being truly honest. And so I was more reading around her character, if that makes sense.

What I will say, and I don't necessarily mean this in a negative way, as I didn't mind it but I know it's a personal taste thing. It is a bit slow to get going, and not much actually happens. At least not in the first half or so. And sometimes that bores me and I find myself skipping further on. But Alex has managed it well. It's a lot about the characters, their wants, likes and dislikes, lies, truths, secrets, tangled webs, and then they are using all of that to move the story along. And yes whilst some may find it a bit slow, I think in this circumstance it helped, because it gives you plenty of time to get fully absorbed into this world. I have seen the odd review that mentions this pace as a negative and I completely understand their views on it. We all like different things and like I say, I normally wouldn't like it, but it really works here. It really does pick up from about half way though, and it gets more complex and mysterious and you won't be disappointed.

There were a lot more twists and turns and surprises than I expected, and the story really takes a completely different direction that I was not expecting. And it's only after I finished it I wondered how I could ever have missed it, but Alex has concealed it so well, it was a real surprise.

It might not hit the heights of real exhilarating thrills, but overall I think it's a very good read, with impressive storytelling and world building. Interesting if not always palatable characters, secrets, tension...it's a slower thrill I'd say. But I think it would appeal mainly to historical readers, but also anyone interested in fiction involving con artists, intrigue, deception, powerful women in a man's world. It's got a lot going for it and it has helped cement in my mind that Alex is definitely an author I will look out for. Now the second novel is done, I can't wait for what comes next.

No pressure or anything Alex.

What a twisty, breathtaking read! The story was incredibly well-plotted, like a brilliantly choreographed dance; I had no idea who to trust or how the events were going to end. It was refreshing to read a book that was so thoroughly unpredictable. The characters, setting and historical detail were all excellent and I was rooting for Quinn from the start even though she was an unconventional heroine. I’m looking forward to seeing what Alex Hay does next!

Absolutely brilliant! Pacy, fun and multi layered historical crime romp. I loved Alex Hay’s first novel and this was great too. Enjoyable and very readable. I guessed a few twists (which I love to do do it’s not a negative!) and not others. Love the different points of view. Highly recommended!

Alex Hay has done it again! If possible, I liked this even more than The Housekeepers. What a genius - I can't wait to read what he writes next!

Alex Hay's writing is so addictive and The Queen of Fives didn't disappoint. Quinn was a wonderful protagonist to follow and Tor was a great antidote to her. Reminiscent of the works of Laura Shepherd-Robinson and Sara Sheridan, Alex Hay has really made his mark on the Victorian historical fiction genre. The only slight criticism is the pacing; in The Housekeppers the percentage of the drama taking place in the last 30% of the book really worked due to the nature of the plot/heist, but the pacing did feel slightly off in The Queen of Fives. That being said, it is a minor criticism for a wonderful book! I can't wait to read whatever is next.

A fantastic novel which I would give ten stars if I was able, but I am limited to five. It concerns Quinn Le Blanc and her mark, the Duke of Kendal. But what starts out as a confidence trick becomes very complicated indeed. Highly recommended.

Set against the opulent backdrop of 1898 London, The Queen of Fives is a dazzling tale of deception, ambition, and unexpected romance. The story follows Quinn Le Blanc, the city’s most talented con woman, who embarks on a seemingly impossible mission: to deceive an eligible duke into marriage and pilfer a fortune from one of England's richest families.

Disguised as a wealthy debutante, Quinn quickly becomes the star of the season, gaining access to the lavish drawing rooms and extravagant balls of high society. Her charm and wit allow her to infiltrate the inner circle of the Kendal family, a group marked by their charisma and corruption. However, as she navigates this glamorous yet treacherous world, Quinn finds herself ensnared in a complex web of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

What sets this novel apart is its intricate character development and the depth of the Kendal family's secrets. Each member harbours their hidden agendas, and as Quinn's plans unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that she is not the only player in this high-stakes game of deception. Author Alex Hay expertly weaves together the various threads of the plot, keeping readers on their toes as they anticipate the next twist or revelation.

With its compelling narrative and richly drawn characters, The Queen of Fives is a page-turner that invites you to indulge in the intrigue and glamour of its setting. Hay’s skilful storytelling ensures that the tension builds with every chapter, making it impossible to resist the urge to see how Quinn will navigate the myriad challenges she faces. This novel is a thrilling ride through the world of con artistry, leaving readers eager to uncover the outcome of the wedding of the year.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.