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.

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