Another dose of deception and intrigue from the author of The Housekeepers. Rereading my review of that novel, I could almost repeat it word for word for this follow up. The cast of characters and plot lines are different, but the essence of the story is much the same, mischief is afoot and money and influence are still the driving force. There are the usual twists and turns, with foul play ever threatening, but it is still an entertaining page turner.

I love the Alex Hay books that I’ve read. They, and this one too, are multifaceted capers. You see the puzzles laid out, the players are slowly introduced and the shenanigans start. Yet how the main character(s) are going to win the day isn’t clear. And then you get the reveal. And I’m once again satisfied with the whole reading experience. Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Another great romp through the underworld of Victorian London from Alex Hay Quinn le Blanc is a con woman who sets out to ensnare a rich gentleman in marriage to access his fortune. She is a likeable female protagonist with a dry sense of humour. The rules are 5 moves within 5 days. Its pacey, humorous and witty. A great book for fans of not too hewvy historical fiction

Fast paced with beautifully vivid descriptions of Victorian London, I found this an exciting and enjoyable read.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

This is an extremely fast-paced novel with lots of intrigue and mystery, and which I enjoyed immensely. Most of the main characters are well developed, and I suspect that the few caricatures were intended to be such. I had my suspicions by a third of the way through, and couldn't put the book down until I reached the end, which I think is a bit rushed. I would love to know what the future held for them all!

A very unusual story. Deception, intrigue and secrets. The history of the academy and the queen of fives. Finding the mark, setting up the scam and following it through to conclusions.
A multi layered story that unfolds like a flower as the story progresses.
Enjoy I did.

A humorous cat and mouse novel which at times has echoes of the Netflix series Bridgerton. The plot centers around the quick thinking, strategist Quinn Le Blanc. As the current queen of La Chateau (queen of the con), she has five days in which to pull off a scheme that will pay off the house’ debts.

Her loyal sidekick Mr. Silk and former teacher in confidence Mrs. Airlie are enlisted to assist her in performing the most daring of tricks to date. Quinn must get the Duke of Kendal to marry her in five days before she ultimately steals his fortune. This is no easy task given that the duke has sworn to bachelordom. However, it’s approaching the end of the season and for some reason his stepmother wants to make a match for him with anyone other than Quinn.

Hay produces a fast-paced novel which easily glides between the past and present, interlacing twists and vendettas to create a thoroughly enjoyable read. While Quinn believes she is in control of the game there is a foreboding figure constantly presiding over her affairs. One wonders whose game is actually being played.

There are plenty of moments of absolute magic as we are given hilarious insights into the behaviour and description of Victorian high society.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.

I thoughly enjoyed this novel set in Victorian London. Quinn Le Banc is a con-artist who aims to snare a duke into marriage. I loved the period detail and the rich cast of characters. Following the complexities of the plot required some concentration. Overall, this is a fast-paced, witty and fun read.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

Another fast-paced belter of a book from Alex Hay. Cleverly crafted plot lines that follow Quinn Le Blanc, queen of cons and mistress of deception, as she undertakes the grandest plan of her life. Loved the untrustworthiness of the characters and revelled in their shenanigans.
Superb.

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.

This was a nice easy read about a Victorian con woman. The characters were easy to become attached to. Written really well with an ending I didn't expect

The Queen of Fives is a hustler in a long dress and bound by the conventions of society- on a mission to land (or maybe not land) a peer and his money.
The characters of Silk, Quinn, Willoughby and Kendal are extremely effective, with each a well rounded and very different being, from the weasellyness of Willoughby to the jaded and worn Silk and the feisty Quinn the Duke didn't really stand a chance.
I found the ending a little rushed with a seeming desperation to unveil the villain and have them complete their dastardly side-plot- a little more time for the reveal would have been good but overall a great read!

Imagine Bridgerton crossed with Hustle (only 10 times better!) and you have an idea of the delights ahead in The Queen of Fives by Alex Hay.
I absolutely loved this storyline from the opening paragraph to the final line.
Though set in the Victorian era, rather than Regency times, the expected behaviour and class lines are still very much in place, providing a perfect opening for Quinn Le Blanc, the Queen of Fives, aka the reigning Queen of Cons in London to play a classic fraud. Quinn runs La Chateau, the home of cons in London. Quinn has decided to play one of the mosts dangerous cons of all, to pretend to be an heiress to ensnare the wealthy, and single Duke of Kendal in marriage, with the intention of stealing of his fortune. There's just one rather major catch - the con must be completed in 5 days. Oh and there is a mysterious figure watching her.
The story moves at a fast-pace, commencing on the infamous day five, and then jumping back in time to explain how Quinn has reached this point and the delicate web of relationships that could come crashing down at any moment and cost Quinn, not just her reputation but also her life.
I did need to keep my focus on the clever intricacies of the relationships and levels of con artistry at play in the storyline, but this was not a hardship as I loved the story so much and couldn't wait to get back to reading it. A full five stars and I'd love another adventure with Quinn Le Blanc.

Alex Hay’s The Queen of Fives is an exhilarating blend of Victorian intrigue and con artistry, described as Bridgerton meets The Sting. The novel follows Quinn Le Blanc, a cunning con woman navigating the glitz and deception of 1898 London. Her ambitious plot involves infiltrating high society under the guise of an heiress to ensnare the wealthy Duke of Kendal in marriage—and ultimately steal his fortune.

Hay’s storytelling is fast-paced and layered with twists, as Quinn faces challenges not just from the Duke’s family but also from her own growing complications with the target. The plot is crafted with tension and wit, offering surprising revelations that keep readers engaged until the final page. The richly drawn Victorian setting adds to the novel’s charm, with vibrant descriptions of high society and its underbelly.

While the book is largely praised for its creativity and entertainment value, its complexity might require careful attention to follow the intricacies of Quinn’s schemes. Nevertheless, The Queen of Fives is a thrilling, smartly written tale of deception and ambition.

A joy. A tight plot, interesting characters and a real sense of time and place. I devoured this, loved the twists and turns, the dark corners, the high stakes, deceptions and daring. Pure escapism, deliciously written and a good ending.

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.