This a review of the fourth book in the Lady Sherlock series, The Art of Theft. If you haven’t read the other books, what are you waiting for? Many people you like that review books on this site love them. I will say, this is the first one I didn’t go back and listen to immediately again to get all the things I missed before. The plot is pretty straightforward, where Mrs. Watson’s friend, the Maharani of Ajmer, is being blackmailed with information tucked away in a painting, which is soon to be auctioned at a Yuletide ball. This review is going to have spoilers too, because I want to talk about things and go read the book and then let’s talk.
Charlotte recruits a team to get the painting, along with Mrs. Watson, she recruits her sister, Livia, her paramour, Lord Ingram, and Stephen Marbleton. The story takes place in a French chateau, and all is not as it seems. I was pleased to see from Leedock’s review that she reads these books for the romance between Charlotte and Lord Ingram. We get some really wonderful back and forth between the two of them in this book, but they are back to being chaste again, which is incredibly frustrating. However, I speculate we are inching to them really, actually being together. And that is because Lady Ingram is back (womp, womp) and instead of helping her when she has clearly put herself in a position where she is in trouble, he walks away. I would argue that she has 11 lives so of course she’ll be back. Also, that Charlotte gives her about her and Lord Ingram sleeping together? I am dead. So, what was he going to tell her before they were interrupted? Hopefully we’ll find out soon.
Anyway, the way the book ends in a bit of a downer, but we all know it’s leading up to a confrontation between Charlotte and Moriarity. I just want to know what was said in the carriage between the two of them in the last book. I’m sure it will come back. Oh, and I am reminded that I really need to read a Sherry Thomas romance or two. My goodness, she can turn a romantic phrase (and also make you really hungry for good French pastry,)
Yes. Not nearly enough Charlotte/Lord Ingram steaminess for me, though. There were moments, to be sure, but definitely pulled back from book 3. Really it is the tension of their relationship that keeps me coming back.
Sherry Thomas’ historical romances are mostly excellent, but quite a few of them are on the angsty side. I particularly like His at Night and The Luckiest Lady in London.