My Favorite Thief [Mass Market Paperback]

One of Ms. Monk's trademarks is to challenge her characters and really make them earn their happy ending. My Favorite Thief is no different. Both Charlotte and Harrison must deal with personal demons from their respective pasts. Charlotte's arrives in the form of her scurrilous, blackmailing, abusive biological father. Harrison must figure out who is now determined to destroy him with a past secret, and also face his fear that he might be following his deceased father down the road to madness. Unusual circumstances bring these two people together and soon they realize that, if they can rescue each other, they just might be able to save themselves and the families they hold dear.

All this drama could be heavy in the hands of another author, but Ms. Monk is known for imbuing her novels with delightful humor and unforgettable characters. Charlotte's family is back in full force -- she and all her "siblings" were rescued from London's dark streets and prisons as children and adopted by Haydon and Genevieve, Lord and Lady Redmond. So, too, are the hilarious band of servants that watch out for Charlotte and the collection of young prostitutes and thieves she herself is sheltering from the streets.

My Favorite Thief tickles the funny bone and touches the heart in equal measure. It is another one of Ms. Monk's books that should not be missed!

It does not take Lottie long to identify the thief as Earl Harrison Payne, and when her deadbeat father shows up demanding money, she is forced to resort to extortion to protect her family and the shelter. Specifically, she demands that Harrison heist jewels that she might sell to dodge her father's threats. Lottie's demands bring about an unexpected chain of events. Harrison cannot resist the quiet charm of this crippled woman with a heart of gold. But they both will soon find themselves in danger and must join forces to identify their common enemy.

Author Karyn Monk pens an unexpectedly delightful Victorian romantic suspense with MY FAVORITE THIEF. With a quick moving plot and original characterizations, Monk draws upon expected qualities which make her work sparkle. Seldom does fiction allow a less than physically perfect heroine, but both Lottie's physical challenges and family challenges lend her an unexpected yet delightful vulnerability. Harrison's motives especially will keep readers guessing with his dark reputation and high societal position. With an unexpected and intriguing conclusion, readers will find themselves quite satisfied with this delightful read. MY FAVORITE THIEF comes highly recommended.