A review by kristy_lyn
Queen of Thieves by Beezy Marsh
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Post World War II in London, 1946. Gangland was suppose to be a man's world, but as the city struggled to rebuild itself after the Blitz, a bold and resourceful group of women dared to do more than just survive. Food has been rationed, jobs are scarce, and Alice Diamond is making a name for herself and her gang. Her girls are expert shoplifters, and under Alice's rule they have a shot at the lives they've only dreamed of.
Nell is from the slums, and trying to hide a pregnancy from her disapproving father. She's grinding away at a job she hates trying to get by and living each day in fear of how she'll provide for her secret baby. When Nell meets Alice, she's encouraged by what the gang leader can offer and excited to learn the ways of an expert thief. But being one of Alice's girls isn't without risk, and Nell might have signed up for more than she bargained for.
Based on real people, and such an interesting read. I loved the complex characters and really felt them come to life as the story went on. Alice is bold and gritty and yet feminine and classy. The description of her wearing diamonds like brass knuckles, wrapped in her stolen furs was such a perfect portrait of this badass gang leader. Nell is naive and hopeful, but when everything goes sideways she finds herself with an inner strength no one was expecting. Clever and devious characters, an intriguing plot, and a well paced story that will keep you turning the pages. The language and writing techniques help to set the scene and immerse you in the streets of London post World War II. Highly recommend if your a fan of multiple POV's, and morally grey characters.
Nell is from the slums, and trying to hide a pregnancy from her disapproving father. She's grinding away at a job she hates trying to get by and living each day in fear of how she'll provide for her secret baby. When Nell meets Alice, she's encouraged by what the gang leader can offer and excited to learn the ways of an expert thief. But being one of Alice's girls isn't without risk, and Nell might have signed up for more than she bargained for.
Based on real people, and such an interesting read. I loved the complex characters and really felt them come to life as the story went on. Alice is bold and gritty and yet feminine and classy. The description of her wearing diamonds like brass knuckles, wrapped in her stolen furs was such a perfect portrait of this badass gang leader. Nell is naive and hopeful, but when everything goes sideways she finds herself with an inner strength no one was expecting. Clever and devious characters, an intriguing plot, and a well paced story that will keep you turning the pages. The language and writing techniques help to set the scene and immerse you in the streets of London post World War II. Highly recommend if your a fan of multiple POV's, and morally grey characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Violence