The Gentleman and the Thief Review
A gentleman who writes penny dreadful novels by night falls in love with a woman who is a music teacher by day—and a thief at night…
Summary
From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.
Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.
When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.
When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?
Evaluation
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Intrigue, romance, hidden identities, and a criminal web—Sarah M. Eden has done it again with The Gentleman and the Thief! I was absolutely glued to my seat as the story unfolded. The blend of daring missions and dangerous secrets, paired with a gentle, blossoming romance, made for the perfect reading experience.
Ana and Hollis were such a delightful pair. Their chemistry sparkled, but what really stood out was how simple and genuine their connection felt—even amidst all the mystery and double lives. I loved watching them slowly open up to one another, all while balancing their secrets and navigating the tension of the world around them.
Sarah weaves her stories with such heart and craft—it’s no surprise I loved this installment just as much as the others in the Dread Penny Society series. It has everything: adventure, tenderness, mystery, and that beautiful writing Sarah is known for.
