When you make your living conning people out of their money, you have to expect good days and bad days. Today was one of the bad ones. A really bad one, in fact. It all started when my partner, Jake, made a stupid mistake and the mark we were working realized he’d been cheated. The mark had his two goons beat Jake up and then sent them after me. I didn’t stand a chance, but luckily, I remembered those women who were marching in front of the White House, which was only a few blocks from the hotel where we were staying. I figured I could blend in with them and the goons wouldn’t dare bother me. And it worked. I got away from them.
But out of the frying pan and into the fire, as somebody once said. Those women were marching to get the vote, which seems like a waste of time to me, and they’d made President Wilson so mad he was having them arrested. A night or two in jail was fine with me, since I’d be safe there, but this time the demonstrators got sentenced to three months of hard labor at a workhouse! This was not at all what I’d had in mind.
They shipped us to Virginia and threw us in jail. Literally. They hit us and dragged us and tossed us into the cells. It was so awful, this night will become known as the Night of Terror. So here I am, in a filthy workhouse with a bunch of crazy females who think they can convince men to let them vote. To make matters even worse, the food is awful, rancid and full of maggots, so now they’re talking about going on a hunger strike.
As if all of this weren’t bad enough, Oscar Thornton (the mark) and his goons know exactly where I am, and they’re working to get all of us released because they still want to kill me.
You’re probably wondering how I’ll get out of this. I don’t know yet, but I’m sure I’ll figure out something. That’s what grifters do.
You can read more about Elizabeth in City of Lies, the first book in the NEW “Counterfeit Lady” mystery series.
Every woman plays a part — but some are more dangerous than others. . .
Like most women, Elizabeth Miles assumes many roles; unlike most, hers have made her a woman on the run. Living on the edge of society, Eliz uses her wiles (and wits) to make a living from the ill-gotten gains of so-called respectable men. But brutal and greedy entrepreneur Oscar Thornton has lost a great deal of money and is not going to forgive a woman for outwitting him. He’s out for blood. With his thugs hot on her trail, Elizabeth seizes the moment to blend in with a group of women with an agenda of their own. Even when they’re arrested, she still counts herself lucky; after all, jail is the safest place she could be.
She never expects to like or understand these privileged women, but she soon comes to respect them and realizes that there may be more to life than chasing other people’s fortunes. As Elizabeth forms an unlikely bond with the matriarch of the group and realizes her son Gabriel is the rarest of species, an honest man in a dishonest world, her new life begins to take shape. But Oscar Thornton hasn’t forgotten her and is biding his time in this gilded orbit, waiting to strike. Will Elizabeth’s new life be cut short by this vicious shadow from her past?
“Don’t miss City of Lies, an exciting story of intrigue, deception and love”
–Catherine Coulter
Author of Insidious
“Suffragists, socialites, grifters, and goons at the last gasp of the Gilded Age. This is how to start a series! Thompson brings an irresistible heroine onstage, backs her up with a terrific cast of sidekicks, and delivers a rattling good plot. There’s rich thread of US history skillfully woven in too. I loved it.”
–Catriona McPherson
bestselling author of the multi-award-winning Dandy Gilver series.
“Completely captivating! Clever, engaging and romantic, this unlikely suffragette will have you cheering her courage–and eagerly awaiting her next adventure. Loved it.”
–Hank Phillippi Ryan
Agatha, Anthony and Mary Higgins Clark award wining author
“Victoria Thompson gives us a fresh new series with clever Elizabeth Miles, a con artist on the run. City of Lies is the real deal, a genuinely different series. Buy this book. You’ll love it — and that’s no lie.”
— Elaine Viets
author of Fire and Ashes, an Angela Richman, Death Investigator mystery
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Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of City of Lies. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends November 8, 2017. Good luck everyone!
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About the author
Edgar® and Agatha Nominated author Victoria Thompson writes the Gaslight Mystery Series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City and featuring midwife Sarah Brandt. Her latest, Murder in the Bowery, was a May 2017 release. City of Lies is the first book in her new Counterfeit Lady series, a November 2017 release from Berkley. She also contributed to the award winning writing textbook Many Genres/One Craft. Victoria teaches in the Seton Hill University master’s program in writing popular fiction. She lives in Illinois with her husband and a very spoiled little dog. Find out more at www.victoriathompson.com.
All comments are welcomed.
Thiis is clearly a “must read” book for me! I love well-researched historical fiction and the backdrop in this book is of particular current interest. Thanks for the chance to get a copy.
I think you’ll be impressed by my research! Any time research makes me say, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” I know it goes in the book.
This is on my library list.
I live just down the road from the Workhouse and have seen where the suffragettes were imprisoned. A small museum shows some of what these women endured. The release of Victoria Thompson’s book just before Election Day is so appropriate.
I need to visit the site.
I love Victoria Thompson!
I need to visit the site.
I think of those women before me who fought for a women’s right to vote. These were determined women who fought for equality for us women. Use your vote wisely, they suffered so we could have this privilege. I’m looking forward to reading Victoria Thompson’s latest novel.
I wish ore people knew the story.
Wow! This sounds fascinating and so different from other historical novels. Hope I win!
Itisa bit different. She is sort of an anti heroine.
I can’t wait to start following your adventures!
What an unusual set up for a story! I want to see how Elizabeth finds her way out of trouble, too!
City of Lies is captivating and intriguing. Thanks.
Miss Victoria,
Our book club in Morgantown, WV, is looking forward to getting acquainted with your new heroine.
Karen Kelley King
Looking forward to your opinions!
I love Victoria Thompson’s books and this one sounds like a really intriguing read! The plot is so unique!
I can’t wait to read this book.
Love the cover, loved the heroine!! great start to a new series – Vicki’s books are the BOMB. 😀 Of course, I’m biased. Heh.
I’m in love with the cover, too!
A big fan of Ms. Thompson’s books. I’m looking forward to reading this new series!
This sounds very interesting. I can’t wait to read it!
I can’t wait to start this new series by Victoria Thompson. Thanks for the promo!
I have read all of the Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson, and I can’t wait to read her new series!!!
I’m really looking forward to this new book. I fell in love with the Gaslight Mystery series this summer and read all 20 books in just a few weeks!
Can’t wait to read this. I didn’t know President Wilson reacted that way. Looking forward to learning more history!
He was a real jerk,but then most men were at first.
Looking forward to reading this series. Love the Gaslight series, so I am pretty sure I’ll live this one too!
Good news, the Gaslights will continue.
I can’t wait to read Victoria’s new series!
I’m super excited about these new series, since I’ve read all of the Gaslight Mysteries and hope they continue as well.
Gaslights will continue.
this sounds awfully wonderful. I knew they had a hard time in England. Hadn’t realized it was that bad here in the U.S.
I’ve read several, but not all, of Victoria’s Gaslight Mystery series and have loved each story. I am so looking forward to reading this new series. It sounds like an exciting book and would love the chance to win a copy. Thanks to the author for hours of enjoyable reading, now and in the future.
All women owe so much to those early suffragettes! However, not all women in this world have voting rights today!
Victoria Thompson is a marvelous author that captures the readers imagination and soul from the first page of every one of her books. You are literally transported to turn of the century New York City and Sara Brent and Frank Malloy are your best friends. You feel their feelings and you are living their lives. I love her books. Now Ms Thompson has developed an exciting new heroine! I can’t wait to get cozy in my favorite chair under a warm Afghan with a nice cup of hot tea and delve right into it. Take me away Ms Thompson!
Thanks for your kind words, Beverly! I’m blushing.
I loved the book. The Gaslight series is one of my favorites and this one is shaping up to be the same.
Thank you for writing such enjoyable books. Each one has been an exciting adventure for me.
this sounds like a great series-a woman on the run, women marching and workhouses-sounds interesting
This new series sounds stupendous! Thank you so much for the chance to win!
This series sounds great!
This author is one fantastic writer! I look forward with anticipation for this new series! If it is half as great as the other one it will be a winner and I do believe it will be! Women can be and maybe most are as astute as men!
Great storyline! Keep up the excellent work Victoria!
Thank you so much for a chance to win a fabulous book.
Jane
I think you’ll love Elizabeth. She’s a corker.
Love Victoria’s Gaslight series – looking forward to reading the first in her series.
This book sounds really interesting.
I am always looking g for new authors to read. I have put your name on my
TBR list
So excited to read your new series! I love your Gaslight Mysteries and hope this series has as many books.
So do I!
Thank you for hosting Victoria Thompson and her book on your blog. I love her Gaslight series and any books that have historical factors in it.
I love a well-researched historical fiction with mystery and suspense. I can’t wait to read this one!
This isn’t a genre I usually read, but I’ll take a shot at it. Toss my name into the magic contest hat please Dru.
When I first read about this series, I thought I probably would not be interested, but since I’ve read more about it, I’ve decided to at least read the first one of this series. Would love to win, but if not, library here I come.
I can’t wait to read this book! I know you’re not supposed to judge a book but that cover sucked me in immediately and it just got better when I read the blurb!
That cover surely is a winner! I’m so lucky my publisher did such a good job on it.
I have read all the Gaslight series and really enjoy them so now I would like to try this new series. Thanks for a chance to get one.
I don’t believe I’ve ever read any of Victoria’s books; this one sounds like a real page turner! Thanks for the chance.
I loved all of the Gaslight series and am looking forward to the new series. It sounds captivating!
This really has my attention. It sounds like a great read.
I can’t wait to read Ms. Thompson’s new book! She’s absolutely brilliant!
I’ve read all of the Gaslight series and like the characters so much. This one sounds very different…..but I’m always up for something new.
It’s a bit different than the Gaslights, but I think you’ll love it.
I can’t wait to read this new series!
I love Victoria Thompson’s work. This new series should be awesome!
I can’t wait for the new series — I have read all Victoria’s books and love them!
First time here
Well-written and researched historical fiction are high on my book choices. I
have enjoyed each of the Gaslight Mysteries. Elizabeth siounds like another intriguing character.
City of Lies sounds like a great read. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this book.📚
“City of Lies” sounds like a very intriguing new series, and I’d like to read it.
Well, you know how much I loved the book, however I do not understand why you put in as “A counterfeit lady novel?” Just saying
That’s the name of the series, The Counterfeit Lady Series.
I love the Gaslight series and I am excited to read another Victoria Thompson historical mystery series!
Sandra
Victoria Thompson has always been a pro-instrument for presenting women in her books, as strong minded intellegent individuals who aren’t controlled by the role, society has placed on them. They are not afraid of speaking up for the right to be valued as someone who is capable of making decisions.
The timing of the release of City of Lies with Election Day only emphasizes how the fight for equality still needs growth. I am looking forward to starting this new series with the heroine Elizabeth Miles. I will start reading it after I finish my work as a poll worker on Election Day.
Thanks for your work with the elections! It’s such a valuable service. We should all be grateful to the women who suffered so we have this important right. And thanks for your kind words about the Gaslight Mysteries.
This sounds like a very intriguing book. And, I’d be pleased to win it and read it. Thank you for the chance.
Cynthia B.
Such a cool looking book! It sounds like a romp!
Looking forward to seeing how Elizabeth gets out of this mess.
I really like reading historical fiction and learning more about the women that fought for the right to vote. They fought for those who came after them as well as themselves. Looking forward to reading.
I’ve read a few of her books. I love historical mysteries so I might like to read this one.
Yes, please, I would love a chance to read this one. I hope I win.
Sounds like an interesting new series.
If it is half as good as the Gaslight Mysteries, this will be a series not to be missed
Sounds like a great read.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leader in the suffragette movement, is one of my ancestors so this is a theme that is near and dear to my heart. I’m sure this new series will be a winner!
Looking forward to your new series. Almost up-to-date reading your Gaslight series, and loving every one, so far!
I’m looking forward to getting in on the ground floor of this new series!
Sounds like an interesting read. New author for me
I wish Victoria success with this new effort. Launching a new series is another indication she is an accomplished author.
i can’t wait to read this new series. It really sounds intriguing.
Love her books. Sounds very interesting.
I cannot wait to dive into the next adventure. Her books are outstanding and should be a television series!!!
I am glad to find an author that holds ny attention throughout a story, as often I just skip through portions. Loved Murder InThe Bowery and although I knew about the Newsboy strike, I felt closer to it in this book. Am definitely looking forward to the new book coming out in my birthday month. Since I live on SS, the library is my place to get them. If they are worth rereading, I order used through Amazon and share them with others in the local writers’ club. WTG!
Looking forward to reading Victoria’S new book. She is a first rate writer. Her books are page turners. Mary Infuso.
Very popular series among our patrons here at the library!
I loved the gaslight series, and have shared with 2 friends who read them all before me! Looking forward to this new series
This book sounds so good. Thank you for the giveaway.
Love the Sarah Brandt series, can’t wait to start her new one.
WOW! This sounds like an amazing story from an author I all ready enjoy. Looking forward to this book!
I <3 new series!!!
Thank you for the giveaway….
Looking forward to reading this new series. Have read all the Gaslight mystery books. This sounds like a great start to a new series.
**** WINNER ****
City of Lies is Mary E. Edmonds
Congratulations!
Yay!! And thank you ever so much.
As I shared with you by email I’ve been a lot or research on my family tree to some extent spurred on by your writing in the Gaslight Mysteries and my connections with many of the historical figures of the time including Teddy Roosevelt and his cousins. along with many of the knickerbockers. I am looking forward to reading this new series partially because con men in stories like Confidence and the Sting and because Woodrow Wilson was my 18th cousin. Some of that period was also covered well in the mini series Iorn Jawed Angels
Just wondering when and where the winner of this book giveaway will be posted. Thanks.