fromtheauthorofthenewyorktimesnotablebooktippingthevelvetandtheaward-winningaffinity:aspellbinding,twistingtaleofagreatswindle,offortunesandheartswonandlost,setinvictorianlondonamongafamilyofthieves.suetrinderisanorphan,leftasaninfantinthecareofmrs.sucksby,ababyfarmer,whoraisedherwithunusualtenderness,asifsuewereherown.mrs.sucksbyshousehold,withitsfussybabiescalmedwithdosesofgin,alsohostsatransientfamilyofpettythieves-fingersmiths-forwhomthishouseintheheartofameanlondonslumishome.oneday,themostbelovedthiefofallarrives-gentleman,asomewhatelegantconman,whocarrieswithhimanenticingpropositionforsue:ifshewinsapositionasthemaidtomaudlilly,anavegentlewoman,andaidsgentlemaninherseduction,thentheywillallshareinmaudsvastinheritance.oncetheinheritanceissecured,maudwillbelefttoliveoutherdaysinamentalhospital.withdreamsofpayingbackthekindnessofheradoptedfamily,sueagreestotheplan.oncein,however,suebeginstopityherhelplessmarkandcareformaudlillyinunexpectedways....butnooneandnothingisasitseemsinthis>dickensiannovelofthrillsandsurprises.thenewyorktimesbookreviewhascalledsarahwatersawriterofconsummateskillandtheseattletimeshaspraisedherworkasgripping,astutefictionthatfeedsthemindandthesenses.fingersmithmarksamajorleapforwardinthisyoungandbrilliantcareer.