As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher or author to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are always 100% my own.
Emma and Nellie are life-long friends, each of whom possesses some unique skills learned from a family member long ago. Nellie loves to shine, and is comfortable being the center of attention. Emma has always struggled with self-esteem; born to parents who didn’t really want a child and mostly ignored her, she’s found at the opening of the book just dumped by her rich fiancé who is suing her for keying his car. Together, they are more than the sum of their parts.
Forging new identities, the duo emerge as jewel thieves with a difference–they only steal from marks who deserve a little bad karma. CEO in the news for sexual assault of your employees? Wealthy woman being rude to waitstaff? “Annie” and “Janet” might just happen to bump into you, and you find out later that Patek Phillippe on your wrist is now a fake, or your diamond earrings have metamorphosed into cubic zirconia. They sell their stolen goods on the dark web under their assumed names, and are living the high life.
But while they’re masters at the art of the Switch, they don’t really do heists. Until, that is, Nellie is kidnapped, and to ransom her Emma has to agree to pull off a heist at the top echelon of society–under the watchful eyes of the best security in the world. With an unlikely “family” formed around the duo, a homeless child, and a tech support guy, they have no choice but to try.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Confidence Games. There are so many twists and turns and obstacles that you’ll be constantly guessing, but you’ll cheer for these unconventional friends who operate by their own guidelines and morals. Highly recommended–the perfect summer read!
Seems Emma and Nellie’s unconventional jewel thievery, their moral code, and the high-stakes heist will keep me hooked. As you said giving this book a try for a light summer read.