Fingersmith

Sarah Waters' Fingersmith is about as engrossing as a novel can get for me. It is set in the Victorian Era, features a terrific mystery, and has plot twists that actually caused me to gasp out loud once or twice.

Our initial narrator, Sue, is an orphan who lives with a group of thieves in London. Mrs. Sucksby has raised her from infancy after her mother was condemned as a murderess and hung. The dashing ne'er-do-well Gentleman convinces Sue to help him run an elaborate con. Maud Lilly is a young heiress and orphan who will come into wealth once she marries. She is isolated at her strange uncle's house in the country and Gentleman has found a way to weasel himself into the household. Sue is to take a commission as Maud's maid in order to help convince Maud to marry Gentleman. Once the marriage is complete, they will arrange for Maud to be committed to a madhouse and share her fortune.

I won't discuss the plot in any more detail than this as the surprise elements are important to the enjoyment of the novel. There are enough twists and turns to satisfy any fan of the genre. The depictions of the squalor of London and the icy country house are top notch and the plot is riveting. Definitely plan on devoting some uninterrupted time to this one if you choose to read it.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good twisted mystery. This novel was shortlisted for several major awards.