Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC of this title.

So let me start by saying that if you bought this book based on the blurb, you're about to be upset. This book was NOTHING like the blurb! Okay maybe the first two chapters hinted at it but that's it. There was nothing good about the book but there wasn't anything inherently bad either. Sad to say I'm not a fan of this book.

Joseph Knox’s books are always well-written and they are always wild rides! This one was no exception. In this book, a con artist meets a socialite, with whose long-lost brother he bears a startling resemblance. The socialite proposes that he enters the family house in London and pretends to be the prodigal son to her mom, dad, and older sister. The premise is intriguing and the plot is twisty and unpredictable. As usual for Knox’s books, there are some grisly deaths and underworld dealings. Even though I enjoyed the book, this was my least favorite of Knox’s five novels. I managed to figure out the mystery at some point, the main character was too much of a cypher, and one of the emotional beats on which the plot hinges did not work for me. I wish we had gotten more insight into the emotional life of the family. A rare miss from Knox, but still enjoyable. 3.5/5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for letting me read an ARC of this book.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I could not finish this one. That's the first time I've said that about a Joseph Knox story, and it stunned me too. I could NOT get into this one at all though... From the opening pages, it seemed to be missing that magical element of immersive reality that I've found in each of his previous novels. It felt like it was written by someone with an entirely different voice...

This story is about a guy who gets himself stuck in some sticky situations. There were so many scandalous people and situations. It was suspenseful because I was wondering what he’d get into next! There were a lot of characters and I got a little confused on who was who sometimes, but overall it was a good book! If you like not-so-dark books, this one’s for you.

First of all, the book is absolutely nothing like the blurb. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t even have picked this one up based on what it’s really about. The first chapter maybe but after that? It turned into an entire different story.

Also, it felt extremely convoluted and none of the characters felt authentic. It actually made it feel unbelievable at some points. I could connect to any of the characters, even the main one.

It just felt so slow for me, with not enough action, plot movement, or payoff. I’m sure there are some good moments and things about this book some people may like (especially if you like the mob-style crime stuff), but it just wasn’t for me 😅 But to be fair, had I known that’s what it would be going in, I wouldn’t have picked it. I think a more realistic description of the book would help a ton!

I dove into Joseph Knox's new novel without even reading the blurb. The title and cover promised a wild, entertaining adventure involving a con artist. Was I right? Well, partially.

I expected a con story (which I love), and the first few chapters delivered on that promise. The main character, Mr. Lynch, bears a striking resemblance to Heydon Pierce, the missing son of a wealthy family. His sister convinces Lynch to impersonate Heydon and profit from the deception. At this point, I was thinking: Highsmith meets Hitchcock, and I was thrilled.

However, when Lynch meets the family, the plot takes a turn. It shifts from a con-artist narrative to an action-packed noir featuring mysterious and dangerous organizations, dubious enterprises, contract killers, sinister entrepreneurs, and a family with more secrets than they care to admit.

The plot was intricate and often complex, with Lynch moving from one place to another, uncovering new clues, meeting enigmatic characters, and trying to unravel the mystery while becoming suspicious of everyone.

Overall, this was a fast-paced action thriller that I could easily see adapted into a film or TV series, though it wasn’t what I initially expected. I was amused and entertained throughout, but I couldn't help wondering why Lynch would go to such extremes for someone he didn't know or why the plot had to be so convoluted.