Historical fiction about a female criminal gang in 1920s London called Forty Elephants. Young Nell has a chance to join the gang.
I listened to this on audiobook. Lots of glamour with the gang along with the hard life in 1920s London.
A very exciting story with friendships among the gang.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy

Initially I thought I had sussed this book out, I continued to listen because despite this (false) confidence, I like the way the author writes, making two POV's and timelines easy to follow. Well I did NOT see the twist coming! The ending was satisfying, everything came together well and left me wanting more. My only (very small) criticism is that I feel that the ending could have been expanded on slightly, I would’ve liked to know more about the three ladies lives after the big twist.
The narration was fantastic, easy to listen to and emotive.
listened to this book in less than 24 hours and I'd like to read it again to see if there were any clues along the way!

I really enjoyed listening to the story of Poor Girls. A fictional tale in the genuine setting of the forty elephants, it eloquently demonstrates the time, place, setting, and circumstances of Nell and her fellow gang members, whether they found themselves there from either necessity or adrenaline.

With the highs and lows of family, relationships, and criminality abound the story unfurls at a pace to keep you keenly involved. The narration was on point, and complimented the story well.

🎧4.25⭐️

I had the audiobook read by Jenny Bede who keeps the pace rattling along, it felt fitting for the era.

Historical fiction based on an actual gang. 1922 Eleanor had experience of life during the war working in a munitions factory, now she’s not happy with the life choices open to her, she crosses paths with the female led gang the forty elephants.

The writing style and language used gives a vibe of the era, there’s some good period detail included, as well as the glitz and glamour on one hand and on the other the poverty. I liked Eleanor’s sass, I loved her speech (sorry I can’t say more) I loved the wit and humour that was interspersed. The girls in her ‘cell’ formed a great bond, you couldn’t help but like them.
It doesn’t feel like your typical gangster book which I’m not keen on. I really enjoyed this book, I wonder if there will be a sequel.

A historical fiction with a nice twist in that the girls of the twenties are running in organised crime gangs, stealing, conning and running clubs, which takes them quite literally from rags to riches.

The writing is dripping with wit and humour, but it’s also smart and sharp, deliciously wicked in every way! It has heart and soul and brilliant storytelling.

Really good fun.

The audio narration was lovely.
Thank you to Head of Zeus audiobooks via NetGalley for the ELC