NetGalley Review: Erica Ridley's "Heist Club" Novellas (1 & 2)

 The Rake Mistake by Erica Ridley
Heist Club #1, The Wild Wynchesters #1.5

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Rating:   ✩✩✩✩✩

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I have been enchanted by the Wild Wynchesters series, and this novella focuses on my favorite part: the Ocean’s Eight style hijinks.  Taking place between the first and second books in the series, here we see more of Philippa’s backstory and get to know some more details about the Wynchester family and their clandestine business (ad)ventures.  While the reader definitely gets a glimpse at future romantic interests, the focus here is uncovering a jewel thief while simultaneously preventing the ruin of a young debutante. There is some action, some comedy and lots of women doing what it takes to protect each other.  This whirlwind of amazing characters may be a tad confusing if you don't have at least the first book in the series under your belt, but this novella stands on its own as a fun romp through bluestocking espionage. 

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Published by: Webmotion  Release Date: 04 June 2021

The Modiste Mishap by Erica Ridley

Heist Club #2, The Wild Wynchesters #2.5

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Rating:   ✩✩✩✩✩

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Given my love of the Wild Wynchesters series, and Erica Ridley, my adoration of this novella comes as no surprise.  Much like its previous novella in the Heist Club series, this adds lots of world building flavor with a focus on the crime solving capers.  Here the focus is on Sybil, who has yet to be featured in any full-length books, with the gang of bluestockings  playing support.  When confronted with a missing season’s worth of dresses from the ton’s most favored seamstress, Sybil sets out to find the culprit and save the day.  Against a background of the aristocracy’s worst possible traits Sybil learns to be herself and appreciate how helpful it can be to be invisible while also being able to hold her own.  Readers also get a taste of the characters that will make up the third book in the larger series. Much like “The Rake Mistake” this might make more sense if you have been immersed in the other books, but as a mystery caper novella, it shines. 

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Published by: Webmotion  Release Date: 26 August 2022