In the opening pages, Digger, otherwise known as Celyn Contrare, is thrown into jail. There she learns that a friend who helped her escape from Werne the Bloodletter's guards (in book one) has been arrested for murder. Even in the face of mounting evidence, she has no doubt of her friend's innocence. But she doesn't have much time to clear his name. Even if he doesn't end up facing the gallows, the powerful family of the murder victim has their own plans for revenge--plans that include an ever-growing body count.
Elizabeth Bunce made a name for herself with her award-winning debut novel, A Curse as Dark as Gold, a reworking of the Rumplestiltskin fairy tale. For the Thief Errant series, she creates her own magical world. Blending an almost Victorian sensibility with magic and fantasy, Bunce delivers nonstop action and still manages to shape surprisingly complex characters. The story builds to a heart-stopping conclusion and ends with a cliffhanger revelation that is sure to leave fans anxious for the next installment. --Sherrie Petersen, children's book reviewer and blogger