"Light-Hearted and Delightful"

It is 1815 and Kit's father is shot while cheating at cards in the East Indies. He begs his daughter to avenge him and, against her better judgment, she agrees to his dying wish. She goes to reside with her Aunt Rose in London and although she is a little too old to be a debutante, dons the required white dresses and acts the part of a young miss just out of the classroom.

Mr. Hugo Devenish comes to London when he hears that his nephew, Thomas, is interested in the elusive Kit Singleton. Reportedly, she is quite wealthy with a diamond mine to her credit and Thomas' mother is determined to get some of the money. Hugo finds himself very attracted to the young woman. The mystery that surrounds her has intrigued him as well.

Who is the mysterious Chinese burglar that is robbing the wealthy of London? Hugo has him within his grasp several times but the young robber is fleet of foot and able to get away.

Kit is an enjoyable character who is smart, feisty and a thoroughly marvelous heroine. Hugo doesn't quite know what to make of her -- he thinks she is insipid one moment and not so sure what she is about at other times. Kit is fascinated with Hugo but is determined to carry out the plan she had promised her father on his deathbed. The mother of Thomas is an outrageous and laughable character with her hatred of people in trade but wanting her son to marry money. AN HONORABLE THIEF is a very enjoyable light- hearted read and Anne Gracie is a terrific author who has made a huge splash with her delightful Harlequin Historicals.

Reviewed by Marilyn Heyman
Posted July 30, 2002

Summary

The dashing Mr. Hugo Devenish had come to London on an important mission: to prevent his innocent nephew from marrying an unsuitable young heiress. He'd never expected to be trounced upon by the most infamous thief in town! All society was agog at the rash of burglaries being committed by the mysterious Chinaman, but Hugo's attention was diverted once he was introduced to his nephew's heiress, the intriguing Miss Kit Singleton. Hugo found himself utterly enchanted. But her dubious background gave rise to the suspicion that Miss Singleton was somehow connected to the notorious thief. And Hugo could only hope to uncover Kit's many secrets, before the winsome beauty managed to steal his heart!