Guy Boothby’s "A Prince of Swindlers" introduces Simon Carne, a captivating Victorian anti-hero who is a master of deception. This collection of interconnected stories follows Carne, a gentleman of unparalleled sophistication who presents himself to London society as a wealthy, eccentric invalid. This persona is a perfect camouflage for a self-styled "prince" of criminals.

From inside the drawing rooms of the elite, Carne orchestrates a series of audacious capers against the wealthiest members of society. Each story is a masterclass in cunning, as he plunders priceless artifacts and fortunes through forgery, complex disguises, and psychological manipulation, always outwitting Scotland Yard. The thrill for the reader lies not in whether Carne will succeed, but in marveling at the brilliance of his schemes. A forerunner to characters like Raffles, Simon Carne makes crime an elegant, intellectual art form in this deliciously wicked and sophisticated collection.

Table of Contents:

• A Prince of Swindlers. Part 1

• A Prince of Swindlers. Part 2

• A Prince of Swindlers. Part 3