6 h 46 minAudiobook6 minSummaryRead it, hear it, the 15-minute summary, and print and large print at costPaperback · 6 × 9 in · printing soonHardcover · 6 × 9 in · printing soonAbout this book
What if the most welcome guest in London society is also its cleverest thief?
Simon Carne arrives in London with money, manners, and a polished past. Hostesses welcome him to their tables, unaware of his hidden trade. In Guy Boothby's A Prince of Swindlers, this charming gentleman makes theft a matter of wit rather than force. Each linked crime story brings a fresh target: jewels, a valuable object, or the property of someone proud and well placed.
Disguise and false names let Carne move beyond the role his hosts know. His carefully built plans turn social ease into a thief's advantage, while celebrated private detective Klimo stands against the crimes that fill the book. The pleasure lies in following a gracious, witty rogue who stays calm under pressure—and noticing how readily you begin to take his side.
What you’ll discover
- A welcome stranger Meet a polished guest whose charm conceals a very different trade.
- Theft by wit Follow carefully built schemes where clever thinking matters more than force.
- The art of disguise Explore a world where clothes and false names help a thief deceive.
- A rogue worth following Enjoy Carne's wit and composure as he outwits the rich and well protected.
- A fresh target awaits Find a new criminal scheme in each episode, with Carne at its heart.
Who will love it
You will love this if you enjoy gentleman thieves, plans that run like clockwork, and Victorian society seen with a wink. It suits readers who like Sherlock Holmes stories and enjoy the crook's point of view.
What’s inside
The key ideas, in the 15-minute summary
- A charming hermit wins a Viceroy's trust
- Trincomalee Liz bankrolls a daring London scheme
- A detective next door is Carne himself
- The Duchess's diamonds vanish from a locked box
- Carne steals the Derby favourite in a furniture van
- A coded cable becomes a very profitable rescue
- Wedding gifts tempt a trusted guest
- Trust gives Carne room to plan
- What the adventures say about society and storytelling
Who’s who
- Simon CarneA hunchbacked scholar and collector with a fine face, who charms society while planning great thefts, and who also plays the detective Klimo.
- BeltonCarne's loyal valet, who plays many roles, worries about danger and still helps carry out his master's plans.
- Earl of AmberleyA former Viceroy of India who meets Carne in the jungle, introduces him to society and later tells the story.
- KlimoThe private detective next door, whose posters cover London, and whose fees and findings serve Carne's plans.
- Trincomalee LizA notorious woman of Calcutta who lends Carne the money he needs and hopes to share his future.
- Duchess of WiltshireA lover of Indian art who owns a necklace of three hundred stones and lends Carne her carved jewel case.
- Marquis of LaverstockA nobleman who joins Carne and his friends to watch his Derby horse run a trial.
- KelmareA bitter young friend of Carne whose fiancee leaves him for a marquis and who hopes to see his rivals hurt.
Formats and delivery
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- Read by Lucas Linden, complete. It opens once the recording is online.
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- The key ideas in about 6 minutes, to read today.
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- Hardcover
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- Large print paperback
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- Large print hardcover
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Le Prince des escrocs
by Guy Boothby · 1897
A hunchbacked collector charms London society while the detective next door solves crimes he commits himself.
Medium level5–10 hours to readfrançais
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In short
Who is the charming hunchback every London drawing room wants to meet? Simon Carne arrives for the grand season with a marble palace in his past and a fortune in his name.
From the 15-minute summary · Key idea 1
A charming hermit wins a Viceroy's trust
The Earl of Amberley, once Viceroy of India, admits that he introduces a swindler to London society. On a morning ride he loses his way near the Maharajah of Malar-Kadir's palace. He finds a marble house on an island, where Simon Carne welcomes him to breakfast.
Carne occupies the house by the Maharajah's permission. He is an English collector with a striking face and a large hump. His treasures and talk of Indian art charm the earl, who offers help in London. Later, Carne wins over his family too.
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Which edition is right for me
- 15-minute summary
- The key ideas of the whole book in about 6 minutes. A good first look, or a refresher.
Details
- First published
- 1897
- Language
- français
- Reading time
- 4 h 25 min
- Level
- Medium level
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What is A Prince of Swindlers about?
It follows Simon Carne, a wealthy collector who arrives in London for the royal season and secretly commits a series of daring thefts and frauds. The adventures turn on his disguises and carefully planned tricks.
Who is Klimo in A Prince of Swindlers?
Klimo is a famous private detective who rents the house next to Carne's. He is in fact Carne in disguise, who uses the role to earn fees and to steer investigations away from himself.
Who is Belton?
Belton is Carne's valet and partner. He wears disguises and carries out plans even while warning his master about their risks.
The author
Guy Boothby
1867–1905 · Australian novelist
Guy Boothby (1867–1905) was an Australian novelist born in Adelaide. He lived in Australia and later in England. He wrote novels and short stories, including stories featuring Dr Nikola. His books include A Bid for Fortune, published in 1895, and A Prince of Swindlers, published in 1897.
More by Guy Boothby
All 2 booksMore like this
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