The Illusionists - Softcover

“Beneath this buoyant tale of down-market entertainers in Victorian London rumbles a heavyweight novel . . . As intricate and thrilling as any accomplished bit of conjuring.”
- The New York Times

“Gripping . . . Rosie Thomas ably captures the magic of Victorian London―including its spectacular advancements in technology, such as the phonograph, electric lighting and automata―yet she does not neglect the seamy, hardscrabble life so prevalent among theatrical performers.”
- Shelf Awareness

“Thomas’s sprawling follow-up to The Kashmir Shawl combines several elements: a story of a theater company, a thriller, and, most successfully, a portrait of a woman trying to create an equal partnership with a man . . . The heart of the book is Eliza’s long, slow attempt to not only marry Devil but to live in parity with him. Since she has no models for the relationship she wants, Thomas shows Eliza working to invent a new kind of life; a creation as novel for her time as the mechanical illusions at the Palmyra.

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- Publishers Weekly

“This character driven novel is filled with odd and unusual characters whose personalities and quirks are revealed as the story progresses. . . . The story-line is compelling for its vivid descriptions and fascinating characters who are anything but normal and predictable . . . Definitely, an entertaining read that stands out for its unique qualities.”
- Historical Novels Review

“While the background details on stage magic and the theater business are captivating, Devil and Eliza’s ardent love story is the book’s emotional heart, and the ever-changing connections among all its intriguing performers fill it with genuine life and vitality.”
- Booklist

“Rosie Thomas has the rare and wonderful ability to create stories and characters that take you instantly into another world.”
- Penny Vincenzi - Praise for the work of Rosie Thomas

“Thomas writes with a sharp nib, not a dull computer key. She is neither mawkish nor squeamish, but full of fresh images.”
- Washington Post Book World - Praise for the work of Rosie Thomas

“A master storyteller.
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- Cosmopolitan - Praise for the work of Rosie Thomas

“Thomas’s novels are beautifully written.”
- Marie Claire - Praise for the work of Rosie Thomas

“Thomas can write with ravishing sensuality.”
- The Times - Praise for the work of Rosie Thomas