To Be True: The First Caper
(North of the Avon Book 1)
By K.D. Straus
(North of the Avon Book 1)
By K.D. Straus
Publication Date: 13th March 2023
Publisher: FriesenPress
Page Length: 240 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
If you have to choose between going too far or being too late, always choose too far.
Marion Pallas is the plain middle sister, the raven between two tropical birds, and that is how the ladies in 1920's London high society treat her with their malignant whispers and snide comments. When Marion exacts her revenge, her misdeed launches a plot to save her involving a motley crew of characters including a Canadian playwright and his theatre company, a notorious gang of female thieves, a countess's duplicitous lover, and a very devoted and decidedly unconventional aunt.
If only they can shake the relentless investigator who wants to clip Marion's wings.
Marion sat with her trusty sidekicks, overhearing her hostess, Lady Brybeck, declare her great surprise at Mr. Tuttle’s interest in the plainest of the Pallas sisters. Loudly whispered snide comments and snickers followed from some of the other ladies, who speculated that the Canadian might simply be looking for a novelty act to open his show.
Marion did not react as this was the role she had been playing her whole life. It was true that she was not a stunner like her sister Octavia, but neither was she as rigid; she was also not as bubbly as Dorothea, but neither was she as self-absorbed.
She was just the odd other sister.
Marion excused herself as she went off to the lavatory, not to cry but to get even.
It wasn’t really Marion’s fault. If Lady Brybeck had not treated her with such disdain, Marion wouldn’t have felt compelled to sneak into her opulent boudoir and pilfer an exquisite brooch that sparkled so enticingly. Marion had amassed a stunning collection of jewellery from other women who had dared to slight her—trinkets that glinted with stories of resentment. The brooch, despite its beauty, seemed like just another addition to her growing treasure trove, until the following day revealed its true worth. It was no mere brooch, but a precious gem that shimmered with the promise of riches.
Panic surged through her veins as she pondered her next move. Unsure of how to navigate the storm she had unleashed, Marion turned to her wise aunt, whose advice had guided her through many a dilemma. Thus began an adventure ripe with excitement—a maelstrom of peril, intrigue, laughter, and unexpected love that would change everything.
To Be True: The First Caper (North of the Avon Book 1) by K.D. Straus weaves an enthralling narrative that follows the compelling journey of Marion Pallas. Set against a rich backdrop, the story invites readers to immerse themselves in Marion’s adventures.
Marion Pallas, the spirited heroine of this enchanting tale, is the middle daughter of the esteemed Lord Chief Justice Bartholomew Pallas. Often overshadowed by her more accomplished sisters, Marion longs for recognition and adventure. Accompanied by her steadfast companion, Little John—a robust and loyal bull terrier—and Robin, a clever raven with a knack for collecting trinkets, Marion gets involved in a series of petty thefts. However, she does not steal from the rich to give to the poor, she targets individuals she believes have wronged her. However, on one fateful evening, she ventures too far. At an extravagant party hosted by the elegant Lady Brybeck, Marion’s eyes are drawn to a breathtaking brooch—a dazzling creation adorned with sparkling diamonds and vibrant sapphires, meticulously crafted in the shape of a delicate hummingbird. Transfixed by its brilliance, she succumbs to temptation and stealthily places the exquisite piece on the windowsill for Robin to collect and take back to his nest of treasures. When Lady Brybeck discovers that her brooch—a piece worth a small fortune—is missing, she responds immediately. The police are called, and the insurance company sends an investigator to find the missing jewellery. A witness confirms that Marion went upstairs during the party and left long before the party ended, placing her at the centre of the investigation as the primary suspect in this audacious crime. Marion, whose kleptomaniac tendencies make her akin to a magpie drawn to shiny objects, feels a sinking sensation as she realises she has crossed a line this time. Panic sets in as the reality of her situation sinks in. In her hour of need, she seeks help from her Aunt Winifred, affectionately known as “Wink.” Wink, a shrewd and resourceful woman with a talent for problem-solving, may hold the key to extricating Marion from her precarious predicament. As the stakes rise, Marion braces herself for a whirlwind of adventure and surprising twists—all the while hoping to prove her innocence. But alas, time is against her and even with the help of the Forty Elephants Gang, the brooch remains in her possession! Marian is a character that the reader cannot help but love. Although she has criminal tendencies, there is a certain understanding as to why she does what she does.
The heartwarming love story between Marian and Trudeau Tuttle, a gifted musician and playwright, unfolds beautifully, resonating with authenticity in every detail. As True becomes embroiled in Marian’s tumultuous affair surrounding the mysterious brooch, he is consumed by a fierce determination to protect her. Like her resourceful aunt, he is willing to defy convention and take bold, desperate actions to ensure Marian remains safe from the watchful eyes of the authorities, no matter the cost. Their journey is one of passion, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty, painting a vivid tableau of love’s complexities.
Aunty Wink adds a colourful spark to this story. With a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous grin, she thrives on the unconventional, all while exuding the warmth and gentleness of a nurturing soul. Her willingness to aid her niece in discreetly disposing of the brooch showcases her adventurous spirit. She navigates the murky waters of society with an effortless charm, chatting and making arrangements with some of the less reputable members of the community as if they were old friends. Wink’s expansive network of colourful characters ensures that she always knows exactly whom to reach out to in a crisis. She is a character that wins the reader’s heart—a delightful blend of fun and fierce loyalty. No matter the ups and downs caused by Marian’s reckless decisions, Wink stands steadfast, ready to lend her support and creativity in whatever way she can, embodying the essence of a true matriarch.
As the story moves to Canada, Marian encounters a new set of challenges, particularly in crafting a believable narrative about her identity and background. Despite her ironic dislike for the duplicity involved, she understands the necessity of maintaining her pretence. With True by her side and loyal friends from the theatre supporting her, she manages to keep up this facade to some extent. However, the constant worry that her past may eventually catch up with her lingers not only in the back of her mind but in the readers' as well.
The narrative vividly portrays the thrilling exploits of the Forty Elephants Gang. This all-female crime syndicate is a masterclass in the art of disguise, employing a range of clever tactics to execute their heists on chain stores with extraordinary skill. Wink’s decision to seek assistance from this notorious gang speaks volumes about her character; she is far from your typical ageing aunt figure, instead embodying strength and resourcefulness. Across both the expansive novel and the novella, Wink skilfully manipulates her association with the Forty Elephants Gang to suit her own needs. This dynamic not only highlights her cunning nature but also sets the stage for a series of captivating and entertaining storylines filled with twists and thrilling escapades.
As mentioned previously, there is also an additional novella at the end of the novel, focused exclusively on Wink and her determination to help a dear friend escape an unhappy marriage fraught with violence. The novella truly cements Wink in the readers’ hearts, as she always thinks of others before herself, making her incredibly endearing despite her unorthodox methods.
The historical portrayal of the 1920s, both in England and Canada, is remarkably vivid, immersing the reader in the vibrant essence of the era. The aftermath of the Wall Street Crash in America reverberates dramatically across the globe, with its haunting effects felt deeply in Canada. The author skilfully captures the turmoil and uncertainty of the time, painting a striking picture of disillusionment and resilience. It is abundantly clear that the author has invested extensive effort into researching this captivating period, bringing to life the intricate details that shaped the world during those transformative years.
“To Be True: The First Caper (North of the Avon Book 1)” by K.D. Straus is an enthralling tale that weaves together suspense and excitement with a delightful touch of humour. Richly layered with intrigue, this book invites readers into a vibrant world where each page brims with excitement, making it an irresistibly engaging read that captivates the imagination.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
KD (Krista) Straus
My journey as an author truly began eight years ago, during a game of ‘What would you be, if you could be anything?’ with my husband.
His cheeky response was to be an underwater firefighter. My less humorous answer was to be a writer, to which he responded, “So write.” So I did. I read somewhere that you should write what you know, so I did that too.
I have been a hairapist in Southern Ontario, Canada for over thirty years, where my miniature English Bull Terrier, generously shares his home with my husband and I. I took some of that authentic life experience, and mixed it with my love of history, and a well-timed quip, to create 'To Be True', the first novel in my North of the Avon series.
I write fiction, mostly. You get to decide what is real, and what isn’t.
Congratulations!
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