[ARC Review] The Modiste Mishap by Erica Ridley

Publisher's synopsis: Miss Sybil Stamper is the least fancy member of the reading circle known as The Heist Club. To her friends, bespectacled Sybil is the Queen of Lists, but she’d rather be belle of the ball. When she finally acquires an evening gown, her life looks like it’s falling into place. But when a client’s valuable objects go missing, not only is Sybil’s happy ending in jeopardy—so are the futures of other young ladies just like her!

With the help of the Wild Wynchesters—a uniquely talented family of caper-committing siblings who don’t let “laws” stop them from righting wrongs—Sybil and her club of delightfully bookish spinsters take on the heist of the Season. 

My thoughts: The Modiste Mishap was such a fun novella set between the second and third Wild Wynchester book! Philippa's reading circle has played such an important role in the main books (especially The Perks of Loving a Wallflower) that I love seeing these lovely ladies getting their own turn in the spotlight in the Heist Club spin-off novellas. 

This is the second Heist Club novella, but readers can definitely get by without having read the first novella; however, readers really do need to read the main Wild Wynchester series (especially the second book) to fully understand all the references made throughout The Modiste Mishap. There are direct references to events in The Perks of Loving a Wallflower that will be missed or may even disrupt the enjoyment of this novella if readers are unfamiliar with that book. And yes, Ridley did include a cool little Easter egg for the third book, but readers can safely read this novella anytime after the second book and not be spoiled for the third. 

We don't really hear much from Sybil in the main books; she's quiet and often keeping notes on paper and in her head. But Sybil's love of lists takes a backseat when she must help London's premier dressmaker recover the season's newest fashions from a thief. I loved the way Ridley brought out Sybil's strengths, even as she continued to be viewed as the quiet, bookish one. I think a lot of readers can relate to Sybil's love of books but also her sense of adventure and need for excitement. 

As a novella, this was a quick read. However, Ridley managed to pack a lot of action and even more plotting and scheming into this shorter work. Without giving away too much of the plot, I was definitely satisfied with how the Heist Club pulled off their caper - and I was more than happy to see our favorite family show up to help Sybil and the rest of the reading circle out. 

The Modiste Mishap was just a fun read and let some of the quieter secondary Wild Wynchester characters stand out on their own. Everyone in London knows to go to the Wynchesters when you need help, but the daring ladies of the Heist Club are definitely making a name for themselves as well. 

A huge thank you to Erica Ridley for sharing this novella with her Review Crew ahead of the release date! 

--------------------

Release date: 8/26/22
Format: eARC
eARC obtained via: Erica Ridley's Review Crew