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Thieving Shadows: A Steampunk Mystery Thriller
Surviving in Rookfall depends on rank or thievery, and no one can be trusted.
Genevieve is a master one of the renowned Shadows, instilling fear into the elites. One night, an easy job to steal an automaton ends in confusion.
Waking three years later in the presence of Matthew Tilcott, a lesser, in a city turned unfamiliar, she sets out to discover what happened that night and why she can see things others can't. As she searches for answers, she unearths a conspiracy to find and use the powerful Star. When Genevieve learns of why the elites and the lessers seek it and its corruptive nature, she determines no one should wield such power. It should be destroyed. But to do so, she must eliminate the last personal connection to her old life.
Will she help this corrupt city and start a new life with Matthew, or only look out for herself?
If you like a strong female lead, Gaslamp adventure, and the Victorian era, you'll love this steampunk mystery thriller standalone novel.
Get your copy now!
Genevieve is a master one of the renowned Shadows, instilling fear into the elites. One night, an easy job to steal an automaton ends in confusion.
Waking three years later in the presence of Matthew Tilcott, a lesser, in a city turned unfamiliar, she sets out to discover what happened that night and why she can see things others can't. As she searches for answers, she unearths a conspiracy to find and use the powerful Star. When Genevieve learns of why the elites and the lessers seek it and its corruptive nature, she determines no one should wield such power. It should be destroyed. But to do so, she must eliminate the last personal connection to her old life.
Will she help this corrupt city and start a new life with Matthew, or only look out for herself?
If you like a strong female lead, Gaslamp adventure, and the Victorian era, you'll love this steampunk mystery thriller standalone novel.
Get your copy now!
298 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2025
5 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Piro
8 books72 followersJessica is an author in a wheelchair and has Type 1 Diabetes. Her multi-genre works cater to YA, NA, and Adults, and can be found on Wattpad and Amazon.
She lives in Northeast Louisiana and lives with her mom, dad, two brothers, and a three-legged cat named Daisy.
She lives in Northeast Louisiana and lives with her mom, dad, two brothers, and a three-legged cat named Daisy.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 26, 2026
She Reappeared After 3 Years
Thieving Shadows is my introduction to Jessica Piro world and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. This is also my first steam punk thriller mystery book.
You’re thrown into a world where
✨ the elite are morally gray
✨ the poor are barely surviving
✨ and everyone is looking out for themselves
And then there’s the FMC, who comes back after losing three years of her life with the ability to see through things… and
TRUST, that changes everything.
What got me?
Her character growth.
She starts off focused on survival and herself (as she should in a world like this), but watching her slowly realize that maybe… that’s not the only way to live?
Yeah. That hit. (Just look at our current world situation.)
And the MMC?
He brings that “not everything is black and white” energy, showing her that there’s good and bad in every class, every person… every choice.
This book gives:
✨ morally gray characters
✨ class divide tension
✨ mystery + hidden truths
✨ character growth that actually matters
And the way the world is built?
You can feel how everyone is just trying to survive, which makes every decision feel heavier.
Overall, I went in curious…
AND came out completely enamored with the storyline.
If you like stories that make you think while still pulling you into a gritty, emotional world…
WELL this one’s for you. 🖤📖
Thieving Shadows is my introduction to Jessica Piro world and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. This is also my first steam punk thriller mystery book.
You’re thrown into a world where
✨ the elite are morally gray
✨ the poor are barely surviving
✨ and everyone is looking out for themselves
And then there’s the FMC, who comes back after losing three years of her life with the ability to see through things… and
TRUST, that changes everything.
What got me?
Her character growth.
She starts off focused on survival and herself (as she should in a world like this), but watching her slowly realize that maybe… that’s not the only way to live?
Yeah. That hit. (Just look at our current world situation.)
And the MMC?
He brings that “not everything is black and white” energy, showing her that there’s good and bad in every class, every person… every choice.
This book gives:
✨ morally gray characters
✨ class divide tension
✨ mystery + hidden truths
✨ character growth that actually matters
And the way the world is built?
You can feel how everyone is just trying to survive, which makes every decision feel heavier.
Overall, I went in curious…
AND came out completely enamored with the storyline.
If you like stories that make you think while still pulling you into a gritty, emotional world…
WELL this one’s for you. 🖤📖
November 8, 2025
With just the first couple of chapters, you're invited into a vivid well built world with characters you know are going to get into your head. Instantly I was reminded of playing a video game. I could imagine running home as Matthew. I could also imagine the game starting as waking up as Genevieve.
While there are some familiar fantasy tropes, this is a really unique and entertaining book, and I enjoyed being part of it. I loved the attention to detail and this was really heightened by the fact we even got a map!
I recommend this to fantasy / steampunk / mystery lovers.
While there are some familiar fantasy tropes, this is a really unique and entertaining book, and I enjoyed being part of it. I loved the attention to detail and this was really heightened by the fact we even got a map!
I recommend this to fantasy / steampunk / mystery lovers.
August 20, 2025
This is a great book. I love how it shows the clash between darkness and light that exists in society, but also within each individual person. I also love the themes of Robin Hood morality that always makes this kind of story fun to read for me. Definitely recommend.
March 25, 2026
Thieving Shadows by Jessica Piro is a fast-paced steampunk mystery set in a gritty, class-divided world. Genevieve is a strong, compelling main character, and the twists kept me hooked the whole time.
Such a fun read I loved it!
Such a fun read I loved it!
August 14, 2025
Cool Steampunk fantasy and mystery
Read this book if you enjoy a good fantasy with steampunk flare and a mystery mixed in. I enjoyed the main character, Genevieve, a theif who isn't a typical hero. She has flaws and you may not be sure if she'll do the "right" thing. Her counterpart Matthew is sweet and a good foil to her secretive personality.
The world building in Thieving Shadows was also really good and I wish there were more!
The fantasy elements were good too, though at the begining were a bit confusing. Yet as the story went on it flowed well and I couldn't stop reading to figure out the mystery 🌟
Read this book if you enjoy a good fantasy with steampunk flare and a mystery mixed in. I enjoyed the main character, Genevieve, a theif who isn't a typical hero. She has flaws and you may not be sure if she'll do the "right" thing. Her counterpart Matthew is sweet and a good foil to her secretive personality.
The world building in Thieving Shadows was also really good and I wish there were more!
The fantasy elements were good too, though at the begining were a bit confusing. Yet as the story went on it flowed well and I couldn't stop reading to figure out the mystery 🌟
May 13, 2025
Set in a city where thieving is the only way to survive or rise to the top, we follow a protagonist that has awakened. Awakened from what? An experiment gone wrong several years past. As she attempts to find her missing memories with the aid of a man that simply doesn't follow the status quo, she discovers her city had become far worse than pre-accident. Action, colorful characters, hope in the darkest of places, love, and gut wrenching heart ache; you'll find it here. Welcome to Rookfall.
June 19, 2025
In Thieving Shadows, Jessica Piro drops readers into the gritty, class-divided city of Rookfall, where a young cobbler’s apprentice, Matthew, and a mysterious thief named Genevieve find themselves tangled in a larger conspiracy involving power, memory loss, and revolution. The story unfolds through their unlikely bond as they navigate corrupt law enforcers, violent inequality, and a lingering mystery surrounding a devastating explosion that changed their city forever. It's a tale of survival, rebellion, and rediscovery set against a rich and decaying steampunk backdrop full of haunting ruins and shadowy secrets.
I was immediately drawn in by Piro’s worldbuilding. The setting is tangible. You can feel the damp rot of the Barrows, hear the buzz of the airships, and taste the desperation in every stolen bite. What I really appreciated was how Piro layered Rookfall's society. There’s no subtlety to the cruelty of the elites or the grinding poverty of the lessers, but that works in the book’s favor. The story doesn’t pretend life is fair. It shows how people survive when hope seems naïve. And while the plot dabbles in the fantastical with hidden powers and ancient machines, it's grounded in sharp and often painful truths about oppression and human nature. I found myself rooting for Genevieve not just as a character, but as a symbol of rebellion. She's clever, dangerous, and stubbornly alive.
But what got me emotionally was the relationship between Genevieve and Matthew. There’s no forced romance or cheesy dialogue. It’s awkward and real. They both carry deep scars--hers from betrayal, his from poverty and fear. And yet there’s a fragile trust that builds in stolen moments. Matthew’s kindness is quiet but powerful, and Genevieve’s journey from lone wolf to someone who might accept help resonated with me. Piro doesn’t rush their connection, and that patience pays off. The villain, Baron Hawkes, felt a bit cartoonishly evil at times, but that's a small bump in an otherwise gripping ride.
Thieving Shadows surprised me with its heart. I heartily enjoyed the steampunk adventure and the dystopian mystery. It’s a story about people trying to matter in a world that wants them forgotten. Fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows or Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series will find their next great read here. It's messy, dark, and relatable, and I couldn’t put it down.
I was immediately drawn in by Piro’s worldbuilding. The setting is tangible. You can feel the damp rot of the Barrows, hear the buzz of the airships, and taste the desperation in every stolen bite. What I really appreciated was how Piro layered Rookfall's society. There’s no subtlety to the cruelty of the elites or the grinding poverty of the lessers, but that works in the book’s favor. The story doesn’t pretend life is fair. It shows how people survive when hope seems naïve. And while the plot dabbles in the fantastical with hidden powers and ancient machines, it's grounded in sharp and often painful truths about oppression and human nature. I found myself rooting for Genevieve not just as a character, but as a symbol of rebellion. She's clever, dangerous, and stubbornly alive.
But what got me emotionally was the relationship between Genevieve and Matthew. There’s no forced romance or cheesy dialogue. It’s awkward and real. They both carry deep scars--hers from betrayal, his from poverty and fear. And yet there’s a fragile trust that builds in stolen moments. Matthew’s kindness is quiet but powerful, and Genevieve’s journey from lone wolf to someone who might accept help resonated with me. Piro doesn’t rush their connection, and that patience pays off. The villain, Baron Hawkes, felt a bit cartoonishly evil at times, but that's a small bump in an otherwise gripping ride.
Thieving Shadows surprised me with its heart. I heartily enjoyed the steampunk adventure and the dystopian mystery. It’s a story about people trying to matter in a world that wants them forgotten. Fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows or Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series will find their next great read here. It's messy, dark, and relatable, and I couldn’t put it down.
November 24, 2025
I don't usually read many steampunk novels, but this one knocked my socks off! I loved the action, the characters, and everything about the book.
This is a story of two classes - the elite and the lessers. The elite like to take their frustrations out on the lessers, even when they have done nothing wrong. They live in fear of the elite, but perhaps the elite fear that they will band together and rise up to overthrow what they have.
The story focuses on Genevieve and Matthew. Genevieve is a master thief and part of the Shadows. Something happened three years ago, and she is back trying to figure out what happened then, what happened to her partner, and what can be done to save the world. Matthew is a lesser working in a cobbler's shop, but he has a heart of gold and wants to help everyone out. However, after a particular event, he must change his path and work to become a thief and a Shadow.
This novel is action-packed from start to finish. I kept wondering what would happen next, what the Star they were trying to find looked like, and how nimble Genevieve and Matthew were when stealing from the elite. There is also an attraction between Genevieve and Matthew. It takes most of the book for the truth to come out, but this only adds to the story's tension.
I enjoyed the various inventions and technologies that helped move the story forward. The interactions among the characters give us something to think about, as not all of their actions are honorable. It might also cause you to stop and think about how you might react in the same situation.
This is a book that shouldn't be missed, and we give it 5 paws up.
This is a story of two classes - the elite and the lessers. The elite like to take their frustrations out on the lessers, even when they have done nothing wrong. They live in fear of the elite, but perhaps the elite fear that they will band together and rise up to overthrow what they have.
The story focuses on Genevieve and Matthew. Genevieve is a master thief and part of the Shadows. Something happened three years ago, and she is back trying to figure out what happened then, what happened to her partner, and what can be done to save the world. Matthew is a lesser working in a cobbler's shop, but he has a heart of gold and wants to help everyone out. However, after a particular event, he must change his path and work to become a thief and a Shadow.
This novel is action-packed from start to finish. I kept wondering what would happen next, what the Star they were trying to find looked like, and how nimble Genevieve and Matthew were when stealing from the elite. There is also an attraction between Genevieve and Matthew. It takes most of the book for the truth to come out, but this only adds to the story's tension.
I enjoyed the various inventions and technologies that helped move the story forward. The interactions among the characters give us something to think about, as not all of their actions are honorable. It might also cause you to stop and think about how you might react in the same situation.
This is a book that shouldn't be missed, and we give it 5 paws up.
July 1, 2025
Automatons, airships, and guilds--oh my!
I’ve been a big fan of Jessica Piro’s indie authored work for some time, so naturally when I was given the opportunity to beta-read for her latest novel, “Thieving Shadows,” I jumped at the chance. As a rabid fan of science fiction myself, I was delighted to learn that her new work would encompass the eclectic subgenre known as Steampunk! You’re in for a wild ride. Put the kettle on and cozy up, for the fog awaits you in the menacing backwater town of Rookfall. Care to take a dare?
Ms. Piro’s new tale has something for everyone: action, adventure, mystery, suspense, heartfelt relationships, and with characters you’ll really get to know and revere. As a writer myself, the world-building is first rate, and I unsuccessfully found myself trying to guess how it was all going to turn out. There are surprises around each corner, so make sure to plan ahead as you’ll likely be up very late, and unable to put this one down. I urge you to book passage via your closest dirigible airship and go pick up “Thieving Shadows” now!
A special shoutout to the superb map of Rookfall included at the beginning of the book, drawn by the incomparable Dewi Hargreaves. This is a piece of ‘back matter’ that really helps set the scene and is a refreshing bonus to any work of fiction these days.
I’ve been a big fan of Jessica Piro’s indie authored work for some time, so naturally when I was given the opportunity to beta-read for her latest novel, “Thieving Shadows,” I jumped at the chance. As a rabid fan of science fiction myself, I was delighted to learn that her new work would encompass the eclectic subgenre known as Steampunk! You’re in for a wild ride. Put the kettle on and cozy up, for the fog awaits you in the menacing backwater town of Rookfall. Care to take a dare?
Ms. Piro’s new tale has something for everyone: action, adventure, mystery, suspense, heartfelt relationships, and with characters you’ll really get to know and revere. As a writer myself, the world-building is first rate, and I unsuccessfully found myself trying to guess how it was all going to turn out. There are surprises around each corner, so make sure to plan ahead as you’ll likely be up very late, and unable to put this one down. I urge you to book passage via your closest dirigible airship and go pick up “Thieving Shadows” now!
A special shoutout to the superb map of Rookfall included at the beginning of the book, drawn by the incomparable Dewi Hargreaves. This is a piece of ‘back matter’ that really helps set the scene and is a refreshing bonus to any work of fiction these days.
October 1, 2025
Jessica Piro delivers a compelling steampunk action mystery with Thieving Shadows! We join Genevieve, a master thief on a heist to steal an automaton gone awry. Genevieve then awakens three years later with no memory of what happened, leading her on a quest to reclaim lost time and stop a conspiracy that could doom all existence. Piro masterfully builds a compelling world with all that steampunk grit we all love, from a gritty city powered by strange machines, to a class struggle between elites and thieves, to a more mysterious magical side of things. I really enjoyed the characters and the dynamic between tough talking and morally ambiguous Genevieve and the much kinder Matthew. The story honestly reminded me (in a very good way) of Arcane, but it held its own with its own unique look at magic and worldbuilding. If you love steampunk, books where the setting is very much a character, or mysteries, definitely come steal a look at Thieving Shadows!
May 19, 2025
I got to beta-read Thieving Shadows for Jess, as well as edit the book before publishing, and I gotta say... this book is SO good! Jess is such an amazing storyteller, and her imagination is so much fun! Since I hadn't read much steampunk before, I honestly didn't know what to think, but the world came alive for me, and I could imagine Gen and Matt so easily through Jess's words. I'm proud to call her friend, I'm proud to get to work with her, and I'm proud to recommend her books to you. If you haven't read Thieving Shadows yet, you totally should!
February 22, 2026
At our recent brunch meetup with Books n Brunch PGH Area in Pittsburgh, someone suggested Thieving Shadows: A Steampunk Mystery Thriller by Jessica Piro as one of the titles to talk about.
The premise alone made for a lively conversation. A mysterious city, a thief waking up years later with strange abilities, and a conspiracy surrounding a powerful object there was plenty for our group to speculate about. Several people were especially drawn to the steampunk setting and the strong female lead.
The premise alone made for a lively conversation. A mysterious city, a thief waking up years later with strange abilities, and a conspiracy surrounding a powerful object there was plenty for our group to speculate about. Several people were especially drawn to the steampunk setting and the strong female lead.
February 22, 2026
During our latest Books n Brunch PGH Area gathering in Pittsburgh, Thieving Shadows came up during our book chat.
The group seemed intrigued by the world of Rookfall and the idea of a character waking up years later trying to piece together what really happened. The steampunk atmosphere and the mystery surrounding the “Star” definitely sparked some curiosity around the table.
The group seemed intrigued by the world of Rookfall and the idea of a character waking up years later trying to piece together what really happened. The steampunk atmosphere and the mystery surrounding the “Star” definitely sparked some curiosity around the table.
February 22, 2026
Our brunch discussion with Books n Brunch PGH Area in Pittsburgh recently included Thieving Shadows.
Even just going over the setup of the story led to a fun conversation. The mix of steampunk, mystery, and a city divided by class made people curious about the world the author created. It’s the kind of premise that naturally invites speculation.
Even just going over the setup of the story led to a fun conversation. The mix of steampunk, mystery, and a city divided by class made people curious about the world the author created. It’s the kind of premise that naturally invites speculation.
February 22, 2026
At a recent Books n Brunch PGH Area meetup in Pittsburgh, Thieving Shadows was one of the books we talked about over coffee and brunch.
The idea of Genevieve waking up three years later in a changed city caught everyone’s attention. It raised a lot of questions about what might have happened during that missing time and how the conspiracy around the Star might unfold.
The idea of Genevieve waking up three years later in a changed city caught everyone’s attention. It raised a lot of questions about what might have happened during that missing time and how the conspiracy around the Star might unfold.
February 22, 2026
Our group at Books n Brunch PGH Area in Pittsburgh had a nice chat about Thieving Shadows.
What stood out during the discussion was the steampunk setting mixed with a mystery thriller plot. Several members said the premise felt like it could lead to plenty of twists, especially with Genevieve trying to uncover the truth about her past.
What stood out during the discussion was the steampunk setting mixed with a mystery thriller plot. Several members said the premise felt like it could lead to plenty of twists, especially with Genevieve trying to uncover the truth about her past.
February 22, 2026
At brunch with Books n Brunch PGH Area here in Pittsburgh, someone brought up Thieving Shadows and it sparked quite a few interesting thoughts around the table.
The group seemed especially interested in the world of Rookfall and the divide between elites and lessers. Stories that explore power, secrets, and hidden motives always make for a good discussion.
The group seemed especially interested in the world of Rookfall and the divide between elites and lessers. Stories that explore power, secrets, and hidden motives always make for a good discussion.
February 22, 2026
Thieving Shadows came up during our latest Books n Brunch PGH Area gathering in Pittsburgh, and it quickly became one of those books everyone had something to say about.
The premise of a master thief dealing with lost time and uncovering a larger conspiracy definitely caught people’s attention. It sounded like a story with plenty of intrigue.
The premise of a master thief dealing with lost time and uncovering a larger conspiracy definitely caught people’s attention. It sounded like a story with plenty of intrigue.
February 22, 2026
During one of our relaxed brunch meetings with Books n Brunch PGH Area in Pittsburgh, Thieving Shadows was a title that sparked some curiosity.
The steampunk elements and the mystery surrounding Genevieve’s missing years made for an engaging conversation. A few people were already wondering how the pieces of the story might come together.
The steampunk elements and the mystery surrounding Genevieve’s missing years made for an engaging conversation. A few people were already wondering how the pieces of the story might come together.
February 22, 2026
At our latest Books n Brunch PGH Area meetup in Pittsburgh, Thieving Shadows by Jessica Piro was one of the books we spent some time discussing.
The group seemed drawn to the mix of mystery and adventure set in a Victorian-inspired world. The concept of a powerful object like the Star and the consequences of controlling it led to some thoughtful speculation.
The group seemed drawn to the mix of mystery and adventure set in a Victorian-inspired world. The concept of a powerful object like the Star and the consequences of controlling it led to some thoughtful speculation.
May 14, 2025
If you want darker, eerier steampunk, a strong FMC that has emotions, helpful and likeable MMCs, clean romance, and a city-altering, life-changing mystery revolving around a mystical, powerful, but corruptive item, you will enjoy my latest book!
February 22, 2026
One of the titles that came up at our Books n Brunch PGH Area brunch in Pittsburgh was Thieving Shadows.
The premise alone sparked a lively discussion. A strong lead character, a mysterious city, and hints of a deeper conspiracy are always good ingredients for a story that gets readers talking.
The premise alone sparked a lively discussion. A strong lead character, a mysterious city, and hints of a deeper conspiracy are always good ingredients for a story that gets readers talking.
April 19, 2025
If you enjoy strong, morally-grey characters who see their partners as equals, you'll love this book. You won't be able to resist the tension and chemistry between the two protagonists as they navigate a dark steampunk world and learn to trust one another with their lives. I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to anyone who loves steampunk, dark fantasy, grimdark, and/or no-spice romance. Note: I received an earlier copy of this book to beta-read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews