Gentleman of Misfortune

by Sarah Angleton

“Quality fiction and real history make a great match, and Sarah Angleton's Gentleman of Misfortune offers the best of both. This is an engaging story with surprises on every page”. -- Jeff Guinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Gunfight and Manson Spring 1833 Gentleman swindler Lyman Moreau is accustomed to changing his identity to suit his schemes. A new opportunity arrives when a collection of eleven mummies and several papyri covered in indecipherable hieroglyphs are due to arrive in New York’s South Street Seaport direct from the Valley of the Kings. Enlisting the help of a crooked customs agent and a black market antiquities dealer, he assumes the identity of Michael Chandler, nephew of deceased Egyptologist Antonio Lebolo, and lays claim to the shipment. The showman’s plan to amass his fortune displaying the stolen artifacts across the country becomes more complicated when one of his accomplices dies a suspicious death, causing Lyman and the man’s beautiful widow to make a hasty escape from the city. Through four states, along the Erie Canal, and eventually to the doorstep of Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, Lyman exhibits his dusty companions before a curious public. Rarely more than a few breaths ahead of his enemies, Lyman struggles to keep his prize from slipping away as he tangles with grief, love, betrayal, and a growing sense of his own mortality.

Genres: Historical Fiction

260 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2018

About the author

Sarah Angleton is the author of four novels, including the companion historical thrillers Gentleman of Misfortune and Smoke Rose to Heaven, tales of mummies, scoundrels, and smoking guns. Her third historical novel, White Man's Graveyard, is a 19th century family saga following the story of Pennsylvania siblings Annie and Sylvanus who find themselves on opposite sides of both the ocean and a monumental conflict over what it means to be free. Paradise on the Pike, her fourth novel is a historical mystery set against the backdrop of the 1904 World's Fair. Her books also include the humorous essay collection Launching Sheep & Other Stories from the Intersection of History and Nonsense, patterned after her weekly blog with which she explores the ridiculous in both history and every-day family life.

Reviews

[Margo Dill · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Gentleman of Misfortune, Lyman Moreau is a complicated, interesting, keep-readers-on-their-toes anti-hero whom all readers will find themselves cheering for, in spite of his schemes and sometimes wayward thoughts. I admire writers who can make me cheer for a main character who is not always doing the right thing, and Sarah Angleton succeeds at this task.

I also loved Sarah's writing style. This book is well-written and set me in the time period from the first word. I am envious of how easy the words flowed and her descriptive passages. This book is a tutorial for writers of historical fiction--really for any writer.

And I cannot write a review of this book without mentioning the mummies. The author's note at the end of the book reveals that there was a collection of mummies that made its way around the eastern U.S. during this time, and Sarah's creativity brings this interesting tale to life. I love historical fiction that helps me learn something I knew nothing about--this book does that!

She also does a great job of showing the thoughts of society in the time period. Nowadays, most of us would think: It is interesting to see a mummy, and we would go to a museum to see it. But we wouldn't worry about curses or bad luck following us because of our association with mummies. (or most of us wouldn't! You never know...) In Gentleman of Misfortune, this was another interesting kind of mystical side to this book. The characters in the time period wondered: are these mummies cursing us? Should we rid ourselves of them?

I highly recommend this first novel from Sarah Angleton and am excitedly waiting to see what she produces next!

[Fiza Pathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Gentleman of Misfortune' by author Sarah Angleton is the story of a swindler who is out to make his money on Egyptian mummies. He encounters many people on his way including a woman who has captured his heart. Does he manage to swindle the world or is there something odd about these mummies with their individual scrolls that need to be analyzed ? This & more you will find out in this novel 'Gentleman of Misfortune'. The book was a historical novel & that's why I chose to read it since I am a qualified history teacher & lover of things in the realm of history. I admire the author's dedication to detail & her unique writing style. I loved the historical personalities & institutions she has incorporated here in her novel 'Gentleman of Misfortune'. The book is dramatic, full of surprises & the tale of one man's quest through the world of cheats, cheaters & cheating hearts. The depth of insight into each character in the novel by talented author Sarah Angleton was not lost on me. My favorite parts in the novel was when the protagonist encounters the Freemasons & when he meets up with an old love & her family during his travels. The book has a wonderful climax which is not to be missed. I never thought the book would end in such a manner which only proves the fact that Angleton writes in a style that qualifies her to stand out as a true professional of her craft. I enjoyed every minute of the book from the moment of the gambling scene at the beginning of this story till the last personal notes of the author to the reader interested in the historical details that went in the making of the story. Angleton writes her novels with the precision of a true historian & adds so much of color to the story that makes for a very pleasant read. I look forward to reading more of her books especially on historical topics in the near future. If you want to read a fresh & fascinating page turner of a novel based on Egyptian mummies then go for it, pick up your copy of Sarah Angleton's book today. Pick up her book & get a fresh perspective on what could be the reality of the many mummies the protagonist had to deal with in this story. Go for it, buy the book!

[Katie Boring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Lyman Moreau a 19th century gentleman swindler, who for his next scheme gets a shipment of eleven mummies. This happens in the spring of 1833,he becomes a showman of these mummies and the journey begins with love, betrayal, murder, across four states, and the Erie Canal. Over the states things happen that can only have you wanting more so I recommend you read the book.



I enjoyed this book allot. I didn't want to put the book down. I read it in less than a week. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a story that will keep them guessing at every turn. I loved this book. Thank you Sarah for letting me read it early before release date to review honestly.

[Pat Wahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Showman Lyman Moreau is determined to make his fortune with pilfered Egyptian antiquities that include mummies and undecipherable scrolls. It seems his plan may succeed until events move in a deadly direction.

Adventures abound in this compelling tale of a flawed man on an unforgettable journey. With a meticulous eye for detail, the author spins a dark tale of intrigue, mystery, and forbidden love against the vivid backdrop of a fascinating era. Highly recommend!

[J.J. Zerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentleman of Misfortune

Ms. Angleton’s mendacious main miscreant, Lyman Moreau, meanders through the early 1800s and the northeastern US parading purloined mummies in his latest money-making scheme. Mr. Moreau journeys through authentic settings of time and place, testimony to the historian and researcher in the writer. As I read the story, I found myself beginning to feel sympathy for particular characters only to find they, like Lyman, were not to be trusted. The only characters I felt enduring sympathy for were the poor abused and exploited mummies. But then I began to feel the humanity in even shyster Lyman.
Ms. Angleton has crafted an engaging story, nicely paced, cleverly structured, and interesting as all get out.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Gentlemen Of Misfortune is historical fiction set in nineteenth-century America. It is based around true tales of a showman who acquired ancient Egyptian mummies and artefacts.

The book opens in a seedy gambling establishment in New York. Lyman Moreau is a conman who recognises an opportunity to make money. He hears of a shipment that has recently arrived, containing valuable Egyptian goods, the owner of which has just died. Acting fast, Moreau asks his friend and mentor, Horace Laurent, to get false papers claiming Lyman is the rightful heir to the goods. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bII

[Jeanne Felfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read much historical fiction, but when I do, I find myself drawn into the stories and wondering how much is real and how much is the author's imagination. From reading Ms. Angleton's "Launching Sheep" I knew she had a unique (twisted) way of presenting historical fact and blending it with enough fiction to make it captivating. This novel about mummies and canals and murder and intrigue fit the bill. It was not only an interesting read, but one that brought me into the loop on many historical facts. Well done.

I received an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review. However, I loved the book so much I bought an autographed copy.

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating historical fiction with its unusual plot is about mummies, con artists, a mysterious death, and murder. For the most part it is an interesting and enjoyable read. With that being said, I had difficulty believing that the mummified body of Quinn would not be discovered as not being thousands of years old. Perhaps that could happen, but I am not convinced. For me, the story line began to drag towards the last one-fourth of the book and I was getting anxious to get to the end.
This is a book I would recommend and I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Angleton.

[Velma Finnern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This week I read Gentleman of Misfortune by Sarah Angleton. It is historical fiction set in the 1830s beginning in New York and following the progress of a shipment of Egyptian artifacts (including mummies). The author did her research of the time period including travel and lodging accommodations through several states. I particularly liked the journey through the locks on the Erie Canal. It's a good read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was smart and kept me engaged throughout. The time period and history were fascinating and I felt that I was there. The characters were well-written and the story progressed at a great pace.

I am continually looking for a main character who's complex, but that I ultimately can root for in the end. I'm happy to say that this book achieved both.

Highly recommend.

[Tracy Kennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I am never quite sure how a story is going to end, but I can’t wait to find out... That’s the sign of great storytelling! Top that with the characters surprising me throughout, a historical journey into America’s past that’s off the beaten path, and the peculiarity of mummies; Sarah Angleton’s Gentleman of Misfortune is a book you should read! I consider the cameo that snuck up on me midway through and made me smile a bonus!

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyman steals a shipment of Egyptian mummies and takes them on the road as he flees pursuers and accusations of murder. While caring for the widow of his recently deceased friend, a woman he has fallen in love for and who is also very ill, he tracked down an old associate who is versed in natural medicines. A very twisty tense but enjoyable tale written by a gifted writer.

[Tammie Painter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I was expecting a slightly different story, I was in no way disappointed with this engaging cat-and-mouse adventure filled with intriguing droplets of history that I'd never read about before. This definitely kept me turning the pages for more!

[Diane How · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow, Sarah Angleton makes you care about this swindler and root for him to the very end. Mummies, Murder, and More. Hard to put down and I have to admit, I gasped a few times. Excellently written and researched.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Loved the way Sarah wove a tale that was based in history, yet put personalities to the people involved. Fun read for October!

[Susan Worley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! No one does research like Sarah. The details are so good and bring you into the story. Loved it even more because of the audio version.

[Amy Houke]

This book scored an A with me! I have very high standards for the fiction I read and it met them all. Fiction needs to be well-written, have well-developed characters, be well-researched and present a plot that I care about. Check, check, check, check! I thoroughly enjoyed every page! Ms. Angleton succeeded in taking me back to a place and time that I came to know and understand, provided imagery that gave me a crisp, clear picture of the setting and detailed for the reader well thought out character attributes (that made me often love and hate a character at the same time!).

Well, done, Ms. Angleton!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentleman of Misfortune starts out in New York in 1833 where a young deceiver named Lyman Moreau takes on the identity of Michael Chandler, a nephew of a deceased Egyptologist Antonio Lebolo. The reasoning behind this is so that he is able to get his grimy hands on a very valuable shipment from the Valley of the Kings. It consist of eleven mummies and several papyri covered in hieroglyphs. Things go awry when one of his accomplices dies and he has to flee the city, taking the accomplices charming widow along with him. They travel through four states only stopping long enough to show their newly acquired exhibit in order to have the funds to continue to travel to escape their enemy. Will they be able to continue to conceal their identities and outrun their assailants?

Even though the characters were in disguise, I felt like Angleton did a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life. They each had their own story but their lives intertwined beautifully. It was effortless to fall in love with each of them.
With her detailed descriptions of the different settings, it was easy to imagine myself traveling in the carriage right alongside them. I was completely drawn into the story which made it very difficult to put the book down.
The author stayed close to historical facts while sprinkling it with enough fiction to make the story exceptionally entertaining.

Sarah Angleton is a fabulous researcher with an admirable gift of writing. I highly recommend this wonderful book!