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Cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora

Fantasy

The Lies of Locke Lamora

by Scott Lynch

4.4 out of 5, from 1,970 ratings from Hardcover readers

A brilliant young thief leads a gang of con artists who rob the nobles of a canal city, until a mysterious figure begins killing the underworld's leaders. Locke's carefully planned cons are swept up in a bigger, bloodier fight.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2006
Pace
Medium
Length
Long
Pages
722
Format
Book 1 of 3 in Gentleman Bastard
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a profane, funny, plotty fantasy with elaborate cons and tight friendships.

Skip this if you dislike swearing, graphic violence or a book that cuts back and forth between past and present.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Torture
  • Death
  • Gore
  • Child abuse

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Animal death
  • Fatphobia
  • Grief
  • Body shaming

Quick answers about The Lies of Locke Lamora

What is The Lies of Locke Lamora about?
A brilliant young thief leads a gang of con artists who rob the nobles of a canal city, until a mysterious figure begins killing the underworld's leaders. Locke's carefully planned cons are swept up in a bigger, bloodier fight.
Who should read The Lies of Locke Lamora?
Read it if you want a profane, funny, plotty fantasy with elaborate cons and tight friendships. Skip it if you dislike swearing, graphic violence or a book that cuts back and forth between past and present.
How long and how fast is The Lies of Locke Lamora?
It is a medium-paced, long read of about 722 pages, first published in 2006.
Does The Lies of Locke Lamora have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Torture, Death, Gore, Child abuse.
Can I borrow The Lies of Locke Lamora for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Lies of Locke Lamora; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Lies of Locke Lamora?
Readers who liked it often move on to Six of Crows, The Blade Itself, Mistborn: The Final Empire.

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