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TL;DR: In the canal city of Camorr, orphan Locke Lamora leads the Gentleman Bastards, a small gang of brilliant con artists who secretly steal from the rich nobility. While they are pulling off an elaborate swindle, a mysterious figure called the Gray King begins killing the city's crime bosses. Locke and his friends are dragged into a deadly war that tests their loyalty.
Table of Contents
The Lies of Locke Lamora at a Glance
| Author | Scott Lynch |
| First published | 2006 |
| Type | Fantasy |
| Best for | readers who want a clever, funny and violent fantasy heist story |
The Lies of Locke Lamora is the first novel in the Gentleman Bastard series by Scott Lynch, published in 2006. It was nominated for the World Fantasy Award. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes graphic violence, torture, death and strong language.
Main Characters
- Locke Lamora: A brilliant, reckless con artist.
- Jean Tannen: Locke's loyal, powerful best friend.
- Calo and Galdo Sanza: Twin members of the gang.
- Bug: The youngest Gentleman Bastard.
- The Gray King: A mysterious enemy targeting the city's crime bosses.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Childhood
Locke, an orphan, grows up among child thieves in Camorr. He is so clever and dangerous that his first master sells him to Chains, a kindly old con artist who trains a small gang of orphans in the arts of disguise, languages, cooking and manners. Locke, Jean and the Sanza twins learn to pass as anyone, from servants to nobles.
The con
As adults, the Gentleman Bastards pretend to be minor thieves who pay their dues to Capa Barsavi, the city's crime boss. In secret, they target rich nobles. Their current scheme targets Don and Doña Salvara, a noble couple, by persuading them to invest in a fake brandy business. Locke plays a merchant, wearing disguises and telling elaborate lies.
The Gray King
A mysterious figure called the Gray King is murdering Barsavi's captains. He forces Locke to impersonate him in a meeting with Barsavi. The plan turns violent: the Gray King, helped by a powerful hired mage called a Bondsmage, kills Barsavi and his family and takes over the city's underworld. The Gray King also kills the Sanza twins and Bug.
Survival
Locke is nearly drowned in a barrel of horse urine, and Jean barely escapes. The two friends mourn their companions and swear revenge. They learn that the Gray King wants revenge on the city's nobles, for they killed his family, and plans to murder them all at a great party. Locke must stop him, while also escaping from the Duke's secret spymaster, the Spider.
Revenge
Locke and Jean fight their way through the Gray King's men. The Bondsmage is captured and maimed so that he can never cast spells again, and the Gray King is killed in a final, desperate fight. Locke is badly wounded. The Salvaras discover the truth about the con. Locke and Jean leave Camorr, poorer but alive, ready for new adventures.
5 Key Takeaways
- Friendship is the greatest treasure.
- Cleverness can outwit power.
- Revenge can drive people to terrible acts.
- Loyalty is tested in hard times.
- A good plan needs room for surprise.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Lies can hide pain as well as truth.
- Losing friends changes a person forever.
- Even thieves can have a code of honor.
Who Should Read The Lies of Locke Lamora?
Read The Lies of Locke Lamora if you enjoy heist stories, witty dialogue and dark, grown-up fantasy. It suits adults.
About Scott Lynch
Scott Lynch (born 1978) is an American fantasy writer from Minnesota. The Lies of Locke Lamora was his first novel. It was followed by Red Seas Under Red Skies and The Republic of Thieves, and further books in the series have been planned. He is known for sharp dialogue, complex plots and inventive swearing.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Lies of Locke Lamora:
- Why do the Gentleman Bastards steal from the rich?
- How does the friendship between Locke and Jean drive the story?
- What makes the Gray King a strong villain?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Lies of Locke Lamora is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Lies of Locke Lamora, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is clever, funny and thrilling, with a great friendship at its core.
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What to Read Next
- Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch: the second Gentleman Bastard novel
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: a fantasy heist crew
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss: a clever young hero in a rich fantasy world
Related: 15 Books Like The Lies of Locke Lamora You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Lies of Locke Lamora about?
A gang of con artists faces a deadly enemy in a fantasy city.
Who wrote it?
Scott Lynch, in 2006.
Who are the Gentleman Bastards?
A small gang of skilled con artists.
Where is it set?
Camorr, a city inspired by Venice.
Who is the Gray King?
A mysterious enemy seeking revenge on the city's nobles.
Who is Jean Tannen?
Locke's best friend and a strong fighter.
What is a Bondsmage?
A powerful mage who works for hire.
Is it a series?
Yes, the Gentleman Bastard series.
What age is it for?
Adults.
How long is it?
About 500 to 700 pages, depending on edition.
Is it violent?
Yes, it has graphic scenes.
What comes next?
Red Seas Under Red Skies.
Is it a good book for fans of heist films?
Yes. Its clever cons and twists will feel familiar to anyone who loves Ocean's Eleven.
Is The Lies of Locke Lamora worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a clever, funny and violent fantasy heist story. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.