Delightful from beginning to end, this rollicking jewel of a book introduces Alma, Radmilla Dillon, July Morningstar, and Grace as they form a gang with no name. Despite life's cruel blows to each of them (either previously or ongoing), they are basically honest and law-abiding and don't want to commit a crime against anyone who doesn't deserve it. This decision leads to a complex and funny quest for gain that involves a long-lost chess set, the rich and selfish Walter Wellington Biddlesford-Wight, and even the Pope.