The Thief Lord

In the enchanting yet chilly autumn of Venice, private detective Victor Getz is approached by Esther and Max Hartlieb. They seek his help to find their runaway nephews, Prosper and Bo , who fled from Hamburg to avoid being separated. Esther wants to adopt the younger Bo , leaving Prosper behind. Victor , intrigued by the challenge, agrees to take the case, unaware of the adventure and moral dilemmas that await him. Prosper and Bo have indeed made it to Venice, where they join a group of street children led by the enigmatic Thief Lord , Scipio . The group, including Hornet , Riccio , and Mosca

Theme 1: Runaways Find Refuge Together

This thread running through The Thief Lord gives the story its emotional weight. Cornelia Funke weaves it into the narrative with skill, ensuring that the reader feels the stakes as deeply as the characters do.

What Readers Say About The Thief Lord

The Thief Lord has resonated with readers for its emotional honesty and vivid storytelling. Many describe finishing it in a single sitting — drawn forward by Cornelia Funke's prose and an almost desperate need to know how it ends.

A Passage Worth Sitting With

"Runaways Find Refuge Together" — Cornelia Funke, The Thief Lord

About the Author

Cornelia Funke is the author of The Thief Lord. Known for emotionally resonant storytelling, their work has found devoted readers across the globe.