In 1890 San Francisco, wealthy English hero Matthew Covington is in the city on business, but he likes to work out privately with his whip and sword at night. When he sees a young boy being harassed by bullies he comes to the rescue, chasing the bullies away, but he keeps himself in darkness when he does it. The young boy tells his friends and acquaintances about his adventure and the bandit who rescued him, but most people really don't believe his story. Heroine Georgia Waterhouse (who works at the Grace House Mission in the poor area of San Francisco---South of the Slot) writes about it in her brother's newspaper. Soon afterwards, the people of San Francisco are all talking about the "Black Bandit" and if he is real or a fictitious story made up by the newspaper. When Matthew hears about (and sees) the poor conditions in the area and the work that Grace House is doing he decides to secretly help out as the "Black Bandit". The people are starting to believe that the "Black Bandit" is real, and it is giving hope to the poor area. Matthew is also falling for pretty and caring Grace...

I really enjoyed this charming, amusing, and fun romance. I liked the daring and caring hero Matthew and all the good he was doing. I also liked heroine Georgia, who was very sweet and kindhearted. I liked how the people all became hopeful and it brought the community together. I thought Matthew and Georgia made a lovely couple.

This was a very entertaining and heartwarming read. ( )

I disliked this book because it felt like it went on and on and on. I read this book because of the title.