Product Description

When a petty thief falls though a glass roof in his attempt to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him marks the beginning of a while new life. After his broken body is reconstructed by an ambitious young doctor, he is released from prison, and--with the help of Victorian London's extensive sewer system--he becomes the most elusive burglar in the city. He adopts a dual existence as a respectable, wealthy gentleman named Montmorency, and his degenerate servant Scarper. But Montmorency must always be on guard. The smallest mistake could reveal his secret and ruin both his lives.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1959531 in Books
• Released on: 2004-02-24
• Formats: Audiobook, Unabridged
• Original language: English
• Binding: Audio Cassette

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9–Although there are no teenage characters in Eleanor Updale's historical novel set in Victorian England (Scholastic/Orchard, 2004), teens will nevertheless become enthralled with the mystery and intrigue surrounding the title character and his exploits. While imprisoned, clever Montmorency devises a plan to become an upper-class member of society by robbing upper-class individuals and using the profits from these crimes to advance his social position. Upon his release, he spends his nights as his alter-ego, the scoundrel Scarper, using the sewers to sneak undetected to the poshest neighborhoods in London and steal valuable loot. By day, he is transformed into the polished gentleman named Montmorency and passes his time educating himself in order to become more cultured. The duality of his existence is thrilling to Montmorency at first, as he succeeds in fooling all those with whom he comes into contact. However, it eventually becomes rather taxing and, occasionally, potentially life-threatening. Stephen Fry's narration will involve listeners in the plot immediately. He skillfully conveys every character's voice and the mood of each scene. Listeners will laugh along with Montmorency's sillier escapades and will hold their breath during his narrow brushes with danger. Fans of historical novels, mystery, and adventure will be drawn to this audiobook and will eagerly anticipate a sequel. An excellent choice for public and school libraries.–Casey Rondini, Hartford Public Library, CT
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile
A delightful Victorian mystery is skillfully narrated by Stephen Fry. During a robbery, the title character falls through a skylight, incurring severe wounds and scars that make him the subject of medical lectures held at the prison. During one of these talks, Montmorency overhears of a new sewer system installed in London. Upon release, he sets himself up as the wealthy gentleman Montmorency by day and uses the underground tunnels as alter ego Scarper to thieve at night. How long can Montmorency keep the dual roles from colliding? Although the title is recommended for young adult audiences, the subject and setting would appeal more to adults. Fry does a remarkable job mimicking the various London accents--from sewer rat to society gent and all sorts in between--in this superbly suspenseful story. M.M.O. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
Gr. 6-9. "Sewage stinks, but rich people, on the whole, don't." This truism forms the core of Updale's Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde-style crime story. When thief Montmorency isn't living the high life as a respectable gentleman, he plays the role of his own servant, Scarper, who skulks through sewage tunnels to steal from London's wealthiest neighborhoods. Instead of greeting Montmorency/Scarper's misdeeds with a karmic comeuppance, Updale openly admires the ingenuity of a con artist who is able to maneuver within rigidly stratified Victorian society. Many readers will find the absence of a moral slant refreshing, and Montmorency's heart-pounding brushes with discovery add a palpable layer of suspense. It's tough to pinpoint the target audience, though--some readers will react negatively to the absence of characters their own age, and find the abundant period details overly fussy (in one scene, Montmorency lingers over the subtle flavors of whisky). This will appeal the most to older kids who enjoy immersing themselves in historical atmosphere, including some adult devotees of Victorian detective fiction. A sequel is planned for 2005. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved