Jack has been working as a chimney sweep for a kindly master in Victorian London when his father suddenly reappears to claim him. Then, while climbing in a chimney, Jack overhears a murder being planned through the wall. He is unable to prevent the murder but becomes determined to solve it. Jack becomes suspicious even of his own father, who has a strangely large sum of money on him, and is suddenly keen to claim Jack as an alibi for the evening of the murder. Falling in with an unlikely combination of friends, Rupert the rich boy and April the unwashed sewer child, Jack set about following a trail of clues.

I always enjoy Christopher Russell’s books and this new story is no exception. The writing is clear, straightforward and well-targeted at the 9-12 age group. The story itself is more complicated to follow than, say Plague Sorcerer, due to the nature of the mystery theme. There are also quite a few characters for young readers to get a handle on. But the excitement of the chase and the likeable child characters should keep the audience gripped. The story is reminiscent of Terry Deary’s wonderful Prince of Rags and Patches and would appeal to the same readership. Likely to be enjoyed by boys of 8 or 9+ though there is a strong girl character here too, for some girl appeal.

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2008-06-20