Montmorency: Thief? Liar? Gentleman?

Author: Eleanor Updale

Summary: (b and n) When a petty thief falls through a glass roof while fleeing from the police, it should have been the death of him. Instead, it marks the beginning of a whole new life. Soon he has become the most successful -- and elusive -- burglar in Victorian London, plotting daring raids and using London's new sewer system to escape. He adopts a dual existence to fit his new lifestyle, taking on the roles of a respectable, wealthy gentleman named Montmorency and his corrupt servant, Scarper.

Review: The character as two different persons is interesting and created in such a way that the two are not confused. Scarper is most definately a poor, but scruffy, tough man while Montmorency is such a gentleman. I even felt swayed by him! His sweet demeanor and cleanliness together with his wit and good nature (deep inside) made him the perfect man of high society.

The plot was fun. Who knew that sewers could be used in such a manner as to change Scarper's life. The tailor in the story is certainly a wonderful character and his open person made him a very likable addition to the story. Cissie is ridiculous and described in a manner that causes extreme dislike for her and Montmorency (as the gentleman he is) struggles to politely turn her disgusting affections for him away.

This book is set back in Queen Victoria's reign in England. The third person point of view gives a clear personification of both Scarper and Montmorency. The mysterious plot and ingenious plans make it a wonderful read and some of you may find that you love it.

I feel weird rating this book. I think it deserves a higher score, but I'm trying to keep my readers in mind and I'm not all too sure that many of you would like this type of story. It is a little dull as an adventure story for some of you and the lack of romance might not appeal to YA lovers although I felt that the story was wonderful. :) One of my favorites.

Rating: 1 2 3 3.5 4 5

Other Books In The Series:

1.Montmorency On The Rocks: Doctor, Aristrocat, Murderer?

2.Montmorency And The Assasins: Master, Criminal, Spy?

3.Montmorency's Revenge