This wonderfully atmospheric mystery begins in 1875 with a flashback. In the first chapter we learn that Montmorency was a small-time thief who made a misstep and fell through a glass ceiling while trying to escape from the police. He would have died had it not been for one Dr. Farcett, an expert on complex wounds who was trying to make a reputation for himself. Montmorency became the doctor’s ticket to fame.

Montmorency serves his time in prison while the doctor attempts to rebuild the thief’s body. Occasionally, Farcett takes the prisoner—under guard—to meetings in which physicians and scientists discuss their accomplishments. It is there, while waiting to be put on exhibit, that Montmorency learns of advances in medicine, mathematics, and engineering.

On one particular evening the chief engineer to the Metropolitan Board of Works gives a lecture, complete with maps, concerning London’s new sewer system. It is then that Montmorency begins to conceive of a plan that will make him rich beyond his wildest imaginings.

After several years Montmorency is released from prison. He puts his plan in motion, using the sewer system as an escape route after committing daring and dangerous robberies. During all this, Montmorency creates two identities for himself: Montmorency, a wealthy, educated gentleman, and Scarper, Montmorency’s grimy servant, who is able to come and go as he pleases without attracting attention.

Through a series of twists and turns, Montmorency is asked to use his skills of breaking and entering in order to gain information that will help the government. Will his decision mean the end of his carefully crafted life of crime? Or, will it mean a new beginning?

Updale does an especially fine job of recreating Victorian London for the reader. This exciting tale is compelling, richly textured, and peopled with believable characters. We look forward to reading the sequel, Montmorency on the Rocks.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis.