It's 1874. Jago Stonecipher has to live with his unscrupulous uncle, Archibald Callow, a fair ground charlatan, a crude performer of illusions. One night, he overhears a whispered conversation about depriving someone of their inheritance, involving a man called Ambruster. Then, when the very man Ambruster assaults Jago, and accuses him of stealing, he decides to help defeat him. But the cunning plots and the trials of deceit are much more complicated than anyone could have anticipated, and Jago becomes hopelessly embroiled in it all. In the end Jago has no choice but to take ship from Southampton for Rio. Trouble follows him out at sea, and he is left having to defend himself and his friend against unscrupulous and grasping villains. But we have seen that a boy from steerage can always outwit higher class opponents, and this story is no exception!
'There are dodgy thugs, busty wenches, genteel heroines, and even a ship bound for Rio in the fast-moving narrative which never lets up.' - London Evening Standard
Complete with a good dose of hidden treasure and cunning conjuroring skills, this novel is likely to keep readers occupied from start to finish. - Scholar
This is a lively book by a new author - School Librarian
The complex plot is full of unexpected twists and hairbreadth escapes, and the dialogue rings true to the period. An exciting choice for historical fiction fans. - School Library Journal
The story captures the feel of a Dickens novel with its complicated plot and large cast of evocatively named characters whose lives unexpectedly intertwine. - Booklist |
