By Colorado Kids Advisory Board member Cory Weinstein

Title: Montmorency
Author: Eleanor Updale
Illustrator: Nick Hardcastle
Publisher: Orchard Books
Number of Pages: 233

Montmorency is a daring tale of a convict in London. The convict, dubbed “Montmorency” by the name on his bag, was caught by the police when he crashed through the skylight of a factory. His fall left him with broken bones and his body distorted in many ways. The police wanted to let him die but the gentleman Doctor Farcett decided to experiment and see if he would live. He did. So, from then on Doctor Farcett took prisoner 493 (Montmorency) to show off his skills to other dignified colleagues. While the other people presented, Montmorency stole from them not items but their ideas.

One day a professor had a lecture about the sewer system. So, Montmorency got a great idea and prepared for his release, getting fit and figuring out how to go through the sewers to make a quick theft and escape. He also tried to learn from another person in his cell nick-named “Freakshow” who could imitate anyone. Soon Montmorency was released and he began his escapade. After a few upper-class heists he needed a way to sell the jewels and rarities he stole while he looked like a peasant. So he had two split lives, one as “Scarper” the common criminal, and one as the rich and handsome Montmorency.

Will his double-life pay off or will he get caught and get beheaded? Read this excellent book to find out! I loved this book because it’s about a topic most other books aren’t about, the inside life of a criminal. Of course, since the book was only 233 pages, I thought it was a bit short. Also, the chapters were short, but other than that Montmorency was perfect. I would recommend this book for 11-year-olds and up, because it has some drinking and improper language in some parts. If this book sounds good to you I would recommend the book Artemis Fowl, since it has the same kind of style as Montmorency. Happy reading! (March, 2005)