MONTMORENCY Thief, Liar, Gentleman?

A delightful Victorian mystery is skillfully narrated by Stephen Fry. During a robbery, the title character falls through a skylight, incurring severe wounds and scars that make him the subject of medical lectures held at the prison. During one of these talks, Montmorency overhears of a new sewer system installed in London. Upon release, he sets himself up as the wealthy gentleman Montmorency by day and uses the underground tunnels as alter ego Scarper to thieve at night. How long can Montmorency keep the dual roles from colliding? Although the title is recommended for young adult audiences, the subject and setting would appeal more to adults. Fry does a remarkable job mimicking the various London accents--from sewer rat to society gent and all sorts in between--in this superbly suspenseful story. M.M.O. 2005 YALSA Selection © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]