Author:Catherine Johnson
'Characterful, page-turning drama and a vivid mixture of research and imagination' - The Sunday Times
A gripping tale of a group of larger-than-life con artists who roam the streets of eighteenth-century London.
Cato Hopkins is the youngest member of Mother Hopkins's 'family' - a group of skilled fraudsters and pickpockets. There's Addy, who can become a very convincing boy when she needs to; the beautiful Bella, who can charm any rich young man out of his fortune; Sam, an escaped slave and Cato himself, a young boy, who Mother Hopkins has taught everything she knows.
But old age is slowing Mother Hopkins down, and she wants to carry out one last con, a con to outdo all the cons that have gone before. And so the gang set about bringing ruin upon Captain Walker, a proud and cruel slave captain, who deserves to be taught a lesson or two .
A characterful, page-turning drama and a vivid mixture of research and imagination
—— Nicolette Jones , The Sunday TimesA thoroughly engaging and entirely convincing yarn with a dash of Dickens and more than a hint of historic realism to help drive the thrust of the narrative
—— Jake Hope , AchukaFull of adventure and excitement, unexpected plot twists and colourful characters, this book is both entertaining and enlightening
—— Through the Looking GlassTwists and turns, mystery and mayhem together with fascinating details about 18th Century London. I found this a hugely exciting read
—— Mary HooperBaum dared to offer delight without instruction
—— Michael Patrick HearnA fun and thought-provoking story of self-discovery, and the humour and gentleness with which Boyne delivers his message make it both unforgettable and delightful
—— Publishers WeeklySweepingly romantic, this book is a living, breathing memory of the whirlwind of emotions that go hand in hand with falling in love.
—— SugarscapeOne of the best storytellers
—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted BooksMulligan certainly delivers in this extraordinary examination of grief....highly original, emotionally-charged black comedy / thriller. A worthy successor to Mulligan’s excellent Trash.
—— Daily Mail[A] poignant, imaginative take on adolescence
—— The Times, Saturday ReviewAddictive
—— BooktrustI really enjoyed this funny, sad and truthful fable...Mulligan makes a great deal of friendship and the huge source of strength and support it can be.
—— The Book BagA poignant and heart-warming story about life and all the hardships and troubles that this can bring...A fascinating and brilliant read...Another blinding story from Andy Mulligan, which delivers the unexpected with superb imaginative qualities.
—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted BooksA complex and absorbing novel with vivid characters
—— BooktrustGripping dark comedy . . . [A] clever portrayal of a boy on the cusp of adolescence struggling to reconcile opposing impulses within himself
—— Children's Books Ireland