Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?

Author: Eleanor Updale

Title: Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?1
Series: Montmorency (book 1)
Number of Pages: 240
Publication Date: 2004
Genre: Historical fiction
Synopsis: "When a petty thief falls through a glass roof while fleeing from the police, it should have been the death of him. Instead, it marks the beginning of a whole new life. Soon he has become the most successful -- and elusive -- burglar in Victorian London, plotting daring raids and using London's new sewer system to escape. He adopts a dual existence to fit his new lifestyle, taking on the roles of a respectable, wealthy gentleman named Montmorency and his corrupt servant, Scarper."

I found Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? To be a thoroughly fascinating read filled with action, adventure, and a slightly crazed, yet brilliant main character.

M.T.L.G. is definitely a fast read that could be read by just about anyone (from, like, 12 on up).
The book starts off with Montmorency doing time in jail after a failed robbery in which he fell through a glass roof and nearly died. The story also alludes to the many surgeries that Doctor Farcett performed on him to save his life; and how he was basically a test subject (who he hoped would turn his life around after he got out of jail) for him to show off to the medical community.
One of the things that I enjoyed the most about this book was how Montmorency and Scarper were polar opposites. Montmorency who was very self conscious about the way he looked, and with keeping the life that he had become so accustomed to; then there was Scarper the manservant who was a vile "creature" of the sewers.
I must say that Eleanor Updale did a fantastic job on bringing her characters to life and describing everything so vividly. I just wish that I could find the next book in this high;y enjoyable series, because I cannot wait to read about what will happen to Montmorency next.

Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? earns 5 out of 5 pineapples.

Orchid

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 1. Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? was borrowed from the library.