Dodger is interrupted from his work in the sewers of Victorian London when he hears the screams of a lady being beaten.  Rescuing the lady, who has escaped from a horrible marriage to a German prince, is the first of many heroic deeds by the cunning streetwise Dodger.   Dodger sets plans in motion to save this damsel in distress.  Dust off your Oliver Twist with this salute to Charles Dickens. Coincidence that Dodger’s mentor is named Solomon?

The author calls this work a historical fantasy.  He succeeded in encouraging me to learn more about Victorian London, Mayhew, Bazalgette, and other famous people woven into the story so that’s the educational part of a historical fantasy.  The rest is pure wonderment at the author’s genius.  It took me longer than usual to read this book because I savored every word.  Dodger is someone I’d very much want to know – after my valuables were safely stowed away.  Highly recommend.

eGalley review   Publication date 9.25.12