The Thief's Apprentice (Master Diplexito and Mr. Scant) - Hardcover

Methods, Bryan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1512405795 ISBN 13: 9781512405798

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books ®, 2016

Synopsis

Oliver, the meek son of a wealthy British industrialist, discovers the identity of a notorious thief, a man who has been skillfully evading Scotland Yard and snatching priceless artifacts for sport: Mr. Scant, his family butler. After first fearing for his life, Oliver discovers Mr. Scant's secret within a secret: the butler's crimes are actually a series of strikes against an underground group of business tycoons trying to master black magic.

About this title

About the Author

Bryan Methods grew up in the sleepy village of Crowhurst, on the south coast of the United Kingdom.

After studying English at Trinity College, Cambridge, he found work as a professional drummer, which lasted as long as it took for the singer and guitarist to fall out and split up the band. He then returned to Cambridge for a Master’s in Screen Media and Cultures, specializing in animation.

He is in his final year of his doctoral thesis on the poetry of World War I at Royal Holloway, University of London, but currently lives and works in Tokyo, Japan. He is interested in alternative Japanese fashion, music, and cosplay. He also enjoys fencing, video games, and capoeira.

Reviews

Gr 4–6—Oliver Diplexito leads a rather boring life in his large English home filled with servants. However, the moment he discovers a member of the household staff, Mr. Scant, is not quite as dull as he once seemed, Oliver's life suddenly turns upside down. Throughout London's museums, valuable treasures are being stolen, and Scotland Yard can't catch the thief, who is known as the Ruminating Claw (his nickname originates from the large, blade-fingered claw he wears on one hand as he makes off with masterpieces…that he eventually returns). The Ruminating Claw's identity and purpose is a mystery to all, but Oliver soon uncovers part of the truth when he learns the thief is Mr. Scant. Oliver is unsure about what to do with this news, but his confusion is compounded when Mr. Scant urges him to meet late one night. Together, they break into the National Portrait Gallery to return a missing painting. Adventures around London continue for Oliver and Mr. Scant throughout the story. Rich vocabulary, Briticisms, and a complex plot make this selection most suitable for advanced young readers. VERDICT Reminiscent of Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer and Laura Marx Fitzgerald's Under the Egg, this is a unique spin on the heist novel that will appeal to sophisticated middle graders.—Beth Parmer, New Albany Elementary Library, OH

Edition details

• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books ®
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1512405795
• ISBN 13: 9781512405798
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272