Exciting and fun book for kids, about ages 8-12. Perfect setup for a series, with interesting characters and an unusual premise. ( )

Ludlow Fitch is running away from his past (and some tooth-thieving parents!). He finds himself in a remote village where he becomes the assistant to a mysterious pawnbroker, Joe Zabbidou. This pawnbroker specializes in people’s secrets and Ludlow is charged with transcribing them in the Black Book of Secrets. Lucky for Ludlow and Joe, this village is full of people with dark and dangerous secrets to pawn. For fans of historically-based fiction and notably that of late 1800s in England with its many gruesome details of teeth pulling (and selling) and grave robbing. ( )

This is a fast-paced compelling read. I enjoyed every aspect of this book and feel it is 4.5 stars out of 5. The other missing half is because I couldn’t visualise all of the characters – mainly Joe Zabbidou, which for me was a shame. Jeremiah Ratchett was my favourite character and was seemingly straight out of a Dickens’ novel. He was fantastic! Just the right amount of evil and inquisitiveness to keep younger readers engaged.

If you have an imagination then this is the book for you, regardless of your age. It is primarily about intrigue, mystery and magic and with this crossover it doesn’t matter if one particular aspect of it is not your usual cup of tea. There’s something in it for all ages and both genders.

When Ludlow Fitch makes the hasty decision to leave his home town after suffering years of abuse from his parents, he doesn’t know where his path will take him. Luckily, it takes him to Joe Zabbidou and his black book of secrets. Joe takes Ludlow under his wing, although it isn’t until the end that we really know why.

Speaking of the ending, this is excellent and Higgins wrote this beautifully, the imagery was tremendous. I’d be more than happy to go on and read ‘The Bone Magician’ and also further instalments of Ludlow’s adventures. ( )

My book review:
http://ganimede.dreamwidth.org/19635.... ( )

While Ludlow is fleeing from the evil plans of his parents, he hitches a ride to a remote village where he meets Joe, an unusual pawnbroker. He is unusual because he buys secrets. When Ludlow becomes Joe's new apprentice, his new job is to be the recorder of townspeople's secrets in a big black book.
Interesting story with a satisfying ending, likeable characters, some lessons in making good choices,and the result of bad choices. ( )