ReadPlus

Review:
Gideon the cutpurse by Linda Buckley-Archer
Simon and Schuster, 2006
1416916563 369p.

12+ This is a time travel adventure, the first in a trilogy. Peter Schock and Kate Dyer, are accidentally sent back to the year 1763 when they enter a laboratory that contains a Van der Graaf generator. Gideon Seymour, cutpurse and gentleman, witnesses their arrival and undertakes to help them get back to the twenty first century. However Gideon is being pursued by the villainous Tar Man, who has stolen their antigravity machine and the children undergo many adventures in 18th century London while trying to retrieve it.

The 18th century that the author has portrayed is richly described. The reader becomes immersed in the life of 1763, the clothes that are worn, the food and the life of the people. Highwaymen, evil villains and thrilling chases will engage attention. At the same time, the 21st century is not forgotten, with the police and the distraught parents hunting for the children.

The book has many interesting characters, not least Gideon and the Tar Man, while the secondary characters also come to life. The conflict between good and evil is handled well.

Readers who like adventure stories may enjoy this book and the ending leaves scope for exciting sequels. There is a companion website at http://www.gideonthecutpurse.com/

Pat Pledger

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