“It’s a suspenseful and tautly written story as is, and Thompson’s sly twist makes it all the richer.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This short chapter book with plentiful pen-and-ink drawings supplied by Dress, large font and lines spaced apart for easy reading is just the thing for those leaving early readers behind and wanting fast-paced action, dry humor and an ending that leaves room for discussion.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A narrative rich in language, told with panache and begging to be shared aloud, along with Duddle and Dress’s comical, detailed sketches of its Dickensian denizens and the romantically elegant Black Bess.” — The Horn Book
