★ “There’s a lot to be said for a good, old-fashioned caper. Meloy accomplishes this rare feat with panache, turning out an infectious—and at times cinematic—adventure suffused with personal growth, secrecy, sleight of hand, and higher stakes than the story’s protagonist ever imagined.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Ellis’ charming illustrations adeptly capture the playful tone and decidedly period setting. A gleefully metafictional caper and middle-grade picaresque bound to appeal to discerning young readers.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Meloy mirrors his characters’ capers, distracting you while he moves in for the real con. It’s a bona fide twist that may make you feel robbed yourself. In this case, that’s a good thing.” — New York Times Book Review
“Equal doses of humor and action.” — School Library Journal
“Meloy and Ellis (the Wildwood Chronicles) blend shades of Dickens, Rowling, and Robin Hood. Themes of friendship and making amends are skillfully woven throughout. And Meloy’s attention to detail vividly evoke the period setting.” — Publishers Weekly