Written by Rob Lloyd Jones
Wild Boy and the Black Terror is a very compelling mystery. It is the 2nd book in the Wild Boy series (I would also highly recommend book 1). It is possible to read this book without reading book 1 but you would miss a lot of back story so I wouldn’t recommend it. Wild Boy and his partner/friend Clarissa are still hiding from the public because they have been framed for several murders and though proven innocent most of the public still do not know. Wild Boy was in a circus freak show and Clarissa was an acrobat. Together they have a talent for solving crimes. This story is set in London in 1842. This time they must figure out what is poisoning the minds of several prominent members of London society and scaring them literally to death. It’s a race against time when first their mentor Marcus and then Queen Victoria succumb. Wild Boy’s intelligence and power of observation are similar to Sherlock Holmes and Clarissa has a lot of spunk mixed with pent up anger. They both have experienced more than their share of hardship and life has been unfair. Though hardened and crass at times they are also very likable and relateable characters. I had a hard time putting this book done. I was completely sucked in to the story. The descriptions of 1840 London as well as historical reference are vivid and seemed very accurate. Some of the descriptions of the dead and dying victims are a little gruesome. I would highly recommend this book for upper Elementary, Junior High and possibly even high school.
Review by Leslie Benson, Diamond Ridge Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: 5th – 9th grade
Author Website: http://www.roblloydjones.com/
Wild Boy and the Black Terror
Written by Rob Lloyd Jones
Candlewick Press
332 pages
Release Date: May 12, 2015 (US Edition)
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
This book sounds like it’d be a great one for my high level readers. Thanks!
Leslie thanks for the info. on this series. I am going to order the 1st book and then see how well the kids like it.