This book marks the beginning of John Pickett’s journey. We first meet him at 14 as a young pickpocket just caught by the magistrate. Instead of punishment, magistrate Patrick Colquhoun arranges for him to apprentice with a coal merchant. It’s hard and dirty work, but John is content, he has is fed and has a roof over his head. By happy coincidence some five years later he stumbles into a criminal investigation, his first of many if Colquhoun has any say in it.
I’ve read this series out of order and much of John’s future is already known to me. But going back to the beginning to where it all started was a real treat. I loved this young boy, there was such kindness and innocence to him. Some doing their best to quash it, but never managing. The events of this book in large shaped the man John will become, and I’m excited to continue his journey. Excited for him to meet Lady Fieldhurst.
Pickpocket’s Apprentice was narrated by Joel Froomkin. I love his British accent, he took you to the streets of London. But what’s more I think he really captured he essence of John. Made you fall for this lost boy. Made you feel his bewilderment of Sophie in the beginning, bewilderment turning into love. He also made you feel John’s strong sense of right and wrong how ingrained it was to his sense of self.
Pickpocket’s Apprentice is a nice introduction to John and how he became the Bow Street runner that we’ll follow for many books to come.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.