Pickpocket's Apprentice

By: Sheri Cobb South

Narrated by: Joel Froomkin

When magistrate Patrick Colquhoun orders a habitual thief and ne'er-do-well transported to Botany Bay, he doesn't realize a 14-year-old boy has been left behind to follow in his father's footsteps - not until young John Pickett is hauled into Bow Street for stealing an apple from the produce market at Covent Garden.

Feeling to some extent responsible for the boy, Mr. Colquhoun prevails upon Elias Granger, a prosperous coal merchant, to take him on as an apprentice. For the next five years, John Pickett hauls coal in exchange for room and board. The work is dirty and hard, but the drudgery is lightened by the occasional deliveries to Bow Street, where Mr. Colquhoun usually tosses Pickett a coin for his pains. An even more pleasant diversion exists in the form of Mr. Granger's pert daughter Sophy, with whom Pickett tumbles headlong into love.

And then one day 19-year-old John Pickett stumbles by accident into a criminal investigation that will bring him once again to the attention of Bow Street for an entirely different reason, and will change the course of his life.

©2015 Sheri Cobb South (P)2016 Sheri Cobb South

Critic reviews

"It's impossible to choose which of narrator Joel Froomkin’s skills is better - his expert narrative or his spirited portrayals of the vast array of eccentric figures in this historical novel... Well-delivered subtle humor and clever wordplay add to this fascinating tale as Pickett thrives and grows." (AudioFile)

Can't wait for the rest of this series!

If you could sum up Pickpocket's Apprentice in three words, what would they be?

Great origin story. I started with the 1st book so the characters had context. I really would like to read more, but so far they are not available on audible. May have to break down and actually read them.

An Instant Classic

Set in London in the 1700s, John Pickett finds himself in front of the same judge that deported his father several months ago. Since then the younger Pickett has been living on the street and fending for himself. Desperate, the young Pickett is caught stealing and apple stay alive. Instead of dealing with him harshly for stealing, magistrate Colquhoun arranges for John Pickett to haul coal for Mr. Granger in exchange for room and board.

This is a wonderful historical period piece including all of the great elements for classic. A poor young boy of misfortune, a powerful man, a job, a girl and everything else. I really enjoyed listening to this piece.

Joel Froomkin performance for the lovely British accent. It is warm and soothing, the 2 1/2 hours flew by.

There are no warnings to give with this book.

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4 Solid stars

A wonderful start to a lovely series

In what short book we see our young hero go from villain to lovelorn but substantial young man. Can’t wait for the next one!

Super stuff!

I save my 5th star for a life-changing book, but this is a charming series, well written and told. I'm becoming a Joel Froomkin fan!

delightful

I really like this narrator! The story is a charming intro for the series. I look forward to seeing if the longer books by this author are as rewarding.