Montmorency

Thief, Liar, Gentleman?

By: Eleanor Updale

Narrated by: Stephen Fry

When a petty thief falls though a glass roof in his attempt to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him marks the beginning of a while new life. After his broken body is reconstructed by an ambitious young doctor, he is released from prison, and, with the help of Victorian London's extensive sewer system, he becomes the most elusive burglar in the city. He adopts a dual existence as a respectable, wealthy gentleman named Montmorency, and his degenerate servant Scarper. But Montmorency must always be on guard. The smallest mistake could reveal his secret and ruin both his lives.

Eleanor Updale's writing is witty and wholly original. With a unique perspective and a voice reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe, Montmorency is a cleverly told, gripping adventure story.

©2003 Eleanor Updale (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Montmorency's heart-pounding brushes with discovery add a palpable layer of suspense." (Booklist)
"Readers will find themselves drawn not only to Montmorency's compellingly bizarre biography, but also to his clever and mischievous nature that eventually leads him to both a realization of his past wrongs and a valid career where he can put his "best" skills to good use." (School Library Journal)

Fun story, excellently narrated.

I enjoyed the plot,but it is the characters that make this charming and memorable. I also love Fry’s narration every time I hear it.

this book was realy good

the book montmorecy was good it tell me about what can happen tryin to be two different people.

A story about life, moral and pursuing greatness

An excellent tale of what one can do given the motivation and right circumstances. It feels like a detective novel, without being anything like it. Truly an engaging listen, with the amazing Stephen Fry. I hope that a sequel might yet emerge.

Fabulous.

Stephen Fry is a man of extraordinary oratory gifts and they are evident in this reading. Montmorency is not just for kids. In fact, my husband and I just finished it and were surprised that it was tagged as part of a "young readers" series. Suspenseful, witty, fun.

Excellent story and narration

If you could sum up Montmorency in three words, what would they be?

Evokes the Classics

What other book might you compare Montmorency to and why?

The A.J.Raffles stories, written by E.W. Hornung. Montmorency is somewhat Raffle-ish, and also not unlike an inversion of a certain Society burglar that Raffles snares.Hornung was the brother-in-law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose characters lend some tang to Montmorency as well. The character development and use of coincidence also reminds one of Charles Dickens.

What does Stephen Fry bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mastery! One of the very best narrators there is. Impeccable narration and voices bring the story to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I just enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

This is a very smart book that provides a new and original revival to the classic London mystery genre. The splitting of one person into two characters by disguise and persona was very well done, as was the portrayal of the schism between classes. And the ending was very satisfying. As a first novel it is hard to criticize. The book could have been a little longer and still made a fast read, which would have allowed the plot events to develop at a more leisurely rate. This would also give some more space between the Dickenson-type coincidences that helped move the story along.There were a few "continuity" items, including a couple of minor language neologisms that could have been omitted, and one pervasive olfactory sensation that was conveniently omitted after the first mention, but hard to overlook in its absence, as it would have provided a pervasive and powerful clue. Perhaps the overly proper Police and perpetrated parties were just too polite to mention it.None of these impeded the enjoyment of the story, and I am sure that the sequels are to be at least as much fun!

Great story, great storyteller

Montmorency is a great little story that is told by Stephen Fry whose voice add an extra dimension. The story is captivating on its own but Stephen Fry's beautiful voice brings it alive in a way that makes it hard to stop listening. Well worth a listen!

Good story made magical by Stephen Fry

I try to listen to as many Stephen Fry's reading titles as I can find. I only wish Audible would have more!
He makes every story Magical!

Just as good as I remembered

I first read this book in high school. I’ve yet to find it in print, but was happy to see it here. It’s much shorter than I remember, but it’s a great little story. The reading was also spectacularly performed.

Wonderful book

Great stuff!!! Story is quick paced and picaresque, characters are believable and alive. Stephen Fry as usual does a marvellous job reading, no, rather performing the book. I would love to get further installments of the Montmorency series. My credit was well spent. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved classic adventure literature as a kid.

Very good--esp. well read by Stephen Fry

Where does Montmorency rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

I liked the story quite well--it's a little short, however, and I tend to like big long books. Moreover, I thought the ending a little too easy. However, I love Stephen Fry--could listen to him all day.