A PLAGUE OF BOGLES

This historical fantasy, the sequel to HOW TO CATCH A BOGLE, is set in Victorian London and is winningly rendered by narrator Mandy Williams. Young pickpocket Jem Barbary, hoping for a new "job," introduces himself to Alfred Bunce, a bogler (one who hunts and kills child-eating monsters). Williams is engaging as characters of all ages, professions, and personalities. Bogles live in dark places and sewers and must be killed in an elaborate manner that includes singing music hall songs, which are exuberantly sung by Williams. It's particularly entertaining to hear former thief Jem mentally estimate the value of everyone's possessions. Young listeners will learn how to handle themselves by using their wits rather than violence. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2015]