Mark Kielty reviewed Sackville Street Caper by Alan Nolan
A charming adventure set in Victorian Dublin
5 stars
This story is an excellent adventure featuring two of Ireland’s greatest icons, Bram Stoker and Molly Malone – as kids.
Molly Malone is the leader of a gang of street kids, Shep, Rose, Billy the Pan, Calico Tom, and of course their dog Her Majesty. The gang are known as the Sackville Spooks. These characters are full of charm and personality as they go about their schemes while trying to survive in Victorian Dublin City.
Whilst times were hard for these kids, Nolan is sure to focus on the fun they have during their adventures, which are full of laughs and memorable moments.
Bram makes a nice addition to the Spooks. Though from a privileged background, the gang accept him all the same due to his shared love of adventure.
The villains in this story are comical. There's Count Vladimir – who is reminiscent of Count Dracula (without being a vampire), and his dim-witted henchmen, Messers Bounderby and Caddsworth who provide plenty of laughs when the kids get one up on them throughout the story.
I flew through this book in a couple of days and highly recommend to the young people in your life.
If anything this book will teach you the importance of the elephant of surprise!