The Dream Thief | Catherine Webb

The Dream Thief, An Extraordinary Horatio Lyle Mystery
by Catherine Webb
Pub: atom
Cover Illus: Paul Young
342 pages














I haven't read the previous books in this series, but it didn't matter as the story is self contained. When Sissy is found sleeping and unbreakable sleep on Lyle's doorstep Tess realises she knows her from the workhouse. Together with the young aristocrat Thomas and the dog Tate, Tess and Lyle set out to find who is hurting children and to what ends.

The language, descriptions and characters bring Victorian London to life in full colour, and sometimes odour, for the reader. There is no question this is a world of workhouses and aristocrats, horse drawn cabs and peelers. In addition the different speech patterns and mannerisms are in keeping with each characters background and personality, giving a strong and consistant sense of who they are without lengthy description.

The book is full of poisoning, circus performers, dreams, stories and action. It's delightfully bonkers and yet never gives the reader time to stop and question the likelihood of events. Providing both mystery and adventure with a dose of the supernatural as well as the scientific it's a gripping read.

Catherine Webb is an efficient and effective writer, the style giving a real sense of storytelling and drawing the reader in quickly, holding them. I pretty much read this straight through, I loved the characters and wanted to know what happened to them. It had me giggling to myself repeatedly and on occasion holding my breath. An excellent tale brilliantly told and a joy for both young and adult readers.