Theophilus Grey and the Demon Thief (Catherine Jinks, A&U)

Twelve-year-old Philo Grey is no ordinary linkboy. He carries out the everyday linkboy duties of holding his high torch to light the way through the twisty streets of 18th-century London every night, but he and his crew of boys also collect information, which they deliver to their stern invalid master. But lately the information Philo collects has included accounts of a demon in the shadows, a wave of thefts, and people felled without a scratch on them. Philo’s master dismisses the demon as superstition and doesn’t seem to care that the streets have become so dangerous. It’s up to Philo, he realises, to uncover the truth and protect his friends. Catherine Jinks evokes Georgian London in all its danger, filth and bustling life with her usual sure hand for children’s historical fiction in this, the first of a two-part series. The resourceful, serious and overly responsible Philo is a refreshing protagonist, as he bends his street knowledge and talents to untwisting a mystery that involves returned convicts, thuggish lamplighters, dangerous footpads, a fragile flower seller and his own master. The vocabulary might be a bit daunting to reluctant or occasional readers, but confident upper primary readers who enjoy adventure and mystery will find Philo’s story absorbing.

Jarrah Moore is a primary literacy editor at Cengage Learning Australia