The final book in this series has Ned Roach taking over as the bogler's boy. Birdie and Jem both seem to have their futures taking them in different directions - both get parts singing and dancing on the stage - which leaves Ned feeling a little left out. Alfred thinks Ned's a natural as a bogler - and he's had the presence of mind to kill a couple on his own - but he's more interested in the engineering of the sewers and he seems to have an aptitude for it even if he doesn't have much self-confidence. But Salty Jack is still a problem, so bogles aren't the only danger Ned has to face.

This was a very nice and satisfying conclusion to a great series. The characters are very likeable - and I liked that each book made a different child the focus. It's just frightening and tense enough without being too much for kids (and their parents, as well). (I received an advance copy from Amazon Vine.) ( )

Third and final in the series. Ned used to scavenge the dirty river banks of London in the late 1800s for metal. Now he is apprenticed to Bogle catcher Alfred, He stands in a salt circle and sings to lure the bogles out and then Alfred catches and kills them. But times are changing in London and Alfred and Ned have been made part of an unofficial government department designed to rid the city of these creatures that seem to be dying out anyway. Meanwhile, Ned is also struggling against his feelings for Bridie McAdam, Alfred's original apprentice who has been "adopted" by the very rich Miss Eames and Ned believes that she won't look twice at him. For fans of Spooks Apprentice series; a wonderful mixture of historical England and dark fantasy. ( )