Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can’t take another day of her father’s cruelty. Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother’s sad death, or that’s what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold.
Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he’s happy to take her under his wing.
As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can’t bear the thought that she might lose her only friend – forever…
The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.
What a delightful yet emotional read this was, as most of Ms Hutchinson's books tend to be. From the streets of the Black Country to the sunny climes of Western Australia, we follow the story of two youngsters, relative orphans, who find each other on the streets.
Alice Truelove has bore the brunt of her father's anger and near-hate for most of her life, even moreso now after the death of her mother the year before. Tired of being his verbal whipping girl, Alice packs her meagre possessions and steals away from the two-up two-down she has called home for thirteen years. A life on the streets is far more inviting than another day bearing the brunt of her father disdain for her a moment longer.
But she soon finds that life on the streets is far from easy though she still favours it from the alternative. It isn't long before she meets BJ, Bertram Jordan, who has long since learned to survive on the streets, pilfering and scavenging where he can. Though of indeterminate age, he takes 13 year old Alice under his wing and teaches her the ways of the streets. She soon becomes adept at pick-pocketing, filching and scavenging in the market square at the end of the day. Together they look out for each other.
But then one day, BJ fails to return and Alice begins to worry when by morning he still hasn't returned. She begins to ask around the market, ending up at Green's Bakery who have always looked after the two youngsters. A quick visit to the local constabulary with the gift box of some delicious pastries, Josie Green returns with the solemn news that BJ has been arrested for burglary. An appearance before the cranky Justice of the Peace sees him bound over to the assizes for trial and sentencing, for which he receives seven years transportation to Australia. Without BJ by her side, Alice must learn to fend for herself once again.
No one could predict what comes next for the two youngsters. BJ on a ship to Australia and Alice taken in by the Greens. A brighter tomorrow may be in their futures but not before tragedy strikes sending their lives on a course they didn't foresee. Alice is lost without BJ and seven years is a long time. What if she never sees him again?
Another delightful read by Lindsey Hutchinson though the ending feels a little unfinished but I'm guessing that is because the story is not yet over, with this being the first in a trilogy.
I do so love this author and her heartwrenching tales and I even found parts of this one somewhat deprssing. But it does pick up with the promise of a brighter tomorrow...just what that all entails we will have to wait and see what's in store for them.
Anothr cracking read.
I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ThePickPocketOrphans in exchange for an honest review.
delightful read. BJ Bertham Jordan and Alice Truelove meet up both alone in the world and desperate with no family learning to survive and turn to pick pocketing. Reading this I just couldn't put it down right through, this authors work has never disappointed me, another outstanding read. I loved it
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Pick-Pocket Orphans by Lindsey Hutchinson. I really enjoyed the first book of an apparent trilogy. I am looking forward to reading book 2 when it comes out. This was an emotional read and it was a quick read. I loved it and wanted more because it is definitely left unfinished. This was my first book by this author. I enjoyed her writing style. Definitely a 5 star read and I would highly recommend it to others.
Alice lives with her Father who blames her for her Mother’s death. Instead of putting up with his complaints she decides to runaway. Alice ends up becoming friends with BJ who is an orphan and he teaches her how to survive on the streets. Circumstances happen and Alice has to cope on her own. She must find a way to survive.
I really enjoyed this book I could not put the book down and wanted to know what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the characters and found it sad in places.
The story flowed so well and seeing what happened to them both.
Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can't take another day of her father's cruelty. Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother's death, or that's what Alice thinks as she packs up her meager possessions, But fending for herself in the Black County town of Wednesbury is not as easy as expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold. Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learned to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he's happy to take her under his wing.
What an emotional read this book was. It takes us from the Black Country town of Wednesbury to the far sunnier climes of Australia, where the convicts were sent. I love Lyndsey's writing style and this story has been descriptively written. Alice had to quickly learn how to live on the streets, and meeting young BJ was the best thing that could have happened to her. BJ quickly taught her all the skills she needed to survive living on the streets. I'm a huge fan of Lindsey Hutchinson, her books are amazing, and she never disappoints.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LindseyHutchinson for my ARC of #ThePickPocketOrphans in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion
I have read books by this author before and looked forward to the start of her new Trilogy I also enjoyed her mothers writing - certainly a chip off the old block.
This was a sad book in some ways - two children left alone and destitute who forge what looks like an unlikely friendship. They have to scavenge and steal just to survive - which certainly made me think about how much better life is these days
BJ is caught and transported to Australia - which today seems just horrific. He seems to fall on his feet though his shipmates are less lucky. Alice meanwhile learns a trade and through an impromptu 'find' manages to open a bakery - at 14. She is certainly resourceful despite so much tragedy in her life.
This is a well written and researched book with characters that you come to love and endear you whilst others are horrendous in their cruelty - but it makes for a well rounded book. It does end rather abruptly but ready for the next one in the series I wonder if this will make this more of a definite series rather than books that can be read as standalones - should this be pointed out on the blurb?
A great read and worthy of its 5 stars - I personally cant wait for book 2
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a book tour for Rachel's Random Resources.
The Pick-Pocket Orphans is the first book in a trilogy. When I started reading, I felt an immediate connection with the main characters, Alice and BJ. Thinking about their situation, it wasn't long before I felt emotionally involved. They had difficult lives, and I wanted things to get better for them.
This book both lifted my spirits and tugged at my heartstrings. In some ways, it was quite a sad story, but it warmed my heart too, because I saw how all the characters helped and supported each other, and I found that endearing. I liked the attitudes and values of the characters, as they didn't have much, but were always grateful for what they had. More than anything, they were just grateful to have each other.
I found this light enough to read in one sitting too. If you like historical sagas, and you want a book that will help you escape for a short while, you may want to give this a try.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
The Pick-Pocket Orphans opens with just how difficult thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove’s life has become. From the beginning of this story by Lindsey Hutchinson, you can’t help but empathize with this character. While she hopes for a better life this well-developed finds herself alone and hungry until she meets Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends. Together they forn a family as such. However, life takes a different turn than expected.
Most of the stories I have read by Lindsey Hutchinson take place in England’s Black Country but this one also has the characters sent to a penal colony in Australia. Like all of this author’s stories, the writing takes you right there with the characters. This story has all the feelings from despair to hope, fear and friendship. The future is still unsettles as this book ends until the next. Not exactly a cliffhanger ending, just that you feel more is coming for these two and their friends.
A sad but inspiring story of two young people who made the best of their unfortunate circumstances.
Alice couldn't live with her father anymore. She didn't know where she was going. She didn't know how she was going to survive. Then she met BJ.
It was very touching how they looked after each other. Alice and BJ depended on each other.
It is difficult to fathom that this could really happened. I've seen movies and TV shows where they show street urchins in rags begging for food or coins. Children lived in workhouses. They worked in factories at very young ages.
Alice and BJ's story was one of survival and what needed to be done to meet their basic needs. It's amazing what the two of them accomplished at such young ages.
I was not happy when I came to the last page. What? I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens?
What a delightful story despite the hardships encountered by Alice and BJ. This is a work of historical fiction that follows Britist convicts to Australia and talks of the cruelites experienced by them. The reader will also discover surprizing threads of kindness stitched throughout. I was sorry to reach the end of the story which seemed to have come around so quickly. However, it does seem to me that there could well be a sequel to look forward to. I hope so. In my opinion, this is a great and clean read that even preteens could read.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
March 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGally and the publisher.
Such a delightful and empowering read with so much emotion I didn't know whether I wanted to laugh or cry. Alice is a courageous little girl who despite everything being against her shines and has the kindest heart. When she meets BJ she finds a true friend but soon they may be torn apart. Can Alice find her way back to BJ? I loved how when these two individuals had nothing that they remained true to themselves and beat the odds for survival. I delighted in the future for them and really hope that they both have happiness. When I reached the end of the story I literally jumped for joy to find out there is to be another book and I am so excited to see how things progress for BJ and Alice. I hope you are busy writing Lindsey (haha). A emotional historical saga that is off to a exciting and warm start.
The latest novel by talented Lindsey Hutchinson, The Pick Picket Orphans, is the first in a new trilogy.
We meet 13-year old Alice and BJ who have been left all alone and penniless. BJ had been on the streets a while before Alice rocked up so he taught her the ropes. She soon became a pickpocket artist as well as checking out the market for forgotten food. Starting out together in the Black Country, the story then divides between England and Australia where BJ has been sent.
Lindsey has a knack of drawing you in immediately and getting you immersed until you’ve finished the book! I loved it! Grab your copy today.
This is the first book in a new trilogy and what a fabulous start to the series it was. Set in the 1860’s in the Black Country town of Wedensbury. I loved this book so much that I devoured it in two days it was so good. I’m a huge fan of historical sagas and this one was truly unputdownable. The two characters of Alice and BJ were wonderful and it would be almost impossible for me to choose a favourite if I had to. The strength and courage of these two children was amazing and there were times when I had a tear in my eye reading this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series to find out how life is working out for both Alice and BJ.
Poor Alice Truelove cannot put up with her father's behavior any longer after the cruelty he has shown her since her mother died. Now age thirteen she feels it will be safer and happier living on the streets. of Wednesbury so she packs up and runs away.
Meanwhile, Bertram Jordon also known as BJ has been orphaned whilst his parents both died of influenza. He meets Alice and takes her under his wing. He teaches her how to pickpocket for survival. It is an emotional book about these two children finding loyalty and friendship on the streets of the black country. I couldn't put it down i highly recommend it.
The Pick-Pocket Orphans by Lindsey Hutchinson is a heartwarming historical novel that delves into the lives of orphaned children living on the fringes of society. Set against a richly detailed backdrop, the story follows the adventures and challenges faced by the young protagonists as they navigate a world filled with both hardship and hope. Hutchinson's engaging storytelling and well-drawn characters bring the era to life, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the search for belonging. This book offers a blend of emotional depth and historical insight, making it a touching and memorable read.
I felt this was an easy reading book, but was irritated by the "Americanisms" used when it was supposed to be a work of historical english fiction. The language used and the "scene setting" I felt to be out of order to the era. In the 1860's you wouldn't have had a large landowner sounding like an Australian - they would still have been very British in their manner, and I found it extremely unlikely that a convict would have been singled out and treated so well by the "Boss" without his cohorts developing resentment. Found that annoying. And the ending was just plain lazy writing, as though the author just couldn't be bothered finishing the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I devoured this book in a day, and now I’m left feeling jilted. I understand wanting readers to leave with suspense so your future novels are in demand, but this was cruel. The ending was ridiculously abrupt and without warning. While the book was insanely good, I don’t have the patience to risk this with the next in the series… which isn’t even released until October.
Maybe I will still be interested by then, maybe not.
The Pick-Pocket Orphans takes place in England initially and then both England and a penal colony in Australia. The two characters were so well written that I could really empathize with them. I really enjoyed this and will read more books by Lindsey Hutchinson. Many thanks for this ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Two young children with no family learning to depend on each other in their struggle to survive is a vacation from our modern day to day struggles. Alice and BJ became my young friends as I cheered them on through their trials. I can't wait to read the second book in this wonderful trilogy,
In general I enjoyed the book and was drawn into the characters and the emotions of their lives. I enjoyed the obvious research into convict transportation and lives. A nice holiday read with a few ‘far-fetched’ twists and turns (go the savvy 14 year old with enough business sense to keep books and run a profitable bakery after limited training!)
This was an amazing read, it started out a little slow, but once I got into it. I was their with the 2 young people, going through having to find somewhere safe to sleep, trying to find food. Keeping themselves warm at night. Being touch how to pick pocket, and find money, anyway the could. You imagine them growing up and looking after each other.
You've done it again Lindsey, I've fallen in love with the main characters already( book read in 2 1/2 days) and can't wait for second book to find out what's going on in their lives.
I really enjoyed this story until the end, which just ended without notice. There is to be another book or two about these two young people, Alice and BJ, but the author could have ended it better, otherwise I would have given it more stars.
Ending is as if the author had run out of paper! I feel the conclusion of this book, unimaginative and displayed lazy composition. Despite this I enjoyed getting to know Alice and BJ. I intend to accompany them on their next adventure
Beautiful story about two young people and their lives. I can not wait to read the next book in this series. The author explains everything so well you feel like you are there.
a new saga series for 2024 from Lindsay Hutchinson and this does not disappoint. As expected it's a page turner full of family trials and tribulations including sorrow and courage.. Excellent.
Really enjoyable read. Very disappointed at the sudden end but wanted more as it was a book that kep me wondering what else could happen to these lovely children.