Gideon the Cutpurse

By: Linda Buckley-Archer

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 1763. Gideon Seymour, cutpurse and gentleman, hides in dense underbrush from the villainous Tar Man. Suddenly the sky peels away like fabric and from the gaping hole fall two curious-looking children. Peter Schock and Kate Dyer have fallen straight from the 21st century, thanks to an experiment Kate's father was running with an antigravity machine. Before Gideon and the children have a chance to gather their wits, the Tar Man has taken off with the machine and Kate and Peter's only chance of getting home. Soon Gideon, Kate, and Peter are swept into a journey through 18th century London, over the routes of notorious highwaymen, and even into King George's palace and form a bond that, they hope, will stand strong in the face of unfathomable treachery.

Historical detail comes alive as debut author Linda Buckley-Archer weaves the 18th century trials of Gideon, Kate, and Peter with the modern-day worries of their parents and the wily investigator trying to piece together the children's disappearance. A time-travel tale in the tradition of Mark Twain with a touch of Back to the Future, the first audiobook of the Gideon trilogy introduces listeners to a modern genre all its own.

©2006 Linda Buckley-Archer. All rights reserved (P)2006 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Great series for all ages.

Would you consider the audio edition of Gideon the Cutpurse to be better than the print version?

Gideon the Cutpurse reminds me of books I loved in my youth. It's a complex and romping story, with plenty of good guys, bad guys, and some that are a little bit of both. I think it is rich enough to become a classic someday.
I loved the scenes where Kate and Peter had to deal with life in the 17th century, then they would fade and get a taste of the 21st century again. Just wondering, if you could go back in time, where would you go?
It's an excellent book and well worth the time to read, no matter what your age.

Best narration ever!!!

A most delightful story with thorough villains and unexpected heroes. Gerard Doyle's narration made it all even better. Can't wait to listen to Book Two!

Like Harry Potter, it's great lit for any age!

This is a great listen for any age. It grabbed my attention from the first and didn't let go. I will eagerly buy and listen to the other three in the trilogy! The narration is really well done, offering a distinct set of voices, excellent modulation and really nicely paced. The story is gripping and scary and sometimes even funny. It offers excellent characters of depth. You really care about what happens to them - even the bad ones!

I recently finished "Found," the first of the "Missing" series. It's also for young people (which I am not, but find some youth publications to be very good.) I rated it poorly and returned it because it is exactly the opposite of "Gideon the Cutpurse." There is just no comparison.

One of the best parts of this book was the history of the era in which Peter and Kate find themselves (1763) when life was dirty, dangerous and difficult. I love that it gives young people such a delightfully fun way to learn about this other era and I suspect that, for many, it might spark a lifelong interest in learning about how people live in these "other whens."

This would be fun to read aloud with the family

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was an excellent story, with enough depth and levels to the story to entertain a variety of ages. Though I read it alone, I think it would make a great read-aloud story with the family.

What other book might you compare Gideon the Cutpurse to and why?

Gideon the Cutpurse reminds me of books I loved in my youth. It's a complex and romping story, with plenty of good guys, bad guys, and some that are a little bit of both. I think it is rich enough to become a classic someday.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the scenes where Kate and Peter had to deal with life in the 17th century, then they would fade and get a taste of the 21st century again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

Any additional comments?

It's an excellent book and well worth the time to read, no matter what your age.

Warning - Too Grim for Kids

The main characters in this book are a 12 year old boy and girl but as the story takes place primarily in 1763 the grim reality of the time period is inappropriate for children. This book contains very realistic descriptions of poverty, cruelty and other gruesome descriptions of life in this primitive century. Avoid this book this book for children but enjoy it if you read it as an adult. Interesting real characters such as Queen Charlotte and children with deadly diseases such as scrofula (TB) add gruesome reality.

A great series. Don't pass this one up.

It took me a while to start this series, and what did I wait for?!! Don't wait! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next 2 in the series. Now I hope the rest of the trilogy is as engaging and entertaining as this one.

A little slow at times, but worth it

Classic story of falling through time, but with the twist that those in contemporary time are working on the problem from their end as well.

one of my favorites

this is a book that I could listen to over and over again. its is a wondrous story.

fun adventure

this was a fun adventure. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. didn't see that end coming.