The Black Book of Secrets (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Jeremiah Ratchet, Pagus Parvus, Joe Zabbidou (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Black Book of Secrets:

“Wonderful. Anyone looking for the next big thing has come to the right place. Higgins has created a uniquely grim fantasy world that more than holds its own with Dickens or Peake. Her characters are brilliantly realized and the story grabs at the reader with hooked talons.”—Eoin Colfer

“This polished debut from a British writer tantalizingly blends secrets and thick, evocative atmosphere . . . Higgins, framing her book as texts discovered in a hallowed wooden leg, expertly sustains the audience’s curiosity, revealing just enough information to keep readers riveted. And for all the grisly details, the novel gets at important themes about self-determination and trust. Original and engrossing.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“The story’s vaguely Dickensian atmosphere is exquisite . . . A tantalizingly revelatory ending leaves at least one thread dangling for future volumes (which are sure to evoke more picaresque oddities and nefarious tales), making this a smart, peculiarly thrilling book that is sure to appeal to readers ready to sidestep the goodygoody Harry Potters of adventure fiction.” —Booklist, Starred Review

“Higgins’s debut begins with a bang—on the streets of a London as dark as in any Dickens novel—and ends in a mysterious cave, with no let-up in pacing from start to finish . . . One of Higgins’s great achievements is the way she manages to convey a degree of innocence in Ludlow despite his harsh life surviving the city streets. Redemption emerges as a strong theme in the book, as she reveals the complexities of human nature, and she leaves open several mysteries (including the history behind a wooden leg and Joe’s prized pet frog). Readers can only hope for many more black books filled with secrets.” —Shelf Awareness

“Pre-teens who enjoy historically based fantasy . . . will find The Black Book of Secrets thoroughly rewarding.”—The Washington Post

“. . . will keep readers on the edge of their seats.” —Scripps Howard News Service

“There can be few more nightmarish openings than that of The Black Book of Secrets . . . A beguiling mix of gothic fairy tale and Dalhesque macabre for 9-13-year-olds.” —The Telegraph (UK)

“Higgins creates a fascinating novel peopled with colorful characters and imbued with clever plot twists . . . the novel’s climax is both excellent and surprising.” —VOYA

“Higgins’s fine writing and wry tale will charm readers who are ready for the unusual . . . like the film Chocolat . . . a stranger enters a town and changes the lives there forever, all from the confines of a small shop, this time a pawnbroker’s place.” —KLIATT

“The resolution, as tidy a piece of plotting as can be imagined, not only collects all the plot threads but leads to the deeper revelation of who Joe is and why he plies such a curious trade. Strongly seasoned with details of nineteenth-century oddities, the story abounds with puzzles, quirks, and enticing disclosures.” —The Horn Book

“While Ludlow & Co. do live in an alternate reality, there are many details about life in the late 1800s that readers of historical fiction will enjoy—especially those who like reading about the more gruesome, less well-known details, like stealing and selling teeth, grave robbers, body snatchers and Sweeney Todd.” —Bookshelves of Doom

“I thought this book was outstanding. It's a horror book with lots of mystery. I would give it four stars.” —Jennifer Hopkins, age 11, in the Washington Times

Product Description

A boy arrives at a remote village in the dead of night. His name is Ludlow Fitch—and he is running from a most terrible past. What he is about to learn is that in this village is the life he has dreamed of—a safe place to live, and a job, as the assistant to a mysterious pawnbroker who trades people’s deepest, darkest secrets for cash. Ludlow’s job is to neatly transcribe the confessions in an ancient leather-bound tome: The Black Book of Secrets.

Ludlow yearns to trust his mentor, who refuses to disclose any information on his past experiences or future intentions. What the pawnbroker does not know is, in a town brimming with secrets, the most troubling may be held by his new apprentice.

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (October 2, 2007) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312368445 ISBN-13: 978-0312368449 Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,815 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Jeremiah Ratchet, Pagus Parvus, Joe Zabbidou, Black Book, Barton Gumbroot, Elias Sourdough, Pagus Parvians, Job Wright, Dark Side, Lily Weaver, Horatio Cleaver, Pickled Trout, Nimble Finger, Samuel Mouldered, Obadiah Strang, Lembart Jellico, Stirling Oliphaunt, Stanton Cleaver, Perigoe Leafbinder, Secret Pawnbroker

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Customer Reviews

14 Reviews 5 star:  (5) 4 star:  (5) 3 star:  (4) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.1 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A clever supernatural book, or is it supernatural?, December 6, 2007 By  Amber (Maine) - See all my reviews This book is very unique in that the plot reveals little secrets and hints about the character that make you wonder if the book is in the supernatural genre. However, the author leaves that open for interpretation because everything could easily be explained by natural causes and effects. It is a fun mystery book for the young adult audience with twists and turns sure to keep anyone enthralled. This book is also unique because the author takes the time to describe all of the characters in depth. Every character is important and none are to be overlooked. There is also the clever placement of a symbol at strategically placed intervals in the chapters. Its meaning is revealed at the end of the book. It's a very clever tool to use in the formatting of the book. Even the outward appearance of the book is interesting. It is built as the Book of Secrets is described in the story. It almost gives it a creepy feeling when you look at its black edged pages. As a whole, the book is very clever and an enjoyable read. I would especially recommend this book for the grades of seven through ten, but anyone could enjoy this book. 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous Gothic Horror for Children and Adults, November 1, 2007 By  Thomas P. Denick - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Why no one knows about this book yet is a mystery to me. I found it in a French bookstore, in the English section, in Quebec City. This is an absolutely wonderful first book filled with true horror and wonders for all ages. I don't know why the book's publisher has chosen to categorize this book only for 9-12 year olds, as it reads quite fine to me at 29. I bought it without noticing it was a children's book, and got a good way in before I even realized that was the intention. The story starts out with an anguishing bit of horror, and then quickly moves through the English countryside as we follow our city-boy protaganist to where he lands in Parvus Pravil, where he meets and apprentices with the most extraordinary pawnbroker. The pawnbroker specializes in people's secrets, and at midnight invites townfolk to his shop where they tell them his worst secrets and he pays them for their safe keeping. I think fans of Harry Potter, The Sandman, and Lemony Snicket, all will truly enjoy this novel. Also, I have no idea what this other review is talking about as this story is very clearly about a little boy, who in no way discovers a book of secrets, but instead, helps write one. 4 of 5 people found the following review helpful: 3.0 out of 5 stars Falls Flat at the End and Not-So-Moral Lessons learned, December 11, 2007 By  Byron L. Duncan - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    I didnt realize it was a children's book either when I purchased. It starts off well, and the writing style is unique. It was not before long I was into the story and wanting to know the outcome and the ultimate secret of Joe. I will be honest, the story ended long before the book does for me. And the book's ending was quite disappointing. To me it seems that the author wrote themselves into a corner and didn't come out of it too well. There are some lessons here that I am not sure I want my child to learn either.......that if you had a hand in someone's death, even indirectly, that you should keep it a secret. What kind of lesson is that?		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars One of my new top 10 I read this book out loud with my son, one or so chapters a night. It is complex without being difficult to follow. Read more Published 8 months ago by Cheryl Heughins 4.0 out of 5 stars The Black Book of Secrets F.E. Higgins has created a dark world of intrigue for the middle grade reading sector with The Black Book of Secrets. Read more Published 10 months ago by Amanda Snow (A Patchwork of Books) 3.0 out of 5 stars Secrets and Magic Even though this is a children's book, it immediately grabs the reader's attention. This young boy is forced to flee his horrible family and crosses paths with a mysterious man... Read more Published 16 months ago by K. Grant 3.0 out of 5 stars Ok book I found this book in my hunt for a good story. I was excited over the look of the book as well. It is a very eye catching book. Read more Published 17 months ago by Mercedes 4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and Wicked Twists THE BLACK BOOK OF SECRETS by F. E. Higgins has one of the most intriguing premises I've seen in a juvenile novel, or an adult novel, in a long time. Read more Published 21 months ago by Mel Odom 3.0 out of 5 stars Fair storyline The storyline intrigued me. A pawnbroker who pays money for secrets, Why? What is he going to do with it. The story was a bit diapointing for me. Read more Published 22 months ago by Ravenclawlibrarian 4.0 out of 5 stars Pawnbroking: Quite possibly the world's most morally superior occupation The power of the first page. A lot of authors don't respect it these days. They'll scribble down the first two mildly exciting sentences that pop into their brains, usually... Read more Published 23 months ago by E. R. Bird 4.0 out of 5 stars A well done, Intriguing and dark mystery An excellent book, read it in less than a day. From a dark and twisted, yet exciting opening, this book grabs you and keeps you guessing...and turning pages. Read more Published 23 months ago by Matthew Jackson 5.0 out of 5 stars Who has a secret to sell? Everyone has secrets. Some small, others big. Imagine if you could sell your worse secret and have someone else deal with it. Read more Published 23 months ago by Kim Baccellia, YA author 5.0 out of 5 stars Richie's Picks: THE BLACK BOOK OF SECRETS "When I opened my eyes I knew that nothing in my miserable life prior to that moment could possibly be as bad as what was about to happen. Read more Published on November 5, 2007 by Richie Partington Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (October 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312368445
• ISBN-13: 978-0312368449
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,815 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clever supernatural book, or is it supernatural?, December 6, 2007

By	Amber (Maine) - See all my reviews

This book is very unique in that the plot reveals little secrets and hints about the character that make you wonder if the book is in the supernatural genre. However, the author leaves that open for interpretation because everything could easily be explained by natural causes and effects. It is a fun mystery book for the young adult audience with twists and turns sure to keep anyone enthralled.

This book is also unique because the author takes the time to describe all of the characters in depth. Every character is important and none are to be overlooked. There is also the clever placement of a symbol at strategically placed intervals in the chapters. Its meaning is revealed at the end of the book. It's a very clever tool to use in the formatting of the book. Even the outward appearance of the book is interesting. It is built as the Book of Secrets is described in the story. It almost gives it a creepy feeling when you look at its black edged pages.

As a whole, the book is very clever and an enjoyable read. I would especially recommend this book for the grades of seven through ten, but anyone could enjoy this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous Gothic Horror for Children and Adults, November 1, 2007

By	Thomas P. Denick - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Why no one knows about this book yet is a mystery to me. I found it in a French bookstore, in the English section, in Quebec City. This is an absolutely wonderful first book filled with true horror and wonders for all ages.

I don't know why the book's publisher has chosen to categorize this book only for 9-12 year olds, as it reads quite fine to me at 29. I bought it without noticing it was a children's book, and got a good way in before I even realized that was the intention.

The story starts out with an anguishing bit of horror, and then quickly moves through the English countryside as we follow our city-boy protaganist to where he lands in Parvus Pravil, where he meets and apprentices with the most extraordinary pawnbroker.

The pawnbroker specializes in people's secrets, and at midnight invites townfolk to his shop where they tell them his worst secrets and he pays them for their safe keeping.

I think fans of Harry Potter, The Sandman, and Lemony Snicket, all will truly enjoy this novel.

Also, I have no idea what this other review is talking about as this story is very clearly about a little boy, who in no way discovers a book of secrets, but instead, helps write one.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Falls Flat at the End and Not-So-Moral Lessons learned, December 11, 2007

By	Byron L. Duncan - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I didnt realize it was a children's book either when I purchased. It starts off well, and the writing style is unique. It was not before long I was into the story and wanting to know the outcome and the ultimate secret of Joe. I will be honest, the story ended long before the book does for me. And the book's ending was quite disappointing. To me it seems that the author wrote themselves into a corner and didn't come out of it too well. There are some lessons here that I am not sure I want my child to learn either.......that if you had a hand in someone's death, even indirectly, that you should keep it a secret. What kind of lesson is that?