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4-6
Master Diplexito and Mr. Scant series.
English schoolboy Oliver Diplexito (The Thief's Apprentice) and his mentor-butler Mr. Scant (a.k.a. the elusive miscreant Ruminating Claw) travel the globe in search of Mr. Scant's missing niece. Along the way, they uncover a conspiracy involving secret criminal societies, kidnappings, and a murderous plot against China's emperor. Despite standard-issue characters and plotting, stereotypes are largely avoided; series fans should enjoy the duo's continued adventures.
(4)
4-6
Master Diplexito and Mr. Scant series.
A discovery upends English schoolboy Oliver Diplexito's tedious life: the family butler, Mr. Scant, is the elusive thief known as "Ruminating Claw," responsible for seizing priceless treasures throughout England. However, Mr. Scant's heists are not what they seem, and Oliver becomes his apprentice, helping him thwart the real criminals. While the characters lack richness and the plot is uneven, the intriguing premise should keep readers engaged.