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4-6Master 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.