Mister Creecher

By: Chris Priestley

Narrated by: Richard Mitchley

Billy is a street urchin, pickpocket and petty thief. Mister Creecher is a monstrous giant of a man who terrifies all he meets. Their relationship begins as pure convenience. But a bond swiftly develops between these two misfits as their bloody journey takes them ever northwards on the trail of their target . . .

Victor Frankenstein.A moving, thrilling story about friendship, trust and betrayal, from bestselling author Chris Priestley. Read by Richard Mitchley.

©2011 Chris Priestley (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Frankenstein Midquel and a Stealth Prequel

I cannot say for sure how this will hit with a middle school audience unfamiliar with Frankenstein's novel story and the Dickens' knowledge that makes the ending so impactful. But as a long time Frankenstein devotee, I found this a macabre delight! Not knowing much of Dickens seems to be the lesser stumbling block, as we see Billy's self curdle and strive, trying to be more than a street urchin within the text itself. For him, this is an origin story as we see the vulnerability laid bare within one who must be cruel to survive and thrive.

This book is a character study above all else, so I would recommend it mainly to those who like me, always want more of the Creature! The plot is just a lot of "go here, watch this person and what they do," which i fine because it's in the thoughts, speech, and reactions of characters that this novel comes to life. It's a look at Creature, at Billy, at the great character of early 1800s London and to a lesser extent of Victor Frankenstein and numerous people that weave in and out of Billy's life.