The Great Trouble

A Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel

By: Deborah Hopkinson

Narrated by: Matthew Frow, Kimberly Farr

The suspenseful tale of two courageous kids and one inquisitive scientist who teamed up to stop an epidemic.

“A delightful combination of race-against-the-clock medical mystery and outwit-the-bad-guys adventure.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred

Eel has troubles of his own: As an orphan and a “mudlark,” he spends his days in the filthy River Thames, searching for bits of things to sell. He’s being hunted by Fisheye Bill Tyler, and a nastier man never walked the streets of London. And he’s got a secret that costs him four precious shillings a week to keep safe. But even for Eel, things aren’t so bad until that fateful August day in 1854—the day the deadly cholera epidemic (“blue death”) comes to Broad Street.

Everyone believes that cholera is spread through poisonous air. But one man, Dr. John Snow, has a different theory. As the epidemic surges, it’s up to Eel and his best friend, Florrie, to gather evidence to prove Dr. Snow’s theory—before the entire neighborhood is wiped out.

“Hopkinson illuminates a pivotal chapter in the history of public health. . . . Accessible . . . and entertaining.” —School Library Journal, Starred

“For [readers] who love suspense, drama, and mystery.” —TIME for Kids

Critic reviews

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, September 2, 2013:
"Hopkinson adeptly recreates the crowded, infested streets of London, but it’s her distinct, layered characters and turbulent, yet believable plot that make this a captivating read."

Starred Review, School Library Journal, October 2013:
"Although detailing a dire period in history, Eel tells his story in a matter-of-fact and accessible manner, making his story palatable and entertaining."

Fascinating and educational!

You could imagine being there and understanding the culture. It was a great story to learn about the discovery of a contagious disease that still affects many around the world!

The amazing book about a terrible time

The voice of Eel is cool,the chapters are interesting,amazing,it's like wow how Eel goes through all of this

Great book

This is a must read book that I recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction. This book is one for someone who likes victory through it all.

informative

I don't think I could have stayed with this book if I was reading it myself. The narrative held my interest.

Very difficult to listen to

Cockney accent for the entire book really grates in your nerves. And Wikipedia article on Dr. a John Snow was more interesting.