Deep Dark (Volume 1) (A Cassia Thorne Mystery)

I love a book that has a little bit of real history entwined within the story. Deep Dark is such a book. Cassia Thorne is the main character; a patterer (a child singer who sings songs - that tell a story - on the streets of early 19th century London), but who also teaches piano to the two turbulent girls of Mrs Bradshaw. After arriving from India with her father, who has lost his fleet of ships and is now housed in Fleet Prison until he is able to repay his debts, Cassia is now trying to earn enough money so that they can eat.

Cassia and her two friends Teo - a pickpocket - and Felix, begin an adventure to solve the mystery of the disappearing children from the streets of London. Word on the street amongst the children is that there is a monster who lures children away…..by music! When Cassia sees a young girl being led away by two men in blue coats from Bartholomew Fair, the adventure really begins. Cassia, Teo and Felix have quite a task in how to bring home the missing children.

A brilliant first book in the Cassia Thorne Mystery series (I also love that there is a sneak peak of the next book at the back of the book). A story full of excitement, anticipation and loyalties. It really brings the streets of Victorian London to life.

336 pages / Reviewed by Donna Ritchie

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Cassia Thorne lives in the Fleet with her father, who is in prison for debt. She does what she can to support them by selling ballads in the streets and giving music lessons. When the younger brother of her friend goes missing, Cassia is determined to find him and with the help of Teo, a pickpocket, and Felix Bradshaw, a well-to-do young man, she discovers a sinister plot, involving missing children and rumours of a fearsome beast lurking beneath the streets of London.

Deep Dark combines historical detail, fantasy and a sinister mystery to create a compelling adventure. Set in Victorian London, the story includes plenty of real history. The threat of the workhouse, the evils of debtors' prison, the lives of mudlarks and costermongers all help to build a vivid picture of Cassia's world as she strives to make more of her life.

Trapped in the Fleet prison due to her father's misfortunes, she is determined to free herself from the poverty and limitations of her life whilst painfully aware that she is only one step away from life in the workhouse. The excitement and wonders St Bartholomew's Fair offers a stark contrast to these realities, capturing the bustle and energy of those enjoying its sights and sounds.

A note at the end of the book adds some historical detail and context, offering suggestions for further investigation and research should readers wish to discover more, whilst a map at the beginning allows them to follow Cassia’s adventures and realise that many of these places are still there in today's London.

Cassia is a really strong, well-rounded character. Although ambitious and determined, she also experiences moments of doubt about the enormity of what she is trying to do and the realities of her situation. A loyal friend with a big heart, it is impossible not to like her and feel invested in her success as she takes on a seemingly impossible challenge; locating and freeing the missing children, caring when others do not. The contrast between Teo and Felix underlines the lack of social equality which existed (and continues to do so). Each boy is full of personality, each endearing in their own way.

The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, yet there is obviously more to come for Cassia, leaving readers keen for the next book to appear! Deep Dark would make an excellent story time read for a Y6 class (ages 9+) with plenty of tension and excitement to keep them on the edge of their seats as they root for Cassia every step of the way!

336 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+