Wild Boy & the Black Terror

Gr 5–8—Wild Boy, a former freak show attraction who strikes fear in the heart of the populace, is called upon to use his deductive reasoning skills to solve another mystery. This challenge involves a demon, black diamonds, and the mysterious Black Terror, which drives victims mad by conjuring up their worst memories until they succumb to despair and death. Although Wild Boy and his partner Clarissa, a strong-willed acrobat from the freak show, are dismissed by the Gentlemen who protect the queen, they prevail in the end. Set in 19th-century London, the story keeps the action going, with clues that lead our heroes from the British Raj in India to Queen Victoria's court. James Clamp brings the story to life with a broad British accent and a vast array of voices, clearly distinguishing an impressive variety of characters. When appropriate, he reads with exaggerated dread so that listeners can almost see the "TERROR" in bold wavy letters and hear the "Nya ha ha" of the gloating villains, until they are foiled again.