The Pick-Pocket Orphans

Book excerpt: Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can’t take another day of her father’s cruelty. Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother’s sad death, or that’s what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold. Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he’s happy to take her under his wing. As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can’t bear the thought that she might lose her only friend – forever... The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. Readers love Lindsey Hutchinson: ‘I love this author’s books. Another triumph with lots of twists in the lives of the families. Love, death, great happiness and sadness, even a few murders thrown in.’ ‘Yet another brilliant book by Lindsey Hutchinson. A great storyline and a good page turner. Loved every minute reading it.’ ‘I didn't want it to end, I have never been disappointed with Lindsey Hutchinson. Can't wait for her next one.’ ‘There is so much happening in this book that every single chapter is an absolute page turner. Lindsey Hutchinson is such a wonderful story teller as she reels you right in from the very first chapter.’ ‘This book was superb, gripping, heart breaking. I love these two characters in their own role right up to the ending, but I certainly wouldn't like to cross Clarice, she is one psycho woman that wont stop at nothing to get revenge. Readers are going to love this read and it's one of my favourites from this author.’