The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham
Jack Be-Nimble Nottingham, a runaway orphan, gets more than he bargained for when his attempt to nick a few valuables to pawn from a bombed-out manor during London’s 1940 Blitz unleashes a monster that sickens Jack’s beloved dog and the townsfolk. Nimble, a self-sufficient loner, tries to contain the monster and learns important life lessons as a result, including the healing power of friendship. The plot culminates in a very satisfying and bright ending.
Black has crafted an enjoyable middle grade novel by mixing one part World War II Britain with equal parts of the great London fire, the plague, and an unhealthy dose of a mysterious magical elixir. This blend gives The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham a broad appeal that will interest fantasy and light-horror readers as well as those interested in historical fiction. Harry Potter fans ages 10 and up will likely enjoy this title and learn a bit about history as well.
Like its title, the book skews a bit dark in a deliciously creepy way with crumbling estates, rotting warehouses, and decrepit docks housing rough-and-tumble kid gangs scraping by as bombs rain down on London. It will appeal to young readers who like shadowy enigmatic monsters, dangerous potions, and midnight escapades.
While the plot sometimes feels a bit cloudy in the middle, it’s an overall good read that deserves a spot on classroom and library shelves for grades five and up.
