The Notorious Scarlett and Browne

Scarlett and Browne, Book 2

By: Jonathan Stroud

Narrated by: Sophie Aldred

"Stroud is a genius."—Rick Riordan

The now notorious outlaws Scarlett and Browne are back in their second death-defying adventure—and this time it’s not just their own lives on the line. . . .

Albert and Scarlett are a formidable pair. With his ability to read minds and her way with a weapon, no bank can keep them out and no jail can keep them in.

But their notoriety may have spread a bit too far. Now old enemies from Scarlett’s past and a sinister new threat from Albert’s world are boxing them in—and holding their friends hostage.

To win their freedom, the outlaws Scarlett and Browne are charged with pulling off an impossible mission.

And the clock is ticking . . .

Fans of Jonathan Stroud's The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne won't want to miss their next adventure.

©2023 Jonathan Stroud (P)2023 Listening Library

Critic reviews

★ "Stroud dishes up another headlong plot replete with cliffhangers, breathtaking feats, and all-too-narrow escapes. Rousing, swashbuckling fun." —Kirkus Reviews, starred

★ “[A] fizzingly paced adventure. Full of action, outlaws, dystopian societies, and post-apocalyptic ghouls. To say the stakes are high is an understatement, but that is Stroud at his best. Both hilarious and suspenseful." —The Horn Book Magazine, starred

"Stroud outdoes himself in this second book, finding inventive ways to amp up the thrills as Scarlett and Albert tackle more dangerous heists and confront fearsome villains from their pasts. The author displays a cinematic eye for detail in thrilling action sequences. Stroud's writing crackles with wit. The extremely satisfying ending seems to promise yet another book in this marvelous series." —The Buffalo News

Another AMAZING story and performance

Loved this second book and can't wait for the next part to come out. And the reading performance was impeccable... She made every moment come to life. DEFINITELY a MUST LISTEN TO!!!

Jonathan Stroud is my guy

Big fan of all basically all of Stroud's work. I'm admittedly bias, but he doedn't go wrong with this book either.

Another gem from Stroud

Since discovering this author, I’m impatient for every new novel. The characterizations and dialogue are superb. The almost plausible storyline takes you on a roller coaster ride, that somehow blends intimate, moving passages with swashbuckling adventure. This is a wonderful book; a book for any age. It was only further enhanced by the versatile and inspired narration of Sophie Aldred.

Good

It’s good
Really really really really really really really really really really really really good I liked it a lot

Rip roaring fun.

Just as great as the first book. I Can’t wait for book 3 to come out.

Even better than the first book!

I enjoyed this book much more than the first book. Perfect choice of narrator with all the right comedic timing. Narrators can make or break a book!

I appreciated the flashbacks into Scarlett’s backstory, which explained a lot about her actions and life choices, because frankly, I found Scarlett an unlikeable moral sinkhole in the first book. I think that is why I didn’t enjoy the first book as much, being introduced to Scarlett directly following the killing of several assailants, with no remorse. It was an unsettling beginning and with a cavalier approach to theft and further killings throughout the book, it left me uncertain about wanting to follow this series. It’s definitely not a story for younger audiences (the cover misleads one to think it is). I couldn’t understand why Stroud chose to write the protagonists this way and left her character unfleshed out until the second book, but I sort of get it; the first book was about the contrast between Scarlett and Albert. So I persevered, being a loyal Stroud fan.

Therefore I was gratified that the second book came through. Book 2 was a wild ride with more of Jonathan Stroud’s signature humor (of which I could never tire) and complex world building as he peels away the onion of Scarlett’s unresolved past and the discovery of new powers for Albert, and the a new revelation and a mystery for a 3rd book. No spoilers. I can’t wait for book 3!

So great!

I’m a Stroud fan, but when you add in Sophie Alfred reading, this series is just outstanding, fresh and fun!

Great series!

Loved the narration and the story. I hope there will be a third and fourth!

So good!

From beginning to end, I couldn’t stop listening. Just loved it so so so so so much.

Great fun.

Great fun. Good story. Well read and acted. Can’t wait for the next one. Keep writing…