Clever boy. Genius serial killer. True story.

Ithaca, NY, 1846. As a weakling in a frontier-toughened town, young Albert Jarvis is relentlessly denied his only desire—a hint of love from his stone-hearted Pa. Then a captivating stranger, accused of heinous crimes, gets shackled in his father's jail and promises Albert a spellbinding future of achievement and acceptance.

When a shocking betrayal forces Albert to make an impossible choice, he lands on the unforgiving streets of Manhattan on the edge of survival. With only his unreliable mentor as a guide, he struggles with grueling poverty, glittering ill-gotten wealth, and cruel deception—until his teacher crosses an unthinkable line.

Now caught in a dangerous test of loyalty and treachery, Albert must prove himself worth his salt, or lose something far worse than his life in the gripping psychological thriller.

Inspired by the true story that rocked the 19th-century world, this unputdownable novel is a must-read for fans of The Alienist, Oliver Twist, and Devil in the White City. The Prisoner’s Apprentice won the 2022 IRDA Historical Fiction Award, was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Historical Fiction Award, and was awarded an Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion.

“Grabbed me on page one” — Lolly Winston, New York Times bestselling author

“Completely riveting storytelling” — Ellen Sussman, New York Times bestselling author

Kevin Clay

Stem