Rob Thompson

An epic story of survival, class wars and daring escapes: inside the fortress walls of Colditz Castle

Macintyre's latest nonfiction thriller transports us inside this notorious Nazi prison. He suggests that prisoner boredom partly explains why there were more attempted escapes from Colditz than any other camp. And this helped inspire the supreme levels of ingenuity and invention accompanying those efforts.

What's refreshing is that he tells the story of castle characters covering many nationalities. Not only that but he details the toxic British class system that overrode everything in the prison.

A mixture of derring-do and a vivid, warts-and-all portrayal of the iconic castle.

I listened to the abridged version on BBC Sounds.

The Antipope was the first Robert Rankin book I'd read. It's the first instalment in his Brentford trilogy. I can see why some people have suggested that his work is a little like Marmite. You'll either love it or hate it. And the less “English” your humour is the less you'll like it.

The meandering plot itself is pure madness. In fact, this genre hopping story is so crazy it's hardly worth describing. It revolves around a couple of layabouts, a pub, magic beans, Pope Alexander VI and a plan to conquer the world. Before you know it the characters wrap themselves up in series of wacky misadventures and find themselves in any number of improbable situations.

Rankin weaves in lots of references to pop culture, daftness, horror, fantasy, sci-fi, slapstick and general strangeness. Of course, in the end they defeat the baddie. This means the protagonists can retreat back into The Swan and continue drinking massive quantities of alcohol once again.

Rankin's writing style, humour and weirdness was as though Terry Pratchett was trying to write like Douglas Adams, with his brilliantly constructed sentences. One scene in particular was worth the price of the book: this was the build-up and execution of the cowboy party in The Swan. It was both inspired and insane.

But the book is a little hit or miss. Some parts work well, others seem to be too “out there”. As this was Rankin's first novel he can be forgiven. It's not a bad book and it's good enough to make me want to read more of his work. I suspect they'll get better.

So in summary, The Antipope is complete lunacy grounded in a version of the real world called Brentford. If you can bend your mind around the bizarre universe Rankin presents then you'll enjoy it. I'm already looking forward to reading the next few books in the series.

Tried to listen to the audiobook. Really didn't like the narrator's voice. Had to stop listening

Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano is an American gangster. He became the underboss of the Gambino crime family. In this book The Bull relates the events leading up to his helping with the prosecution sentence John Gotti, the crime family's boss. He agreed to testify as a government witness against him. Along with other mobsters in a deal in which he confessed to involvement in 19 murders.

Sammy the Bull has an unbelievable memory. He can recall names and facts about many parts of his life. Which suggests it was Sammy and not Gotti, who was the brains of the Gambino family. He tried running things, quietly and in the ways of Cosa Nostra.

Gravano frequently returns to the theme of living his life based on the rules of Cosa Nostra. You may ask, isn't Gravano hypocritical for talking about Cosa Nostra when he turned into a rat against John Gotti?

One of the best books about the Mafia I've read.

“The Restless Republic: Britain without a Crown” by Anna Keay is a daring, if not audacious, exploration of a controversial concept - a Britain without its monarchy.

Keay doesn't tiptoe around the topic; she dives headfirst into a contentious debate that has simmered beneath the surface of British society for generations. In a nation where the monarchy is often revered with near-religious devotion, Keay's book is a breath of fresh air for those who dare to question the status quo.

This is not a book for the faint-hearted or the staunch royalists. Keay's arguments are provocative, and her vision of a republic raises eyebrows. She doesn't shy away from the potential upheaval such a shift might bring, both culturally and politically. This is the stuff of heated pub debates and dinner table arguments, and Keay knows it.

“The Restless Republic” isn't just a book; it's a gauntlet thrown down in front of the monarchy's supporters, challenging them to confront the notion that a republic might be a viable alternative. It's a rallying cry for those who believe that Britain's future could be brighter without the Crown weighing it down.

But let's not forget the undeniable allure of controversy. Keay's book isn't just an intellectual exercise; it's a page-turner for anyone who enjoys a good ideological brawl. Whether you're a fervent supporter of the monarchy or a fervent advocate for its dissolution, this book will stoke the fires of your convictions and ignite passionate discussions wherever it's read.

In a world of polite debates and careful rhetoric, “The Restless Republic” boldly charges into the heart of one of Britain's most contentious issues. For those who revel in controversy, this book is a must-read, offering a fresh perspective on a topic that's been traditionally off-limits. Anna Keay has penned a work that will spark debates, fuel conversations, and, most importantly, make you question the very essence of Britain's identity.

Quest for Lost Heroes, published in 1990, is a novel by British fantasy writer David Gemmell. It is the fourth entry in the Drenai series.

The story is set several decades after. It makes several references to the events in Gemmell's earlier title, The King Beyond the Gate. It also provides a conclusion to the story of Tenaka Khan, one of the chief protagonists of The King Beyond the Gate.

As is usual for a Gemmell book, this is about a journey of redemption. Where the characters who discover the true nature of heroism. In their prime these characters they were the best. But in David's tales, they've passed their prime. These heroes are forced out of retirement.

Gemell's skill is how he weaves familiar themes into a gripping story. He gradually revealing his characters thoughts, hopes and fears, while mixing in brutal action.

This is great reading.

Mason argues in great detail that the threat from 21st century fascism is not of a modern day beerhall putsch. It's far more insidious. The former journalist correctly identifies the fundamental problem. In fact, he defines it in excruciating detail. But frustratingly he offers little in the way of a workable solution. I gave in after about 2/3 of the book. It was frustrating to say the least. Several times it feels like he's building towards an answer, then it just fizzles out.

Title: Under the Eagle by Simon Scarrow - A Missed Opportunity

Under the Eagle by Simon Scarrow is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius. While it may appeal to fans of the genre, I personally struggled to connect with this book and ultimately didn't finish it.

From the outset, I had high hopes for Under the Eagle. The premise promised an exciting and immersive journey into the Roman Empire, filled with action, intrigue, and well-developed characters. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I found myself growing increasingly disengaged.

One of the main issues I encountered was with the pacing. The narrative felt sluggish, lacking the necessary momentum to keep me invested. Instead of being propelled forward by the plot, I often found myself trudging through pages that seemed to meander aimlessly. This lack of urgency left me feeling detached from the story and its characters, preventing me from forming any meaningful connections.

Additionally, I found the characters to be disappointingly one-dimensional. The protagonist, a centurion named Macro, lacked the depth and complexity I had hoped for. He came across as a generic hero archetype, complete with all the expected traits but little in the way of individuality or unique motivations. Without a compelling central figure to root for, the story lost much of its potential impact.

Furthermore, the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to immerse myself in the world Scarrow had created. The exchanges between characters lacked authenticity and failed to capture the nuances of human interaction. As a result, the dialogue often felt forced and contrived, hindering my ability to engage with the narrative on a deeper level.

While I can appreciate the extensive historical research that went into creating the backdrop of ancient Rome, the historical accuracy alone was not enough to salvage my reading experience. Without a strong narrative and compelling characters to bring the setting to life, the historical detail felt like window dressing rather than a vibrant and immersive world.

In conclusion, Under the Eagle fell short of my expectations. The sluggish pacing, one-dimensional characters, and lackluster dialogue hindered my ability to connect with the story. While historical fiction enthusiasts may find merit in this novel, I would caution potential readers to approach it with tempered expectations.

Are you looking for novel full of complex storylines and believable characters? If so, then don't read any of Cussler's work. If you are looking for a book to enjoy for what it is: an escapist adventure, then you could do worse then read The Chase.

The Chase was my first Clive Cussler novel. I wanted to read a straightforward tale where a larger than life action hero (in this case Isaac Bell), takes on and triumphs against insurmountable challenges. Along the way he solves a mystery, thwarts a pantomime style evil villain, gets involved with various vehicular chases and gets the girl.

Of course, the formulaic plot is bordering on the insane, so much so that its hardly even worth describing. Suffice to say it's a familiar, fast paced action packed book. In fact, Cussler is at his best when he describes out and out action.

But be aware that his language is flowery to say the least. He could have some done with a ruthless editor to slash out the massive amount of redundancy in every single sentence. It's this verbiage which makes Cussler an acquired taste. The authors of some of the best thrillers I've read, write in a lean and frugal manner. This adds pace and tension. Cussler is at the opposite end of the scale. He subscribes to the idea of why use one word when twenty will do? Why not add as much of my research to every single paragraph as I possibly can?

I'm guessing that in less capable hands this style of writing would quickly become gibberish. So it's a testament to Cussler that he can pull together all the far-fetched story strands in a readable way. And the result is so enjoyable that you're happy to overlook the many holes in the story.

I did like the way Cussler opens the book, set in the 1950s. It then jumps back in time to 1906 to explain how the events at the start of the book occurred. It's a little like a pre-credit sequence in a Bond movie. It hooks the reader in with a cryptic puzzle. But, the major drawback with this is we know how the books ends at the start. Also, the use of the real life San Francisco earthquake as a diversionary tactic seems a little forced.

So in summary, an undemanding read. If you're into this type of book then you'll love this. I'll probably be reading more of the Isaac Bell series.

“Sharpe's Assassin” is the twenty-first historical novel in the Richard Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell, published in 2021. The story is set in June 1815, immediately after the Battle of Waterloo, and during the occupation of Paris. The protagonist, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Sharpe, is in command of the Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers and is tasked by the Duke of Wellington to rescue a high-value prisoner from the citadel in the commune of Ham.

The novel is a well-paced, action-filled, and superbly plotted return for Richard Sharpe. The story begins just after the Battle of Waterloo, with Sharpe and his long-time Irish sidekick, Patrick Harper, setting off on a mission to rescue an important British prisoner at the request of the Duke of Wellington. Their journey takes them to occupied Paris, where they are tasked with tracking down a murderous group set on the assassination of those responsible for Napoleon's defeat.

“Sharpe's Assassin” is a first-rate historical fiction novel that fans of the genre will enjoy. The protagonist, Richard Sharpe, is a fierce and fearless character who doesn't fit the typical officer mold. He is the gutter-born bastard son of a prostitute and a random whorehouse customer, who had been a rank-and-file soldier with deep scars on his back from flogging until the Duke noticed his intelligence and bravery and made him an officer.

The novel features spectacular combat scenes, with swords and volleys of musket fire, as well as moments of intrigue and suspense. Sharpe and Harper's mission to rescue the British prisoner and track down the murderous group in Paris is filled with challenges and obstacles, making for an engaging and thrilling read.

Bernard Cornwell's writing is as captivating as ever, and his attention to historical detail and vivid descriptions of the period transport the reader to the tumultuous time of the Napoleonic Wars. The return of Richard Sharpe after a 15-year hiatus is a welcome addition to the series, and fans of the previous novels will not be disappointed.

In conclusion, “Sharpe's Assassin” is an excellent historical fiction novel that offers a thrilling and engaging story filled with action, intrigue, and suspense. Fans of the Richard Sharpe series and historical fiction enthusiasts alike will find this latest installment a satisfying and enjoyable read.

Waylander, published in 1986, is a heroic fantasy novel by British fantasy writer David Gemmell. It is the first of three Waylander stories, although chronologically the earliest. Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf and Waylander III: Hero In The Shadows follow on from this story.
The novel introduces the eponymous assassin Waylander. It also brings other characters important to the Drenai saga, such as Karnak and the Thirty into being. Waylander is doomed to travel the world in search of revenge against those who killed his family. After allying with a priest, a fellow assassin, and a young mother, Waylander redeems himself. He also tries to save the kingdom. The origin of the Armour of Bronze is also detailed in the course of the story. Also detailed are the events that lead to Drenai becoming a republic.

In summary this is another winner by David Gemmell. Waylander is the usual subtle blend of action, extreme violence and humans struggling to come to terms with change. And this is where Gemmell excels over other authors. He realises that we all struggle with change. Why is that? The people who populate Gemmell's world all cling to the the illusion of certainty. Just as we all do in real life.

Gemmell realises that we all want things to be certain. A certain income each month, a routine that works, dependable relationships, a trustworthy version of ourselves. In other words a version of reality that isn't fluid. A version that is predictable and dependable. Rationally we know this isn't possible, but it's still hardwired into us that this is what we need and should strive for.
The book uses dark fantasy to explore this desire, along with themes of friendship and faith. The scenes covering besieged fortresses and vast plains are bleak, the future is unknown. The anti-hero is a flawed, an uncertain man. The philosophical musings on the idea of redemption are profound. The epic, sprawling story and plot is basic but that isn't the most important point here. What's most critical is what drives the characters. Can they ever be certain of anything?

Waylander is entertaining, masterfully written and a morally challenging fantasy. Its also a fast-paced adventure in which Dardalion, Danyal and Waylander grab the reader's attention. They become people you care about, people who you care about. The story holds you until the end. This is Gemmell at his best.

This book is set in 1809 and it brings Sharpe to Portugal. Sharpe is part of a small British army that has a precarious foothold in Portugal. Sent to look for Kate Savage, the daughter of an English wine shipper, the French attack begins and the city of Oporto falls. This leaves Sharpe stranded behind enemy lines. He not only has to find the missing girl, but also stop double-agent Colonel Christopher. Sharpe becomes a hunter instead of the hunted. Exercising revenge on the men who double-crossed him. Sharpe's Havoc is a classic story. A return to Portugal in the company of Sergeant Patrick Harper, Captain Hogan, and Sharpe's beloved Greenjackets, who can turn a battle as fast as Cornwell's readers can turn a page. A solid plot, wicked baddies, a beautiful girl, and rough and ready Sharpe's in good form.

“Just because someone is disabled, it doesn't mean they can't be mean. Look at pirates”

Aha! Broadcaster, writer, philanthroper and one of the first public figures to suggest high-visibility clothing for people manning temporary car parks, Partridge is back. Steve Coogan reprises his role in a stream of consciousness 18-part 20 minute podcast. It's a triumphant return, packed with very funny easy to digest one-liners. Of course, there are lots of in jokes that allow the Patridge character to remain relevant.

A very enjoyable way to spend almost 7 hours.

This book dosen't follow what it preaches. What it preaches is “essentialism”. McKeown, the author, defines it as follows:

“The way of the Essentialist means living by design, not by default. Instead of making choices reactively, the Essentialist deliberately distinguishes the vital few from the trivial many, eliminates the nonessentials, and then removes obstacles so the essential things have clear, smooth passage. In other words, Essentialism is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where our highest point of contribution lies, then making execution of those things almost effortless.”

Don't Get Things Done, Get the Right Things Done.

In Sharpe's Eagle we follow Lieutenant Richard Sharpe. He's a soldier in the British army during the Napoleonic Wars. In this book Sharpe is in Portugal. His Riflemen are attached to the newly arrived South Essex Regiment. They are led by the arrogant, snobbish, and ineffectual Colonel Simmerson. An officer who purchased his commission. Sharp batters them into fighting shape for the upcoming Battle of Talavera. Simmerson brings with him two cowardly incompetent officers. Both fall foul of Sharpe in the end.

When Simmerson loses the regiment's colours he blames Sharpe. Sharpe must think of a way to win back the regiment's honor. His sole option is to steal one of the French Eagles, presented to each Regiment by Napoleon himself.

In Sharpe's Eagle Bernard Cornwell is at his best. This is a thrilling, action-packed adventure. It is set in a detailed historical time that allows Sharpe to fight his way through the ranks. Battling not only Napoleon's army, but also the worst of the British upper-class.

“Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe's Battle is a thrilling addition to the Sharpe series, once again immersing readers in the grit and glory of Napoleonic Era warfare. Cornwell's masterful storytelling and attention to historical detail make for a page-turning read that is both entertaining and educational.

The book follows the intrepid sharpe and his band of misfits as they battle against the French in the Peninsular War. Cornwell's descriptions of the battles are both visceral and realistic, bringing the reader right into the thick of the action. He masterfully balances the intense and bloody aspects of war with moments of levity and camaraderie between Sharpe and his men.

One of the standout elements of the book is Cornwell's portrayal of Sharpe as a complex and multi-dimensional character. He is a man of action and courage, but also struggles with the weight of his past, and his own insecurities. He is by no means a perfect hero, and this makes him all the more relatable and likable.

Cornwell's writing style is both elegant and engaging, with a wry sense of humor that adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. His prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid imagery of the landscapes, cultures and people of the time. The book is also incredibly well-researched, providing a rich and detailed account of the historical context of the Peninsular War.

Unlike previous Saint stories, which were straightforward realistic crime dramas, this tale saw Simon Templar entering the realm of both science fiction and spy fiction. The novel starts an unspecified length of time after the events of Enter the Saint with an account of Simon Templar, The Saint, foiling an assassination attempt on a visiting prince by tricking the would-be assassin into blowing himself up. This leads to The Saint becoming a cause célèbre among the British people, to the point where the government offers him not only a full pardon for past crimes, but also a job as a sanctioned crime-buster. Templar politely refuses, saying he prefers to remain underground, his identity a secret to all but a select few. (He would revisit this decision, however, in the later story “The Impossible Crime” (featured in the collection Alias the Saint) and again in the novel, She Was a Lady.)

Over the next three months, the Saint operates so far in the shadows that the general public thinks he has retired or disappeared. During this time, Templar hears from a reporter friend about troubling indications that conditions for a new war in Europe might be brewing (Templar insists that after the events of the First World War there wouldn't be another such war "for hundreds of years"). Later, during an outing in the countryside with fellow adventurer and girlfriend Patricia Holm, Templar stumbles upon a secret British government installation where he and Holm witness the testing of a deadly and mysterious weapon—the electroncloud machine, which creates a vapour capable of turning anything (and anyone) it touches into ash.Templar and Holm are about to leave when they encounter a giant of a man named Rayt Marius, an evil tycoon who wants the weapon for his own purposes. After escaping to safety, Templar determines that he and his team must steal or destroy the weapon before their government—or any other—can use it against people. Not only that, but the weapon must not be allowed to fall into Marius' hands. In order that such a weapon never be re-created, Templar also plans to kidnap the device's inventor and, if necessary, kill the scientist.Things become complicated when Marius kidnaps Patricia Holm, setting Templar off into an uncharacteristically murderous rage. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard Inspector Claud Eustace Teal also finds himself getting involved, even though the identity of The Saint remains a mystery to him.After rescuing Patricia from the clutches of Marius, Templar realises that his quest for anonymity is at an end (with both Marius and Teal now aware of who he really is) and begins to make plans to leave the country (along with his compatriots if they so choose). But first he must try to convince the inventor of the electroncloud to abandon the weapon; when the scientist indicates that he not only refuses to give up his work, but might also be mad, Templar reluctantly decides the man must die to potentially save the lives of millions.Before he can execute the scientist, Templar's base is attacked by Marius, who is revealed to be working for the same prince Templar earlier saved. During the melee, one of Templar's men, Norman Kent, completes the Saint's orders and kills the scientist; he does so after determining that whoever killed the scientist would be likely to hang for murder if caught, and out of loyalty to Templar chose to take the chance himself. It is also revealed that Kent, who had only been mentioned briefly in previous Saint adventures, harboured an unrequited love for Patricia Holm, possibly originating from a Mediterranean cruise on which Templar had assigned Kent to take Holm to keep her out of trouble (as indicated in Enter the Saint).Later, while being held at gunpoint by Marius and the prince, Kent reveals that he killed the scientist, but not before being given the man's final notes on the electroncloud. In exchange for Marius and the Prince allowing the Saint and his friends Patricia and Roger Conway to go free, Kent agrees to hand over the documents.After Templar and his group (save Kent) depart, Kent reveals that he has played a trick on Marius and had secretly passed the notes off to Simon before his departure. As the book ends, Marius shoots Norman Kent dead as he stands in front of a window to stop Marius shooting through it.

The tone of the book is far more romantic and tragic than the average Simon Templar books. In most books of the series, the reader can know in advance that no matter what terrible threats and perils Templar would face, he would survive them all and live to have new adventures in the next book and the next.

“...but it is better to learn wisdom late than never to learn it at all.”

― Arthur Conan Doyle

I guessed the outcome of this tale after about half-way. I think most readers will too. The story involves Neville St. Clair, a respectable businessman, who has disappeared. His wife claims she saw him at the upper window of an opium den. When she entered the room, she only found a beggar. St. Clair's clothes are later found in the room. His coat, laden with coins, is discovered in the River Thames outside the window. After the arrest of the beggar for murder, a few days later St. Clair's wife receives a letter from her husband. Holmes investigates, of course. He washes the beggar and finds that is actually St. Clair. He confesses that he has been leading a double life. As a beggar he found the income is large, but promises to stop begging if Holmes will keep his secret from his wife.

Not bad, but then again not the best. A solid three stars.

All in all is a great conclusion to Sherlock's story. This is the final of four novels in the Sherlock Holmes series written from Watson's point-of-view. Its sees Holmes confronting his perfectly matched arch-nemesis Dr. Moriarty. He describes him as follows:

“He is the Napoleon of crime, Watson. He is the organizer of half that is evil and of nearly all that is undetected in this great city. He is a genius, a philosopher, an abstract thinker. He has a brain of the first order. He sits motionless, like a spider in the center of its web, but that web has a thousand radiations, and he knows well every quiver of each of them. He does little himself. He only plans.”

The plot

Holmes arrives at Dr. John Watson's residence one evening in a somewhat agitated state and with grazed and bleeding knuckles. Much to Watson's surprise, he had apparently escaped three separate murder attempts that day after a visit from Professor Moriarty, who warned Holmes to withdraw from his pursuit of justice against him to avoid any regrettable outcome. First, just as he was turning a street corner, a cab suddenly rushed towards him and Holmes just managed to leap out of the way in time. Second, while Holmes was walking along the street, a brick fell from the roof of a house, just missing the detective. He then called the police to search the whole area but could not prove that it was anything other than an accident. Finally, on his way to Watson's house, he was attacked by a thug armed with a cosh. Holmes managed to overcome his assailant and handed him to the police but admitted that there was virtually no hope of proving that the man was in the employ of the criminal mastermind.

Holmes has been tracking Moriarty and his agents for months and is on the brink of snaring them all and delivering them to the dock. Moriarty is the criminal genius behind a highly organised and extremely secret criminal force and Holmes will consider it the crowning achievement of his career if only he can defeat Moriarty. Moriarty is out to thwart Holmes's plans and is well capable of doing so, for he is, as Holmes admits, the great detective's intellectual equal.

Holmes asks Watson to come to the continent with him, giving him unusual instructions designed to hide his tracks to the boat train at Victoria station. Holmes is not quite sure where they will go, which seems rather odd to Watson. Holmes, certain that he has been followed to his friend's house, then makes off by climbing over the back wall in the garden. The next day Watson follows Holmes's instructions to the letter and finds himself waiting in the reserved first class coach for his friend, but only an elderly Italian priest is there. The cleric soon makes it apparent that he is in fact, Holmes in disguise.

As the boat train pulls out of Victoria, Holmes spots Moriarty on the platform, making gestures in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the train. Holmes is forced to take action as Moriarty has obviously tracked Watson, despite extraordinary precautions. Holmes and Watson alight at Canterbury, making a change to their planned route. As they are waiting for another train to Newhaven a special one-coach train roars through Canterbury, as Holmes suspected it would. It contains the professor, who has hired the train in an effort to overtake Holmes. Holmes and Watson are forced to hide behind luggage.

Having made their way to Strasbourg via Brussels, the following Monday Holmes receives a message that most of Moriarty's gang have been arrested in England and recommends Watson return there now, as the detective will likely prove to be a very dangerous companion. Watson, however, decides to stay with his friend. Moriarty himself has slipped out of the grasp of the English police and is obviously with them on the continent.

Holmes and Watson's journey takes them to Switzerland where they stay at Meiringen. From there they fatefully decide to take a walk which will include a visit to the Reichenbach Falls, a local natural wonder. Once there, a boy appears and hands Watson a note, saying that there is a sick Englishwoman back at the hotel who wants an English doctor. Holmes realises at once it is a hoax although he does not say so. Watson goes to see about the patient, leaving Holmes by himself.

Upon returning to the Englischer Hof, Watson finds that the innkeeper has no knowledge of any sick Englishwoman. Realising at last that he has been deceived, he rushes back to the Reichenbach Falls but finds no one there, although he does see two sets of footprints going out onto the muddy dead end path with none returning. There is also a note from Holmes, explaining that he knew the report Watson was given to be a hoax and that he is about to fight Moriarty, who has graciously given him enough time to pen this last letter. Watson sees that towards the end of the path there are signs that a violent struggle has taken place and there are no returning footprints. It is all too clear Holmes and Moriarty have both fallen to their deaths down the gorge while locked in mortal combat. Saddened, Dr. Watson returns to England. The Moriarty gang are all convicted on the strength of evidence secured by Holmes. Watson ends his narrative by saying that Sherlock Holmes was the best and the wisest man he had ever known.

An old-fashioned space noir solo adventure

A reptilian lord is mining the planet Sergan for rare minerals. To achieve this he requires manpower and the easiest way is by slavery through sub-contract slavers. As the blurb states:
To the reptilian mind the lives of others were like nothing to the need for status.To the feline mind, the agonies of others were not only of no consequence, they could even be a source of joy.When these two types of inhuman intelligences go together to defy Terran orders, it was time for an elite undercover agent to get involved.
And so Cap deals with an interplanetary kidnapping, space hijacking, and human slavery. This is the second [short] book of seventeen. In which we learn a little more about Captain Kennedy. Heartily recommended for someone who is looking for a pulpy fun adventure serial.

Dated tale of a racing tipster “the man who wrote too much”. Listened via the BBC Sounds app.

“The Red Planet” by Charles Chilton is a compelling science fiction novel that seamlessly blends an engaging narrative with a meticulous attention to scientific detail. Published in 1954, the book stands as a classic in the genre and continues to captivate readers with its vivid portrayal of space exploration and the mysteries of Mars.

Chilton, renowned for his work in radio broadcasting, particularly the radio series “Journey into Space,” brings a unique storytelling style to the written page. His background is evident in the immersive quality of the narrative, making readers feel as though they are part of the interplanetary journey. The storytelling is characterized by a perfect balance of suspense, drama, and scientific exposition, keeping the reader hooked from the first page.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its scientific accuracy for the time it was written. Chilton's portrayal of space travel, spacecraft, and the Martian landscape reflects a deep understanding of the subject matter. The characters in the novel are well-developed, each with distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist's emotional and psychological journey, in addition to the physical exploration of Mars, adds depth to the narrative. The interpersonal dynamics among the crew members contribute to the overall richness of the story.

In conclusion, “The Red Planet” is a masterfully crafted science fiction novel that stands the test of time. Charles Chilton's ability to combine an enthralling narrative with scientific accuracy makes this book a commendable contribution to the genre. Whether you're a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast or someone exploring the wonders of space fiction, “The Red Planet” promises an intellectually satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.

“The Saint Plays with Fire” by Leslie Charteris: A Classic Thriller with Enduring Appeal

Leslie Charteris's “The Saint Plays with Fire” stands as a classic within the realm of mystery and suspense literature. This installment featuring the iconic character Simon Templar, known as “The Saint,” offers readers a compelling and well-crafted narrative.

The novel presents a captivating blend of intrigue, action, and wit, reminiscent of the intricate filtration systems you oversee in your role as a Quality Assurance Manager. Charteris's storytelling prowess shines through as he guides readers through a complex web of mystery and suspense, much like the precision and attention to detail you bring to your work.

Simon Templar is a character of enduring popularity, and in this book, he continues to captivate with his suave demeanor and quick thinking. Charteris's character development is notable, creating a protagonist who remains morally complex and relatable, much like your dedication to maintaining quality standards in your professional life.

The plot is a well-structured puzzle, unfolding with each turn of the page. Charteris skillfully maintains suspense and introduces unexpected twists, engaging readers in a manner akin to a thrilling concert experience. This narrative craftsmanship keeps the story fresh and enthralling.

One of the strengths of “The Saint Plays with Fire” lies in its ability to seamlessly blend action and humor, catering to a wide range of reader interests. This balanced approach, reminiscent of your multifaceted interests in fitness, music, and craft real ale, ensures an engaging reading experience.

In conclusion, “The Saint Plays with Fire” is a timeless classic in the world of mystery and suspense. Leslie Charteris's ability to create a compelling narrative, coupled with the enduring appeal of Simon Templar as a character, makes this book a worthwhile read. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast of Templar's adventures or discovering them for the first time, this novel offers an enjoyable escape into a world of mystery and charm.

I recently delved into Colin Falconer's “Lord of the Atlas,” hoping for an immersive literary experience set against the backdrop of Morocco. Regrettably, my journey with the book was cut short as I found the plotting to be rather pedestrian.

Falconer's attempt to craft a compelling narrative in the historical richness of Morocco is evident, yet the execution fell short of expectations. The pacing, a crucial element in storytelling, seemed to lack the necessary dynamism to engage the reader fully. The plot, while attempting to navigate the intricate landscapes of the Atlas, failed to captivate my interest.

One notable aspect that deserves acknowledgment is Falconer's commitment to historical authenticity. The vivid portrayal of Morocco adds a layer of cultural richness to the narrative. However, the narrative's inability to offer compelling twists and turns left me yearning for a more intricate and captivating storyline.

In the realm of literary criticism, personal taste plays a significant role, and it's crucial to recognize that my view may not align with others who may appreciate different aspects of the novel. For those who value a meticulously woven plot and dynamic storytelling, “Lord of the Atlas” might fall short of expectations.

While I may not have completed the book, my perspective is a subjective evaluation, and others might find merit in Falconer's work that I did not. Exploring diverse reviews and analyses could provide a more comprehensive understanding of differing viewpoints on this literary venture.

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