As I posted on FaceBook, I have no idea why it's taken me so long to discover The Saint. I've long been aware of him. He's frequently mentioned in the mystery fact books that I've perused. I even know about the series starring Roger Moore. And I've had this omnibus of Saint stories for...as some of my British mysteries might put it...donkey's years. Just never cracked it open.
These stories are delightful. A modern-day Robin Hood taking from the crooks and swindlers and giving back to the swindled. The most recent story, "The Appalling Politician," is worth it just for the opening pontification by said politician. And Leslie Charteris swears that it's a verbatim rendition of an actual speech heard during the '30s with only a change of name, occasion, and the sport referenced. And in the story before that, "The Unblemished Bootlegger," no revenge was ever more suitable than that which the Saint visited upon Mr. Melford Croon.
The breezy, understated wit of these stories is what really reels me in. And, joy of joys, I sill have over half the collection to go.
Mystery Lover...but overall a very eclectic reader. Will read everything from the classics to historical fiction. Biography to essays. Not into horror or much into YA. If you would like me to review a book, then please see my stated review policy BEFORE emailing me. Please Note: This is a book blog. It is not a platform for advertising. Please do NOT contact me to ask that I promote your NON-book websites or products. Thank you.
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Sunday, June 6, 2010
1 comment:
Sorry folks, but I have been getting an incredible amount of spam. I have adjusted my settings and all messages will be moderated from now on. If that does not take care of the problem then I will have to go to the "Prove You're Not a Robot" thing--which I hate as much as you do.
If your name does not appear automatically, please tell me your name in the comment. Otherwise you will just show up as "Unknown." Thanks!
I never knew that the TV series was based on a book!
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