This is an amazing and imaginative story, especially when you consider when it was written. Highly recommended, even if you have seen any of the movies. The book is far superior.
This is a very good murder mystery. I enjoyed the interactions among the three detectives working the case. Their approaches to the investigation are somewhat varied. Two are from Scotland Yard, one private. All three are competent and make contributions to the investigation, as well as making some mistakes and poor assumptions. Sometimes struggling in the face of professional jealousies, they move forward to the solution of a complex crime. A good read that you will probably enjoy if you are a fan of the "murder in the English country house" genre.
This is an excellent crime novel. Frank Froest had a long and successful career at Scotland Yard and writes with the authority of his experience. Although individual brialliance (Holmes) sometimes helps, it is no substitute for proper procedure, teamwork, and expert specialization.
Unfortunately the .azw file for Kindle has a number of transcription problems. Maybe the other formats are better, I don't know. Try .mobi if you use a Kindle.
Human genetic engineering experiments to facilitate colonization of Mars take some tragically wrong turns. Include the obligatory 1950's space romance and you have - pulp - but good pulp. Very entertaining.
Another excellent mystery novel by Fergus Hume, although not quite as good as his novel -Red Money-. Both books employ a similar plot mechanism - a male protagonist gridlocked and unable to take action due to his sense of duty to a woman.
Hume was a prolific author and I look forward to reading more of his books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although flawed with a verbose beginning and basically no ending (the book just stops), the middle portion of the book is excellent. The evil Pharos is both fascinating and frightening. The human pawns who have fallen under his control are interesting characters as well.
This story would be better classified as fantasy or horror, not SF. It has some interesting moments but in the end there are way too many unanswered questions.
Recent comments: User reviews
Unfortunately the .azw file for Kindle has a number of transcription problems. Maybe the other formats are better, I don't know. Try .mobi if you use a Kindle.
Discovering the mysteries of Fergus Hume on this website has been a real pleasure. Thank you, manybooks.net!
Hume was a prolific author and I look forward to reading more of his books.
This is the best mystery I have read for a while - a complex and interesting plot and strong characters. Highly recommended.