The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu-- :) despite the fact that Rohmer's works are so awfully politically incorrect (publication date 1913), I have this weird fascination with his writing. His books are Gothic and yet modern for the times (I think Steampunk aficionados would love him). It was also a great R.I.P. read.This is the first novel in the Fu-Manchu series with a different set of characters than in Bat Wing (I reviewed Bat Wing here with some notes on Fu-Manchu, as well), but the same dynamic. Dr. Petrie is the side-kick, although a very active one, to Nayland Smith a government official in Burma and formerly of Scotland Yard.
Smith is on the trail of the insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu, a member of the Yellow Peril. whose apparent goal is to take over the world (perhaps not too far off from more recent Chinese aspirations), and the brilliant Dr. Fu-Manchu is in England with plans to assassinate anyone who knows enough to be a danger to the group. Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie are hot on his trail, but find themselves in some difficult circumstances.
You can read it on-line here, or at least get a little taste of it. I found the novel interesting in many ways and suspenseful (if a bit repetitive) and somehow...charming, but I don't know if it will appeal to everyone.
Fiction. Mystery/Suspense/Gothic. 1913 original publ. date. Kindle.
Politically incorrect but it sounds like a rollicking story nonetheless. I bet my husabnad would love it. I'll have to tell him about this!
ReplyDeleteStefanie, they really are politically incorrect, but a lot of fun. A cross between Wilkie Collins and H.P. Lovecraft!
ReplyDeleteFun stuff. I love that old cover.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Smith and Petrie find themselves in difficult situations, over and over. There are plenty of escapes from danger!
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