Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Flying Scotsman
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Quinn Fawcett
, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
, Bill Fawcett
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical
Series: Mycroft Holmes # 3
Forge, Oct 1999, $23.95, 320 pp.
Unlike his more famous younger brother Sherlock, Mycroft Holmes prefers to work in the shadows where no public acclaim occurs. He enjoys working for His Majesty's government insuring the welfare of the empire. Countless times he has saved his country from a loss of power and influence, and from needless embarrassments. His most formidable opponent is The Brotherhood whose vision is to insure Germany becomes the most powerful European nation.
Mycroft loathes his current assignment because it places him under public scrutiny. He and his assistant must attend the wedding of the Duke of Marlborough to Queen Victoria's grand niece. All of Europe's noble class will attend. Mycroft sees the gathering as an opportunity to negotiate a treaty with guest Prince Oscar of Sweden and Norway. Britain will help develop the Scandinavian nation's rail system in exchange for access to North Sea ports. If agreed, Germany's control of North Sea would shrink. Germany, led by the Brotherhood prefer Oscar's brother to rule Sweden and Norway as he seems more sympathetic to their needs. Assassination attempts of Prince Oscar leaves Mycroft and Guthrie risking their lives to insure his safe passage home.
THE FLYING SCOTSMAN will have appeal to a broad band of fans. Readers who enjoy a historical mystery or espionage thriller will relish this tale. Quinn Fawcett, author of two previous Mycroft tales (see AGAINST THE BROTHERHOOD and EMBASSY ROAD) keeps his story line within the wonderful world described by Doyle. Yet, the depth of detail adds to the overall authentic feel of the late Victorian age. The pompous Mycroft handles the weight of the British Empire on his shoulders with aplomb that makes him a fantastic character and his novels very entertaining.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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