Customer Reviews

Entertaining historical espionage thriller - By: , 18 Aug 1999
Unlike his more famous younger brother Sherlock, Mycroft Holmes prefers to workin 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 & influence, & 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 & 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 & Norway. Britain will help develop the Scandinavian nation's rail systemin 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 & Norway as he seems more sympathetic to their needs. Assassination attempts of Prince Oscar leaves Mycroft & 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 & 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 & his novels very entertaining.

Harriet Klausner