[Andrew999]

Super Lesley Shane thriller with an eye-catching cover harking back to the early days of pulp era Fu Manchu! Tao Fenchow is clearly based on Sax Rohmer (Arthur Henry Ward) who built as many mysteries around his own life as he invented for his books.

This is an absolutely enthralling country house mystery – but with a difference. Passingham’s pencils are magic as always – page 10 is but one of many standouts. The tension in this is almost unbearable – as I read it, I kept thinking what a great movie it would make (Patrick Stewart as Fenchow!) – how come it has never been picked up?

“It will be no use appealing to my servants – they are not unused to the screams of occasional visitors” – what a great line! I must use that next time we invite someone round for supper.

Characters, plot, pace, setting, climax and visualisation – all first class!

Link to the book: Super Detective Library 076 - The Mystery of Chinaman's Island