Charles Goddard (1879–1951)

Each chapter of this novel introduces another adventure for the heroine - Pauline - all of which are held together by her desire to spend a year looking for excitement in order to inspire her to write a novel.

Harry - her beloved - is told he must wait a year whilst she carries out her adventures before she'll marry him. Invariably, Harry comes to Pauline's rescue when all of her adventures turn into perilous situations.

The perils do not occur by chance. Owen - the villain - was Pauline's late father's secretary. He is to take charge of her millions, which are in trust until she gets married, such was her father's will.

The novel's tone is a light one, despite the perilous situations. My only real criticism is that these situations are resolved too quickly and often too easily.

Harry is usually conveniently at hand to save the day and the reader is not surprised when he shows up 'unexpectedly'. Had Pauline's 'fixes' been prolonged, or Harry's arrival on the scene been delayed, then more suspense and excitement would have been created.

But still, this was a worthwhile read, feeling more like a supplement to a 1960s TV show, such as 'The Avengers' or 'The Champions'. It felt more like that period to me than when it was set and written in the 1910s, which I guess is a good thing, as it shows the author as being ahead of his time.… (meer)