Frank Heller (1)

The novel opens with the titular nobleman coming to the end of his financial rope, makes an abrupt turn into a treasonous plot funded by a frustrated businessman, then finally introduces our (anti)hero, Phillip Collin, as he ingeniously thwarts a blackmailer and encounters a mysterious woman. The various plot strands begin to twine together, ultimately both complicated and resolved by derring-do, financial speculation, and romance.

While I enjoyed The Grand Duke's Last Chance, I'm puzzled by the publisher and introduction writer describing it as a Golden Age mystery, when there's really no mystery to it. A better comparison would be to the "Ruritanian romance" (a la The Prisoner of Zenda) or E. Phillips Oppenheim's novels of espionage and intrigue. Sure, Golden Age mysteries may be better known to most readers than other early 20th century genre fiction, but this particular book does not "work" as a mystery, though it's quite enjoyable as an adventure novel (except for the seemingly obligatory ethnic stereotyping).… (meer)

Filip Collin, Swedish gentleman thief and swindler, becomes involved with a revolution on the island of Minorca. What starts off as a rather slow and somewhat confusing story - Is it history? Is it mystery? Is it political thriller? - soon becomes an amusing adventure story with some villains, a few heroes, and, of course, a mysterious maiden. I’d never heard about the author before and, being Swedish, I was naturally curious. Although a little dated, I am enough entertained that I will search out more of this author's books. Recommend for golden era fans.… (meer)