Customer Reviews

Brief Candles

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Manning Coles was the pen name of a pair of British authors who produced a series of spy stories that began realistically in WWI and ended more fancifully in the Cold War. Along the way they developed a skill in dialog and situations that made their stories a delight to read. Toward the end of their career they produced a few books in which the principal characters are ghosts. Although there are elements of action and intrigue, they do not form the focus of the stories; the focus of the stories comprises the exquisitely mannered spirits and the flavor of life that they and their agile travelling companion bring to those about them. Those of you who recall the original stories win twice; not only do you get to relive these moments, you get a marvellous introduction. The second book in the series is Happy Returns. It has just (7/00) been released, but read this one first.

Manning Coles's best books are full of humor, and this one is up there with the best. As Sally and Jeremy Latimer, of the current day 1954, are having car trouble, they are helped by distant relatives, James and Charles Latimer, (and their monkey) both long dead. "Bad guys" are out to get them, but with the help of the ghosts, good wins. To disclose more of the plot would spoil the mystery aspects, but this is a very fun book.

This book, and the other two Manning Coles ghost stories, were favorites in my family as long as I can remember. My parents had the original books, which got misplaced years ago, and my sisters
and I have looked for them used with only occasional success. What a delight to see them again! For sheer fun, it's hard to beat these, and some of the scenes are priceless. Have fun!