11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adventure and suspense!, February 21, 2009
Mr. Cole's search for wealth in the 1851 gold rush in Australia leaves him dispirited and broke. Taking the next available ship back for England, the Lady Jermyn, he falls in love with Eva Denison, a beauty traveling with her exotic Portuguese stepfather. Disaster strikes when the ship catches fire, and Cole finds himself the sole survivor. Bereft after the loss of his true love, Cole seeks anonymity in London. But something is very strange; is he going mad, or is someone following him? If so, what do they want? Before the story is over, Cole with uncover a ghastly conspiracy, and propel him on an adventure that may cost him that which he loves the most.
Ernest William Hornung (1866-1921) was an excellent Victorian author who is now mainly remembered for his Raffles stories (if he is remembered at all). Before Raffles, though, in 1896 Hornung wrote this wonderful story. This story is exciting, with a wonderful mixture of adventure and suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
I must add one word of warning, though. Being such an old book, it does reflect a society with different standards than our present one. Particularly, the story does involve an African character who is repeatedly referred to by the now discredited "n-word." So, a certain amount of forbearance is required when reading this book.
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2 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely horrible!!!, May 3, 2009
Ok, this was the WORST book I've ever tried to read. Yes, that's right, "tried" to read. I didn't finish it because I couldn't get beyond Chapter 5 and I finally just gave up!! Good thing it was cheap. Do NOT waste your time.
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