Customer Reviews

The Saint: The Saint and Mr. Teal

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The Saint, one of mystery's more unique characters, was the subject of over 40 books, many movies, and a television series. Simon Templar, the Robin Hood of Modern Crime was more than a dectective, more than a criminal -- a law to himself. In the name of Justice The Saint preyed on criminals and con artists that the Law could not or would not touch. At the same time he tweeked the noses of Scotland Yard, specifically Chief Inspector Teal. If you are looking for a hero with the morals of a pirate and the sense of humor of PG Wodehouse, the Saint is one

This book contains three stories; "The Gold Standard", "The Man from St. Louis" and "The Death Penalty".

The first story seems to be a continuation to "The Saint vs Scotland Yard" in which the Saint stole illicit diamonds and ran away to Europe. In "The Gold Standard", the Saint is involved in a murder at Paris and goes back to England to be a headache for poor Inspector Teal. The second story is a continuation to the first story, but the third story has little connection with the previous two stories and Mr. Teal doesn't appear on the stage.

All the three stories are much better plotted than earlier Saint novels (such as "Knight Templar" and "Alias the Saint" I read before). The stories are fast-paced and action-packed. And the endings are sophisticated; the Saint gets rid of the evil illegally as always, but he exhibits various solutions, not only simply kill the evil.

The Saint, returning to England via France after his round against Prince Rudolf and the entire German police force, has counteracted Claud Eustace Teal's ambition to arrest him immediately by a method that (let it be admitted) is not really cricket, and which draws upon him the disapproval of his lady; but which is effective nonetheless.

In Paris he has heard the last words of the victim of a murder that he was too late to witness. But this is enough draw the killer's attention to him, involving him in the first of the three adventures related here. The mainspring of the story is a scientific invention that was implausible even by the standards of 1933; but if those with a knowledge of atomic physics can put it temporarily aside, they will still find an enjoyable yarn.

The next story finds Simon helping Chief Inspector Teal for once, combatting an outbreak of gangsterism in London, and in the final one he deals in a fairly drastic way with two purveyors of something possibly even more unpleasant.

All of these novelettes, especially the last two, are rather grimmer and more serious than the general run of Saint stories, despite several comic interludes. But then, who wants a non-stop diet of froth?

P.S. For a list of -- and discussion of -- all Charteris's Saint books, see my So You'd Like To... Guide.

I loved this book, however there is one little thing that I'd like to point out. The editors, when reviewing this book, did a very poor job in overlooking a very obvious mistake. The title is The Saint and Mr. Teal. However, if you look on the spine, the title reads, The Saint and Mrs. Teal.

This book is that kind of "beloved jewels" that if you have ever liked thrillers, it deserves a place in your bookshelf. The Saint personality is the "ideal" way of behavior that every man had had at least once in his life. I have been involved in such dangerous adventures with my friend Simon Templar, that I encourage you to join us... Deliciuos reading, suspense, and the illusion of accomplishing impossible tasks utilizing methods that only true gentelmen are capable to perform. Do not miss this book!!!

I have not yet read the book but must say that I am very disappointed with the format. The book is smaller than a normal paperback. The print is tiny and cramped and the margin on the binding side is so small that it is certain to come apart when opened. It is not worth the money paid and I shall certainly not order another book printed by the publisher in question.The Saint: The Saint and Mr. Teal

Compared with other books starring the Saint, this one seems a bit lame. Part of the problem is that there are three stories, very loosely connected and not connected with any purpose other than to be able to put the three tales in the same book.

The separate stories are set in England almost entirely, with the third set in the Isles of Scilly, a location virtually unknown in literatures. The islands are off the west cost of Cornwall, Landsend, in the Atlantic Ocean. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Isles of Scilly (not the Scilly Islands, as Charteris calls them)have sub-tropical plants, including palm trees, hundreds of miles north of our state of Maine.

The Saint is an interesting character, a rogue, a detective, suspected thief, an Arthur Raffles with a soupcon of James Bond and a sophisticated Mike Hammer. It is his world views that make Saint books work. He usually operates in some exotic locale, but less so here. I kept expecting him to go off on a grand adventure, as he does in other books, but he remains rather domesticated. And the outcomes of the stories were less exciting as well.