The Flying Scotsman

Elegant whodunit against a colorful background. I deducted one star because the character of Micah Holcomb and Poirot-style confrontation in the lounge car were over the top. Now I regret sleeping through a similar journey in 1975.

Unlike many who have "reviewed" this book prior - this is NOT a Sherlock Holmes novel. It is, however, a great piece of work, painstakingly documenting period England and quite entertaining. Shame so many think because Mycroft appears so stodgy and sedentary in the canon that there can't be more than meets the eye. I daresay someone described as Mycroft is by Holmes and Watson wouldn't remain in a high government position long! It's also clear they weren't close. So let it go. Enjoy the read!

In the Sherlock Holmes stories, Conan Doyle gave us just a taste of espionage, those stories that took him to his brother's club, involving naval treaties and submarine plans. Chesterton gave us one really good spy novel- The Man Who Was Thursday, then went on to produce his famous Father Brown. In both cases, Espionage's loss was Mystery's gain. But for those who love foreign intrique and the Victorian Era, there's no place like Holmes...when it's Mycroft Holmes, and his assistant, Guthrie. In this, the third in the series, Holmes and Guthrie must guard the royal heir to the Swedish throne, or allow England to lose face in international circles. But the Brotherhood is back, and noone is certain just how many assassins are trying to kill the young prince. Mycroft arranges for decoys, and he and Guthrie accompany the heir aboard England's most elegant train. It isn't long before the bodies fall, and Guthrie receives the first of many cuts and scrapes. Spies, trains, and Victorian elegance. What more could a reader want?

Unlike his more famous younger brother Sherlock, Mycroft Holmes prefers to work in the shadows where no public acclaim occurs. He enjoys working for His Majesty's government insuring the welfare of the empire. Countless times he has saved his country from a loss of power and influence, and from needless embarrassments. His most formidable opponent is The Brotherhood whose vision is to insure Germany becomes the most powerful European nation.Mycroft loathes his current assignment because it places him under public scrutiny. He and his assistant must attend the wedding of the Duke of Marlborough to Queen Victoria,s grand niece. All of Europe's noble class will attend. Mycroft sees the gathering as an opportunity to negotiate a treaty with guest Prince Oscar of Sweden and Norway. Britain will help develop the Scandinavian nation,s rail system in exchange for access to North Sea ports. If agreed, Germany's control of North Sea would shrink. Germany, led by the Brotherhood prefer Oscar,s brother to rule Sweden and Norway as he seems more sympathetic to their needs. Assassination attempts of Prince Oscar leaves Mycroft and Guthrie risking their lives to insure his safe passage home.THE FLYING SCOTSMAN will have appeal to a broad band of fans. Readers who enjoy a historical mystery or espionage thriller will relish this tale. Quinn Fawcett, author of two previous Mycroft tales (see AGAINST THE BROTHERHOOD and EMBASSY ROAD) keeps his story line within the wonderful world described by Doyle. Yet, the depth of detail adds to the overall authentic feel of the late Victorian age. The pompous Mycroft handles the weight of the British Empire on his shoulders with aplomb that makes him a fantastic character and his novels very entertaining.Harriet Klausner