The Evidence Of The Sword And Other Mysteries
Master of the swashbuckler novel, the author of Captain Blood and Scaramouche also wrote short fiction, and this is a fine collection of his early work. Only about half the stories are historicals (the rest are contemporary—although now a story from 1906 seems historical, if only in tone), but all are great reads. Those stories that are historical mysteries are mostly set in 17th century France, and the plots swirling around Cardinal Mazarin serve as the focus for many of them. Those who love Dumas will love these stories—resourceful maidens save the day while fluttering their fans, dashing gallants wield swordblade and wit with equal aplomb. Aficionados of historical mysteries should enjoy this long-overdue compilation.
