An unusual novel in Wallace’s collection, it is not told linearly but instead it is an adventure novel told in the form of witness statements to a journalist. It follows Captain Tatham as he and his crew strike it rich by finding gold and a fine race horse on an abandoned pacific island. Determined to settle the island he races the horse in England to raise the money necessary. In doing so he also finds love, but soon the troubles begin to mount as he must face legal and real battles by foreign powers to keep a hold of his beloved island. It is a brilliant adventure novel, with beautiful world building, fascinating characters and an explosive conclusion. If you loved ‘Poldark’ you’ll love this stunning novel.
Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.