Book Review: Raffles: Bowled Over
Raffles: Bowled Over
By Richard Foreman
Reviewed by Dawn
Guest Writer for The Baker Street Babes
Raffles: Bowled Over is the title of Richard Foreman’s second story about A. J. Raffles, amateur thief and professional cricketer. An apt title, since that’s exactly how this reader felt.
In this second story which picks up where Raffles: The Gentleman Thief left off, Raffles takes on a job close to home. His new neighbor at the Albany is a famous banker whose fortune is only surpassed in volume by his obnoxious nature. Raffles’ plans are in danger of being thwarted, though, when he meets the beautiful maid Mary, who might be stealing his heart. But, as often happens, things are not as they seem!
This story is not only a joy because of the wonderful characterizations of Raffles and Bunny, but the rest of the ensemble is both amusing and full of personality. I found myself often laughing with Raffles and cringing with Bunny at the various people they encounter. The casual mention of real people like H. G. Wells, Winston Churchill and the famous sportsman C. B. Fry—here a friend of Raffles—naturally brings authenticity to the story, and you really do feel like you’re witnessing history first hand.
One small thing stands out, which has nothing to do with plot or the story as such, but brought a smile to my face. In E. W. Hornung’s original stories he would every now and then introduce his readers to new inventions that saw the light of the day during the 19th century like the telephone, the torchlight, or the bicycle. Foreman hasn’t missed the opportunity to honor this tradition as he has Bunny mention the new thing known as the escalator. It’s yet another example of the many wonderful details Foreman puts into his stories and it’s why they are such a pleasure to read.