The Bad Step

by Mark Derby

M-3028. Cover art by Clark Hulings. Second paperback edition printing.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Jim Puskas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't be put off by what seems like a trite, awkward title. The title is entirely relevant but it certainly doesn't resonate or inspire confidence. It has always struck me that Mark Derby's publisher didn't serve him well; the covers of his books are trashy and garish, the titles (except for Sun in the Hunter's Eyes) uninspiring.
This one should appeal to anyone with an appreciation of high adventure and life-or-death struggles set in exotic locales. Our protagonist here is a man pursued by an implacable, murderous enemy intent upon destroying him and everything he loves. As with most of Derby's stories, this one is set primarily in the far east, at a time of political turmoil and social unrest.
The combination of a gripping story, vividly drawn characters and skillfully executed prose in this, as in most of Derby's books, once again brings to mind "Terry and the Pirates", that wonderfully drawn cartoon series that ran in the weekend papers many years back.
First-rate entertainment!