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Biggles #7
Biggles Flies East
It's the First World War, and in a desperate game of bluff and counterbluff Biggles is sent to work for the Germans while secretly reporting back to the British. Can he survive the eagle-eyed suspicions of Von Stalhein? How will he cope flying in combat against the British? The slightest mistake could cost Biggles his life . . .
238 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1935
19 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
W.E. Johns
570 books113 followersInvariably known as Captain W.E. Johns, William Earl Johns was born in Bengeo, Hertfordshire, England. He was the son of Richard Eastman Johns, a tailor, and Elizabeth Johns (née Earl), the daughter of a master butcher. He had a younger brother, Russell Ernest Johns, who was born on 24 October 1895.
He went to Hertford Grammar School where he was no great scholar but he did develop into a crack shot with a rifle. This fired his early ambition to be a soldier. He also attended evening classes at the local art school.
In the summer of 1907 he was apprenticed to a county municipal surveyor where he remained for four years and then in 1912 he became a sanitary inspector in Swaffham, Norfolk. Soon after taking up this appointment, his father died of tuberculosis at the age of 47.
On 6 October 1914 he married Maude Penelope Hunt (1882–1961), the daughter of the Reverend John Hunt, the vicar at Little Dunham in Norfolk. The couple had one son, William Earl Carmichael Johns, who was born in March 1916.
With war looming he joined the Territorial Army as a Private in the King's Own Royal Regiment (Norfolk Yeomanry), a cavalry regiment. In August 1914 his regiment was mobilised and was in training and on home defence duties until September 1915 when they received embarkation orders for duty overseas.
He fought at Gallipoli and in the Suez Canal area and, after moving to the Machine gun Corps, he took part in the spring offensive in Salonika in April 1917. He contracted malaria and whilst in hospital he put in for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps and on 26 September 1917, he was given a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant and posted back to England to learn to fly, which he did at No. 1 School of Aeronautics at Reading, where he was taught by a Captain Ashton.
He was posted to No. 25 Flying Training School at Thetford where he had a charmed existence, once writing off three planes in three days. He moved to Yorkshire and was then posted to France and while on a bombing raid to Mannheim his plane was shot down and he was wounded. Captured by the Germans, he later escaped before being reincarcerated where he remained until the war ended.
He went to Hertford Grammar School where he was no great scholar but he did develop into a crack shot with a rifle. This fired his early ambition to be a soldier. He also attended evening classes at the local art school.
In the summer of 1907 he was apprenticed to a county municipal surveyor where he remained for four years and then in 1912 he became a sanitary inspector in Swaffham, Norfolk. Soon after taking up this appointment, his father died of tuberculosis at the age of 47.
On 6 October 1914 he married Maude Penelope Hunt (1882–1961), the daughter of the Reverend John Hunt, the vicar at Little Dunham in Norfolk. The couple had one son, William Earl Carmichael Johns, who was born in March 1916.
With war looming he joined the Territorial Army as a Private in the King's Own Royal Regiment (Norfolk Yeomanry), a cavalry regiment. In August 1914 his regiment was mobilised and was in training and on home defence duties until September 1915 when they received embarkation orders for duty overseas.
He fought at Gallipoli and in the Suez Canal area and, after moving to the Machine gun Corps, he took part in the spring offensive in Salonika in April 1917. He contracted malaria and whilst in hospital he put in for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps and on 26 September 1917, he was given a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant and posted back to England to learn to fly, which he did at No. 1 School of Aeronautics at Reading, where he was taught by a Captain Ashton.
He was posted to No. 25 Flying Training School at Thetford where he had a charmed existence, once writing off three planes in three days. He moved to Yorkshire and was then posted to France and while on a bombing raid to Mannheim his plane was shot down and he was wounded. Captured by the Germans, he later escaped before being reincarcerated where he remained until the war ended.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 1, 2021
Biggles deploys as a double agent in the field being sent to the Middle East where the British and German armies are waging the Sinai and Palestine campaign. From there he must keep his disguise together whilst trying to fathom out how the Germans are always well-informed of British and Commonwealth (Empire) movements and plans.
This is the first Biggles book I have read in many, many years and wanted something to fit in over the rather constricted 2020/2021 New Year period. It did this, being enjoyable with a nice measured adventure plot with a mystery element to it, alongside Capt Johns' excellent eye for the real detail of the aircraft, kit and language that was used by and surrounded the lives of the men who fought in this "sideshow". His descriptions of aerial flying on how to start these early planes, manoeuvre them in flight and combat do make for excitement, as well as having at their base the actuality of life and death that so many young men experienced.
It also had me thinking of the many young boys who probably read this book the year it was first published in 1935 and were themselves just a few years' later serving in the RAF or Luftwaffe.
My copy was a Red Fox paperback edition printed in 1992 with 240 pages. The cover has a nice illustration of Biggles running to get into his [rare and new in theatre] Sopwith Camel biplane as a German Pfalz D3 biplane flies overhead.
This is the first Biggles book I have read in many, many years and wanted something to fit in over the rather constricted 2020/2021 New Year period. It did this, being enjoyable with a nice measured adventure plot with a mystery element to it, alongside Capt Johns' excellent eye for the real detail of the aircraft, kit and language that was used by and surrounded the lives of the men who fought in this "sideshow". His descriptions of aerial flying on how to start these early planes, manoeuvre them in flight and combat do make for excitement, as well as having at their base the actuality of life and death that so many young men experienced.
It also had me thinking of the many young boys who probably read this book the year it was first published in 1935 and were themselves just a few years' later serving in the RAF or Luftwaffe.
My copy was a Red Fox paperback edition printed in 1992 with 240 pages. The cover has a nice illustration of Biggles running to get into his [rare and new in theatre] Sopwith Camel biplane as a German Pfalz D3 biplane flies overhead.
November 13, 2023
Biggles poured himself a glass of water with a hand that trembled slightly, for the ordeal he had just been through had left him feeling suddenly weak (p279)
1935 was a significant year in the life of Bill Johns.
His first Biggles book Biggles The Camels Are Coming appeared in 1932, when Johns was already 39 years old. But in the next three years he published a further eight volumes, five of these in 1935 alone, his most prolific year, equaled only in 1963. I have not read any of the 1963 works, so I can’t comment of them, but his 1935 titles are richly rewarding, especially Biggles Learns To Fly, Biggles Hits the Trail (my all-time favourite Biggles) and this one (the full list is at the foot of the review).
Biggles Flies East is a cracker, an unusually tense spy thriller which has Biggles alone and in enemy territory for much of the story. It therefore becomes a constant test of his nerve and nerves as he tries not to give himself away, while pursuing his designated targets, all the while attempting to avoid harming any of his countrymen inadvertently or otherwise.
The following contains spoilers.
Through one of those a happy co-incidences with which readers of Biggles' stories will be familiar, Biggles’ resemblance to Bruner, an Englishman spying for the Germans, allows the British higher ups (including Major Raymond, don’t you know) the opportunity to send Biggles into enemy territory in Palestine in pursuit of the mysterious and mercurial El Shereef, a thorn in the British side. Later in the story Bruner turns up, leading to one of the more fraught yet amusing episodes as Biggles tries to get him drunk.
While the action consists largely of to-ing and fro-ing between the German lines and the British ones, piloting Pfalz’s, Halberstadts, Bristols and on one memorable occasion, a Sopwith Camel, there is also much edgy dialogue between the German masters and their spy (Biggles) as they test his story. Biggles foes are quite nuanced, ranging from the suspicious, to decent to arrogant. Ace Kurt Hess singles out Biggles in the German mess:
Biggles has much more formidable opponents to deal with, notably the cunning Count Fauburg who runs the German show and his inseparable (even though they don’t really like each other) officer, Major von Stahlhein, yes Erich von Stalhein, Biggles’ arch nemesis for the next several decades, through several wars, between wars and thereafter, who makes his first appearance here and is every bit as menacing as we would expect.
This is a first class story, beautifully told. Johns’ writing creates atmosphere and tension, is often beautifully descriptive and he had an enviable capacity for getting inside his characters emotions. Witness the unspoken deep affection and loyalty between comrades when Biggles, embedded in the German base, is startled to find a newly captured prisoner is none other than his Squadron 266 comrade Algy. When Biggles leaves the prison cell he vows to rescue his friend: 'Their hands met in a firm grip, the only time during the whole war that either of them allowed their real feelings to get uppermost’. (p342)
W E Johns Biggles titles published in 1935:
1. March 1935: Biggles and the Black Peril *** (Mystery airfield. First appearance of Ginger. Imminent raid from Russia)
2. March 1935: Biggles Learns To Fly *** (Episodes from Biggles early days and into WWI)
3. August 1935: Biggles Hits the Trail ***** (Best Biggles book. Dickpa’s second appearance. A Himalayan mountain full of radium)
4. August 1935: Biggles Flies East **** (Spying in Palestine during WWI. von Stalhein makes first appearance)
5. Nov 1935: Biggles in France (not read by me)
1935 was a significant year in the life of Bill Johns.
His first Biggles book Biggles The Camels Are Coming appeared in 1932, when Johns was already 39 years old. But in the next three years he published a further eight volumes, five of these in 1935 alone, his most prolific year, equaled only in 1963. I have not read any of the 1963 works, so I can’t comment of them, but his 1935 titles are richly rewarding, especially Biggles Learns To Fly, Biggles Hits the Trail (my all-time favourite Biggles) and this one (the full list is at the foot of the review).
Biggles Flies East is a cracker, an unusually tense spy thriller which has Biggles alone and in enemy territory for much of the story. It therefore becomes a constant test of his nerve and nerves as he tries not to give himself away, while pursuing his designated targets, all the while attempting to avoid harming any of his countrymen inadvertently or otherwise.
The following contains spoilers.
Through one of those a happy co-incidences with which readers of Biggles' stories will be familiar, Biggles’ resemblance to Bruner, an Englishman spying for the Germans, allows the British higher ups (including Major Raymond, don’t you know) the opportunity to send Biggles into enemy territory in Palestine in pursuit of the mysterious and mercurial El Shereef, a thorn in the British side. Later in the story Bruner turns up, leading to one of the more fraught yet amusing episodes as Biggles tries to get him drunk.
While the action consists largely of to-ing and fro-ing between the German lines and the British ones, piloting Pfalz’s, Halberstadts, Bristols and on one memorable occasion, a Sopwith Camel, there is also much edgy dialogue between the German masters and their spy (Biggles) as they test his story. Biggles foes are quite nuanced, ranging from the suspicious, to decent to arrogant. Ace Kurt Hess singles out Biggles in the German mess:
‘So!’ sneered Hess, with a gesture so insolent that Biggles itched to strike him. ‘We know what to do with Englanders …’ The German ace goes on to demonstrate his air fighting technique which Biggles finds risible. ‘Excellent, mein Hauptmann,’ he said, ‘but take care you don’t meet one that turns your own “box” into a coffin instead, for what would the fatherland do without you?’ The sarcasm which he could not veil was quite lost on the German, but it was not overlooked by one or two of the others, who stirred uncomfortably.Immediately thereafter Biggles makes the time to borrow a Sopwith Camel, the only one in Palestine, conveniently available because Algy is flying it, which enable Biggles to despatch the bombastic Hess. This must have been a bugbear of Johns because he makes much of the fact that there were some German pilots with superior craft who preyed on slow superseded British models.
The ace drew himself up to his full height and struck a pose. ‘Do you suggest that an Englander might shoot me down?’ he inquired haughtily.
‘There’s just a chance, you know,’ replied Biggles easily, clenching and unclenching his fists in his pockets. ‘The English have some good fighters in France, and one may come out here one day…’(pp324-325 NB read in A Biggles Omnibus)
Biggles has much more formidable opponents to deal with, notably the cunning Count Fauburg who runs the German show and his inseparable (even though they don’t really like each other) officer, Major von Stahlhein, yes Erich von Stalhein, Biggles’ arch nemesis for the next several decades, through several wars, between wars and thereafter, who makes his first appearance here and is every bit as menacing as we would expect.
This is a first class story, beautifully told. Johns’ writing creates atmosphere and tension, is often beautifully descriptive and he had an enviable capacity for getting inside his characters emotions. Witness the unspoken deep affection and loyalty between comrades when Biggles, embedded in the German base, is startled to find a newly captured prisoner is none other than his Squadron 266 comrade Algy. When Biggles leaves the prison cell he vows to rescue his friend: 'Their hands met in a firm grip, the only time during the whole war that either of them allowed their real feelings to get uppermost’. (p342)
W E Johns Biggles titles published in 1935:
1. March 1935: Biggles and the Black Peril *** (Mystery airfield. First appearance of Ginger. Imminent raid from Russia)
2. March 1935: Biggles Learns To Fly *** (Episodes from Biggles early days and into WWI)
3. August 1935: Biggles Hits the Trail ***** (Best Biggles book. Dickpa’s second appearance. A Himalayan mountain full of radium)
4. August 1935: Biggles Flies East **** (Spying in Palestine during WWI. von Stalhein makes first appearance)
5. Nov 1935: Biggles in France (not read by me)
June 8, 2016
Oh, this was Smashing! I liked the first one I read, but really, this one takes the cake-very interesting, as well as intruiging, and I was at my wits end and edge of the seat several times as to how the main character was going to manage to outwit the clever German, Stehln.. I think I misspelt his name.
Biggles is on a much-deserved leave in England, in civvie clothes while his uniform is being cleaned and pressed, when a unsrucpulous looking man comes to his table and insists in calling him Brunow-a man just recently dishonerably discharged. Feeling something bigger than what he knows is in the wind, Biggles plays along and before you know it, the English secret service is calling on him to play the part and go to Palestine to find, if he can, the deadly German spy, Von Stalhyn. In a daring and tingly tale of double-intruige and espionage, Biggles is kept hopping one step ahead of his opponent, in a race for victory!
Biggles is on a much-deserved leave in England, in civvie clothes while his uniform is being cleaned and pressed, when a unsrucpulous looking man comes to his table and insists in calling him Brunow-a man just recently dishonerably discharged. Feeling something bigger than what he knows is in the wind, Biggles plays along and before you know it, the English secret service is calling on him to play the part and go to Palestine to find, if he can, the deadly German spy, Von Stalhyn. In a daring and tingly tale of double-intruige and espionage, Biggles is kept hopping one step ahead of his opponent, in a race for victory!
September 9, 2007
It's a funny thing, but when I re-read these as an adult I can see the early shapes of the things that I love as an adult. Here, Biggles and Algy are (it feels) on their own against the Germans in the Middle East.
The sheer joy of the h/c and friendship makes this one of my favourite Biggles stories. One of my early favourites in the 'near miss' genre.
Johns' was here writing still from what he knew -- his flying experience was all in WWI, and while he recycled much for the later stories, the post WWII stuff never really captures that fine edge of joie de vivre out on the edge of blood and dust and death. Johns is not a great writer, but he had some great stories to tell.
The sheer joy of the h/c and friendship makes this one of my favourite Biggles stories. One of my early favourites in the 'near miss' genre.
Johns' was here writing still from what he knew -- his flying experience was all in WWI, and while he recycled much for the later stories, the post WWII stuff never really captures that fine edge of joie de vivre out on the edge of blood and dust and death. Johns is not a great writer, but he had some great stories to tell.
December 16, 2022
If you only ever read one "Biggles" book then this has to be it ! I've read quite a few - though by no means all of them so far- and this is by far and away my favourite !
Rather than the typical "Biggles" format of lots of separate adventures, this is one continuous adventure and its good ,very good .
The story hooked me right from the start and it kept me hooked to the end
The twists and turns, though sometimes predictable, were great & entwined in the story perfectly and made it hard to put down - I loved it !
Rather than the typical "Biggles" format of lots of separate adventures, this is one continuous adventure and its good ,very good .
The story hooked me right from the start and it kept me hooked to the end
The twists and turns, though sometimes predictable, were great & entwined in the story perfectly and made it hard to put down - I loved it !
March 8, 2017
Such a splendid read. Biggles, in this book, is sent to Palestine as an secret agent for the Germans and in turn for the British. I think this one intrigued me a little more than the first and there was even an interesting turn of events at the end.
I liked Biggles attitude toward the Germans...he disliked them, but viewed their job just like his when he fought in France. This had a couple swear words in it, but all in all it is an appropriate book for boys full of adventure.
I liked Biggles attitude toward the Germans...he disliked them, but viewed their job just like his when he fought in France. This had a couple swear words in it, but all in all it is an appropriate book for boys full of adventure.
November 25, 2025
I borrowed this book from the library after my dad told me his father used to read Biggles stories (and translate them into Czech!) for him and his brother when they were kids. Reading this book nearly 90 years after it was first published, it’s clear it’s a product of its time, but certainly not a relic to be left there. A great junior fiction novel - well written, funny, action-packed - I can see why my dad spoke quite fondly of it.
December 30, 2024
A case of mistaken identity leads Biggles into a thrilling WW1 adventure with lots of flying combined with espionage. This installment of Biggles adventures chronicles his first encounter with his long-term nemesis Erich Von Stalhein and the deadly cat and mouse game that ensues between them. A terrific piece of early 20th century adventure literature that should be greatly enjoyed by those who love this kind of thing.
April 12, 2023
Another really well written story. Another trip down memory lane for me to a writer I first new in my teens - many years ago. A few typos in the new addition. But we'll worth reading! Top show, Biggles, and tally-ho!
November 13, 2024
Home on leave from WW1, Biggles is mistaken for another man and by a German agent pressured to spy on behalf of Germany. On the advice of his superiors he accepts the offer and works as a double agent behind enemy lines.
This book is notable in that it introduces the character of Hauptman Erich von Stalhein who becomes Biggles' nemesis over the series.
Reading it this time, I was struck by how unlikely the situation is. The Germans do not seem to try to make the best use of their new spy, allowing him to choose where he wants to be stationed and using him as a fighter pilot rather than as a gatherer of information (which would have made more sense). Still, a moderately entertaining entry in the series.
This book is notable in that it introduces the character of Hauptman Erich von Stalhein who becomes Biggles' nemesis over the series.
Reading it this time, I was struck by how unlikely the situation is. The Germans do not seem to try to make the best use of their new spy, allowing him to choose where he wants to be stationed and using him as a fighter pilot rather than as a gatherer of information (which would have made more sense). Still, a moderately entertaining entry in the series.
February 23, 2018
B3, an astounding story of mistaken identity, and a double-spy.
Several great opportunities sadly missed (visiting Mark Way, getting decorated with the Iron Cross)
First encounter with spying, though not with Military Intelligence section-6...
Several great opportunities sadly missed (visiting Mark Way, getting decorated with the Iron Cross)
First encounter with spying, though not with Military Intelligence section-6...
August 12, 2024
The introduction of Von Stalheim!
Some very dodgy language and racial stereotyping, but overall a ripping yarn and very much Biggles before he got formulaic.
tbh- it might have gotten the fourth star as a book I read as a child and inherited (1949 hardback reprint).
Some very dodgy language and racial stereotyping, but overall a ripping yarn and very much Biggles before he got formulaic.
tbh- it might have gotten the fourth star as a book I read as a child and inherited (1949 hardback reprint).
August 19, 2019
Ik hou niet zo van oorlogsverhalen, ook niet van die van Biggles. Het feit dat Biggles in dit avontuur dik tegen zijn zin belandt en de schrijver die weerzin op haast elke bladzijde (zo lijkt het toch) vermeldt, helpt ook al niet.
Toch is het een verhaal waar Biggles als spilfiguur constant in doodsgevaar verkeert, in een situatie die wel móet verkeerd aflopen. Jammer is dat het einde heel voorspelbaar is, al weet Johns daar toch nog een onverwachte draai aan te geven.
De manier waarop Biggles telkens in compromitterende situaties verzeild geraakt en hoe hij er zich uit redt doet me meer denken aan een komische kostuumfilm dan aan een spannend jongensboek. De beschrijving van enkele Duitse vliegtuigen uit WOI spreken tot de verbeelding, de luchtgevechten zijn heroïsch. Want niet te vergeten, het verhaal speelt 100 jaar geleden.
In het derde deel van wat een lange reeks zou worden speelt enkel Algy een belangrijke bijrol, de 2 andere vaste kameraden doen nog niet mee.
Het meest opvallende is toch het vrijbuitersbestaan dat een Engelse piloot in Duitse dienst kan leiden in Palestina.
Toch is het een verhaal waar Biggles als spilfiguur constant in doodsgevaar verkeert, in een situatie die wel móet verkeerd aflopen. Jammer is dat het einde heel voorspelbaar is, al weet Johns daar toch nog een onverwachte draai aan te geven.
De manier waarop Biggles telkens in compromitterende situaties verzeild geraakt en hoe hij er zich uit redt doet me meer denken aan een komische kostuumfilm dan aan een spannend jongensboek. De beschrijving van enkele Duitse vliegtuigen uit WOI spreken tot de verbeelding, de luchtgevechten zijn heroïsch. Want niet te vergeten, het verhaal speelt 100 jaar geleden.
In het derde deel van wat een lange reeks zou worden speelt enkel Algy een belangrijke bijrol, de 2 andere vaste kameraden doen nog niet mee.
Het meest opvallende is toch het vrijbuitersbestaan dat een Engelse piloot in Duitse dienst kan leiden in Palestina.
March 4, 2025
Published in 1935, this is book #7 of a series of fantasy-adventure novels for young readers starring Captain James Bigglesworth M.C D.F.C. aka Biggles. The setting for the story is Palestine during World War I. Biggles is assigned as a double agent to an air squadron attached to the headquarters of German Intelligence in Palestine and tasked with the job of identifying and eliminating a German spy and activist known as El Shereef. It’s a well written, easy read that entertains and zooms along with several plot twists, some suspense and lots of derring-do. Very reminiscent of the adventure-action movies of the 30’s and 40’s that used to be shown in movie theatres as Saturday afternoon matinees. I enjoyed reading this one and look forward to trying another Biggles adventure. 3.5 stars
September 23, 2021
So this is where we get to meet Erich von Stalhein for the first time!
Having read a lot of later books, I think this might have been the pinnacle of the Biggles series and I see how the author has reused a number of constructs from this book in books written one, two or three decades later.
Story? Well, Biggles find himself infiltrating the German air forces in Palestine, trying to expose the German super agent in the area. Erich von Stalhein works on the German airbase and suspects, correctly, that Biggles isn't to be trusted.
Having read a lot of later books, I think this might have been the pinnacle of the Biggles series and I see how the author has reused a number of constructs from this book in books written one, two or three decades later.
Story? Well, Biggles find himself infiltrating the German air forces in Palestine, trying to expose the German super agent in the area. Erich von Stalhein works on the German airbase and suspects, correctly, that Biggles isn't to be trusted.
November 25, 2025
One of the best Biggles up to date.
I am slowly reading through the Biggles series. Collecting them has been a great experience, as every book is similar yet different. There have been some noticeable stand outs such as The Boy Biggles and Biggles in the Terai that are mildly dull, however, almost all of them are good books in their own right. This however, is the pick of the bunch. I loved every minute of this read. So much so that I won't spoil even a second of it for you.
I am slowly reading through the Biggles series. Collecting them has been a great experience, as every book is similar yet different. There have been some noticeable stand outs such as The Boy Biggles and Biggles in the Terai that are mildly dull, however, almost all of them are good books in their own right. This however, is the pick of the bunch. I loved every minute of this read. So much so that I won't spoil even a second of it for you.
May 19, 2025
Pure schoolboy derring-do, more series of short stories / adventures run together into a fantasy about espionage in the First World War (this time the action transferred East to Palestine), more comic book than novel, strictly for boys (there's not a woman mentioned in the book) ... and it's an entertaining romp, not to be taken seriously.
November 4, 2019
I read all the Biggles books when I was at school but I must say they are still a great read if you like aviation and memories of the way things were in the days around WW2. Makes you remember what it was to be British.
June 15, 2020
One of the author's best - a tie, in my opinion, with Biggles Flies West. Action-packed, edge of your seat tension. And best of all, the book introduces Biggles' life long archenemy, Erich Von Stalhein. Who could ask for more.
July 8, 2020
IT is one of the best Biggles spy stories, sharing the top place with 'Biggles defies the Swastika' The adventures are thrilling and the imagery is perfect. The suspense though not enormous encourages the reader to quickly turn the pages. A must read for Biggles fans.
November 2, 2024
This one has Biggles becoming a spy! Deserts, Arabs, Jerries and Brits. A lovely Concoction of an adventure.
Biggles books were among my favourites during school days.
Reading this reemphasized the same..
Biggles books were among my favourites during school days.
Reading this reemphasized the same..
August 15, 2017
Best of the best :)
May 1, 2021
One of the best Biggles books I have read. Exciting, fast paced and clever. Classic first world war adventure and a real page turner.
August 13, 2021
A really great read with a great ending.
August 26, 2023
Von Stalhein is incredible.
April 6, 2024
Biggles is not completely my jam, however i did find the double agent plot in this engaging and squirmy.
January 2, 2024
Biggles' new archenemy Erich von Stalhein steals every scene he is in. Cunning, smart, ruthless, a master of disguise - he makes up for a book that is at times somewhat hard to follow. It is really great to see another aspect of Biggles' wartime escapades. 4 stars.
December 13, 2020
4.2 out of 5. This is an unusual Biggles as it’s set in Palestine during WW1, and it’s enjoyable for the context it gives of the war in the desert. Unusual as well because Biggles is in the role of a spy and flying with the German Airforce. As always Biggles is ridiculously cool under pressure and able to knock a man unconscious for several hours with one punch to the jaw. If you can ignore the crazy coincidences and good luck necessary for a favourable outcome it’s an enjoyable easy read.
Read
May 29, 2023very weird to read this after buries a hatchet, which has von stalhein and biggles' relative power dynamic almost totally reversed. still obsessed with each other though!
edit: second read via dramatised audiobook. extremely fun listen which once again reminded me that this is one of the great kate_beaton_nemeses_comic.png relationships in fiction
edit: second read via dramatised audiobook. extremely fun listen which once again reminded me that this is one of the great kate_beaton_nemeses_comic.png relationships in fiction
December 22, 2025
I am reviewing the series as a whole, rather than the books individually
The Biggles series is great adventure fiction: we get high stakes, aerial action (in most of the books), and a hero who is endlessly loyal, competent, and calm under pressure.
I love the dogfights, recon missions, and wartime scenarios.
Where the series falls short is character depth. Some attitudes and simplifications reflect the period in which the books were written. There are very definitely dated elements, but considering the era the books were written - overall the series performs well. More than a few of the stories defy plausibility, but who doesn't love to curl up with a good adventure book or 10?
“Never say die.”
The Biggles series is great adventure fiction: we get high stakes, aerial action (in most of the books), and a hero who is endlessly loyal, competent, and calm under pressure.
I love the dogfights, recon missions, and wartime scenarios.
Where the series falls short is character depth. Some attitudes and simplifications reflect the period in which the books were written. There are very definitely dated elements, but considering the era the books were written - overall the series performs well. More than a few of the stories defy plausibility, but who doesn't love to curl up with a good adventure book or 10?
“Never say die.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews