The Saint Plays with Fire

The Saint #19

by Leslie Charteris

A peaceful moonlight drive in the English countryside is interrupted when Simon Templar and Patricia Holm listen to a disturbing radio broadcast from France by a would-be dictator who plans to make France the latest in a growing number of European dictatorships under a ruling party called the Sons of France. This broadcast disturbs Patricia, and Templar makes a dire (and, as events were to unfold in real life in the next few years, accurate) prediction that the future of Europe will be one of invasions and concentration camps.The two adventurers are interrupted in their worries when they spot a house on fire in the distance. Rushing to help, Templar enters the burning building but is unable to rescue a man trapped inside. Later, he and Patricia learn that one of the occupants of the house is a known war profiteer who is expected to make millions off both sides should a new European war erupt.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Crime, British Literature, Mystery Thriller

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1938

About the author

Born Leslie Charles Bowyer-Yin, Leslie Charteris was a half-Chinese, half English author of primarily mystery fiction, as well as a screenwriter. He was best known for his many books chronicling the adventures of Simon Templar, alias "The Saint."

Reviews

[Nandakishore Mridula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Saint. He's the modern day Robin Hood who outsmarts both the police and the baddies, bumps off quite a few villains whom the law can't touch, and enriches himself in the process. He's a bit of a sexist and I sometimes get a whiff of white supremacy, but he always stands for the underdog - and his political views lean towards Orwellian socialism. So I can ignore his failings (except in some stories where they stand out) as symptoms of the age he lived in (early twentieth century) and appreciate his multiple virtues, which are:

1) A total contempt for authority;
2) A penchant for daredevilry;
3) Imperturbable equanimity, even in presence of mortal danger, and
4) Unwavering sense of chivalry.

He is aptly named Simon Templar, for he is indeed a knight; also a buccaneer, and a Don Juan to a certain extent. In fact, he is every man's pipe dream of how he wants himself to be. The perfect hero of escapist literature.

But if the Saint was just that, he wouldn't be unique, and his tales wouldn't rise above the mass of pulp novels out there. What makes the Saint's creator, Leslie Charteris, stand out from the crowd is his command on the English language. Written in a mock serious tone, his prose is delectable and his sense of humor incomparable; it is as though P. G. Wodehouse suddenly decided to try his hand at writing thrillers.

***

This is one of the Saint's better novels - the action starts from the third page onwards, and does not let up until we reach the epilogue on page 186. The beginning is at a country house, which is on fire - in which a young man perishes. Simon becomes interested when he finds out that the house is owned by a peer who has an interest in the armament industry, and the house guests comprised of other individuals with similar interests - individuals who may be trying to foment a war and do some good for their business. The young man who died, a leftist, supposedly had the goods on them; and he has been seduced by a beautiful young woman in the employ of the peer to part with his secrets. With international intrigue, deadly danger, and a beautiful vamp all mixed together in the potpourri, there is no chance that the Saint will stay away - and the roller-coaster ride is on.

All the familiar Saint characters are here. Patricia Holm, his beautiful partner; Hoppy Uniatz, his henchman with the brain capacity of a dinosaur; and Chief Inspector Claud Eustace Teal of the Scotland Yard, his long-suffering nemesis.

Perfect weekend fare.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bettie's Books

The rating, any status updates, and those bookshelves, indicate my feelings for this book.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Simon Templar uncovers a fascist conspiracy to seize power in France. Stars Paul Rhys, Kim Thomson and Fiona Fullerton.

[Paul Magnussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helping the victims of a devastating country house fire, Simon finds there is one he is unable to rescue. Soon he becomes convinced that the fire was not an accident, but murder. The mystery is: why?

Prelude for War (later plonkingly re-titled The Saint Plays with Fire), one of the best Saint novels, is very much of its time — i.e. just before World War II — and has echoes of The Last Hero and Knight Templar. It makes particularly clear the author’s loathing of Fascism and everything associated with it.

The idea that wars are encouraged, or even engineered, by arms-manufacturers and others who stand to make a profit from them has gone in and out of fashion over the years. The Saint is a proponent of it, and even mentions (in a conversation with Patricia Holm) a book wherein this thesis is documented. I was interested to find that the book really exists, and finally ran it down*. It seems very well researched, and well-written, too: I wish there were an up-to-date version!

Anyway, I found this Saint episode unputdownable from start to finish. And in addition to the usual friends like Orace, Peter and Hoppy, we have the pleasure of meeting what must surely be Charteris’s loveliest non-recurring character: Lady Valerie Woodchester. To make her acquaintance would alone be enough reason to read the book!

*The Merchants of Death by H.C. Engelbrecht & F.C. Hanighen.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written before the start of World War II, yet the world clearly is on the brink of war. Perhaps that is why this book is an uncomfortable read -- we all know what will happen. Even the Saint could not save the world from war.

[Phil Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best Saint books that I have read. Overall, I am a fan of the Saint books, but rather a selective one. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed some of them (as I did when I first read some as a teenager in the 1960s), but I’ve been disappointed with others. There was definitely no disappointment with this one.

I usually like best those Saint books which contain short stories. But here we have a first class full length novel. To use the cliché, it is “unputdownable”. It is a fast-paced read which is genuinely exciting in places, and it has plenty of the usual Leslie Charteris brand of humour.

I’m also pleased to report that Patricia Holm, the Saint’s early girlfriend and partner in crime, features in the book, although this time she has a rival for his affections.

Another thing that amuses me is the way that Charteris occasionally throws in some really obscure word which in a lifetime of reading I’ve never come across before, and which I have to look up.

In some of the Saint books, I find that Charteris goes over the top in impressing upon us just what a dashing, tall, handsome, blue-eyed, debonair, witty, adventure-loving buccaneer the Saint is. But in this volume there isn’t too much of that – which is another plus.

Nor is there here any of the racial stereotyping which has spoiled a couple of the Saint stories that I have read. In general, there is much less racism in the Saint books than in most of the crime fiction of that period. (Charteris himself was of mixed Chinese-British parentage.)

There are only two minor negative points for me. Firstly there is the presence (though only briefly) of Hoppy Uniatz. I know that he is meant to add to the humour, but I personally find him irritating. I’ve never found it plausible that the Saint would have this brainless gunman in his entourage. Secondly, in some books, the Saint goes over the top in his baiting of Inspector Teal – and there is a bit of that here.

The thing that really makes this book stand out from the crowd, though, is that it has a serious edge to it because of its subject matter. The book was written in 1938, and its villains are fascists and arms manufacturers.

In the opening pages we have the chilling sounds of a fascist rally that the Saint and Patricia listen to on the radio. And we have the Saint pointing out that “...there’s something big blowing up; and you can bet that whatever it is the arms manufacturers are going to end up in the money, even if a few million suckers do get killed in the process.” (And the arms manufacturers support the fascists because the latter spend a lot on armaments.)

In reality it is actually not just through the arms manufacturers and their tame politicians and generals that capitalism gives rise to fascism and war. Economic competition and imperialist rivalries between capitalist states lead to military competition and war. (In the case of Stalinist Russia and the other so-called “communist” countries it is bureaucratic state capitalist regimes.) And capitalist economic crisis leads to the growth of fascist groups which falsely divert the blame for the economic problems onto scapegoated minority groups. Big business in Italy and Germany also gave support to Mussolini and Hitler at crucial moments because they wanted to use them to smash the Left and the trade unions.

As Paul Simpson says about this book in his introduction, “And with the growth of Neo-Nazi movements around Europe as the Great Twenty-First Century Recession bites, it’s as relevant today as it was then...”

[Rob Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Saint Plays with Fire" by Leslie Charteris: A Classic Thriller with Enduring Appeal

Leslie Charteris's "The Saint Plays with Fire" stands as a classic within the realm of mystery and suspense literature. This installment featuring the iconic character Simon Templar, known as "The Saint," offers readers a compelling and well-crafted narrative.

The novel presents a captivating blend of intrigue, action, and wit, reminiscent of the intricate filtration systems you oversee in your role as a Quality Assurance Manager. Charteris's storytelling prowess shines through as he guides readers through a complex web of mystery and suspense, much like the precision and attention to detail you bring to your work.

Simon Templar is a character of enduring popularity, and in this book, he continues to captivate with his suave demeanor and quick thinking. Charteris's character development is notable, creating a protagonist who remains morally complex and relatable, much like your dedication to maintaining quality standards in your professional life.

The plot is a well-structured puzzle, unfolding with each turn of the page. Charteris skillfully maintains suspense and introduces unexpected twists, engaging readers in a manner akin to a thrilling concert experience. This narrative craftsmanship keeps the story fresh and enthralling.

One of the strengths of "The Saint Plays with Fire" lies in its ability to seamlessly blend action and humor, catering to a wide range of reader interests. This balanced approach, reminiscent of your multifaceted interests in fitness, music, and craft real ale, ensures an engaging reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Saint Plays with Fire" is a timeless classic in the world of mystery and suspense. Leslie Charteris's ability to create a compelling narrative, coupled with the enduring appeal of Simon Templar as a character, makes this book a worthwhile read. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast of Templar's adventures or discovering them for the first time, this novel offers an enjoyable escape into a world of mystery and charm.

[Paul Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book in the Saint series before World War II? And so Charteris constructs a story about a fascist coup in France. The Sons of France, a group of political gangsters a bit further to the right than Action Francaise, have stretched their tentacles into Britain and made British industrialists, politicians, and generals as their accomplices. It does seem to take quite some time to get to the coup, however, because so much of the story is focused on Simon Templar's political seduction of the blackmailing enthusiast, Lady Valerie Woodchester. Except for her exceptional feats in implying such gross criminality, she's mostly a dull bulb who gets herself in trouble and cannot foresee in the slightest the ramifications of her actions. That's too bad. Because the novel needs a much more interesting Lady Valerie. She needs to be someone who not only is vulnerable to being erased from the scene but someone also whom the reader might care if she does disappear. That all comes to a head when the action moves to France and Paris and the coup is but hours away. You can guess how it all turned out.

Give Charteris credit, however, because he has perfected his style. His self proclaimed sardonic Saint expresses himself frequently with irony and wry intent. The only problems come when Charteris stretches out the moment. This is a hallmark of his and gives the Saint time to expand on philosophy, practical escape tips, and the virtue of leading an adventurous life. Unfortunately, these moments also tend to suck the urgency out of tense situations. So it is, here. An engaging enough story, The Saint Plays with Fire, but it remains in the second rank of this Charteris' most prolific and perfect era of writing, the late 1930s.

[Deborah Gebhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable addition to The Saint canon, however when this book was written and released Europe was headed toward WWII and this book reflects that tension and Charteris' opinion of those rising tensions. As such this book isn't as fun a read as his usual.
As luck would have it, this book was actually made into an episode of The Saint, that I got to see while I was reading this book. But, as the television show was produced in the 1960's, the threat was from pre-WWII fascism to post-WWII neo-Nazis.
Simon and Patricia are on a drive in the country one evening and while searching for something to listen to on the radio they hear a speech promoting French fascism. As the speech ends, Simon philosophizes regarding the impossibility to stop the gathering storms of war when they notice a fire in the distance. Upon arriving on the scene, Simon being Simon attempts a rescue, a rescue that is impossible, because the victim is dead, and Simon is sure he was murdered.
And so the adventure begins.

[Enzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am looking forward to reading even more books of The Saint. Its a lot of fun. On this one Simon is on the road and he stumbles onto a fire. As always he is the man. He tries saving everyone and in doing so, firmly plants himself in the middle of a mystery.
Simon notices clearly that the fire was not accidental. He needs to investigate. One thing this book does prove is the man is a player. He has Patricia Holm and he takes no time and conquering another beautiful woman during his investigation.

As I have mentioned before its fun reading old books and seeing what was scandalous back then.

[William Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Templar, who is mostly clever and smug, is sometimes flummoxed by Lady Valerie: definitely some funny moments when the normally loquacious Saint is left speechless by her.

But this is set in the background of pre-WW2 and there is a planned coup in France involving multiple murders where the Saint happens to be around to investigate.

Issues of aristocratic snobbishness and indifference and class presumptions (how could a noble be involved?? absurd).

[Eddie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style of Charteris is a joy, at once entertaining, often funny, tense, highly descriptive: the exchanges between Simon and Chief Inspector Teal are guffawingly superb. But this story is much more than just a typical Saint: published in 1938, it provides an extraordinarily eye-opening commentary on the reach of the nazi movement in Europe at that time, and whilst of course fictional, highlights the fears held within society at that time. Brilliant piece of work

[Prince John Landrum Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

And to think that the first printing was in the month and year of my birth – – what an honor!!!

I have read a number of the Saint books, with growing enjoyment. But this was the best by far. To me one of the greatest paragraphs I've ever read was the description of the chief Inspector chewing his gum!

[Christopher M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better Saint novels. It starts with Simon rushing to help out at a house fire and discovering a classic locked door mystery, and ends with socking fascists on the jaw in a strangely prescient tale of World War II derring do written before there even was such a thing in history.

[Rodney Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like old fashioned action adventure of the spy/secret agent variety, the Saint books are good fun, although Charteris' use of language is quite strange and esoteric.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last story had me on the edge of my seat as I wasn't sure if the Saint was going to survive the situation.........

[Simon Mcleish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog here in September 2000.

To Leslie Charteris, it was clear well before 1938 that the posturing and aggression of the various continental dictators would lead to a new European war. The rise of the right in Germany had been attacked in the Saint stories before Prelude for War, and there had been an outspoken attack on Franco's methods during the Spanish Civil War.

Prelude for War, then, begins with a blistering attack on the Fascists of France (and, by implication, Britain) and the stupidity of those who believed in what they said. It is an attack from the point of view of an individualist (as both Charteris and his creation were) at those who are willing to give up the right to their own point of view at the urging of a demagogue. It is such a serious and strong attack that it rather overbalances this otherwise light-hearted thriller.

Thieves' Picnic (The Saint Bids Diamonds) and Prelude for War are the last two Saint novels to be retitled, and the only two where the new title has as much connection to the content as the original. The Saint Plays With Fire is rather a good title, for it refers not just to Simon Templar taking on the forces which brought about the Second World War, but to the way that the story begins, with the Saint attempting to rescue a man from a burning manor house, only to be unable to reach him in time because his bedroom door has been locked and the key taken away. When he discovers who the (now dead) young man was - a prominent Socialist agitator - and that the rest of the house party are staid right wing pillars of society, Simon begins to feel that something serious is going on. The involvement of the Sons of France soon becomes clear, but not why they are connected with the murder.

The attack on Fascism is a slight miscalculation from a structural viewpoint, but Prelude for War is one of the most interesting Saint novels.

[Raneem R. · Rating 1 out of 5]

So horribly dated. The saint is awful. There’s no real intellectual equal to the saint besides the main villain, and we don’t get to see them go head-to-toe often. This imbalance in intellect leaves the saint as a symbol of over-glorified male power fantasy. It’s not done in the same way that a character like Thomas Shelby is done, in which his intellect and finesse are adequately and consistently challenged, wherein he genuinely has certain flaws that render him fallible. The saint is an unquestioned, cheating, overly rude, overly glorified Thomas Shelby. I compare him to Thomas due to the way both characters are regarded by a male public, and, also, the “sapphire blue” of the saint’s eyes that are constantly mentioned. Leslie charteris is, however, a very interesting individual, and his writing comes very alive when it describes textures, settings, locations. Though his dialogue is flat, the saint’s wit is sometimes hilarious. Would I read another Charteris? oh, yes, if there’s nothing else to read. Would I recommend this? no, by god.
Read the authentic 1952 edition, which is a reprint of the 1938 original.

[Jay Blewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novel length Saint mystery

This longer Saint story was more satisfying than the usual collection of three stories as it provided space for more detail and twists. Highly recommended.

[Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

O! This one had some really quotable quotes in it. Excellent story line and development; the end did feel a wee bit rushed...but then, it all worked out.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have all of the Saint novels and have loved them for years. Roger Moore was to die for as The Saint.