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Inspector Sam Blackstone #10
Blackstone and the Endgame
Set-up and on the run for his life, Inspector Sam Blackstone must uncover the truth before he is convicted for murder
December, 1916. Inspector Sam Blackstone is suspicious when he is called to the office of Superintendent Brigham – the new head of special branch – and confused that Brigham seems to want to see him as little as Sam himself wishes to be there. An already stranger situation grows more strange when Sam discovers what he’s there a German traitor wants £25,000 in exchange for secret intelligence on U-boat locations, and ‘Max’ has specifically asked for Blackstone to be the one to deliver the money – alone.
Blackstone, and his sergeant, Archie Patterson, are certain there’s more to it than that, but Blackstone can’t turn down the job – if he doesn’t do it, some other poor fool will have to. But that is little comfort when, as suspected, it all goes wrong, and Blackstone finds himself on the run from his own colleagues, with Patterson languishing in a cell, looking at a twenty year stretch, if he’s lucky . . . A chance meeting with a Russian former colleague seems to provide a lifeline, but his help comes at a cost . . .
December, 1916. Inspector Sam Blackstone is suspicious when he is called to the office of Superintendent Brigham – the new head of special branch – and confused that Brigham seems to want to see him as little as Sam himself wishes to be there. An already stranger situation grows more strange when Sam discovers what he’s there a German traitor wants £25,000 in exchange for secret intelligence on U-boat locations, and ‘Max’ has specifically asked for Blackstone to be the one to deliver the money – alone.
Blackstone, and his sergeant, Archie Patterson, are certain there’s more to it than that, but Blackstone can’t turn down the job – if he doesn’t do it, some other poor fool will have to. But that is little comfort when, as suspected, it all goes wrong, and Blackstone finds himself on the run from his own colleagues, with Patterson languishing in a cell, looking at a twenty year stretch, if he’s lucky . . . A chance meeting with a Russian former colleague seems to provide a lifeline, but his help comes at a cost . . .
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
38 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Sally Spencer
81 books152 followersA pseudonym used by Alan Rustage.
Sally Spencer is a pen name, first adopted when the author (actually called Alan Rustage) was writing sagas and it was almost obligatory that a woman's name appeared on the cover (other authors like Emma Blair and Mary Jane Staples are also men).
Before becoming a full-time writer, he was a teacher. In 1978-79 he was working in Iran and witnessed the fall of the Shah (see the Blog for what it was like to live through a revolution). He got used to having rifles - and, one occasion, a rocket launcher - pointed at him by both soldiers and revolutionaries, but he was never entirely comfortable with it.
He lived in Madrid for over twenty years, and still considers it the most interesting and exciting city he has ever visited, but for the last few years he has opted for a quieter life in the seaside town of Calpe, on the Costa Blanca.
His first series of books were historical sagas set in Cheshire (where he grew up) and London. They were very popular with his English readers, but his American readers find the dialect something of a strain.
He has written twenty books featuring DCI Woodend (a character based partly on a furniture dealer he used to play dominoes with) and ten (so far!) about Woodend's protegé Monika Paniatowski.
His DI Sam Blackstone books are set in Victorian/Edwardian London, New York and Russia, and the Inspector Paco Ruiz books have as their backdrop the Spanish Civil War.
Alan is a competitive games player who likes bridge and pub quizzes. It is only by enforcing iron discipline that he doesn't play video games all the time.
He now lives on Spain's Costa Blanca.
Sally Spencer is a pen name, first adopted when the author (actually called Alan Rustage) was writing sagas and it was almost obligatory that a woman's name appeared on the cover (other authors like Emma Blair and Mary Jane Staples are also men).
Before becoming a full-time writer, he was a teacher. In 1978-79 he was working in Iran and witnessed the fall of the Shah (see the Blog for what it was like to live through a revolution). He got used to having rifles - and, one occasion, a rocket launcher - pointed at him by both soldiers and revolutionaries, but he was never entirely comfortable with it.
He lived in Madrid for over twenty years, and still considers it the most interesting and exciting city he has ever visited, but for the last few years he has opted for a quieter life in the seaside town of Calpe, on the Costa Blanca.
His first series of books were historical sagas set in Cheshire (where he grew up) and London. They were very popular with his English readers, but his American readers find the dialect something of a strain.
He has written twenty books featuring DCI Woodend (a character based partly on a furniture dealer he used to play dominoes with) and ten (so far!) about Woodend's protegé Monika Paniatowski.
His DI Sam Blackstone books are set in Victorian/Edwardian London, New York and Russia, and the Inspector Paco Ruiz books have as their backdrop the Spanish Civil War.
Alan is a competitive games player who likes bridge and pub quizzes. It is only by enforcing iron discipline that he doesn't play video games all the time.
He now lives on Spain's Costa Blanca.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 29, 2013
The date is 1916 and Inspector Sam Blackstone is called into his superior's office. Superintendent Brigham gives Sam an assignment that does not feel right to Sam or Archie Patterson his sergeant. As Sam suspected he was set up. he was arrested and jailed but he was broken out on his way to court. He wandered the streets until he was being beaten by thugs and a old friend from Russia, Max. He then went to Russia to recuperate and wait for Max to try to help him.Meanwhile, back in London Archie was arrested for breaking Sam out while waiting to tun himself in he tries to clear Sams name,during this time strange things begin to happen. If you like historical Victorian mysteries set in Britain please read this book.
Ms Spence developed quite a fine storyline and some wonderful characters. I can not wait to read more of Sam Blackstone.
Thanks to Net Galley and Severn House Publishers.
Ms Spence developed quite a fine storyline and some wonderful characters. I can not wait to read more of Sam Blackstone.
Thanks to Net Galley and Severn House Publishers.
June 6, 2013
Enjoyed reading this series of books. Characters are interesting and
sometimes humorous. Vladimir with his sense of creating chaos in order
to control chaos returns to aid Blackstone. Many questions run throughout the
book like; who is Max and what is Vladimir's real motive and if and when will
Archie Patterson go to jail. This book is a quick read that offers action, thrills,
mystery, humor and history.
sometimes humorous. Vladimir with his sense of creating chaos in order
to control chaos returns to aid Blackstone. Many questions run throughout the
book like; who is Max and what is Vladimir's real motive and if and when will
Archie Patterson go to jail. This book is a quick read that offers action, thrills,
mystery, humor and history.
July 24, 2019
17 years passed after the affair of the Fabergé egg and Blackstone is back in Russia as a fugitive after a botched operation leaving him accused of absconding with £25,000.00 supposed to be delivered by him to a German spy selling German U~boat and naval secrets. The whole operation headed by Special Branch Superintendent Brigham was both senseless and ridiculous ~ Blackstone thought so, Patterson thought so, even the reader thought so... and yet Sam persisted in doing his duty. Then Patterson was arrested for his role in springing Blackstone from his Black Maria transport. Sam then made Vladimir promise to get Patterson out of prison before agreeing to flee to Russia to accomplish whatever assignment the Puppet Master had for him in exchange for his aid and offer of sanctuary. In Petrograd or St. Petersburg, Sam rubbed elbows with princes and the mystic healer Rasputin and his dangerous hold on the Tsarina... with Russia in the brink of a revolution, Sam Blackstone also met Tanya, Vladimir's young protégé whom Vladimir treated as a beloved daughter. Sam Blackstone, that sometimes suicidal dried~up old bachelor and sometimes lover of Dr. Ellie Carr, then found his own Golden Easter Egg more precious than a Fabergé because it is Priceless.
December 5, 2023
December 1916. Sam Blackstone is on the run. Has he been set up by Superintendent Brigham of Special Branch, or is it someone else. Of course Sergeant Archie Patterson becomes involved.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
August 22, 2019
This my introduction to this series. It will not be my last. I am hooked!!
December 31, 2022
Love,.love this book!
Sally Spencer did a marvellous job with this book. It tied in all the other.books and kept the reader engaged.
Sally Spencer did a marvellous job with this book. It tied in all the other.books and kept the reader engaged.
March 13, 2023
Interesting story. I would probably enjoyed it more if I had read earlier novels in the series
April 9, 2024
Last of excellent series
August 18, 2013
My first Inspector Sam Blackstone mystery and surely there will be more. It was certainly fast paced and ended in a very satisfying fashion. Sam has family now and what directions will that take him in?
I was not sure about all the ins and outs of the Russian scenes, although Rasputin and the Tsar and Tsarina were not new to me. The "Great War" surely shaped the 20th century in many ways 1916 was pivotal for Europe. The Bolshevik Revolution was close at hand and the author knew his history well. I needed to look a few things up to follow along,no fault to Spencer, just not my genre.
Archie Patterson and Sam Blackstone apparently make a tremendous duo together, with the addition of Ellie they had a trio. I will surely check that out in another book in the series. Vladimar apparently had made an appearance in the past.
I appreciated the opportunity to review this book and recommend it to all mystery, WWI and Russian spy aficionados. Something exciting will be happening in Sam's life next time out. Check it out!
I was not sure about all the ins and outs of the Russian scenes, although Rasputin and the Tsar and Tsarina were not new to me. The "Great War" surely shaped the 20th century in many ways 1916 was pivotal for Europe. The Bolshevik Revolution was close at hand and the author knew his history well. I needed to look a few things up to follow along,no fault to Spencer, just not my genre.
Archie Patterson and Sam Blackstone apparently make a tremendous duo together, with the addition of Ellie they had a trio. I will surely check that out in another book in the series. Vladimar apparently had made an appearance in the past.
I appreciated the opportunity to review this book and recommend it to all mystery, WWI and Russian spy aficionados. Something exciting will be happening in Sam's life next time out. Check it out!
December 9, 2013
I have not read the series but this one held me and would not let go.
The character of Blackstone as a London police official who has been jailed on a charge of treason reminds me of a character who is caught in events and has to have others rescue him in one way or another.
The past is represented by a character known as Vladimir. This is the one who has the reins on this wild ride. The events occur during the Christmeas season on the eve of the Russian revolution. Blackstone and his ploght becomes secondary to the events in the political world.
I may have liked this more if I had read the series but alone it is filled with events and displays that made it a worthy read.
Sally Spencer has written many books but I feel she is doing her duty to some higher cause. She seems to be able to argue for the cold war and for the need for government secrets. Perhaps that is her highest achievement and her lowest intent.
I read this on Pearl Harbor Day and the day after.
The character of Blackstone as a London police official who has been jailed on a charge of treason reminds me of a character who is caught in events and has to have others rescue him in one way or another.
The past is represented by a character known as Vladimir. This is the one who has the reins on this wild ride. The events occur during the Christmeas season on the eve of the Russian revolution. Blackstone and his ploght becomes secondary to the events in the political world.
I may have liked this more if I had read the series but alone it is filled with events and displays that made it a worthy read.
Sally Spencer has written many books but I feel she is doing her duty to some higher cause. She seems to be able to argue for the cold war and for the need for government secrets. Perhaps that is her highest achievement and her lowest intent.
I read this on Pearl Harbor Day and the day after.
July 16, 2013
Blackstone and the Endgame is an engaging mystery that takes place in Britain during the first World War. Sam Blackstone, a Scotland Yard Inspector, is assigned by Special Branch to purchase stolen plans for German submarines. The sale goes horribly wrong, though, and Sam finds himself on the run.
Just when it seems he has run out of options, Sam runs into an old acquaintance, Vladimir, who offers him safety and a way out of his current troubles. But what does Vladimir want in return?
This was a very quick read and a page-turner, especially close to the end. Another review mentions that this is a series. As far as I know, this is the only Sam Blackstone book so far, but if it does become a series, I will certainly read more!
Just when it seems he has run out of options, Sam runs into an old acquaintance, Vladimir, who offers him safety and a way out of his current troubles. But what does Vladimir want in return?
This was a very quick read and a page-turner, especially close to the end. Another review mentions that this is a series. As far as I know, this is the only Sam Blackstone book so far, but if it does become a series, I will certainly read more!
June 13, 2015
I love 'period piece' mysteries, especially those set around WW1 or WW2. Sally Spencer's Inspector Sam Blackstone mysteries, numbering 9 to date, are set between Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 through World War 1.
In Blackstone and the Endgame, our Inspector is 'set up' to intercept German espionage. A great deal of the action also takes place in Russia where the political history is intense and fascinating. I do plan to 'go back' and read 1-8 and eagerly await other entries in this series.
Spencer is also the author of 27 stand alone mysteries along with the Inspector Ruiz series set in Spain, the Charlie Woodend and Monika Paniatowski mysteries, 3 historical sagas and 2 novels. Prolific and fun light reading.
In Blackstone and the Endgame, our Inspector is 'set up' to intercept German espionage. A great deal of the action also takes place in Russia where the political history is intense and fascinating. I do plan to 'go back' and read 1-8 and eagerly await other entries in this series.
Spencer is also the author of 27 stand alone mysteries along with the Inspector Ruiz series set in Spain, the Charlie Woodend and Monika Paniatowski mysteries, 3 historical sagas and 2 novels. Prolific and fun light reading.
May 26, 2015
The tale opens with Sam Blackstone, a noted detective, living on the streets and hiding out from the authorities. What follows is the tale of how hr fell so far and why. A bit of police procedural, a bit of a spy novel and somewhat about the length that friends will go to help a friend. The time period and the place in history and locale make this somewhat interesting but overall a rather convoluted tale. There are many other reviews of this tale under the same title but with a different author sttributed. I suspect one version or the other is a reprint or the difference between the US and British edition.
November 24, 2013
My local librarian has introduced me to several British authors who write for Severn House Press. Sally Spencer has many different series and also writes under other names. Her books are filled with espionage and interesting twists and turns. The books from Severn House have a particular flavor -- the ones I read are not dark, but they have a seriousness to them and often have themes that have shades of gray and often illustrate human failing.
This was a particularly fascinating and well plotted mystery, from the time of the Tsar in Russia, with a great twist at the end.
This was a particularly fascinating and well plotted mystery, from the time of the Tsar in Russia, with a great twist at the end.
May 15, 2016
Set in the early 1910's, during the war, this tells the tale of Blackstone being framed for defrauding the government and stealing money from them.
It is obvious that Blackstone was set up, but why?
On his way to jail, Blackstone's Black Maria is held up and Blackstone escapes. His loyal sargeNt, Patterson, is accused of this crime and imprisoned.
While out on bail, Patterson and Blackstone's lover, Ellie, set out to discover the truth.
A complicated plot unfolds and the story has a surprise ending.
It is obvious that Blackstone was set up, but why?
On his way to jail, Blackstone's Black Maria is held up and Blackstone escapes. His loyal sargeNt, Patterson, is accused of this crime and imprisoned.
While out on bail, Patterson and Blackstone's lover, Ellie, set out to discover the truth.
A complicated plot unfolds and the story has a surprise ending.
August 14, 2014
This is the first of the Blackstones I've read, although I have read Spencer's mysteries before. As in the others, the plotting is very strong and the characters are well drawn. However, the fact that one person could have arranged so many incidents strains credibility. It undermines the main character to see him manipulated so thoroughly. And there were too many twists and revelations at the end.
March 10, 2014
I felt like the characters were anachronistic, and the plot not plausible. A good historical novel does not take what we currently culturally appreciate and just transport it to a different time--that would be fantasy, time travel not historical fiction.
February 24, 2014
Should have been a short story
September 10, 2016
WWI and also St. Petersburg, Russia
October 27, 2015
Set in the early 1900's, this book was intriguing but a bit too convoluted to seem plausible.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews