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The Saint #9
The Saint's Getaway
The Saint is on holiday in Austria and promising to behave himself, but when he sees a man being attacked by thugs, he feels obliged to intervene. The stranger seems remarkably ungrateful, and soon it’s clear why, for he is a thief with a prize that men will kill for. Soon the Saint is in a race against time, the police, and his old enemy Prince Rudolf to keep hold of the loot.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1932
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203 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Charteris
592 books161 followersBorn 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."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 26, 2020
A very ruthless Saint
A major part of the resolution of this third and final volume of the trilogy of the Saint vs Crown Prince Rudolph hinges on some improbable coincidences and occurrences. In his introduction to this edition, Burl Barer explains it thus: "Here then is The Saint’s Getaway, one of the most action packed and entertaining of all Saint novels. Yes, the explanation for much of the mayhem hinges on a most outrageous and unlikely coincidence, but Charteris’s impudence is obvious. Both Charteris and his editor, Monty Haydon, were perfectly aware that the sudden explanation offered in the finale is wildly improbably, perhaps even absurd. In the world of Simon Templar, absurd is simply one more endearing attribute. Come then, there is a train pulling out…and you’re invited…get on board and hold on tight…there is an adventure rolling down these tracks, and you don’t want to miss it!" Not only did Barer forgive the coincidence, but apparently so did the public, this book being one of the best selling Saint titles.
At first, this final volume of the Saint saving Europe from the machinations of Crown Prince Rudolph seems to be no more than a tale of stolen Montenegrian crown jewels. (The first two volumes are The Saint Closes the Case aka The Last Hero and The Avenging Saint.) Yet the Saint becomes suspicious. Why would a man as rich as Rudolph care about the comparatively small value of the jewels?
The previous volumes left me with an impression of Crown Prince Rudolph as a ruthless but urban, mannerly, almost sporting opponent. This volume reveals his cruelty as well as his ruthlessness. At one point Leslie Charteris describes him as, "His Indescribable Pulchritude the Crown Prince Rudolf." Unfortunately the Saint is also revealed as more ruthless and callous than I have ever before known him to be: "He had one glimpse of the man who came stumbling out—a man in the railroad uniform, capless, with a gash over his temple and his face straining to a shout of terror...Verweile doch—du bist zu schnell,” said the Saint gently. They were face to face for an instant of time, and Simon saw the man’s eyes wide and staring. “Let’s take a walk,” said the Saint. He screwed the wrist he was holding up into the nape of the brakeman’s neck, and pushed him back into the van. There was another shot as they came through, and the man flopped forward like a dead weight. Simon let go and let him fall sideways." So much for the railway brakeman. He is never mentioned again. I am reducing my normal 4 or 5 star Saintly review to 3 for this hitherto unsuspected, by me, facet of the Saint's character. Surely Charteris did not really intend that scene to play out as it did.
Naturally, in the end the Saint sees it through, foils Rudolph and makes his getaway with Patricia.
A major part of the resolution of this third and final volume of the trilogy of the Saint vs Crown Prince Rudolph hinges on some improbable coincidences and occurrences. In his introduction to this edition, Burl Barer explains it thus: "Here then is The Saint’s Getaway, one of the most action packed and entertaining of all Saint novels. Yes, the explanation for much of the mayhem hinges on a most outrageous and unlikely coincidence, but Charteris’s impudence is obvious. Both Charteris and his editor, Monty Haydon, were perfectly aware that the sudden explanation offered in the finale is wildly improbably, perhaps even absurd. In the world of Simon Templar, absurd is simply one more endearing attribute. Come then, there is a train pulling out…and you’re invited…get on board and hold on tight…there is an adventure rolling down these tracks, and you don’t want to miss it!" Not only did Barer forgive the coincidence, but apparently so did the public, this book being one of the best selling Saint titles.
At first, this final volume of the Saint saving Europe from the machinations of Crown Prince Rudolph seems to be no more than a tale of stolen Montenegrian crown jewels. (The first two volumes are The Saint Closes the Case aka The Last Hero and The Avenging Saint.) Yet the Saint becomes suspicious. Why would a man as rich as Rudolph care about the comparatively small value of the jewels?
The previous volumes left me with an impression of Crown Prince Rudolph as a ruthless but urban, mannerly, almost sporting opponent. This volume reveals his cruelty as well as his ruthlessness. At one point Leslie Charteris describes him as, "His Indescribable Pulchritude the Crown Prince Rudolf." Unfortunately the Saint is also revealed as more ruthless and callous than I have ever before known him to be: "He had one glimpse of the man who came stumbling out—a man in the railroad uniform, capless, with a gash over his temple and his face straining to a shout of terror...Verweile doch—du bist zu schnell,” said the Saint gently. They were face to face for an instant of time, and Simon saw the man’s eyes wide and staring. “Let’s take a walk,” said the Saint. He screwed the wrist he was holding up into the nape of the brakeman’s neck, and pushed him back into the van. There was another shot as they came through, and the man flopped forward like a dead weight. Simon let go and let him fall sideways." So much for the railway brakeman. He is never mentioned again. I am reducing my normal 4 or 5 star Saintly review to 3 for this hitherto unsuspected, by me, facet of the Saint's character. Surely Charteris did not really intend that scene to play out as it did.
Naturally, in the end the Saint sees it through, foils Rudolph and makes his getaway with Patricia.
September 26, 2016
Published in 1933, this installment of the Saint's adventures takes place in about 24 hrs start to finish. The whole adventure starts with a mistake: thinking they are rescuing a poor little nebbish from three muggers, the Saint and his pal Monty step in, only to discover they have intervened on the side of the ungodly this time! The eponymous "getaway" is not only from the law but from just about everyone they meet, as they proceed to hare across a couple of countries in their attempt to save their skins and keep the boodle. Templar is of course too good to be true--even in those days one couldn't "step down" onto the top of a passing limosine and go unnoticed by the occupants, let alone ride there for miles at speed. But Templar knows all, sees all, does all--and apparently enjoys all. Patricia is still with him; though rather in the background for most of the book, she does pop up when needed and make a valuable contribution.
This is the purplest of purple prose. Apparently Charteris freely admitted to overwriting, over describing, and generally taking things too far. Here's just a sampling of his mixed metaphors and gigglingly good over-the-top narration:
He knew that his only way out lay along the precarious alleyways of peace with honour--with black italics for the peace, if anything. It was unfortunate, admittedly, but it was one of the immutable verities of the situation.
Was it, now. I never did figure out why "black italics" would be necessary.
Everything was a matter of split seconds in that discreet getaway, and no one knew better than Simon Templar that only an exhibition of agility that would make cats look silly was going to skin a ninth life out of the hornet's nest that had blown up under his feet.
Trying to follow that sentence could give you whiplash.
And then there's my personal favourite: The smile on the Saint's lips was as superficial as a reflection in burnished bronze.
And as distorted, apparently.
Once again, the close ties of 1930s upperclass Britain with Germany are evident in the fact that everyone speaks German fluently, and some important conversations are expressed in that language without benefit of translation. Others are supposedly translations-for-the-reader; one wonders how Templar's badinage flowed in a different language, but then he's a perfect Gary Stu--or in this case, Wolfgang Amadeus.
The last of Charteris' "evil political puppeteer" novels; apparently even he grew tired of the evil genius behind the scenes, manipulating world events. It never stopped Ian Fleming, though.
This is the purplest of purple prose. Apparently Charteris freely admitted to overwriting, over describing, and generally taking things too far. Here's just a sampling of his mixed metaphors and gigglingly good over-the-top narration:
He knew that his only way out lay along the precarious alleyways of peace with honour--with black italics for the peace, if anything. It was unfortunate, admittedly, but it was one of the immutable verities of the situation.
Was it, now. I never did figure out why "black italics" would be necessary.
Everything was a matter of split seconds in that discreet getaway, and no one knew better than Simon Templar that only an exhibition of agility that would make cats look silly was going to skin a ninth life out of the hornet's nest that had blown up under his feet.
Trying to follow that sentence could give you whiplash.
And then there's my personal favourite: The smile on the Saint's lips was as superficial as a reflection in burnished bronze.
And as distorted, apparently.
Once again, the close ties of 1930s upperclass Britain with Germany are evident in the fact that everyone speaks German fluently, and some important conversations are expressed in that language without benefit of translation. Others are supposedly translations-for-the-reader; one wonders how Templar's badinage flowed in a different language, but then he's a perfect Gary Stu--or in this case, Wolfgang Amadeus.
The last of Charteris' "evil political puppeteer" novels; apparently even he grew tired of the evil genius behind the scenes, manipulating world events. It never stopped Ian Fleming, though.
October 11, 2012
One of the older and original Saint books, this time for the third time he goes up against Crownprince Rudolph.
Simon, Pat & Monty Hayward are enjoying a nice and quiet stroll in the evening when they happen to stumble upon a man being attacked by thugs. And Simon finds the odds unfair and enters the exchange with a rather unwanted result for the attackers. The Saint takes off with the attackee while being chased by the heeders of law and order that take an unkindly approuch towards brawling.
Of course all is not as it seemed and so starts another Saintly adventure with a gang the Saint depends on early in his carreer. His Saintly companions have their own adventures while the story heads into confrontation between the Crownprince Rudolph and himself.
Great story that in my opinion is part of the greatest era for the Saint in his books. I prefer him as an adventurer who travels with companions that take the angle out of his outragious behaviour towards the baddies of the stories. It is like the companions of the Doctor (Doctor WHo tv series) that ground the tales.
Simon, Pat & Monty Hayward are enjoying a nice and quiet stroll in the evening when they happen to stumble upon a man being attacked by thugs. And Simon finds the odds unfair and enters the exchange with a rather unwanted result for the attackers. The Saint takes off with the attackee while being chased by the heeders of law and order that take an unkindly approuch towards brawling.
Of course all is not as it seemed and so starts another Saintly adventure with a gang the Saint depends on early in his carreer. His Saintly companions have their own adventures while the story heads into confrontation between the Crownprince Rudolph and himself.
Great story that in my opinion is part of the greatest era for the Saint in his books. I prefer him as an adventurer who travels with companions that take the angle out of his outragious behaviour towards the baddies of the stories. It is like the companions of the Doctor (Doctor WHo tv series) that ground the tales.
September 1, 2018
The Saint and Patricia are in Innsbruck with their publisher friend Monty Hayward: in England there is rather more evidence against Simon than is good for him, and he resolves to behave himself and avoid any more trouble.
Until, strolling along the Rennweg, which runs beside the Inn, they come across a small harmless-looking man being assaulted by several toughs. They virtuously rescue the little man and throw the toughs into the river.
Unfortunately, it turns out that the toughs are policemen, and the little man is involved in a plot that leads the Saint into one of his best adventures, engulfing Monty in the process and careering around Austria and Germany at a breathless pace.
But most pleasurable of all is the return of the character who is Charteris’s best villain, the one whom Simon previously crossed swords with in The Last Hero and again in Knight Templar — Crown Prince Rudolf.
It must be admitted that the means by which Rudolf’s motives are finally revealed depends on a coincidence of mind-boggling proportions; but one which, after 307 pages of nonstop entertainment, I at least am willing to forgive. I’ve owned this book for over forty years, and I never tire of re-reading it.
(It no doubt also greatly pleased Charteris’s publisher friend with whom he used to kick around plot ideas — one Monty Haydon.)
Variously published as Getaway and The Saint’s Getaway.
Until, strolling along the Rennweg, which runs beside the Inn, they come across a small harmless-looking man being assaulted by several toughs. They virtuously rescue the little man and throw the toughs into the river.
Unfortunately, it turns out that the toughs are policemen, and the little man is involved in a plot that leads the Saint into one of his best adventures, engulfing Monty in the process and careering around Austria and Germany at a breathless pace.
But most pleasurable of all is the return of the character who is Charteris’s best villain, the one whom Simon previously crossed swords with in The Last Hero and again in Knight Templar — Crown Prince Rudolf.
It must be admitted that the means by which Rudolf’s motives are finally revealed depends on a coincidence of mind-boggling proportions; but one which, after 307 pages of nonstop entertainment, I at least am willing to forgive. I’ve owned this book for over forty years, and I never tire of re-reading it.
(It no doubt also greatly pleased Charteris’s publisher friend with whom he used to kick around plot ideas — one Monty Haydon.)
Variously published as Getaway and The Saint’s Getaway.
March 22, 2019
Without a doubt, the best Saint book I've read so far. "Battle, murder, and sudden death" in spades. Ms. Holm plays admirably, with another strong woman added to the cast. I don't want to get too far into the plot for fear of ruining it, but the whole thing was worth it for Simon's silly story about the worm and his ingenious way of wrapping up the whole adventure. Highly, highly recommended.
February 3, 2015
No better use of yet another snow day than again spending time with Simon Templar. Almost half a century since I first read this early Saint novel, I still delight in the moral clarity, social irony and breezy wit. Great fun. Yesterday and today!
June 18, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in January 2000.
Having more seriously annoyed Scotland Yard than usual (in Saint V. Scotland Yard), Simon Templar has resolved to be good. He is doing this on holiday with his friend Monty Hayward and partner Patricia Holm in Austria when his good intentions have to be laid aside on seeing a man set on by four others. This snowballs into a large-scale adventure, as the Saint and his old enemy Crown Prince Rudolph chase each other across Europe to gain possession of some priceless jewels, both sides also arousing the interest of the police.
Getaway is probably the longest Saint book, but that does not make it the most interesting. It is rather more predictable than most of the novels from this period, and lacks something of Charteris' usual sparkle. It is a more conventional thriller, rather reminiscent of Dornford Yates (though Simon Templar is more interesting as a hero than Yates' upper class Englishmen).
Having more seriously annoyed Scotland Yard than usual (in Saint V. Scotland Yard), Simon Templar has resolved to be good. He is doing this on holiday with his friend Monty Hayward and partner Patricia Holm in Austria when his good intentions have to be laid aside on seeing a man set on by four others. This snowballs into a large-scale adventure, as the Saint and his old enemy Crown Prince Rudolph chase each other across Europe to gain possession of some priceless jewels, both sides also arousing the interest of the police.
Getaway is probably the longest Saint book, but that does not make it the most interesting. It is rather more predictable than most of the novels from this period, and lacks something of Charteris' usual sparkle. It is a more conventional thriller, rather reminiscent of Dornford Yates (though Simon Templar is more interesting as a hero than Yates' upper class Englishmen).
May 17, 2017
The finale of the trilogy
We met Prince Rudolph first in "THE LAST HERO", and the adventures continued in "THE AVENGING SAINT". In this book, the finale book of what could be called a trilogy, we are given a view of Simon Temple though the eyes of his reporter friend Monty. Not only do we get a glimpse of how it feels to be caught up in the Saint's charismatic charm on others but also on one's self. (Even when one is fully aware of it's results and tries to resist, even if only half-heartedly.)
As usual with the Saint, the adventures are non-stop and he is always looking out for his friends along the way. Although Patricia is present and playing a part, especially in the last few chapters, it is the relationship between Simon and Monty that dominates the book.
I find I too, like Monty, would not mind being counted amount the Saint's crew if they ever came together again for a big job. Not so much for the reward, though that would undoubtedly would be good, but just for the fun of it!
We met Prince Rudolph first in "THE LAST HERO", and the adventures continued in "THE AVENGING SAINT". In this book, the finale book of what could be called a trilogy, we are given a view of Simon Temple though the eyes of his reporter friend Monty. Not only do we get a glimpse of how it feels to be caught up in the Saint's charismatic charm on others but also on one's self. (Even when one is fully aware of it's results and tries to resist, even if only half-heartedly.)
As usual with the Saint, the adventures are non-stop and he is always looking out for his friends along the way. Although Patricia is present and playing a part, especially in the last few chapters, it is the relationship between Simon and Monty that dominates the book.
I find I too, like Monty, would not mind being counted amount the Saint's crew if they ever came together again for a big job. Not so much for the reward, though that would undoubtedly would be good, but just for the fun of it!
August 26, 2018
This is classic early 'Saint', it leads on immediately after 'The Holy Terror' (The Saint Vs. Scotland Yard) and sees The Saint accidentally becoming embroiled in the aftermath of a jewel robbery, and the book takes place over around 2 days, as the saint, with his friend Monty Heywood, rescues a man being attacked by thugs, and discovers he has inadvertently helped a jewel thief escape from the police.
A chase across Austria and Germany ensues, with the Saint meeting his old enemy, Prince Rudolf. Lots of fun, and one of my favourite car chases in the whole Saint saga!
A chase across Austria and Germany ensues, with the Saint meeting his old enemy, Prince Rudolf. Lots of fun, and one of my favourite car chases in the whole Saint saga!
November 29, 2017
I'm not usually a fan of the early Saint books where he's one of a band of modern-day buccaneers. Simon Templar doesn't need an entourage, the incomparable Patricia Holm is partner enough for an hero. In this novel Simon and Pat have a tag along companion, Monty Hayward, but here it works because he offers the reader an insightful outsider's look at this amazing duo during one of their most challenging adventures. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2015
This is classic pulp fiction, not much more realistic than a James Bond novel. It's still fun, just nothing special. I did find that after a pause 2/3 the way through, my interest in finishing it wasn't that high, but at least it wasn't a chore to finish it.
December 5, 2011
Simon and Patricia are off to Insbrook for a rest, but of course life is never that simple for the Saint. This book is slightly different because it is voiced mainly by Monty.
December 4, 2014
First book in the Saint series I've read. I found it disappointing. Charteris uses metaphors an awful lot. Got a bit sick of them. Story was fast paced. I'll try another sometime.
July 2, 2015
Leslie Charteris worked Körperkultur and Wandervogels into this one, which makes me happy :)
May 3, 2016
read some time in 1993
April 2, 2025
I first read this book when I was about 12 years old. I post the cover of the paperback I read then but my copy has long since vanished so I have reread the Kindle versionI found online.
I have been a big fan of the Saint books since I began reading them and this novel is a good example of his stories. Simon Templar, alias The Saint, arrives in Innsbruck, Austria with his girlfriend Patricia Holm and his friend Monty Hayward. On walk way back to their hotel they rescue a small harmless looking man from being beaten up by three large thugs. Thus the adventure with its tales of murder, robbery and car chases begins. It is a rollicking good read and despite seemingly preposterous coincidences is believable and entertaining.
I fell in love with Patricia who appears early on in the Saint saga but later disappears from the books as he woos other maidens. I was sorry about her passing and details of her passing have long since disappeared but her legend like Templar's have lived on.
I have been a big fan of the Saint books since I began reading them and this novel is a good example of his stories. Simon Templar, alias The Saint, arrives in Innsbruck, Austria with his girlfriend Patricia Holm and his friend Monty Hayward. On walk way back to their hotel they rescue a small harmless looking man from being beaten up by three large thugs. Thus the adventure with its tales of murder, robbery and car chases begins. It is a rollicking good read and despite seemingly preposterous coincidences is believable and entertaining.
I fell in love with Patricia who appears early on in the Saint saga but later disappears from the books as he woos other maidens. I was sorry about her passing and details of her passing have long since disappeared but her legend like Templar's have lived on.
February 14, 2025
With The Saint's Getaway, Charteris finally seems to have separated his writing from the earlier books in the series. This is a much better effort, a good story, a strong sense of place, and only in a few instances does the pace bog down. One serious flaw remains, to my mind, and that is the ceaseless banter set on high volume that never varies. Still, this story shows that the author was growing and refining his skills. Especially important in that regard is the payoff at the end. Until Getaway, the tales of the Saint were pretty mechanical in the way they played out. Here, there is a nice twist and surprise. The hoard of crown jewels, over which Simon Templar battles against an old enemy, Crown Prince Rudolf, from several stories earlier, contains a priceless blue diamond. The fate of that diamond makes for a far better than usual Saint climax.
It's interesting to see how the characters in this series develop from the time Charteris was a new author without much training. In many ways, he's learning on the job. Like other Saint books, the end note explains that Getaway was put together from two shorter stories that first appeared in Thriller, a crime magazine. But unlike those others, I had no feel that that was the case. The novel felt like a unified story, and, frankly, I was surprised to see it was cobbled together like the others.
It's interesting to see how the characters in this series develop from the time Charteris was a new author without much training. In many ways, he's learning on the job. Like other Saint books, the end note explains that Getaway was put together from two shorter stories that first appeared in Thriller, a crime magazine. But unlike those others, I had no feel that that was the case. The novel felt like a unified story, and, frankly, I was surprised to see it was cobbled together like the others.
December 10, 2024
A vacation story the way they should be written
While on vacation, the Saint rescues a citizen from being roughed up be three thugs. He tosses the thugs, one by one, into the river only to discover that they were not the bad guys after all. The three thugs were, in fact, policemen. And so begins the latest adventure of Simon Templar.
Now, Simon is being pursued by the German polizei, as well as Scotland Yard. To add to his troubles, he is framed for murders, burglary, and everything in between.
Of course Templar muddles through it all with his usual banter and swashbuckling bravado.
Filled with some of the usual characters, Monty and Patricia Holm, this is one of Charteris’s best efforts. Bravo, bravo!
While on vacation, the Saint rescues a citizen from being roughed up be three thugs. He tosses the thugs, one by one, into the river only to discover that they were not the bad guys after all. The three thugs were, in fact, policemen. And so begins the latest adventure of Simon Templar.
Now, Simon is being pursued by the German polizei, as well as Scotland Yard. To add to his troubles, he is framed for murders, burglary, and everything in between.
Of course Templar muddles through it all with his usual banter and swashbuckling bravado.
Filled with some of the usual characters, Monty and Patricia Holm, this is one of Charteris’s best efforts. Bravo, bravo!
May 31, 2024
Jolly Good Read!
Àn amazing period piece. As a recent discoverer of the early Saint books, I was enthralled by the early character development of the Saint. While the plots and achievements of the Saint are barely within reason they are true to the professed deepest wishes of Charteris. For some the background details may be to wordy or in depth but for me they paint an insightful picture of the times. Even the inclusion of snatches of untranslated conversations in German only serve to make the reader work for meaning. Not for the faint of heart but eminently a thought provoking,fun read.
Àn amazing period piece. As a recent discoverer of the early Saint books, I was enthralled by the early character development of the Saint. While the plots and achievements of the Saint are barely within reason they are true to the professed deepest wishes of Charteris. For some the background details may be to wordy or in depth but for me they paint an insightful picture of the times. Even the inclusion of snatches of untranslated conversations in German only serve to make the reader work for meaning. Not for the faint of heart but eminently a thought provoking,fun read.
February 6, 2016
I have been a fan of Leslie Charteris since I discovered The Saint, in book form, in the 1980s. As a college student I only knew of the television programs with Roger Moore, and later Ian Ogilvy. But once finding a paperback reprint of Follow the Saint I have become a hugely devoted fan of the entire literary series.
This particular book is one that had escaped my years of collecting until now, and I must say it was worth the wait. I think Simon is at his best when his lady, Patricia Holm, is with him. The return of an old adversary, the Crown Prince Rudolph, adds an extra level of fun to the adventure, too. The most succinct description comes from the new introduction written by Burl Barer when he says, "This is escapist fare - a rattling good adventure providing the perfect getaway for any reader." That is precisely what I look for when I sit down with such a book, and this one delivers in spades.
This particular book is one that had escaped my years of collecting until now, and I must say it was worth the wait. I think Simon is at his best when his lady, Patricia Holm, is with him. The return of an old adversary, the Crown Prince Rudolph, adds an extra level of fun to the adventure, too. The most succinct description comes from the new introduction written by Burl Barer when he says, "This is escapist fare - a rattling good adventure providing the perfect getaway for any reader." That is precisely what I look for when I sit down with such a book, and this one delivers in spades.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews