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The Saint #10
The Saint and Mr. Teal
Three more adventures for the in Paris, a dying man claims his brother can make gold; in London, an American gangster discovers there are some things the Saint just won’t tolerate; and in the Scilly Isles, drug smuggling, drugged beer, and a damsel in distress make a most unusual holiday for the Saint.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1933
169 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Charteris
585 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 3, 2022
Don't have time for a longer review right now. Let me just say that this is one of the best Saint collections. Let me just add actor Ivor Dean WAS Chief Inspector Claude Eustace Teal.
June 11, 2020
This book was originally published under the title: Once more the Saint (January 1933) . It is certainly a small collection of stories in what I consider Charteris Golden era and they are perhaps somewhat dated but so much fun to read. Simon Templar does share in his fun and the dialogues are quite colorful. If you remember that these writers at this time were being paid by word you can understand the amount of adjectives used and it certainly is the hallmark of the earlier Saintly outings,
The Gold Standard first published as "The Golden Flood" in "Thriller" 15 October 1932
In which the Saint follows a murderer and finds a way to make gold but turns it down.
The Man from St. LouisFirst Published as "The Saint - Hijacker in "Thriller" 19 November 1932
In which an American gangster wants to rule London in his American gangster style and then he gets confronted by the Saintly ways
The death penalty
In which Simon Templar and Patricia Holm take a vacation on the Scilly Islands and Simons past wants to take retribution and he protects some young lives and delivers his own brand of Justice.
Three excellent early tales in the history of the modern Robin Hood that deserves its readers young and old.
The Gold Standard first published as "The Golden Flood" in "Thriller" 15 October 1932
In which the Saint follows a murderer and finds a way to make gold but turns it down.
The Man from St. LouisFirst Published as "The Saint - Hijacker in "Thriller" 19 November 1932
In which an American gangster wants to rule London in his American gangster style and then he gets confronted by the Saintly ways
The death penalty
In which Simon Templar and Patricia Holm take a vacation on the Scilly Islands and Simons past wants to take retribution and he protects some young lives and delivers his own brand of Justice.
Three excellent early tales in the history of the modern Robin Hood that deserves its readers young and old.
May 16, 2022
Fun!
What a fun romp! I have a distinct love for the characters who have their own moral code and who hold to it. The Saint is a good example of that, with his code of right and wrong, and his willingness to step up and do the things.
What a fun romp! I have a distinct love for the characters who have their own moral code and who hold to it. The Saint is a good example of that, with his code of right and wrong, and his willingness to step up and do the things.
May 22, 2017
Most intriging
Here we clearly view how the saint manages things to reach his own brand of justice, even when it doesn't go as he plans. Particularly in " The Death Penalty"! His opinion of the frailty of human life and when the death penalty is applied is as relative today as it was back in the 30's and 40's when the story was written.
Here we clearly view how the saint manages things to reach his own brand of justice, even when it doesn't go as he plans. Particularly in " The Death Penalty"! His opinion of the frailty of human life and when the death penalty is applied is as relative today as it was back in the 30's and 40's when the story was written.
February 11, 2022
Macho entertainment
Three exciting stories. Once I get into each, I cannot put it down. A kind of a Robin Hood of another era.
Three exciting stories. Once I get into each, I cannot put it down. A kind of a Robin Hood of another era.
December 7, 2013
The suave, debonair, clever and highly devious Simon Templar (AKA The Saint) comes to us in three novellas. They are collected together because they all feature an appearance by Scotland Yard Inspector Claude Eustace Teal, his primary nemesis amongst the rozzers, but, in truth, the persistent and often helpful Mr Teal figures prominently only in the first two stories, "The Gold Standard" and "The Man From St Louis." In "The Death Penalty," that pillar of the English legal system only shows up for a moment at the end.
Like all the tales of The Saint, these three are vibrant and whimsical, fast-paced and violent. Also, like most popular fiction that comes from bygone eras, there are aspects that will grate upon the modern reader, both in writing style and in social sensibilities. For the first problem, I think the frenetic pace and the devil-may-care attitude of the The Saint himself may help to bridge the style gap. As for the second issue, it's always good to recall that writers of ages past were much more honest (for the most part) than modern scribes, and that Chinese-English writer Leslie Charles Bowyer-Lin (AKA Leslie Charteris)nearly always based his characters on real people. The Saint real? Well, not The Saint of course -- he was always too good (or bad, as the need arose) to be true.
Anyone wanting to get to know The Saint should obviously start with Meet the Tiger (1928), in which The Saint is introduced, but The Saint and Mr Teal is not a bad jumping off point as well. The three tales therein show The Saint as a whimsical meddler, a relentless thwarter of devious schemes, and as a gritty avenging angel.
Like all the tales of The Saint, these three are vibrant and whimsical, fast-paced and violent. Also, like most popular fiction that comes from bygone eras, there are aspects that will grate upon the modern reader, both in writing style and in social sensibilities. For the first problem, I think the frenetic pace and the devil-may-care attitude of the The Saint himself may help to bridge the style gap. As for the second issue, it's always good to recall that writers of ages past were much more honest (for the most part) than modern scribes, and that Chinese-English writer Leslie Charles Bowyer-Lin (AKA Leslie Charteris)nearly always based his characters on real people. The Saint real? Well, not The Saint of course -- he was always too good (or bad, as the need arose) to be true.
Anyone wanting to get to know The Saint should obviously start with Meet the Tiger (1928), in which The Saint is introduced, but The Saint and Mr Teal is not a bad jumping off point as well. The three tales therein show The Saint as a whimsical meddler, a relentless thwarter of devious schemes, and as a gritty avenging angel.
September 1, 2018
The Saint, returning to England via France after his round against Prince Rudolf and the entire German police force, has counteracted Claud Eustace Teal’s ambition to arrest him immediately by a method that (let it be admitted) is not really cricket, and which draws upon him the disapproval of his lady; but which is effective nonetheless.
In Paris he has heard the last words of the victim of a murder that he was too late to witness. But this is enough draw the killer’s attention to him, involving him in the first of the three adventures related here. The mainspring of the story is a scientific invention that was implausible even by the standards of 1933; but if those with a knowledge of atomic physics can put it temporarily aside, they will still find an enjoyable yarn.
The next story finds Simon helping Chief Inspector Teal for once, combatting an outbreak of gangsterism in London, and in the final one he deals in a fairly drastic way with two purveyors of something possibly even more unpleasant.
All of these novelettes, especially the last two, are rather grimmer and more serious than the general run of Saint stories, despite several comic interludes. But then, who wants a non-stop diet of froth?
Variously published as Once More the Saint and The Saint and Mr. Teal.
In Paris he has heard the last words of the victim of a murder that he was too late to witness. But this is enough draw the killer’s attention to him, involving him in the first of the three adventures related here. The mainspring of the story is a scientific invention that was implausible even by the standards of 1933; but if those with a knowledge of atomic physics can put it temporarily aside, they will still find an enjoyable yarn.
The next story finds Simon helping Chief Inspector Teal for once, combatting an outbreak of gangsterism in London, and in the final one he deals in a fairly drastic way with two purveyors of something possibly even more unpleasant.
All of these novelettes, especially the last two, are rather grimmer and more serious than the general run of Saint stories, despite several comic interludes. But then, who wants a non-stop diet of froth?
Variously published as Once More the Saint and The Saint and Mr. Teal.
November 24, 2014
The Saint was a great character and is still an enjoyable read after all these years. I came across The Saint after seeing the movies with George Sanders and found a Saint book in my local library, the saint seemed the natural progression from The Hardy Boys and the Three Investigators for a young reader.
Charteris style of writing was always stylish and exciting, he made the most of his characters and always gave value for money, adventure and intrigue.
If you haven't read the saint and only know the tv show, then be prepared as he is completely different character in the books. But I won't spoil it for you, pick up The Saint and Mr.Teal or any of Charteris books and enjoy.
Scott A. Coleman
Charteris style of writing was always stylish and exciting, he made the most of his characters and always gave value for money, adventure and intrigue.
If you haven't read the saint and only know the tv show, then be prepared as he is completely different character in the books. But I won't spoil it for you, pick up The Saint and Mr.Teal or any of Charteris books and enjoy.
Scott A. Coleman
June 18, 2016
This was my first sampling of Charteris, and I thoroughly enjoyed his Robin Hood-slash-James Bond creation The Saint, the pulp-fiction plots with sinister criminals and the swift yet elegant prose. This book is really three novellas and provides an excellent introduction to this great character, of which I plan to read more!
February 14, 2025
These three stories are a bit of a breakthrough. Charteris writing takes a recognizable step up, and it does so from every angle. Better story organization and plotting, improved sense of place and atmosphere, and most of all he has tempered Simon Templar's dialog. The Saint, in this book, is no longer the manic non-stop bantering machine he was in earlier volumes. This Saint has a more rugged and temperate attitude and expression. It works so much better than hearing Simon go on like an unrelenting madman so often in the early books.
The first story, "The Gold Standard," seems an imaginative enough work that draws on alchemy, international espionage and finance, as well as economic terrorism. Not to mention there is the final appearance of one of the Saint's old nemeses. "The Man from St. Louis" is even better. It has a surprising twist at the end. But you can't help but admire Charteris adoption of the argot and language of an American gangster for his hero, Tex Goldman. It does, however, after awhile begin to sound an awfully lot like Humphrey Bogart. Lastly, there is "The Death Penalty." Set on a remote British locale, it contains many of the classic detective series' tropes of the isolated house, the house being an island this time. This final story also flips the Saint solidly onto the side of avenging rogue hero. His earlier attempts to satisfy the police and even reconcile with them give way to a new Saint who operates as a vengeful righter of wrongs who doesn't necessarily care about the legalities of things as long as justice is served.
The first story, "The Gold Standard," seems an imaginative enough work that draws on alchemy, international espionage and finance, as well as economic terrorism. Not to mention there is the final appearance of one of the Saint's old nemeses. "The Man from St. Louis" is even better. It has a surprising twist at the end. But you can't help but admire Charteris adoption of the argot and language of an American gangster for his hero, Tex Goldman. It does, however, after awhile begin to sound an awfully lot like Humphrey Bogart. Lastly, there is "The Death Penalty." Set on a remote British locale, it contains many of the classic detective series' tropes of the isolated house, the house being an island this time. This final story also flips the Saint solidly onto the side of avenging rogue hero. His earlier attempts to satisfy the police and even reconcile with them give way to a new Saint who operates as a vengeful righter of wrongs who doesn't necessarily care about the legalities of things as long as justice is served.
December 25, 2023
Three tales of Saint-styled justice
Although many of us would like to think we are, not everyone is as equipped to be judge, jury, and executioner as is the Saint. Most of us have a thing called a conscience which tend to get in the way. Not so with the Saint.
The three stories found in this volume speak to the unique character of Simon Templar. He is the quintessential knight errant. Charming, erudite, and quite deadly, he lives by his own code, not hampered by anything as mundane as guilt or the King’s law. He is his own law. And he metes out justice as he sees fit. This book documents just some of the myriad ways the Saint accomplishes this self appointed mission in life.
As usual, Charteris pens each narrative with as much flair, elan, and bravado that befits a character like the Saint. They are such a joy to read. But be advised to have a dictionary handy. In reading these stories you will encounter words you have never seen before. You will also encounter a gentleman you have never seen before, and you will thank God for giving this world Leslie Charteris.
Although many of us would like to think we are, not everyone is as equipped to be judge, jury, and executioner as is the Saint. Most of us have a thing called a conscience which tend to get in the way. Not so with the Saint.
The three stories found in this volume speak to the unique character of Simon Templar. He is the quintessential knight errant. Charming, erudite, and quite deadly, he lives by his own code, not hampered by anything as mundane as guilt or the King’s law. He is his own law. And he metes out justice as he sees fit. This book documents just some of the myriad ways the Saint accomplishes this self appointed mission in life.
As usual, Charteris pens each narrative with as much flair, elan, and bravado that befits a character like the Saint. They are such a joy to read. But be advised to have a dictionary handy. In reading these stories you will encounter words you have never seen before. You will also encounter a gentleman you have never seen before, and you will thank God for giving this world Leslie Charteris.
February 15, 2023
Tra tutta la letteratura 'anni ruggenti' che ho scaricato nell'ultimo anno sul mio Kindle, questo volume (in realtà, una raccolta di tre romanzi) non si trova nelle prime posizioni. Non mi sono entusiasmata per The Saint, che entra ed esce dalla legalità per imporre la sua 'giustizia personale' – e nel frattempo riempirsi le tasche –, né per la scrittura, che sfora ogni tanto nel barocco (è stato evocato l'humor di Wodehouse, ma ne siamo molto lontani...).
Il bello di queste storie è comunque la capacità di evocare quegli anni pieni di eleganza.
Il bello di queste storie è comunque la capacità di evocare quegli anni pieni di eleganza.
September 6, 2023
My favourite hero when I was just a teenager.
Really, I didn't know of Leslie Charteris' "The Saint" in books, but through the series "El Santo" with Roger Moore as the protagonist. It was religiously followed by my entire family week after week.
Now, I could have a dose of the original writing and I felt astounded by not only the plots, but by remembering the styles and costumes of the era when these stories were written.
I'm happy.
Really, I didn't know of Leslie Charteris' "The Saint" in books, but through the series "El Santo" with Roger Moore as the protagonist. It was religiously followed by my entire family week after week.
Now, I could have a dose of the original writing and I felt astounded by not only the plots, but by remembering the styles and costumes of the era when these stories were written.
I'm happy.
October 2, 2019
Rating 3
A good collection of 3 novellas/longer short stories.
They are all entertaining but not the top quality of other collections.
Despite the title Claud Eustace Teal does not really appear as a major character in the stories. He is present in the first 2 stories but I would count him as a secondary character only.
Worth reading for fans of the Saint.
A good collection of 3 novellas/longer short stories.
They are all entertaining but not the top quality of other collections.
Despite the title Claud Eustace Teal does not really appear as a major character in the stories. He is present in the first 2 stories but I would count him as a secondary character only.
Worth reading for fans of the Saint.
December 16, 2023
Showing clear signs of age but rescued for me, at any rate, after the first slightly silly story by a much better second and a finale set on the Scillies: previously a crime free zone in my contemporary fiction experience. Interesting that the Scillonian ferry sailing schedule doesn't appear to have changed in 90 years.
August 21, 2025
The Saint is an amusing Robin Hood esq character. Suave and smart and usually one step ahead of the Law (Mr. Teal) and the other criminals he is taking out (which a small amount of cash in his own pocket of course). This one is three shortish stories and does not disappoint. It's fun action worth a read.
November 1, 2019
Maybe this has passed its expiration date. I found the stories formulaic and antiquated.
April 2, 2023
A plot built around transmutation isn’t even the silliest part of the first story in this book. I have no idea what the popularity of this series was about.
June 1, 2023
Some none politically correct words in this one that may offend.
December 12, 2023
From the thirties.
The saint is quite the hero and some of his stories are quite realistic. Contains three stories. Uses the n word and has a lot of violence.
The saint is quite the hero and some of his stories are quite realistic. Contains three stories. Uses the n word and has a lot of violence.
February 29, 2024
This was a fun read--like watching a favorite black and white movie. I am on to the next one!
March 7, 2024
Interesting!
I absolutely appreciate a chance to read these historical masterpieces. The wicked wit and dastardly adventure are highly interesting. Go Saint!
I absolutely appreciate a chance to read these historical masterpieces. The wicked wit and dastardly adventure are highly interesting. Go Saint!
January 19, 2025
It's the typical Saintly escapade, blending Wode's witty prose with the gritty violence of hard-boiled detective. Great!
November 2, 2025
Lost interest after 100 pages. Odd "hero".
November 14, 2025
Fast, Fun, And Addictive. This Describes All I Have Read Thus Far About Mr. Simon Templar, AKA, The Saint.
Tuck In With A Nice Hot Beverage And Enjoy.
Tuck In With A Nice Hot Beverage And Enjoy.
June 27, 2016
Originally published on my blog here in March 2000.
The three stories in Once More the Saint include one of Charteris' best, one of his worst, and one pretty standard. The worst, The Gold Standard, is about a plot surrounding a scientist who has succeeded in realising the alchemist's dream, producing gold by chemical means. I suppose in 1933 the scientific impossibility of this was not so sure, but it was still hardly an original plot.
The Man From St Louis is one Tex Goldman, an American gangster who, failing to make it quite as big in the States as he desires, decides to bring Chicago-style organised crime to London. This is a more exciting story, and is interesting in the way it starts a train of thought which leads to Simon Templar facing these gangsters on their home territory, in The Saint In New York.
The best of the three stories, The Death Penalty, is set in the unlikely location of the Scilly Isles. There, Simon learns, two drugs barons are meeting to define the boundaries between their empires. The story is about the evil of drugs, and has one of the most unpleasant villains in any of the Saint stories. Abdul Osman uses drugs to gain revenge on those who ridiculed him as an Egyptian boy at an English public school - he is twisted by the racist abuse he received. The whole thing is remarkably modern, and could easily have been written in the seventies or eighties rather than the thirties. However, the motivation behind Charteris' story is more of its time. He seems to have come up with the idea while thinking about capital punishment, the way that one murder may not be anything like another, even though the punishment would be the same for a fight gone too far or a deliberate killing. (Of course, drug barons don't usually get prosecuted for murder - not having contact with their victims - so there is another level to this.)
The three stories in Once More the Saint include one of Charteris' best, one of his worst, and one pretty standard. The worst, The Gold Standard, is about a plot surrounding a scientist who has succeeded in realising the alchemist's dream, producing gold by chemical means. I suppose in 1933 the scientific impossibility of this was not so sure, but it was still hardly an original plot.
The Man From St Louis is one Tex Goldman, an American gangster who, failing to make it quite as big in the States as he desires, decides to bring Chicago-style organised crime to London. This is a more exciting story, and is interesting in the way it starts a train of thought which leads to Simon Templar facing these gangsters on their home territory, in The Saint In New York.
The best of the three stories, The Death Penalty, is set in the unlikely location of the Scilly Isles. There, Simon learns, two drugs barons are meeting to define the boundaries between their empires. The story is about the evil of drugs, and has one of the most unpleasant villains in any of the Saint stories. Abdul Osman uses drugs to gain revenge on those who ridiculed him as an Egyptian boy at an English public school - he is twisted by the racist abuse he received. The whole thing is remarkably modern, and could easily have been written in the seventies or eighties rather than the thirties. However, the motivation behind Charteris' story is more of its time. He seems to have come up with the idea while thinking about capital punishment, the way that one murder may not be anything like another, even though the punishment would be the same for a fight gone too far or a deliberate killing. (Of course, drug barons don't usually get prosecuted for murder - not having contact with their victims - so there is another level to this.)
October 17, 2024
This is a fun read. It is about Simon Templar, the Saint. I used to watch The Saint when I was younger and enjoyed the TV show starring Roger Moore. The book has the same feel as the TV show. It is set in the 1930s in Europe. It is a light, fast-moving story that is believable.
I am sure I will read more "The Saint" books. You should try one.
I am sure I will read more "The Saint" books. You should try one.
July 5, 2013
Enjoyable. Like the writing style. Wins the prize for most bizarre similes.
August 6, 2021
Another enjoyable Saint book by Leslie Charteris.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews