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In 'Simon' by J. Storer Clouston, readers are drawn into a thrilling tale of mystery and adventure set in the late 19th century. The book seamlessly blends elements of detective fiction with a touch of romance, keeping the reader engaged with its fast-paced narrative and well-developed characters. Clouston's writing style is vivid and descriptive, painting a rich landscape that immerses the reader in the world of Victorian England. The literary context of the novel reflects the popular interest in detective stories during the time period, with 'Simon' standing out as a classic example of the genre. J. Storer Clouston, a Scottish author known for his works in the mystery and adventure genres, brings his expertise to 'Simon'. With his background in literature and a keen eye for detail, Clouston skillfully weaves together a complex plot filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. His passion for storytelling shines through in every page, making 'Simon' a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction. I highly recommend 'Simon' to any reader who enjoys a gripping mystery with a touch of romance. Clouston's skillful storytelling and intricate plot make this novel a captivating read that will leave you wanting more.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1919
7 people want to read
About the author
J. Storer Clouston
86 books7 followersJoseph Storer Clouston, although born in Cumberland, was classed as an Orcadian author and historian as he originally came from an old Orkney family.
He was the son of psychiatrist Sir Thomas Smith Clouston and his wife Harriet (nee Storer). He was educated at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh and Magdalen College, Oxford. Although he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in London in 1895, he never practised as a lawyer.
His first published book was Vandred the Viking; or The Feud and the Spell (1898) and the following year he published what was to be his most celebrated work, The Lunatic at Large, to which there were a number of sequels.
He married his wife Winifred at St Andrews and St Leonards, Fife on 11 March 1903 and at one time they lived in St John's Wood, London. They had two sons and one daughter.
His novel The Spy in Black (1917) was made into a successful film in 1939 and starred Conrad Veidt. It was released in the USA as 'U-Boat 29'.
He was also a historian and as such was the author of a couple of histories of Orkney, Records of the Earldom of Orkney 1299 - 1614 (1914) and A History of Orkney (1932). He was a founder member and the second president of the Orkney Antiquarian Society, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
He died at his home Smoogro House, Orphir, Orkney on 23 June 1944.
Gerry Wolstenholme
October 2012
He was the son of psychiatrist Sir Thomas Smith Clouston and his wife Harriet (nee Storer). He was educated at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh and Magdalen College, Oxford. Although he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in London in 1895, he never practised as a lawyer.
His first published book was Vandred the Viking; or The Feud and the Spell (1898) and the following year he published what was to be his most celebrated work, The Lunatic at Large, to which there were a number of sequels.
He married his wife Winifred at St Andrews and St Leonards, Fife on 11 March 1903 and at one time they lived in St John's Wood, London. They had two sons and one daughter.
His novel The Spy in Black (1917) was made into a successful film in 1939 and starred Conrad Veidt. It was released in the USA as 'U-Boat 29'.
He was also a historian and as such was the author of a couple of histories of Orkney, Records of the Earldom of Orkney 1299 - 1614 (1914) and A History of Orkney (1932). He was a founder member and the second president of the Orkney Antiquarian Society, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
He died at his home Smoogro House, Orphir, Orkney on 23 June 1944.
Gerry Wolstenholme
October 2012
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 24, 2023
I came across this author thanks to the BLCC anthology "The Edinburgh Crime", edited by Martin Edwards.
First published in 1919, this is a tale of murder in a rather generic Scottish country setting, which has some interesting features.
It offers an object lesson in how best to represent the speech pattern of native Scots without condescension, or reducing the reader to exasperation or a state of incomprehension.The butler is satirised for other reasons, but is not guyed for his way of speaking. He is also the antithesis of butlers found in other contemporary crime fiction.
Additionally, the novel is lightly humorous without being facetious or "jokey-blokey" in any way, and contains quite believable but understated romantic elements.
For seasoned GAD fiction readers, the plot hinges on a device which is fairly obvious, but well-handled. The involvement of the police is negligible, but Carrington, the private detective, does his stuff, piecing together physical clues and information garnered from interviews.
The Simon of the title is lawyer to the local gentry, and also Procurator Fiscal, which puts him in a unique position here.
Most enjoyable and very readable.
3.5 stars.
First published in 1919, this is a tale of murder in a rather generic Scottish country setting, which has some interesting features.
It offers an object lesson in how best to represent the speech pattern of native Scots without condescension, or reducing the reader to exasperation or a state of incomprehension.The butler is satirised for other reasons, but is not guyed for his way of speaking. He is also the antithesis of butlers found in other contemporary crime fiction.
Additionally, the novel is lightly humorous without being facetious or "jokey-blokey" in any way, and contains quite believable but understated romantic elements.
For seasoned GAD fiction readers, the plot hinges on a device which is fairly obvious, but well-handled. The involvement of the police is negligible, but Carrington, the private detective, does his stuff, piecing together physical clues and information garnered from interviews.
The Simon of the title is lawyer to the local gentry, and also Procurator Fiscal, which puts him in a unique position here.
Most enjoyable and very readable.
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 of 1 review