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Doctor Syn #7
The Shadow Of Doctor Syn
One by one they left London; their reasons various, their destination the same: Romney Marsh.
First to leave was a Mr James Bone, better known as Gentleman James, Highwayman-and ally of the mysterious smuggler called the Scarecrow.
Close behind: Lord Cullingford. Foolish, foppish Lord Cullingford, desperate with debt, determined to earn the reward due to the man who brought the Scarecrow to justice.
On Dover Stage: Captain Bully' Foulkes who had boasted and wagered publicly that he was the man to catch the Scarecrow. And travelling with him by chance, Doctor Syn, Vicar of Dymchurch, much regarded as a clergyman-and with some most unclerical distinctions.
Soon their paths would cross, and the meetings would be unhappy for some.
First to leave was a Mr James Bone, better known as Gentleman James, Highwayman-and ally of the mysterious smuggler called the Scarecrow.
Close behind: Lord Cullingford. Foolish, foppish Lord Cullingford, desperate with debt, determined to earn the reward due to the man who brought the Scarecrow to justice.
On Dover Stage: Captain Bully' Foulkes who had boasted and wagered publicly that he was the man to catch the Scarecrow. And travelling with him by chance, Doctor Syn, Vicar of Dymchurch, much regarded as a clergyman-and with some most unclerical distinctions.
Soon their paths would cross, and the meetings would be unhappy for some.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
12 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Russell Thorndike
69 books20 followersArthur Russell Thorndike was a British actor and novelist, best known for the Doctor Syn of Romney Marsh novels. Lesser known than his sister Dame Sybil Thorndike but just as versatile, Russell Thorndike's first love was for the pen and, following service in World War I, he devoted himself to writing.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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March 21, 2021Entertaining Georgian pulp with kickass heroine. A large part of my fascination here is that the author wrote the last book first, in which Doctor Syn dies, and had to retcon the entire series as a prequel to fit. The authorial gymnastics with timelines and characters are truly a thing.
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June 3, 2022Well this was the final book in Thorndike's series of Scarecrow books and a decent ending. Sadly there will never be anymore obviously. The series was quite good and in a bit different vein then most of my reading. It was historical fantasy though so not out of the ordinary for me. I enjoyed it but will admit it seemed a bit drawn out and I had a little difficulty picking it up for continued reading. Actually looking back now I am a bit surprised by that as it had a decent plot and was fun, maybe just that it wasn't as "exciting" as the others. I enjoyed the one or two with more a collection of short tails than the long story type best. And once again the good Doctor ends with tragedy while I thought it would end differently to have a fitting end for the Scarecrow's escapades. I still love the Disney movie that got me hooked when it was first on in the mid-'60s and was very happy to find these books. I bought the Blu-ray movie and will play it for my grandkids when they are old enough fondly recalling my young viewing of it.
August 25, 2016
It is with more than a little regret that I finished the last of the Dr. Syn novels (not including the CHRISTOPHER SYN rewrite). Although they stretched credibility at times, each one was an entertaining read and filled with adventure.
This final book was also filled with an incredible amount of drinking! Indeed, it’s no wonder that The Scarecrow’s smuggling operations were protected by the residents. If the flow of imported alcohol ceased, at least two-thirds of the citizenry would be experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms. Ale was laced with brandy, as was a mead wine that was consumed at breakfast as others might drink coffee! Offers of water were rebuffed with a preference for rum or brandy. I began to feel light-headed just reading about it.
The central character of Dr. Syn has fallen into a very comfortable pattern by this book. The writer emphasizes his heroic qualities despite his past as a pirate captain and the significant number of men that he has killed. Christopher Syn has also changed in appearance from his description in earlier books, especially a distinct alteration to his hair that is gone in this book, but that we know will return later in his life. The moody, dark personality seen previously is also mostly absent. Finally, even though the good doctor has had the Devil’s own luck with romance previously, his heart is captured again in this one.
For me, this closing book probably had the best assortment of supporting characters of all of them in the series. Those we have met before, such as Gentleman Jimmy Bone (the highwayman) and the Squire, seemed more accessible in this one. Meanwhile, a visiting Aunt and Dr. Syn’s soon-to-be love interest were especially enjoyable and I looked forward to their appearances. The “villains” of the piece were also well-drawn, and their behavior was suitably threatening. There was even a stop in France during the infamous Reign of Terror that I found to be very intriguing.
In short, THE SHADOW OF DOCTOR SYN is a marvelous ending to the series and an engaging extension of the adventures. (The youth inside of me was thrilled.)
One recommendation for those who are considering this series … begin with the second book and go through them in order, then circle back around and read the first one that actually ends the series. You won’t miss anything by doing so, and you’ll be able to enjoy the adventures without the foreknowledge of the ultimate ending.
A final comment: Much has been made by purists that Disney white-washed the story with the 3-part television series, THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH. That case could certainly be made for many of the books. However, the final two (FURTHER ADVENTURES and SHADOW) are firmly in the mold that Disney used. The main differences are the absence of a romantic interest for Dr. Syn, and the employment of trickery in the place of killings. (And, for me, the image of Patrick McGoohan who is indelibly both Dr. Syn and The Scarecrow in my mind.) So, the fan of any of the three versions of the story will find something pleasingly familiar in the series.
This final book was also filled with an incredible amount of drinking! Indeed, it’s no wonder that The Scarecrow’s smuggling operations were protected by the residents. If the flow of imported alcohol ceased, at least two-thirds of the citizenry would be experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms. Ale was laced with brandy, as was a mead wine that was consumed at breakfast as others might drink coffee! Offers of water were rebuffed with a preference for rum or brandy. I began to feel light-headed just reading about it.
The central character of Dr. Syn has fallen into a very comfortable pattern by this book. The writer emphasizes his heroic qualities despite his past as a pirate captain and the significant number of men that he has killed. Christopher Syn has also changed in appearance from his description in earlier books, especially a distinct alteration to his hair that is gone in this book, but that we know will return later in his life. The moody, dark personality seen previously is also mostly absent. Finally, even though the good doctor has had the Devil’s own luck with romance previously, his heart is captured again in this one.
For me, this closing book probably had the best assortment of supporting characters of all of them in the series. Those we have met before, such as Gentleman Jimmy Bone (the highwayman) and the Squire, seemed more accessible in this one. Meanwhile, a visiting Aunt and Dr. Syn’s soon-to-be love interest were especially enjoyable and I looked forward to their appearances. The “villains” of the piece were also well-drawn, and their behavior was suitably threatening. There was even a stop in France during the infamous Reign of Terror that I found to be very intriguing.
In short, THE SHADOW OF DOCTOR SYN is a marvelous ending to the series and an engaging extension of the adventures. (The youth inside of me was thrilled.)
One recommendation for those who are considering this series … begin with the second book and go through them in order, then circle back around and read the first one that actually ends the series. You won’t miss anything by doing so, and you’ll be able to enjoy the adventures without the foreknowledge of the ultimate ending.
A final comment: Much has been made by purists that Disney white-washed the story with the 3-part television series, THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH. That case could certainly be made for many of the books. However, the final two (FURTHER ADVENTURES and SHADOW) are firmly in the mold that Disney used. The main differences are the absence of a romantic interest for Dr. Syn, and the employment of trickery in the place of killings. (And, for me, the image of Patrick McGoohan who is indelibly both Dr. Syn and The Scarecrow in my mind.) So, the fan of any of the three versions of the story will find something pleasingly familiar in the series.
March 23, 2023
Lots of fun! Classic swashbuckling and colorful characters in the grand style. A larger than life but poignant, personal story as Doctor Syn, a.k.a. the Scarecrow, a.k.a. the pirate captain Clegg, makes a late in life last grasp for love. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2025
The Scarecrow
Love this story of smugglers on the Kent coast .As a child went on Holiday in Dymchurch and there was a restaurant called Dr Syns and it made me think of the area years ago
Love this story of smugglers on the Kent coast .As a child went on Holiday in Dymchurch and there was a restaurant called Dr Syns and it made me think of the area years ago
March 24, 2022
Riveting read. Another excellent story from Mr Thorndike
I watched an old movie starring the great George Arliss about Dr Syn. This stirred my interest and I have been devouring everything Mr Thorndike ever wrote.
If you like stories about smugglers, and pirates then these tales about Dr Syn and his trusty sidekick Mr Mipps are perfect.
This is a real page turner, and not to be missed.
I thoroughly recommend this and everything else he wrote.
I watched an old movie starring the great George Arliss about Dr Syn. This stirred my interest and I have been devouring everything Mr Thorndike ever wrote.
If you like stories about smugglers, and pirates then these tales about Dr Syn and his trusty sidekick Mr Mipps are perfect.
This is a real page turner, and not to be missed.
I thoroughly recommend this and everything else he wrote.
May 9, 2014
A good story and sad that it is the last in this series. However, the formatting in this edition is TERRIBLE.
April 21, 2022
More Entertaining Than The Original
This prequel is better than the original. It was easier to read. The plot was well thought out with a surprising climax.
This prequel is better than the original. It was easier to read. The plot was well thought out with a surprising climax.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews