This story is a good mixture of clever and silly. It doesn’t have much of a moral or message. It’s just out there for the fun of it.
High Point: It’s an easy and entertaining read — like watching an old movie.
Low Point: The silliness (i.e., 1920s-cool) can be a bit overwhelming at times.
Author: H.C. McNeile
Publication Date: 1923
Genre: Fiction
Project Gutenberg: Not available
LibriVox: Not available
Movie/TV Adaptation: Bulldog Drummond’s Third Round (1925)
H.C. McNeile’s novels about a private detective named Bulldog Drummond are light and breezy and thoroughly fun. Bulldog Drummond’s Third Round is as enjoyable as any.
It pits Drummond against his recurring nemesis Carl Peterson. The reader knows exactly what Peterson is up to, and the question is will Drummond will be able to stop him.
McNeile’s characters are well-developed and intelligent. Peterson’s plans are creative, diabolical and murderous. Drummond is not perfect, can be outwitted occasionally, but is faithful and persistent as he tries to defeat Peterson’s pursuits.
Originally published in 1923, Bulldog Drummond’s Third Round is a good mixture of clever and silly. It doesn’t have much of a moral or message. It’s just out there for the fun of it.
