This is the third in the Tom Playfair trilogy by Father Francis Finn S.J. It is basically a murder mystery woven into the life and adventures of a new boy at St. Maure's, Harry Dee. Harry's rich uncle is mysteriously murdered on Christmas Eve and Harry's beloved nanny, Mrs. Raynor has disappeared along with $50,000, but Mrs. Raynor wouldn't have done such a thing, would she?
After the trauma, Harry gets sent to St. Maure's and immediately takes up with Tom and his gang. The story revolves around studying for a great intercollegiate Latin competition, the 'Dodger' boys (nicknamed after the Artful Dodger) who are always pranking a new gentle prefect, Mr. Auber, and trying to solve the mystery of the murder. And other things happen too. These books are nothing, if not action packed with lots of drama where the boys get to be heroic.
Father Francis ties up the loose ends at the end of the book. The boys are all grown now and must go off to find their way in the world. Several go into the seminary and others decide on other prospects. And beloved Latin magister, Mr. Middleton, finally makes his Jesuit vows and becomes Father Middleton.
I really enjoyed reading these old fashioned children's novels. They really reminded me of Louisa May Alcott's books like Jo's Boys, etc.
For more book reviews go to Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment