Sexton Blake and the Great War

Sexton Blake Library, Book 1

By: Mark Hodder

Narrated by: Colin Mace

BRITAIN AND GERMANY ARE AT WAR AND SEXTON BLAKE IS IN THE THICK OF IT

As the battle for the Western Front rages, adventuring detective Sexton Blake pits his intellect and physical prowess against the machinations of the Kaiser. A band of intrepid allies join Blake to take on the forces of evil in three classic stories, collected here for the first time.

From uncovering secret German naval bases to dangling from Zeppelins, fighting atop moving trains and escaping firing squads, Blake moves through war-torn Europe solving mysteries and fighting against tyranny.

Join him as he enters a war of secrets, soldiers and spies...

©2020 Mark Hodder (P)2020 Penguin Audio and Rebellion Publishing

Better if you know the character, I think.

Sherlock Holmes is by far more familiar to Americans than is Sexton Blake. As such, his action oriented character elicits a different amount of interest than the problem solving Holmes. I found it harder to suspend my disbelief with the Blake character. Finally, I personally regret that Audible books are not produced with audio compression. It is a common annoyance to be shaken out of reverie when the reader decides to emote. This is especially true when listening with Alexa timer set at bedtime.

Ripping Adventures from History

These collected tales are an interesting listen. Of their time, it's fascinating to hear how fiction writers depicted the build up to, and the conflict of, the first world war during the time. The stories are a little pulpy which adds to their charm.