Day 12 - My Xmas Month Countdown - A Book and a Song

Off to a late start today so let's get right down to it.

Book 14

John Buchan

John Buchan - The Three Hostages.

John Buchan lived from 1875 - 1940. He was a prolific writer, of non-fiction, historical fiction and spy adventures. I've enjoyed a few of his books, especially his Richard Hannay series. I had read The 39 Steps two or three times and enjoyed the original movie very much. I discovered that there were a few other books featuring Mr. Hannay. I've read five of the series. My review of The Three Hostages is below.

"The Three Hostages is the 4th book in the Richard Hannay adventure / thriller series by John Buchan. It was originally published in 1924. I've read the complete series now and, maybe because it's the freshest in my mind, I think it was the best book in the series.

Hannay is living on his estate in the country in western Britain with his wife Mary and his young son Peter John. He is now trying to move on from his WWI experiences, to enjoy a retirement, but he is brought back to reality when he is advised of three kidnappings. He doesn't think he is appropriate to be involved in finding them but when he finds out that one is a young boy of similar age to Peter John, he changes his mind with encouragement from Mary.

Hannay agrees to assist. He returns to London and gets info; there are two related aspects. The three kidnaps; a young man, a young lady and the young boy. As well the intelligence services with his old friend, MacGillivary in charge, are trying to break up a criminal enterprise of major proportions. The timing of trying to rescue the kidnapped and breaking up the organization is critical as if they are too quick with one the other will be lost.

Hannay begins to investigate and along the way meets old friends from other books, especially Sandy Arbuthnot, who will play a major role in the resolution of the story. Hannay meets Medina, an English politician and attends a dinner along with Arbuthnot. Medina is popular with all except Arbuthnot who is suspicious. After the dinner, Hannay is drugged and an attempt by Medina is made to hypnotize and gain control of Hannay. This fails but Hannay now uses this action to continue investigating further into Medina and his organization.

The story moves along at a nice pace and finds Hannay moving throughout London and even to Norway as he searches for the kidnapped. He keeps MacGillivary somewhat out of the picture but with help from Arbuthnot (who even though keeping himself out of the picture as much as possible, plays a quite important role), Mary, and other old friends, he begins to gather more and more info.

It's a fascinating story, with hypnotism, black arts (somewhat) and a good old adventure. There is considerable tension and sufficient action, especially in the closing chapters, which are excellent. I'm almost glad that I saved this middle book until the end as it was excellent. There is another story, The Courts of the Morning, which features Hannay in a minor role, which I will also read. (4.5 stars)"

The Script

The Script - Hall of Fame.

The Script formed in Dublin in 2007. Since then they've released 5 albums. Hall of Fame, which features Will.i.am was released in 2012 as part of their 3rd album, entitled #3. It reached #1 in the UK charts.

Well it's almost time for Jeopardy so I'll say good night for now. See you tomorrow.