Out of The Blue by Sapper
~Out of The Blue by “Sapper” H. C. McNeile
~Published in 1925 by Hodder and Stoughton Limited, London
The book in the photos is the second printing; 1925
As a long-time fan of Sapper’s famous sleuth, Bull-Dog Drummond, I’ve been quick to pick up other books of his and read them whenever I have a chance.
Out of the Blue is a collection of 13 short stories. And Sapper’s ability to tell short stories is superb. Compared to selections from the best short-story writers collected and lauded in literature books, these stories are perfectly competent to hold their own beautifully–and are in a class with the best. The writing in these stories shows a fine skill that was honestly a delight to read. Or, as they would’ve said in the 1920’s when this was written: it’s as fine as dry champagne. Most of these tales run very much in the suspense/thriller vein.
Of the 13 stories however, only three of them were as excellent as far as the actual story itself was concerned: “Out of the Blue,” “Stubby,” and “The Porterhouse Steak.” The others tended to turn right and wrong upside-down and dump them in a sprawling heap of confusion. Things like “rationalizing” or excusing murder and adultery. Though the writing craftsmanship mentioned above stayed steady and good throughout all 13 tales.
This book is one of the rare titles by the famous Sapper.
Currently available in the shop here!