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Inspector Sam Blackstone #2
Blackstone and the Tiger
The first in the series of kidnappings was amateur, but the spectacular abduction of a young Indian crown prince from a London street forces Inspector Blackstone to accept that this is no ordinary gang he is dealing with. It becomes plain that it is not just the safety of one child that is at stake--it is the future of the British Empire!
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
167 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Sally Spencer
82 books152 followersA pseudonym used by Alan Rustage.
Sally Spencer is a pen name, first adopted when the author (actually called Alan Rustage) was writing sagas and it was almost obligatory that a woman's name appeared on the cover (other authors like Emma Blair and Mary Jane Staples are also men).
Before becoming a full-time writer, he was a teacher. In 1978-79 he was working in Iran and witnessed the fall of the Shah (see the Blog for what it was like to live through a revolution). He got used to having rifles - and, one occasion, a rocket launcher - pointed at him by both soldiers and revolutionaries, but he was never entirely comfortable with it.
He lived in Madrid for over twenty years, and still considers it the most interesting and exciting city he has ever visited, but for the last few years he has opted for a quieter life in the seaside town of Calpe, on the Costa Blanca.
His first series of books were historical sagas set in Cheshire (where he grew up) and London. They were very popular with his English readers, but his American readers find the dialect something of a strain.
He has written twenty books featuring DCI Woodend (a character based partly on a furniture dealer he used to play dominoes with) and ten (so far!) about Woodend's protegé Monika Paniatowski.
His DI Sam Blackstone books are set in Victorian/Edwardian London, New York and Russia, and the Inspector Paco Ruiz books have as their backdrop the Spanish Civil War.
Alan is a competitive games player who likes bridge and pub quizzes. It is only by enforcing iron discipline that he doesn't play video games all the time.
He now lives on Spain's Costa Blanca.
Sally Spencer is a pen name, first adopted when the author (actually called Alan Rustage) was writing sagas and it was almost obligatory that a woman's name appeared on the cover (other authors like Emma Blair and Mary Jane Staples are also men).
Before becoming a full-time writer, he was a teacher. In 1978-79 he was working in Iran and witnessed the fall of the Shah (see the Blog for what it was like to live through a revolution). He got used to having rifles - and, one occasion, a rocket launcher - pointed at him by both soldiers and revolutionaries, but he was never entirely comfortable with it.
He lived in Madrid for over twenty years, and still considers it the most interesting and exciting city he has ever visited, but for the last few years he has opted for a quieter life in the seaside town of Calpe, on the Costa Blanca.
His first series of books were historical sagas set in Cheshire (where he grew up) and London. They were very popular with his English readers, but his American readers find the dialect something of a strain.
He has written twenty books featuring DCI Woodend (a character based partly on a furniture dealer he used to play dominoes with) and ten (so far!) about Woodend's protegé Monika Paniatowski.
His DI Sam Blackstone books are set in Victorian/Edwardian London, New York and Russia, and the Inspector Paco Ruiz books have as their backdrop the Spanish Civil War.
Alan is a competitive games player who likes bridge and pub quizzes. It is only by enforcing iron discipline that he doesn't play video games all the time.
He now lives on Spain's Costa Blanca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 25, 2017
"Blackstone and the Great Game" by Sally Spencer (actually Alan Rustage), author of the Chief Inspector Woodend books, is the second in Inspector Blackstone series focusing on an interesting Scotland Yard protagonist. "Blackstone and the Great Game" was originally published as "Blackstone and the Tiger." I couldn't put this book down and finished it in just a dew days. I really enjoyed "A Rendezvous with Death," the first book in the series, and this one was even better. The Blackstone series is set in the Victorian Era including the years before, during, and slightly after WWI; this book also has some flashbacks to Blackstone's time in India as an English soldier.
A series of kidnappings seem a bit strange, but then they escalate. Blackstone seems to sense that this is just a preliminary skirmish - a trial run - as that the gang ultimately intends to play for much larger stakes. When the Maharajah of Chandrapore visits England with his only son, the ultimate prize becomes apparent. No matter what Blackstone and Scotland Yard plan, the criminals always appear to be one step ahead of them. The Inspector begins to suspect an even more sinister game.
The plots are carefully crafted, although this one is arguably slightly unbelievable in spots. Regardless, the story has so many twists and turns which keeps the reader involved. The characters are diverse, intriguing, and credibly developed to the Victorian era. Our protagonist Blackstone has evolved into a complex and interesting character. Spencer's setting and local color including the diction, creates a great sense of place that puts the reader firmly in 19th century London. The diction (language) is a reflection of the Victorian time and place, especially that between the English and the "lower class" Indians. Understandably, some readers some may find this language derogatory and somewhat offensive, but it simply reflects the time when the story occurs. It reminds me a bit of Sax Romer's Fu Manchu books or even Bigger's Charlie Chan novels which also contain racial or ethic comments that may be objectionable to today's readers. Regardless, this is a very good beginning to a Victorian mystery series, so if you enjoy this genre, you should give Spencer's Inspector Blackstone series a try.
A series of kidnappings seem a bit strange, but then they escalate. Blackstone seems to sense that this is just a preliminary skirmish - a trial run - as that the gang ultimately intends to play for much larger stakes. When the Maharajah of Chandrapore visits England with his only son, the ultimate prize becomes apparent. No matter what Blackstone and Scotland Yard plan, the criminals always appear to be one step ahead of them. The Inspector begins to suspect an even more sinister game.
The plots are carefully crafted, although this one is arguably slightly unbelievable in spots. Regardless, the story has so many twists and turns which keeps the reader involved. The characters are diverse, intriguing, and credibly developed to the Victorian era. Our protagonist Blackstone has evolved into a complex and interesting character. Spencer's setting and local color including the diction, creates a great sense of place that puts the reader firmly in 19th century London. The diction (language) is a reflection of the Victorian time and place, especially that between the English and the "lower class" Indians. Understandably, some readers some may find this language derogatory and somewhat offensive, but it simply reflects the time when the story occurs. It reminds me a bit of Sax Romer's Fu Manchu books or even Bigger's Charlie Chan novels which also contain racial or ethic comments that may be objectionable to today's readers. Regardless, this is a very good beginning to a Victorian mystery series, so if you enjoy this genre, you should give Spencer's Inspector Blackstone series a try.
December 11, 2022
A well-written Victorian era mystery, involving an Indian kingdom, the British military, and the city of London. A series of kidnappings takes place, each cruel but exceptionally well orchestrated leaving the police baffled. Blackstone struggles to make sense of the actions of the kidnappers, and gets in a bit over his head.
I enjoyed this, but it wasn't as effective as the first book. Blackstone is a bit of a non entity, he has few distinguishing characteristics or mannerisms to set him apart from the others he works with or meets, although he's brighter and more educated than most.
I enjoyed this, but it wasn't as effective as the first book. Blackstone is a bit of a non entity, he has few distinguishing characteristics or mannerisms to set him apart from the others he works with or meets, although he's brighter and more educated than most.
March 3, 2017
A gripping detective adventure, well-written and pacey. I enjoyed every minute.
March 7, 2017
1898 and a series of kidnappings has started to worry Inspector Blackstone. He can find no evidence of the who and even the criminal underworld is scared, and he wonders as the ransoms get bigger who could be next. Then the Maharajah of Chandrapore visits London.
Very entertaining mystery with a good range of characters.
Very entertaining mystery with a good range of characters.
February 9, 2015
A fantastic crime novel with a great sense of place that puts you firmly in 19th century London. Blackstone is easily one of the best detective characters created to date.
October 15, 2023
Had I read this book first, I don't think I would have continued with this series, it is just too much of everything - and not in a good way. What a nosedive this was compared to Blackstone and the Great Game. Well, I will move on to book number threeBlackstone and the House of Secrets to see if it will be more like book number one, if not, I will give up on the naïve Blackstone.
February 22, 2026
This is another addictive read. Sam Blackstone is fast becoming one of my favorite detectives. Once again there are excellent plot twists. Blackstone even has a romantic dalliance with a woman of mystery. He is assisted by an equally mysterious foriegn agent. Sargeant Patterson plays only a minor role as Sam is helped by an expert in Indian affairs. The plot once again takes time to fully develop, butis well worth the wait. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 9, 2020
Blackstone and the Great Game is the second in Inspector Sam Blackstone series, which turns out to be a in creditably hard case as a gang seem to be kidnapping rich peoples children when they visit London. The first book was excellent but this one even surpassed that one with many twists and turns right till the end. I would rate this one 5 stars all the way.
May 1, 2024
Really good. I love historical fiction and most on the market is WWII. So tired of the WWII books. There is so much history to write historical fiction around— WWII is OVERDONE!! So glad this author writes about and section of history for me to delve into. Great writing, and as others have mentioned, great character development and plot twists.
August 14, 2024
Just as good as the first one in the series! New interesting characters, but the return of the best from the first book. The narrator was excellent! I just have one question: how did they get the elephant to England?
September 4, 2024
This is the second book I have read in this series. As with the first book this one was very good. It was very well written and interesting. I would not call it a cozy mystery, it was a step above most of those. I look forward to reading other books by Sally Spencer.
May 5, 2017
Was just okay. While the story was interesting the writing was very simplistic and at points, felt like I was reading a Dick and Jane primary reader.
November 21, 2022
Audiobook.
Fun mystery story - with an elephant and a tiger.
Fun mystery story - with an elephant and a tiger.
August 30, 2023
Audio. 3.75 Rounded up to 4. Interesting case. I like Blackstone. Good crimes, well planned and executed. Hard core soldiers to treat a child like he was a piece of trash, but believable.
December 6, 2023
The Maharaja
I loved this book!
Everything flows nicely, the characters are believable and well-fleshed out.
How far will men of status and regard go in order to get something that they want? Will they sacrifice their own character and soul to play a game so dangerous, that the lives of themselves and others are put in extreme danger?
Read on to find out. Great story!!
I loved this book!
Everything flows nicely, the characters are believable and well-fleshed out.
How far will men of status and regard go in order to get something that they want? Will they sacrifice their own character and soul to play a game so dangerous, that the lives of themselves and others are put in extreme danger?
Read on to find out. Great story!!
March 10, 2016
"Blackstone and the Great Game" by Sally Spencer, author of the Chief Inspector Woodend books, is the second in Inspector Blackstone series focusing on an interesting Scotland Yard protagonist. "Blackstone and the Great Game" was originally published as "Blackstone and the Tiger." I couldn't put this book down and finished it in just a dew days. I really enjoyed "A Rendezvous with Death," the first book in the series, and this one was even better. The Blackstone series is set in the Victorian Era including the years before, during, and slightly after WWI; this book also has some flashbacks to Blackstone's time in India as an English soldier.
A series of kidnappings seem a bit strange, but then they escalate. Blackstone seems to sense that this is just a preliminary skirmish - a trial run - as that the gang ultimately intends to play for much larger stakes. When the Maharajah of Chandrapore visits England with his only son, the ultimate prize becomes apparent. No matter what Blackstone and Scotland Yard plan, the criminals always appear to be one step ahead of them. The Inspector begins to suspect an even more sinister game.
The plots are carefully crafted, although this one is arguably slightly unbelievable in spots. Regardless, the story has so many twists and turns which keeps the reader involved. The characters are diverse, intriguing, and credibly developed to the Victorian era. Our protagonist Blackstone has evolved into a complex and interesting character. Spencer's setting and local color including the diction, creates a great sense of place that puts the reader firmly in 19th century London. The diction (language) is a reflection of the Victorian time and place, especially that between the English and the "lower class" Indians. Understandably, some readers some may find this language derogatory and somewhat offensive, but it simply reflects the time when the story occurs. It reminds me a bit of Sax Romer's Fu Manchu books or even Bigger's Charlie Chan novels which also contain racial or ethic comments that may be objectionable to today's readers. Regardless, this is a very good beginning to a Victorian mystery series, so if you enjoy this genre, you should give Spencer's Inspector Blackstone series a try.
A series of kidnappings seem a bit strange, but then they escalate. Blackstone seems to sense that this is just a preliminary skirmish - a trial run - as that the gang ultimately intends to play for much larger stakes. When the Maharajah of Chandrapore visits England with his only son, the ultimate prize becomes apparent. No matter what Blackstone and Scotland Yard plan, the criminals always appear to be one step ahead of them. The Inspector begins to suspect an even more sinister game.
The plots are carefully crafted, although this one is arguably slightly unbelievable in spots. Regardless, the story has so many twists and turns which keeps the reader involved. The characters are diverse, intriguing, and credibly developed to the Victorian era. Our protagonist Blackstone has evolved into a complex and interesting character. Spencer's setting and local color including the diction, creates a great sense of place that puts the reader firmly in 19th century London. The diction (language) is a reflection of the Victorian time and place, especially that between the English and the "lower class" Indians. Understandably, some readers some may find this language derogatory and somewhat offensive, but it simply reflects the time when the story occurs. It reminds me a bit of Sax Romer's Fu Manchu books or even Bigger's Charlie Chan novels which also contain racial or ethic comments that may be objectionable to today's readers. Regardless, this is a very good beginning to a Victorian mystery series, so if you enjoy this genre, you should give Spencer's Inspector Blackstone series a try.
July 3, 2019
I may not find this as great as the first book but I still appreciate the author's creativity and concept plus I did not fail to get The Hint so kudos for the empathy. It must be said here that the royal spectacle of elephantine proportions that ensued during the celebration of Queen Victoria's jubilee had a decidedly tigerish stripe in the grandiose schemes of the plotters... for although doped, it did what it was supposed to do to add more drama and more mystery to both beasts' participation to the grand plan. Still brilliant... on second thoughts though it took me 2 days to finish it... as I am wholly appreciative of the thought and effort put into it... I will change my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars after all. Carry on Sally!
March 15, 2012
I really did not enjoy this book. I read the first in the series and thought I would give another one a try. It drove home the point that Inspector Blackstone is easily fooled, making you wonder just how did he attain his rank. The plot was complicated, with an elephant, a tiger, Indians (from the sub-continent), a maharajah, a prince, a kidnapping, but really thin.
September 24, 2014
Not bad
I found this book interesting and the plot good, if slightly unbelievable. I presume some people will find the language offensive but it simply reflects the time when the story takes place. I would have liked the detective's character developed more as he is the central character.
I found this book interesting and the plot good, if slightly unbelievable. I presume some people will find the language offensive but it simply reflects the time when the story takes place. I would have liked the detective's character developed more as he is the central character.
December 17, 2015
The book started out very good. Lots of suspense. But for or a book written in 2003, there was an unnecessary amount of words spent on degrading the people of India. I am sure the bad reviews are in part because this level of disgust was not something in which people could sink their teeth. If Spencer/ Rustage dislikes people of color so badly, they should pick another subject.
July 20, 2017
Having been trapped in airports for days and having been through much of what else was on my Kindle, I read this, and found I liked it more than the first one in the series. Possibly, the absence of female characters made it a better book. And I did rather like that part of the story was told from the perspective of a drugged tiger.
August 3, 2022
Part of the Casebook of Inspector Blackstone vol I collection.
The son of an Indian Maharaja gets kidnapped on an official trip to London. Inspector Blackstone is sent to investigate.
Another Victorian era detective story which zips along. The characters and story twists are a bit clichéd, but the writing keeps it together. 6/10.
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent
The son of an Indian Maharaja gets kidnapped on an official trip to London. Inspector Blackstone is sent to investigate.
Another Victorian era detective story which zips along. The characters and story twists are a bit clichéd, but the writing keeps it together. 6/10.
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent
October 2, 2020
It was ok. I didn’t like some of the language but I guess that the author could get away with it because of the period it was set in. I am not all sure about the plot or the ending. But, hey, it got published. Unsure if I could recommend to the normal crew.
January 4, 2016
Might be confusing if you don't know some of the geopolitical history of the time.
April 21, 2016
The plot was good despite the unnecessary language. I think that the ending fell alittle flat, though there was a good twist.
July 12, 2018
I liked this one better than the first one
May 18, 2021
Great descriptions of Victorian England, and a fantastic story.
August 15, 2021
Nice. Interesting period piece which provides some insight into the birth of the British Secret Service. I would read another
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August 26, 2017I loved this book! Set in Victorian England during the Raj, it concerns an Indian raja and the kidnapping of his son. The investigation becomes very convoluted and has all one needs for a. steampunk victorian novel. I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews