Flames Coming Out of the Top

by Norman Collins

The flames in the title are by no means merely they are the real flames of an Andean volcano in wild eruption. And it is in this hot, insane world of ashes, lava and earthquake that the business mission of Harold Dunnett, the young audit clerk, comes to sudden disaster. Sent out by his firm to investigate the suspicious trading affairs of Senior Muras, Mr. Dunnett, always very careful of his professional reputation, finds himself being drawn into a human jungle quite as impenetrable as the steamy jungle that lies outside Amricante. For one thing, the Amricante politicians are all businessmen, and some of the businessmen have politicians in their there is intrigue and corruption in the air. The books of the Compania Muras are mysteriously confidential cables go key witnesses are missing. Mr. Dunnett himself is cajoled, offered bribes, warned and finally threatened. Throughout it all, however, he remains the perfect audit clerk, aloof and immaculate, vainly cabling his employers and writing affectionate letters to the nice little fiancÃe whom he left at home in England.Then Senior Muras himself disappears up country and Mr. Dunnett, faithful in his purpose, goes in pursuit of him. At this point the local volcano blows its head all communications with the outside world are sundered. In his desperate pursuit Harold finds himself involved not only in a local war, but with Carmel Muras, the beautiful daughter of Senior Muras. Together they experience danger and disaster.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1937

About the author

Norman Collins born 3 October 1907, died 1982, was a British writer, and later a radio and television executive, who became one of the major figures behind the establishment of the Independent Television (ITV) network in the UK. This was the first organisation to break the BBC’s broadcasting monopoly when it began transmitting in 1955.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a book by Norman Collins called The Husband, and it was such a wonderful book that I wanted to read more by this author. I ordered this book from Amazon, and got a rather tired Pan paperback printed in the 1930’s I think. I enjoyed this book, though it was very different in style and subject from “The Husband”.
A young audit clerk is sent by his British employer to this fictional South American country to track down fraudulent activity. He experiences adventures he never dreamed of, and learned there is a lot more to life than a clerk’s job in Britain.
The title refers to a volcano which erupts upon the town in which he is staying. This is only one of several adventures our young clerk experiences.