William Arden’s first credited book, this has a legendary lost hoard of gold, a hunchbacked shadow (that laughs, maniacally), suspicious Englishmen and it’s great fun, even if the mystery requires a healthy suspension of disbelief from the reader. Cleverly put together, with some nice set pieces and a real sense of urgency, this works well enough that you allow the odd things - vegetarian societies and the reason behind the laughter - to pass by. A nice use of location works in its favour too - well worth a read.
