Launch of THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL

Launch Party for THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL,
a Story of JANE AUSTEN’S FIGHTING MEN
by Jack Caldwell

 

 


Hello, everybody—Jack Caldwell here. I am proud to announce the release of my ninth novel and the second book in my newest series, THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, a Story of JANE AUSTEN’S FIGHTING MEN.

That’s right, I have another series of books beside my New Orleans novels, the CRESCENT CITY SERIES.

Three Colonels090111a_tnIn 2012, I published an audacious book: a joint sequel to Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility entitled THE THREE COLONELS. In it, I did two things:

– I assumed that all of Jane Austen’s characters knew each other; and,

– I sent Colonel Fitzwilliam, Colonel Brandon, Major Denny, and Captain Wickham to Waterloo.

What you may not be aware of was I wrote more novels in this unique universe—stories that happened during the Hundred Days Crisis of 1815, when the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from Elba and triggered the War of the Seventh Coalition, one of the turning points in world history. THE THREE COLONELS was the cornerstone of a series of companion novels—books that happened during the same period of time, featuring characters who knew each other and referred to actions that occur in the other stories.

One of those novels was a Persuasion sequel, The Unexpected Passenger, now titled PERSUADED TO SAIL. I’ll publish it one day.

I also wrote a more outlandish book than THE THREE COLONELS. This one was not only a sequel to Northanger Abbey, but was a mash-up with the Baroness Emma Orczy’s classic swashbuckler, The Scarlet Pimpernel. I named it THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.

How did I get away with putting Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart.—the Scarlet Pimpernel— in 1815 England, when he was active in 1792 during the French Revolution? Simple. I checked the Baroness Orczy’s books and it was clear that he would be in his early fifties by the time of Waterloo.

So, I assumed Sir Percy and his beloved Lady Marguerite Blakeney would still be around. I made their son, George Blakeney, a fencing partner and friend of the rakish Captain Frederick Tilney from Northanger Abbey. And I invented a forbidden romance between Frederick and George’s sister, Violet Blakeney.

To tie in with THE THREE COLONELS, I made Frederick friends with the dashing Colonel Sir John Buford of that book. Major Denny, Colonel Brandon, and the Darcys made appearances, as well. (Got to have the Darcys in an Austen book, right?) It then occurred to me that I created another series—JANE AUSTEN’S FIGHTING MEN.

THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL is the second book in the series. From the back cover:

LASP_coverThe worlds of Jane Austen and the Baroness Orczy combine in a swashbuckling tale from the author of THE THREE COLONELS.

Captain Frederick Tilney, dashing cavalry officer and rakish heir to Northanger Abbey, is interested only in fencing and carousing. That is, until he meets the girl of his dreams, the lovely and intriguing Violet Blakeney.

However, her father is not convinced of Frederick’s pledge to reform and the officer is banished from Violet’s presence. The baronet has a will of iron, for he is none other than Sir Percy Blakeney—the retired Scarlet Pimpernel!

Now, during the Hundred Days Crisis, an evil from the Pimpernel’s past menaces the Blakeney family while Sir Percy is crippled by age. Frederick must convince the baronet to accept his assistance in accomplishing the impossible —take on an entire country to recuse the girl they both love.

The excerpt I’ve chosen for you occurs after Frederick Tilney is reacquainted with the Blakeney family after five years. He has been invited to visit the Blakeney home in Richmond by his good friend, George Blakeney, the son of Sir Percy. Fredrick is very surprised that George’s little sister, Violet, has grown into a very lovely young lady.

From Chapter 3:


For the first time in years, Frederick Tilney walked the grounds of Richmond, and time had not diminished what he admired about the place.

The Blakeney estate had been built centuries before, and the family had not been disinclined over improvement to the house. The massive brick and stone edifice was softened by the number of windows that adorned the aspect as well as the trees planted nearby. The grounds were extensive and well cared for by an attentive hand. The stables were the finest Frederick had ever beheld, and he was jealous on behalf of the Blues own horses.

Frederick and George stood before the estate’s stables, awaiting their mounts, and Frederick spent the time complimenting Richmond. His honest enthusiasm was slightly embarrassing for his friend.

“Thankee, Frederick.” George blushed. “It is a fine place, I know, but ’tis just home to me, you see.”

“You must be proud of it,” Frederick insisted. “As I have said before, Northanger is nothing to it, nor is any other great house in which I have set foot.”

“Oh, I am not sure about that! It is not a palace by any means. Do not mistake me,” George clarified, “I do love the dear, old place, but one day it will be my responsibly. I can tell you, I own that the prospect of becoming the master is overwhelming.”

Frederick’s first consideration was to speak—to reassure his young friend and give empty words of empathy. He found his voice stuck in his throat, however, for he recalled George’s fears were his own. Indeed, Northanger Abbey was nothing to Richmond, but it was a sizable estate. There were duties and responsibilities that a sensible man would not leave to his steward.

However, General Tilney had insisted his first-born and heir follow in his footsteps and had purchased Frederick’s commission at the earliest age possible. For almost half his life, the army had been his passion, and he had excelled in his lessons of horse and sword and drill. Because of that, he knew almost nothing of accounts or finances or crop rotation, for that part of his education had been neglected.

Henry Tilney had been correct. The army was never to be his permanent profession. Frederick, for all his bluster, knew his abilities and his limitations. He feared no man with his sword in his hand, and he would obey an order to charge directly into Bonaparte’s redoubtable Imperial Guard without hesitation. Asked to discuss the price of wheat against barley, however, and he was utterly at sea.

Frederick’s thoughts flew through his mind in an instant, and George hardly noticed the hesitation. Before his guest could change the subject, fate did it for them.

“Violet!” cried George. “Will you join us on our ride?”

Frederick’s eyes followed George’s gaze to see the girl approaching from the house. Miss Blakeney had made quite an impression the night before, all in golden and white, in the best finery money could buy. Her outfit now was a revelation: good fabrics, made and chosen for riding rather than show, were tailored to show the rider to best advantage. Frederick knew instantly Miss Blakeney would look as comfortable and as lovely on a horse as she had in a ballroom, and for a man who lived in the out-of-doors and loved it, his admiration could only grow.

“Capitan Tilney,” Miss Blakeney said with a surprised smile as she curtsied in response to his bow, “I did not know you were to be here today.” She glanced at her brother. “George did not tell us.”

“I sent a note to Mama,” George muttered.

“Your brother was kind enough to invite me to take in the beauties of Surrey on horseback.”

“At your insistence!” cried George good-naturedly.

Frederick’s smile grew. “I believe your attendance would only add to our enjoyment.”

Miss Blakeney looked Frederick dead in the eye with a strength of character that belied her young age. “Indeed—the beauties of Surrey?” Her sweet voice was tinged with challenge and reproach, and Frederick was wise to consider his reply.

“Yes, Miss Blakeney, if you and your brother would be so kind as to show them to me.”

The girl was visibly pleased with his polite and correct response. “It would be my pleasure, sir.” She nodded and followed the groom to retrieve her horse.

The gentlemen mounted and awaited Violet. Frederick noticed that George eyed him with some agitation.

Blakeney said in a low voice, “Remember yourself. She is my sister.”

Good God! Does George think me so base as to dally with Miss Blakeney? He swallowed his pride for the time being. “Of course, George. Never fear. I have nothing but the highest respect for all of your family.”

Blakeney had the good grace to reply abashedly, “Sorry, old man. I should not have said that. I do not know what came over me.” At that moment, Miss Blakeney emerged from the stable, her mare as fine an example of horseflesh as Frederick had ever seen. “Ah, Violet! Shall we set off?”

Captain Tilney was all gallantry. “After you, Miss Blakeney.”

She acquiesced, and the three set off. It did not take Frederick long to see his blunder. From behind, he found it nearly impossible not to admire Violet Blakeley’s seat.

~~~

Most of the improvements made to Blakeney Manor were to satisfy Lady Blakeney’s desire for more light in the house. Scores of windows had been added or enlarged. Few great houses in England could boast of the Versailles-like walls of glass that adorned the home of Sir Percy. It was Marguerite’s delight.

There was one area in the house that her improvements could not reach, and it was in the bowels of the keep. It was there that Lady Blakeney searched for her husband.

Opening a well-greased door in the basement, she quietly entered a long, dark room, the meager sunlight from the small, narrow bank of windows along one wall near the ceiling insufficient to the task of properly illuminating the space. Oil lamps and candles were employed to compensate, with middling results. It did not help that the cool, dank place—even the floor—was made entirely of stone. A few tapestries and war banners adorned the otherwise bare walls. At the far end, placed high in a spot of prominence, was a great seal with a red, five-petal flower at its center. Swords, muskets, and suits of armor were stored with great care in racks opposite the windows. A long table with chairs dominated one half of the room, the other given totally to the sport of fencing.

Most of Blakeney Manor had been remade in the image of its mistress, but this place was not hers. This was the domain of the Pimpernel.

Marguerite’s eyes were drawn to the far side of the long room, where a tall gentleman in his shirtsleeves practiced fencing. Slowly, deliberately, the man worked through the motions of defense and offense against a burlap-covered object in the shape of a human torso with several black targets painted on its surface. He stood sideways, right foot forward, his foil held as an extension of his arm. So engrossed was he in his labors, he appeared to have no knowledge that there was a witness to his exercises.

A quarter-century before, the Parisian actress Marguerite St. Just had been captivated by the most beautiful man she had ever beheld. Since then, Lady Blakeney had made her husband her standard of perfection in a gentleman, and many a dashing courtier would be slighted by her as bearing no comparison to Sir Percy.

She stood silently, taking great pleasure in observing the play of the still-considerable muscles of his broad shoulders and back as they moved gracefully under his sweat-drenched, almost transparent shirt. A warm heat filled her belly as she recalled the countless times her fingertips had run along those same muscles while she joyfully made love to him. Past fifty, she thought, and he can still turn my head.

The idyllic moment was shattered when, with an oath, Sir Percy dropped his foil and gripped his sword-hand, the blade’s metallic contact with the floor echoing throughout the hall.

“Percy!” Marguerite dashed to his side as quickly as her little feet would allow. Sir Percy watched her approach with a mixture of mortification and resignation on his damp face.

“Ah, ’tis nothing, m’dear,” he drawled. He tried to hide his discomfort, but his wife could see the pain behind his eyes. Ignoring his protests, she tenderly inspected his right hand.

“Is it the rheumatism again?”

“It comes and goes,” Sir Percy admitted. “I have been trying to work it out.”

Marguerite gently but firmly pulled Sir Percy towards a bench. “Come, sit down. I will fetch the white willow bark.” She noticed he walked to the bench with a decided limp.

It took but a moment once he was settled and easy. The local apothecary had concocted a tincture of white willow bark for just such an occasion, and a vial of it was stored in one of the cabinets in the room. A draught was produced, and Sir Percy choked it down.

The baronet coughed as he handed the glass to his wife. “Gad, but that is vile! Where is my brandy—or better yet, my good port?”

Marguerite’s gaze was drawn to the pink, M-shaped scar on Sir Percy’s left forearm—evidence of the Pimpernel’s last battle of wits with their nemesis, the fiend Chauvelin. May he burn in Hell! She recalled how her fearless and clever husband had bribed a French veterinary to brand him with the mark of a convict, all the better to disguise himself and rescue Marguerite from certain death. She remembered all the chances and pains her beloved had undertaken as the Pimpernel to foil Chauvelin and his terrible master, Robespierre, and save countless Frenchmen from the guillotine—all, Sir Percy claimed, in the name of sport.

It was a lie, of course. Sir Percy may have enjoyed himself, but what drove him was love of his fellow man and an iron will to do what was right. Yet, the abuses he had suffered and the years that had passed conspired now to bring him low.

Marguerite kissed his brow. “Rest a moment, love. Recover, and we will have a glass together in your study.”

“That would please me above all things,” Sir Percy said as he kissed her fingers. “So, what brings you down here to my dark cave?”

“We have a guest tonight. George has brought home Captain Tilney. They are to return to London tomorrow.”

“Tilney, eh? Good, I would like to further my acquaintance with the man. Ahh!” Sir Percy groaned as he got to his feet. “A bit of a sip then off to me bath. Must look our best for the good captain. Oh!” he gasped as he tried to walk. Marguerite was quick to support him.

“Here, Percy, lean on me.”

“Now, leave off,” Sir Percy complained. “I shall be as right as rain in a moment.”

Marguerite knew what would appease him. She whispered in his ear, “I know, m’dear, but will you deny me the pleasure of standing so close to you?”

“Oh!” he laughed. “Well, if you put it that way, lead on, my lovely!”


THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL is available now through White Soup Press in print and Kindle format (you’ll have to wait a little while for Nook—sorry).

JAFM_banner_1

As for the other books in my Jane Austen’s Fighting Men Series, THE THREE COLONELS (Sourcebooks Landmark) is available now.

You’ll have to wait for PERSUADED TO SAIL and ROSINGS PARK (the sequel to THE THREE COLONELS). Sorry—I can only write and edit so fast.


 

  • LASP_cover

 

 

“It takes a real man to write historical romance, so let me tell you a story…”

51 comments

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    • Bonnie Wilson Carlson on August 1, 2016 at 3:44 am
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    I love The Three Musketeers, although I have read all five books in the series and would class them all as one, because it’s difficult to choose only one of them. Alexander Dumas really had a way with the swashbuckling novels. And though I’ve loved some of the movies based on the books, none does them justice.

    1. True. All the films get D’Artagnan wrong. He’s far more complicated in the novels. Thanks!

    • Deborah on August 1, 2016 at 5:19 am
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    Ok, you may think me a trollip, but I cannot make up my mind as to which is my favorite swashbuckling hero. I adore Sir Percy, saving Frenchies from Madame Guillotine…and all his disguises. Robin Hood and his merry men in Sherwood Forest outwitting the Sherrif of Nottingham and being true to his love Maid Marion and King Richard the Lion Heart. D’Artagnan in the Three Musketeers protecting the royal family from Richelieu and Lady de Winter. And Wesley in the Princess Bride; “To the pain.” I can’t just choose one. Thank you Jack, for this wonderful post this morning. Congratulations on your release and thank you for the generous give away.

    1. What? No love for Zorro—the Gay Blade? “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a peso. All for Zorro, stand up and say so!”

      Thanks for commenting!

    • Mari on August 1, 2016 at 7:11 am
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    I loved Robin Hood. I read it endlessly as a child and I watched the movie every time it was shown on TV. Basil rathbone just dripped with menace, and it was thrilling to watch Robin and his merry men outwit him. Later, I loved any action/ adventure, suspense book and movie. I read anything by John Buchan, Trevanian, and endless other authors. My current favorite oldie to watch is Three Days Of The Condor. I just bought the book, and it is great.

    1. Basil Rathbone was a great actor–he could play the bad guy or the hero. He was also one of the best fencers in Hollywood. Thanks!

    • Nancy Duell on August 1, 2016 at 8:12 am
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    Definitely the Princess Bride but I always sit down and watch the Scarlet Pimpernel whenever I see it on TV. Thanks Jack for bringing Percy back!

    1. The Princess Bride was one of the few movies that was better than the book (Jaws is another).

    • Leslie on August 1, 2016 at 8:53 am
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    I vote for Other — any book by Dorothy Dunnett is filled with wonderfully described swordfights that sound like a dance without music. Your Crescent City series was a great collection, so I look forward to this one. Downloaded my KU copy yesterday!

    1. Thank you for your kind words about Crescent City.

    • Vesper Meikle on August 1, 2016 at 9:16 am
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    I will say my favourite is Captain Blood, but any film with Errol Flynn in tights has to be a favourite

    1. What’s great about Captain Blood is that it is factual, in that the Monmouth rebels were sold into (white) slavery by James II. Errol Flynn was great.

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on August 1, 2016 at 9:41 am
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    Jack, I love all the connections you’ve woven between the stories and bringing back Sir Percy. I loved The Three Colonel’s and look forward to this one. As for your list … today I’ll choose The Princess Bride because no matter what adversity comes their way the path to true love will not be thwarted. How’s that for romance? Best Wishes! Jen Red

    1. “Twuve wove!” Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

    • JanisB on August 1, 2016 at 11:18 am
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    If I have to choose a movie it would be Ivanhoe. It is exciting yet speaks to my heart. But my favourite swashbucklers of all time? It’s a tough choice between Richard Greene as Robin Hood or Hugh O’Brien as Wyatt Earp. (DH and I watch *lots* of old 50s and 60s TV shows.) I’ve often mused about how either of these actors would have made a perfect film Mr Darcy but unfortunately were not of the right age at the right time.

    My view of The Scarlet Pimpernel is somewhat tainted by the depiction of him via Blackadder. So I shall be happy to read a less cynical description of the man! This mash-up sounds brilliant and I have already placed this story on my Must-Read list. Many thanks for the excerpt and the giveaway offer.

    1. Please either read The Scarlet Pimpernel or watch one of the excellent movies. The SP is great!

        • JanisB on August 2, 2016 at 9:49 am
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        I’ve seen the Leslie Howard movie and liked it, and of course read the book for High School English class. However, Blackadder is still the strongest influence. What is the SP?

        1. SP = Scarlet Pimpernel.

    • Elaine on August 1, 2016 at 11:35 am
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    I love the Scarlet Pimpernel with Leslie Howard and Zorro with Tyrone Power. I love the dialogue between the Leslie Howard and Daniel Massey and they way he get away with it at the end. I like Zorro with Tyrone Power, just because it is Tyrone Power.

    1. The whole point of the SP is the dialogue — it’s what makes the SP the SP.

    • Eva E on August 1, 2016 at 11:37 am
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    I have always loved The Adventures of Robin Hood. I don’t care which version of the movie it is. Robin is a true hero for social justice. I always want to cheer him on. Thank you for the giveaway.

    1. As far as Robin Hood is concerned, I only watch Errol Flynn’s version. To me, the others pale in comparison. Thanks!

    • Anne on August 1, 2016 at 12:38 pm
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    My ultimate favorite is Robin Hood since he represented what was important, character, integrity, and strength. When men were men and the movies at that time captured the essence of real men.

    1. I cannot agree more. Thanks.

  1. The Three Musketeers is the one I have grown up with and I really love them all. However for a film I love Kevin Costner in Robin Hood better than Russell Crowe.

    I am sorry as I can see you do not like him, but although it is true that the Zorro is a very sugary swashbuckling movie, Antonio Banderas gives the latin-lover side that makes the film enjoyable (not my favourite one though).

    However if I have to choose only one is The Three Musketeers. I have just watched the films although I have read other works of Dumas. The 1993 version is my favourite. The luxury of the French monarchy and the church, the intrigue, the treachery vs the loyalty, the love stories, the fights, etc. everything makes the Three Musketeers an amazing story!

    1. I’m afraid I have misled you. I don’t dislike Zorro at all. I just think George Hamilton’s version is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. A guilty pleasure.

      I like Antonio Banderas — he’s kinda my inspiration for Will Darcy in Pemberley Ranch. I just think he’s never been in an English-speaking film where he has shined. His version of Zorro is a good example. Why make him a thief? Why not follow the book’s plot? It (and he) would have been better.

      You could have picked any swashbuckling movie you liked; I just gave some examples. But thanks for playing!

      1. I love the Three Musketeers anyway 🙂 It is my favourite one. If on TV I see The Pimpernel, Princess Bride or Scaramouche I will watch them of course!

        As a Spanish woman I have to like Antonio Banderas hahaha, seriously I would have like him even if I would have not been Spanish. He is not the best actor ever but I like him. You are totally right saying that he has never shined in an ENglish-speaking film, it may be due to his so-called role of latino or the idea of the latino-lover… I think he can do better than that.

        • Michelle H on August 3, 2016 at 11:31 pm
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        Excuse me? Puss and Boots, anyone?

        1. heheh fair enough!! however he gives his voice only 😉

          He has a very funny voice there, I love it!

        2. Perfect example. Puss and Boots was great in Shrek II, but he couldn’t carry his stand-alone movie. It wasn’t Banderas’ fault. It was the horrible writers.

          Getting back to Zorro, I keep thinking there was a great opportunity missed. Imagine the movie as a remake of Tyrone Power’s film, The Mark of Zorro. Banderas playing young nobleman Don Diego de la Vega who sees his father’s work undone by a former friend and grows up, inventing that masked rider for justice. It would have been fantastic.

          For all it’s silliness, Zorro – the Gay Blade was closer to the spirit of Zorro than The Mask of Zorro

            • Michelle H on August 5, 2016 at 11:42 pm
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            You’re right, you’re right…..I concede.

    • Michele on August 1, 2016 at 2:08 pm
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    I enjoy many of the choices but my favorite one would be the Princess Bride. It had everything – adventure, romance and comedy. All three genres that I love in one movie. And all of those quotable lines, inconceivable!

    1. “Inconceivable” — you keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

      Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

    • Sarah B on August 1, 2016 at 2:09 pm
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    YEA! I am excited to read this one. I have enjoyed all your books, that I have read so far. I am just finishing up refreshing my memory about both the Pimpernel and Northanger characters, and have loved your sneak peaks.
    Although I have always loved the stage production of the Scarlet Pimpernel, the Princess Bride, is still my favorite movie.

    1. Lots of fans for the Princess Bride.

    • Maclaney on August 1, 2016 at 2:34 pm
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    My favorite book is The Princess Bride, although I may be basing my preference on the movie. And, this is the only one of the listed books I recall reading, except Robin Hood as a child, but I’ve watched the movie several times with different companions of varying ages.

    I’m certainly looking forward to Jack’s new novel, which I expect to provide the pleasure his other works have.

    1. Thank you, Maclaney.

    • Agnes on August 1, 2016 at 2:49 pm
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    I adore all disguised/masked heroes – The Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro, Robin Hood who also qualifies as one, to some extent(I’m in favor of the classic versions – still nostalgic about Errol Flynn, and yes, Basil Rathbone who also played in Mark of Zorro). Ivanhoe is also a childhood favourite of mine, although as an adult, I don’t really like the romance angle of it – the comparison of Rowena and Rebecca and their outcomes. But I love Robin Hood and his companions, and the disguised Richard in it!) I’d be hard pressed to choose…Some of your suggestions are unnknown to me, I’ll take them as recommendations! 🙂 Thanks!

    1. Like I said, you can choose a film not on the list. Thanks for reading and commenting!

    • tgruy on August 1, 2016 at 4:20 pm
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    The Scarlet Pimpernel was the first novel of the kind I read when I was a kid and until this day I’m still in love with him… I can’t wait to read your story!

    1. Wonderful! Thanks!

    • Michelle H on August 1, 2016 at 4:40 pm
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    I’m so very glad your ‘The Last Adventure of The Scarlet Pimpernel’ is now out. Congratulation! I’ve so looked forward to it.

    From the list above, the one I will watch whenever it is on is ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel.’ I’ve seen all the other movies but I’m afraid it has been so long since I have read any of them that I’ve forgotten the details. The movies stand out in the memory though. The book that does stand out in my memory however, is Diana Gabaldon’s ‘Voyager.’ It has all of the same kind of adventure that the above list has. Piracy, tropical storms, shipwreck, a lot of derring-do. Romance of course, and humor too. The Hero and heroine are separated and reunited multiple times, a young teen is stolen and eventually (lots of heart in the throat business there,) rescued. It’s one adventure after another. Good versus Evil, all that kind of stuff. Epic.

    I agree with Leslie regarding Dorothy Dunnett.

    I will pass on your very generous giveaway at this time. Must read on my e-reader these days for the font size, alas. The best best best luck, Mr. Caldwell. I love your books.

    1. Thanks so much!

    • Sheila Majczan on August 2, 2016 at 9:23 am
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    I have read most of the books listed and only recently read The Scarlet Pimpernel…now a favorite. But also love The Three Musketeers and The Princess Bride. Jack, I bought and read The Scarlet Pimpernel in anticipation of your new book. But I see that there are two sequels. Should I also read those before picking up this one of yours? Love The Voyager from the Outlander series and the Dorothy Dunnett series mentioned above. I have not read Captain Blood nor Princess of Mars. All the others are certainly ones I have loved. Although I have to admit most were viewed in movie form rather than the book version.

    Congratulations on your new release.

    1. Not really sequels. Three of the books in the Jane Austen’s Fighting Men series are companion novels — stand alone stories that happen at the same time, but have brief cross-overs into the other books. Think of it as one huge, sprawling novel — which fits, as everything happens during Waterloo. You don’t have to read The Three Colonels to enjoy The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but I think you’ll enjoy seeing how several of the characters — especially John Buford and the Darcys — appear in both books.

      Rosings Park is different. It is the sequel to The Three Colonels. I hope to have it out in about a year.

    • Stephanie L on August 2, 2016 at 2:54 pm
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    Hmmmm I think I will have to go with Captain Blood though I really enjoyed the Scarlet Pimpernel several times over the years. I’m not much for movies in general so I’m going off of the books. When I was young, I read everything I could get my hands on and my family only had very old books and religious books so I read all the classics (hey, guess where I met Jane? LOL). I look forward to reading this book (and the ones to come) with much joy. The Three Colonels remains very much a favorite.

    1. Thank you, Stephanie.

  2. I have to admit for having a soft spot for Sir Percy as portrayed by Anthony Andrews and Ian McKellen as the evil Chauvelin. (I once shook hands and acted on stage with Sir Ian–part of his Acting Shakespeare tour in 1987.) It’s long been one of my favorite movies.

    And the duel between Sir Percy and Chauvelin can only be surpassed by the brilliant parody of a swordfight between Westley and Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride.

    So while I admire Errol Flynn as both Robin Hood and Captain Blood and will always cheer for Indiana Jones, it’s a certain “Sink me!” drawled in a careless voice while eagle-sharp eyes take stock of the realities around him that make me always choose the Scarlet Pimpernel as my favorite swashbuckling hero! 🙂

    Thanks for the lovely excerpt, Jack!! I would **love** a copy of your latest book! 😀

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. Far be it for me to disagree, but what about Flynn and Rathbone in The Adventures of Robin Hood? Their duel was the highlight of the film. And don’t forget Stewart Granger and James Mason in 1952’s The Prisoner of Zelda.

      Thanks!

    • Laura H on August 9, 2016 at 6:59 am
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    My favorite has to be the Errol Flynn Robin Hood. It is the first adventure/action movie I can remember seeing and always find it just as exciting any time I watch it.
    Thanks for sharing the excertpt with us.

    • Jane axelrid on December 22, 2019 at 11:32 pm
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    I have always absolutely adored the Scarlet pimpernel since I saw first the Leslie Howard version and then
    The Anthony Andrews version on TV. I have read all of the Baroness Orczy pimpernel series which I found to my delight at my local library. I love the character of Sire Percy both as the fop and the pimpernel, the cleverness of his disguises, the way he handles his nemesis Chauvelin, the love he has for Marguerite and the honor and loyalty he practices. To me, he is the perfect romantic hero. I have both movies on DVD and watch them from time to time.

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