Rating: 
Summary: More of the usual
Review: The Flashman books are always fun to read and this is no exception, but it is definitely not one of his best. I will at least say that this one is less self-consciously "full of good research" than some of them where the facts get in the way of the story (or perhaps it is more that Fraser does not wear his knowledge lightly).The main story about a plot against Franz-Josef's life really does hark back to Royal Flash, which I think is a real weakness. I found the whole plot rather far fetched even by Flashy's usual standards and why von Starnberg failed to kill him is really unbelievable. I do like his musings on the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but I felt that Hungarians surely were a bit happier after the establishment of the Dual Monarchy in 1866 so the reason for the plot seemed a little obscure to me. In short it was a bit of a rerun. The cheating at cards affair is really a little dull and only filler. The last story has the best bit about his adventures in the Zulu War, but I for one was disappointed that Fraser has now effectively ruined his chances of actually writing a good full-length Zulu Flashman which stood every chance of being a really good one. The Sherlock Holmes bit is marvellous vintage stuff, but very short and over soon. So for fans it will be fun, but not for first time readers.
Rating:
Summary: Good Flashman, not the best
Review: Were Sir Harry Flashman alive today he would doubtless be labelled a sociopath. Entirely self-centred, without conscience or care for others, he is a fascinating and entertaining character. His handsome looks ands silver tongue, his assiduous brown-nosing of his military and social superiors, and above all his fantastic good luck, bring him promotion, fame, honours and wealth. In his incredibly readable "memoirs" (Fraser maintains the fiction that he is but their "editor") Flashman recounts his experiences in an open and trenchant manner. If it happened between 1840 and 1900, and is in the history books, Flashman was there. His views on the great people and great events of the Nineteenth Century are a joy to read. In this book we do not have a narrative of one episode, but several shorter ones. They are as entertaining and informative as ever, but have a faint air of being "filler" and of going over old ground. One does not get one's teeth into the people and situations as one usually can. Nonetheless the book is well worth a read. The high spot for me was the brief encounter when Flashman crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes under most unusual circumstances. The great detective does not emerge with his reputation enhanced. Flashman devotees will need no urging to read this book. Beginners might be better with one of the novels. And I agree with the American reviewers: when are we to get the long-awaited volume dealing with Sir Harry's exploits in the Civil War? We know from his CV (resumé to Americans, I believe) that he manages to serve - a term no doubt applied loosely, knowing him - on both sides...
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