Title: Intrigue At 404 Appalling Street
Author: George S. Haines
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 9781546233954
Pages: 244
Genre: Fiction / Mystery
Reviewed by: Jake Bishop
Pacific Book Review
Mysteries and adventure stories come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This one comes in the shape of an abandoned old mansion and the size of one tale being continued as perhaps another one begins. Intrigue At 404 Appalling Street is actually a sequel to author George S. Haines’s previous novel, The Legend of the Bent Organ Pipes. Readership of the first story would aid in comprehension of the second, but it is certainly not necessary to enjoy the latter as the author goes out of his way to reprise facts and information that fill in appropriate blanks.
This charming and humorous tome is chocked full of law officers and villains locked in both mental and physical conflicts. The physical combat is comically staged and the mental jousting appropriately conceived so that readers of all ages can become engrossed in the ongoing malevolent machinations without fear of running into overly objectionable language or shockingly sordid situations.
Set in 1947, the majority of the action takes place in a small town in Indiana. The primary antagonist is Colonel Helmut Schmidt, a German ex-tank commander who escaped death or capture in World War II and now finds himself in the American mid- west trying to come up with money that will enable him to flee to South America. Known as the infamous Red Fox, he hatches a plan to find what he believes to be a hidden cache of gold in a dilapidating mansion.
Soon however, his primary goal is amended when he believes he can take part in the development of a secret chemical formula that can lead to mind control and thus, even more power and wealth. Red Fox is aided in his endeavors by Bruno, a rather addled- brained miscreant who served under him in the war. They are joined by Hilda, a lovely and intelligent femme fatale who may or may not be what she seems.
Opposing Red Fox, is a cadre of characters bent on thwarting his evil intent. They are led by Sheriff Neverfine, Inspector Snooper, investigators Sam and Howie Newbald, and FBI man Peter Guardless. They become intricately involved as the scoundrels’ comings and goings begin to be noticed by a somewhat nosy neighbor who has her own secrets to hide—at least for a while. Suspense continues to build, as it often does in tales such as these, until a wild climax ensues that has good guys taking on bad even as the latter begin to turn on one another.
The names of the players who find themselves between the pages of author Haines’s narrative give you some indication of the overall tone of his tale. It’s meant to involve and intrigue and entertain with a sly smile and a kind heart—even if his lawbreakers seem to lack either. Plus, there’s definitely an indication that this won’t be the last adventure for the writer’s good guys.
If you like your literature light, whimsical, and fun, be on the lookout for Intrigue At 404 Appalling Street and even more to come from author George S. Haines.
