Valentine Williams (1883–1946)

An interesting story of espionage during World War I. Although some of the words in the story are not in today's lexicon, and although the story contained many German words and phrases, nevertheless, the plot and storyline were understandable, fast-paced, and collectively a page-turner. My only objection was with the ending----actually more of a postscript----that seemed overly complex and difficult to follow. Four stars may be a tad much, but three and one-half are warranted.

“The Return of Clubfoot” by Valentine Williams was a delightful novel about a treasure hunt on a Pacific Island by the intrepid Major Okewood. The circumstances of how Okewood gains knowledge of the treasure and the subsequent pursuit by Okewood's nemesis, Clubfoot, made for a fast-paced, suspenseful, and entertaining read highlighted by a romantic interest and a satisfying ending. The only drawback was the frequent passages in German that lacked translation into English – translations show more that would have added to the average non-German speaking reader's enjoyment. show less

Desmond Okewood is a young British officer in the First World War who goes to Germany on an important secret mission. The Kaiser has written a letter which both the British and the Germans are eager to get their hands on. Desmond has a series of misadventures and soon attracts the unwelcome attention of Dr. Adolf Grundt,known as 'Clubfoot'. This German agent is the most cunning and dangerous man in the whole country and he wants not only the Kaiser's letter,but the capture and death of show more Desmond Okewood.
The story-line and the characters are well described in a John Buchanish way,that although slightly dated,still stand the test of time on the whole. show less

A classic crime story with a better than average plot.