Shamus Frazer (1912–1966)

I read this repeatedly in my younger years. It has a plot that twists and turns, was an exciting read, plus I was familiar with the locations mentioned and could see the places quite vividly in my head, back then!!! I sourced a copy of this from a bookseller online some years ago, just to read it again, also thinking that my children, might enjoy it too. After it arrived, I put it on the book shelf and then promptly forgot all about it, and it being a slim copy, got hidden away amongst the show more ever growing pile of TBR’s. I finally picked it up to read it this week. It fits in nicely with an item on one of the reading challenge lists that I am doing this year … “Re-read a Favourite!” The story appeared in parts as a serial in the Sunday Times, Singapore 1953. The book was first published in 1955; this edition, 1958 and it’s been reprinted many times over. It was a popular read in Malaysia and Singapore where I grew up. Most of places described in the book are still there today but things have changed. Life is busier now, there are new roads, buildings, lots of traffic and less trees, … but It was great to be able to read the book again. It’s a book for the younger reader, but its also one that all ages would enjoy. show less

I'll have to re-read and then write a proper review.
I had an elementary school experience, witnessing a "crime", and this story connects me to that memory. This frozen feeling of not being able to go back and help. As an adult no problem, I have the skills now, but as a child I was at the mercy of my terror and the body's reaction. My friend and I have "survivor's guilt" about it.

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"Reading Acorned Hog. Shamus Frazer is immensely entertaining - he and I might have a little in common I feel. No need for modesty in a diary. Now I want to write something more fantastic about a girl called Gabriella." (Diary entry, 9 September 1933.) (Pym, A very private eye. Macmillan, 1984. p. 26.)