Doctor Syn

Having visited Rye wanted to read some historic fiction. What better to read than Dr Syn, most of which is based in Dymchurch in Kent. But some of it is also set in Watchbell Street, Rye. Thoroughly enjoyable tale, being read for the second time, of scholar, vicar, smuggler, Dr Syn.
Read again after visiting Rye again and Dymchurch. Love the scenes in Rye with Imogene, the Whyllies and 'that insufferable coxcomb Captain Tuffton...' Good fun...

A strange mystery/horror tale of smuggling, demons and pirates. Fairly good even if it does seem to go a bit too weird towards the end.

Doctor Syn is vicar of the little fishing village of Dymchurch in Kent. It is the turn of the 18th century and smuggling is rife in the area.A number of King's men,led by Captain Collyer appear in the village determined to capture the gang. It also seems that ghostly figures riding phantom horses are abroad at nights terrorizing the villagers. In a series of skirmishes between the King's men and the smugglers gang it is difficult to know the good from the bad as both sides use cruel and underhand methods to gain their ends.
Originally written in 1915 by the brother of Dame Sybil Thorndyke as a stand-alone novel,it eventually became the first in a very popular series at the time. Long out of print,this edition fills a long needed want show more among readers who desire a tale of smuggling of long ago. show less

I think half the reason I find this book so fascinating is that it is based in my home village and I grew up in one of the houses mentioned in the book

A marvelous, swashbuckling adventure and a true classic.