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The Five Arrows   By: (1913-)

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In Allan Chase's intriguing novel, The Five Arrows, readers are treated to a captivating blend of mystery, history, and adventure. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Chase weaves together a story centered around a diverse group of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.

The narrative unfolds in a remote British village, where five estranged childhood friends find themselves unexpectedly reunited under mysterious circumstances. As they delve deeper into their shared past, they uncover a series of shocking secrets that threaten not only their own lives but the entire nation. The author skillfully constructs a complex web of deception and intrigue, keeping readers completely engrossed until the very last page.

Chase's meticulous attention to historical detail shines through, bringing the era to life with vivid descriptions of the era's societal norms, global conflicts, and the immense pressures faced by everyone involved. The atmosphere he creates is palpable, transporting readers to a time and place where danger lurks around every corner and trust is a luxury no one can afford.

The Five Arrows boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality, flaws, and desires. From the enigmatic local detective to the charming spy, Chase skillfully develops his characters, making them relatable and multidimensional. Their personal struggles and interactions drive the story forward, allowing readers to become emotionally invested in their fates.

One of the book's notable strengths lies in its deft pacing. Chase masterfully balances the intricate plot with moments of tension and suspense, never allowing the story to become stagnant or predictable. Just when readers think they have everything figured out, another twist sends the narrative hurtling in a completely unexpected direction, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.

While The Five Arrows exhibits an abundance of strengths, there are a few minor drawbacks worth mentioning. In some instances, the dialogue feels overly formal and stilted, detracting slightly from the natural flow of the story. Additionally, a few plot threads seemed unresolved or rushed towards the end, leaving lingering questions that would have benefited from further exploration.

Despite these minor shortcomings, The Five Arrows is an exceptionally well-crafted and engaging read. Allan Chase's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make for an unforgettable literary experience. Fans of historical mysteries and espionage thrillers will find themselves thoroughly entertained by this thought-provoking tale of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring power of secrets. The Five Arrows is a testament to Chase's skill as a writer and guarantees a riveting journey for any reader willing to embark upon it.

First Page:

E text prepared by Mark C. Orton, Mary Meehan, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)

Transcriber's note:

Extensive research indicates the copyright on this book was not renewed.

THE FIVE ARROWS

by

ALLAN CHASE

Random House New York

Chapter one

The governor's wife pointed across the bay to a speck in the black sky. Ground lights in Catanzas were focusing their blue shafts on the speck, moving as the plane moved, one light trying to lead the ship.

A thin stream of glowing red and orange tracer bullets soared up at the plane from the Catanzas side of the bay. A moment passed before the Governor's guests on the terrace of La Fortaleza could hear the muffled thud thud of the distant ground batteries. Someone, the wife of a visiting government official, exclaimed, "My goodness, I've only seen this in the newsreels before!"

Now the plane veered, slowly, and the lights from the San Juan side joined the Catanzas batteries in pinning the plane to the dark clouds. The sleeve target fastened to the tail of the plane could now be seen from the terrace. Most of the Governor's guests gasped as the first bright jets of tracers missed the silver sleeve and sailed into the black void above it. The ack ack batteries were speaking with more harshness now; one of them, planted between two brick buildings, added crashing echoes to their own reports as the guns went off... Continue reading book >>




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