Overview

This is an odd collection of short stories featuring a criminal Count's chauffeur around 1910. The stories of the heists are off-kilter, since for most of the story we are in the dark like the chauffeur, and the heist is revealed at the end of the story.

Story Structure

The heist stories dominate the first half of the book, then the second half has the chauffeur have some adventures of his own while driving around Britain and continental Europe.

Themes and Appeal

The driving is the key in the book, since it reads like a vicarious road trip for readers of the time, especially for those who fantasised about meeting gorgeous women along the way. If you ever wondered what it was like getting a car and driving in the early days of motoring, especially in Europe, this is the book for you! (Goodreads)