Macdonald Hastings (1909–1982)

another forgotten star

I am disappointed that I have only 2 of this series

Having rad both, will be looking for more

Cork may be portrayed as almost omnipresent/ omnipowerful, and hence is not "naturalistic" but with only a little suspension of belief, is one of the most interesting characters i have come across

Having said tha it is another early 20th century depiction...I wonder why I like that era so much given I was borne in the second half of that century

perhaps it is in part because it is not today / and contains human features and none of the internet/ personal devices etc !

Big Ship
12 September 2015… (mere)

MacDonald Hastings was a well-known journalist,author and editor. He was as a child educated by the Jesuits at Stonyhurst,where Conan Doyle and Charles Laughton among other well-known names were educated.
The book is largely concerned with the history of the Jesuit order from its foundation by St Ignatius.We are taken through the trials and tribulations of the order,many it has to be said self-administered. Also the work done by the early missionaries and the cruelty meted out to them,which makes uncomfortable reading. But at the same time this book also gives many interesting glimpses into the early life and career of Hastings himself.He started work at the War Office,quickly moved to a place at Lyons,where he held various jobs.He worked for 'Picture Post', 'The Eagle',and was the last editor of "The Strand Magazine'.
He also wrote a series of crime stories which feature Montague Cork.… (mere)

This is the last in the short series of books which feature Montague Cork. (American title - Cork on Location)
The book begins with Cork,who is the head of the Anchor Insurance Company,being interviewed on television about a collection of jewels which his company has undertaken to insure. These are on display in the studio to accompany the interview.
Shortly afterwards (needless to say)they are stolen and Cork attempts to recover them..
Despite the fact that he is quite an elderly,and not entirely fit man,he sets out on a long and dangerous journey after the criminals. There are shootings,fires,chases through snowdrifts and chloroforming galore.
Another triumph for Mr Montague Cork.… (mere)

This the first in the series of Montague Cork mysteries and in it we are transported to Scotland,by the bank of a Highland river. Here an elderly gentleman is fishing for salmon and when he finally gets a bite he has a tremendous struggle to land it. When he finally brings his catch to the surface however,it is not a salmon but a decaying body that he sees. Several weeks later Mr.Cork,Manager of the Anchor Insurance Co,receives a claim on the life of one Gabriel Daggers,who insured with the company a few months earlier.This man was the one whose body was fished out of the river in Scotland. Cork,who is also a fisherman decides to check up on the facts of the matter and at the same time give himself a fishing holiday.
From then on the story develops like a Richard Hannay adventure,with plenty of chases across the moors,shoot-outs and dirty deeds aplenty. The author was well versed in country pursuits,being an enthusiast in fishing and shooting,and thus was well able to write books such as this with an authentic voice.… (mere)