The third instalment. We start getting into Amelia Peabody territory here, when Marion goes to the rescue of her husband and brother-in-law who are being held to ransom by Central American partisans. We also have the Rider Haggard trope of the lost city and the fabulous riches to be found there. Rather fun, especially when Marion starts channeling Marie Stopes.

I read this third one out of order, which doesn’t affect the storyline much. And does let you see how nicely Clough has foreshadowed future episodes. This is Marian’s first overseas adventure, a rescue mission that leads to exploration of indigenous Mayan communities in the former British Honduras. Are there some Mary Sue-ish moments? Yes. But they’re amusingly tongue-in-cheek. And the continual culling of their “real” adventures in each installment into a further distilled set of sensational novels in the book is a blast. The Marian Holcombe saga continues to be a great ripping yarn. ( )

A new exciting adventure from Marian Halcombe. She travels to Central America, to save her husband, who left on a rescue expedition, with a ransom of weapons. An eventful sea voyage, many coincidences and loose ends come together. The story is again alternately told by Marian and her brother-in-law Hartright, a good option.
Is thrown between the lines: American civil war, anti-slavery movement Great Britain, contraception, loss of Maya culture.Light-footed, decent historical sketch, nice reading. ( )