Description
By: Harold MacGrath (1871-1932)
The Drums of Jeopardy by Harold MacGrath is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Set in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, the story follows the protagonist, Boris Karlov, as he seeks revenge on the men responsible for his family’s downfall.
The fast-paced plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next. The characters are well-developed and engaging, drawing readers in and making them invest emotionally in their fates.
MacGrath’s writing is crisp and evocative, bringing to life the dark and dangerous world of post-revolutionary Russia. The tension builds steadily throughout the novel, culminating in a satisfying and dramatic conclusion that ties up all loose ends.
Overall, The Drums of Jeopardy is a gripping and enthralling read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and suspense. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive story.
Book Description:
The Drums of Jeopardy is a 1920 American novel by Harold MacGrath. The story was serialized by the The Saturday Evening Post beginning in January of 1920.
In 1922 the book was made into a Broadway play and the following year a motion picture. A second film version appeared in 1931.
It is said that a young Boris Karloff, who previously had a few uncredited film roles, chose his stage name for his first screen credit in 1920 from a Russian mad scientist character named “Boris Karlov” in this novel. The name “Boris Karlov” was used from MacGrath’s book for the 1922 Broadway play, but by 1923 with actor Boris Karloff using the similar sounding variation, the film version renamed the character, played by Wallace Beery, “Gregor Karlov.” In the 1931 film version, however, with Warner Oland playing the character, the mad scientist’s name is restored to “Boris Karlov,” less than a year before Frankenstein would make Boris Karloff a household word for generations. Ironically, Boris Karloff would play many mad scientists on screen, but never “Boris Karlov.”
