Beau Geste by PC Wren

I read about this book in the Introduction of the The Scarlet Pimpernel and decided to read it, as well as a handful of others mentioned. This is one reason I like reading Introductions, to find out about other books to read, NOT the identity of the main character (as previoulsy posted Introductions aren't always a good idea to read before you read the book). I really enjoyed Beau Geste and was very much reminded of the Heath Ledger movie, "The Four Feathers," though there are obvious plot differences.

A company of French legionnaires in Africa discovers one of their forts in the middle of the desert where all the men have been killed, but afterwards propped up in a fighting position, hats on, rifles in hand. All except the commander of the fort who is found lying on the ground, killed by a bullet wound to the chest, presumably by one of his own men, but not a living soul is to be found.

Flashback to the lives of the three Geste brothers who have been living with their aunt and cousins in England. Told from the viewpoint of the youngest brother, one night as everyone is standing around the table admiring their aunt's famous sapphire, the Blue Water, the lights go out and when they come back on the sapphire is gone. The aunt demands to know who has taken it, and when no one confesses, demands it be returned by morning. Everyone goes to bed, everyone suspicious of everyone else. In the morning, no sapphire. The three Geste brothers seem to be the center of suspicion, so one by one they leave the estate, each leaving a letter saying they took the sapphire and the others are all innocent. But where do they all go?

Beautiful book about brotherly love. Other reviews about this book seemed to feel the pace was too slow or there wasn't enough fighting or French Legion stuff, but I disagree. Its not a historical fiction book about the French Legion. It is about the relationship of the brothers and their characters. I loved it. Apparently there was a movie made as well in 1939 (on my netflix list now). Thumbs UP for the book.