Meet--the Tiger!

Leslie Charteris’ Meet the Tiger serves as a light and engaging introduction to Simon Templar, better known as “The Saint.” One of the aspects I enjoyed most were the subtle Alice in Wonderland references, like “shoes and ships and ceiling wax,” which added a playful touch to the narrative. This whimsical tone carries throughout the novel, giving it a fun, self-aware quality. The novel doesn’t take itself too seriously, and this is evident in moments like Simon’s witty comment about Biddle ruining himself by not staying mysterious until chapter 30, almost breaking the fourth wall. While the pacing can be slow at times, it’s clear that this book lays the groundwork for the exciting adventures to follow. Overall, it’s a promising beginning to what would become a beloved series, even if the story itself feels more like a warm-up for what’s to come.