Last Laugh is the fifth of six Mr. Moto books by author John P. Marquand.
He created the Japanese detective in 1935, and Last Laugh was published in 1942. As popular as Charlie Chan - indeed one of the most popular fictions ever to be serialized in American magazines - several hits movies were made starring Peter Lorre as Mr. Moto, the quiet detective often disguised, watching from the background. Seemingly a harmless eccentric, he is underestimated by almost everyone until they gradually realize his formidable character. His way is not to burst in guns blazing, he waits until the whole story unfolds before firmly setting everyone straight and revealing the culprit.
Last Laugh had a rather unexpected tone, where it is unclear whose motives, including Moto's are for good.
Robert Bolles is a sailor running the Thistlewood out of Kingston Harbour, Jamaica. He is approached by a rich socialite couple from New York to rent a boat out to deserted Mercator Island. Although they say they are married, the wife is distinctly nervous as well as openly attracted to Bolles. Mr. Moto watches from his Japanese curio shop as they prepare for the journey. Along the way, Bob pieces together the local gossip, and information from his old friends in the navy that a plane has crashed on an island nearby which contains a test instrument, a new type of radar.
It seems the French, the Japanese, the English, the Americans, and assorted mercenaries are all after the prize, and Bolles must sort out who among his passengers is telling the truth. Once on the island it becomes clear that, although they are working together for the moment, there is will be only one victor and several dead bodies. Enter Mr. Moto, who has tracked them to the island along with the British police, with his own reasons for finding the mysterious instrument. It is a deadly serious business.
Last Laugh, Mr. Moto was much more complex than I had expected. A little less 'fun', as well. Like Charlie Chan, if you have only seen the movie versions with their airy quality, you will be surprised at the cutthroat tone of the novels. They mean business and when violence erupts it's with the calm inevitability of people just doing what the job requires. It's cold and calculating with only one winner. Along with mounting tension there is a dread over the passengers, as Bob realizes he is no longer useful and becoming a loose end. How he manages to work the situation, and how Mr. Moto fits in, makes for an interesting and intense read.
Recommended, especially for fans of spy fiction like Ian Fleming.
Other Mr. Moto thrillers I have reviewed:
1942 / Paperback / 158 pages
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