Dr. Nikola Returns is the second in a series of popular thrillers featuring evil genius Dr. Nikola. Unlike the first book, Dr. Nikola features far more in the plot of the second book, and this is a big improvement. The story is told from the perspective of a Brit recruited by Dr. Nikola in Shanghai to help in a planned excursion through China and Tibet. This is really just a narrative device, because the Brit is not actually needed for most of the plot. The plot itself is just as daft as the plot for the first novel, and only works with a very heavy dose of suspension-of-disbelief. In addition to this, the plot involves the late 19th century obsession with lost/hidden kingdoms, and that can't be bad for a bit of period atmosphere. Plant you tongue firmly in your cheek, and enjoy this piece of trivial hokum.