If you have actually gotten this far down the page and you haven't read any of Mr. Taylor's work, nor yet been persuaded to do so, I'm not sure what more could be said to rectify that extremely unfortunate situation. Taylor is one of the best young writers of our age, and despite having set the bar at extreme heights, he once again delivers a can't-put-it-down tale of what may be the premiere adventure series being written today. (Not just written, of course...the Terrific Twosome of Toronto can be found in audio drama format and graphic novel form as well...) If you're going to talk 1930's pulp action, then a visit to the pyramids of Egypt is almost mandatory. Taylor takes a not-unfamiliar trope and re-frames it to make it both the familiar setting of B-movies and pulp adventures of years past, and, at the same time, something brand new and as-yet-unseen. Of all the things that make the "Tales of the Red Panda" work, though, is the characterization the leads, and neither Kit nor August (the Flying Squirrel and Red Panda, for those who somehow might possibly not yet know this) have ever been better. There are a few faces familiar to old fans, but, if this is your first visit to the "Pandaverse", no worries; this is a fine place to start, and I have no doubts that, having read this story, you will be back for more.Depending on when you're reading this, it might be too late for a Christmas present... but, let's face it, you've been *extra* good this year and are completely deserving of a treat no matter what the season. So pick up this tale (and, while you're at it, the other three books in the series) and settle yourself down for some pretty terrific two-fisted action.