Eight stars
Having long been a fan of Nelson DeMille, I thought about trying some of his earlier work to see how it compares to the more recent novels. While this book is less about the slapstick humour, the narrative depth and the impact of a Cold War theme, DeMille delivers a great novel that is sure to keep the reader hooked until the very end. DeMille knows his stuff and provides a chilling story that explores both sides of the US-Soviet divide, as well as some poignant (for the time) thoughts about the clash and how each side could advance their views. DeMille proves that he is a stellar writer, even without the strong humour to his writing.
There has been a rumour that the Soviets planted a secret agent inside the CIA over forty years ago. Talbot is somewhere, though no one is quite sure who the mole could be. European agents are likely some who have died with the intel Talbot provided, leaving many within the Agency feeling an added pressure to capture the agent to neutralise the flow to Soviet intelligence.
When a former NYPD officer is brought in to assess the situation, he uncovers a significant amount of espionage and murder within the city. There is something going on here that could tip the scales. Add to that, a civil protest of a Russian mission proves to be more than it seems, perhaps a part of a larger strike to dilute to Soviet's power on US soil.
With Talbot still on the loose and sending more intel, news comes that there could be a new strike that could cripple not only New York, but the US government at its core. Now, with little time to waste, the plan will have to be foiled and Talbot captured. While the US has been waiting for years to see this happen, Talbot has a date in mind to ensure his mother country falls to its knees. Nelson DeMille pens a wonderful piece of Cold War espionage and keeps the reader hooked until the final pages.
While I have long come to respect Nelson DeMille as a great writer whose humour spills onto every page, it would seem his earlier work is more content heavy than off the cuff slapstick. The narrative grows with each passing page and the tension increases exponentially. DeMille develops a strong story and great characters who flavour the story effectively, while trying to chase down many fears and worries. Told from both sides of the US-Soviet divide, DeMille provides an interesting dual perspective for the reader to enjoy as they make their way through this one.
Plot points in Cold War era novels can usually be quite predictable; us versus them. While this is the case, DeMille builds the tension and peppers the story with some twists to keep things moving in an unpredictable fashion. There is little time to ponder all this, as the story is so thick with action and sly determination. I enjoyed this earlier DeMille story and will be sure to read more of them to offset the more recent witty repartee for which I have come to expect from the author.
Kudos, Mr. DeMille, for a great piece of your earlier work!
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