I'm having a little trouble getting into it. It doesn't grab you right off like other MacLean's. But, I'm about 50 pages in now and it's picking up. Will probably finish this week a Harold's going home for Spring Break.
From the description on the back, I expected it to be like a Michael Crighton book and from the first chapter I expected more like a Sherlock Holmes, yet it didn't turn out like either. I did really enjoy reading it, especially the last 100 pages or so when the action picked up.
I liked the twists and turns. I was glad that MacLean didn't give us all the information, even about the lead character, at the beginning because it kept it fresh. However, I do wish we had more of an opportunity to determine "who dunnit". I kept trying to guess and then I would learn new information that would make me change my mind again. Needless to say, I never did guess correctly.
What is fitting about this book is that even though it was written over 40 years ago, it could still happen today. The idea of a biological weapon getting into the wrong hands is still so very possible.
I have a favorite passage to make note of, it is on page 114 of my 1962 Fawcett addition: "I sighted as best I could and squeezed the trigger. Three things happened, instantaneously and simultaneously. The recoil from the gun, together with the unnatural position in which I was holding it, made me feel as if my right thumb had broken: the reverberation fo sound in that confined space had the same effect on my eardrums; and I felt a wind ruffle my hair as the ricocheting bullet, soundless in flight in that echoing intensity of sound, came within half an inch of ending my problems for good and all. And a fouth thing happened. I missed." I love this passage. He goes into such detail describing the action and then... I missed.
Joy, Spoiler alert! Don't read any farther! . . . . . . As a MacLean book, this one didn't disappoint. Lots of Whiskey, lots of espionage. I loved how the plot twisted around itself - I suspected the correct person at the very beginning, then after the interview at his apartment I changed my mind and suspected Weybridge or whatever his name was, and then after Mary got the phone call about Pierre's ears I was convinced that she was the one behind it all.. And then it turns out that my initial gut instinct was correct! However, I was way off on the motive; I was sure he was going to link back to either Russia, Cuba or Korea. Nobody expects the Italian Inquisition!
Towards the end, I was sure that Mary was somehow going to get loose from her chair and save the day. And while she did help, I thought she'd have a bigger role.
Also, I'd just like to say that I wish cover artists would READ the book before slapping some art on the front. My book shows a barefoot Mary being held at gunpoint by a very short Gregori in front of a blue volkswagon beetle. Never was there a blue punch bug mentioned in the book, and the fact that Mary was wearing pointy-toed shoes was crucial to the ending! Meh!
I had a few favorite lines too, I'll post them later tonight. In college I always used an index card as my bookmark. I could jot down page numbers and ideas as they came upon me while reading, then I'd leave the card in the book for future reference. I can see I'm going to have to start doing that again, as there were several pasages that struck me as noteworthy at the time, but sitting here now I can't even remember what they were discussing! (curse you, brain!)
In response to your postcard, M, I do prefer books with female leads. I think it's because I can empathize more with them. I've never quite understood that whole male bonding thing, and I often have trouble understanding the motivation behind some male actions. In that regard I wish MacLean would give a little more substance to his female characters (when they actually appear and have more than a passing role).
To continue with MacLean I recommend Athabasca, Ice Station Zebra, Puppet on a Chain (this one is a little gruesome, Ken might enjoy it) and The Guns of Navarone. Goodbye Calfornia was ok, but a little far fetched, in my opinion.
Some fave parts: From Chapter 9: "Much trouble with the steel box?" "Not with the size of hacksaw I use, sir."
I also loved the exchange between Hardanger and the traffic cop in Chapter 11: "You miserable nincompoop, I'll have you drummed out of the Force" Traffic cop gives plate # "Consider yourself reinstated"
I am halfway through this book and thoroughly enjoying it. It is reminding me of an old TV spy show and I cannot place it, something like Dragnet or Columbo, not sure.
Anyway, some of these lines are cracking me up. "You were alone last night - and social drinkers don't drink alone. That's why they're social." OMG.
There is not nearly as much drinking in this book as in others.
Well the drinking did pick up towards the end of the book but not nearly as bad as some of MacLean's books. The drinking in this book at least as some reason behind it. I'll have to look and see where this book was in MacLean's list of books. Some of his were at the height of his alcoholism.
I did enjoy the book. I suspected Gregori at first (just because he was "foreign") and then changed my mind half way through since there seemed to be no focus on him at all, then thought maybe that's why there is no chapter about him because he IS the guy. And to think he was an ex-communicated American, I can see how MacLean judges us!
Here's one of my favorite lines (besides the social drinking), the attendant in the garage "had been expertly bound and gagged by someone who had not stopped to consider the price of scotch tape."
I like MacLean's books because I never feel like I should skim or skip any part; I'll miss some good line!
The cover of my book has sketches of 2 buildings which I did assume were part of the Mordon complex but now I see there are trees so it must be London. I think this would make a good movie especially the helicopter piece at the end.
Another MacLean book I would like to read is HMS Ullyses, it was his first novel. Pick that one next, Ang! Or I will on one of my turns.
8 comments:
I have my book and am about 1/2 way in. I'm enjoying it; good choice.
I'm having a little trouble getting into it. It doesn't grab you right off like other MacLean's. But, I'm about 50 pages in now and it's picking up. Will probably finish this week a Harold's going home for Spring Break.
From the description on the back, I expected it to be like a Michael Crighton book and from the first chapter I expected more like a Sherlock Holmes, yet it didn't turn out like either. I did really enjoy reading it, especially the last 100 pages or so when the action picked up.
I liked the twists and turns. I was glad that MacLean didn't give us all the information, even about the lead character, at the beginning because it kept it fresh. However, I do wish we had more of an opportunity to determine "who dunnit". I kept trying to guess and then I would learn new information that would make me change my mind again. Needless to say, I never did guess correctly.
What is fitting about this book is that even though it was written over 40 years ago, it could still happen today. The idea of a biological weapon getting into the wrong hands is still so very possible.
I have a favorite passage to make note of, it is on page 114 of my 1962 Fawcett addition: "I sighted as best I could and squeezed the trigger. Three things happened, instantaneously and simultaneously. The recoil from the gun, together with the unnatural position in which I was holding it, made me feel as if my right thumb had broken: the reverberation fo sound in that confined space had the same effect on my eardrums; and I felt a wind ruffle my hair as the ricocheting bullet, soundless in flight in that echoing intensity of sound, came within half an inch of ending my problems for good and all. And a fouth thing happened. I missed." I love this passage. He goes into such detail describing the action and then... I missed.
I'm anxious to read more of MacLean now!
My copy has not yet arrived. Hopefully before EASTER! Then I'll catch up with y'all.
Joy,
Spoiler alert!
Don't read any farther!
.
.
.
.
.
.
As a MacLean book, this one didn't disappoint. Lots of Whiskey, lots of espionage. I loved how the plot twisted around itself - I suspected the correct person at the very beginning, then after the interview at his apartment I changed my mind and suspected Weybridge or whatever his name was, and then after Mary got the phone call about Pierre's ears I was convinced that she was the one behind it all.. And then it turns out that my initial gut instinct was correct! However, I was way off on the motive; I was sure he was going to link back to either Russia, Cuba or Korea. Nobody expects the Italian Inquisition!
Towards the end, I was sure that Mary was somehow going to get loose from her chair and save the day. And while she did help, I thought she'd have a bigger role.
Also, I'd just like to say that I wish cover artists would READ the book before slapping some art on the front. My book shows a barefoot Mary being held at gunpoint by a very short Gregori in front of a blue volkswagon beetle. Never was there a blue punch bug mentioned in the book, and the fact that Mary was wearing pointy-toed shoes was crucial to the ending! Meh!
I had a few favorite lines too, I'll post them later tonight.
In college I always used an index card as my bookmark. I could jot down page numbers and ideas as they came upon me while reading, then I'd leave the card in the book for future reference. I can see I'm going to have to start doing that again, as there were several pasages that struck me as noteworthy at the time, but sitting here now I can't even remember what they were discussing! (curse you, brain!)
In response to your postcard, M, I do prefer books with female leads. I think it's because I can empathize more with them. I've never quite understood that whole male bonding thing, and I often have trouble understanding the motivation behind some male actions. In that regard I wish MacLean would give a little more substance to his female characters (when they actually appear and have more than a passing role).
To continue with MacLean I recommend Athabasca, Ice Station Zebra, Puppet on a Chain (this one is a little gruesome, Ken might enjoy it) and The Guns of Navarone. Goodbye Calfornia was ok, but a little far fetched, in my opinion.
Some fave parts:
From Chapter 9:
"Much trouble with the steel box?"
"Not with the size of hacksaw I use, sir."
I also loved the exchange between Hardanger and the traffic cop in Chapter 11:
"You miserable nincompoop, I'll have you drummed out of the Force"
Traffic cop gives plate #
"Consider yourself reinstated"
I am halfway through this book and thoroughly enjoying it. It is reminding me of an old TV spy show and I cannot place it, something like Dragnet or Columbo, not sure.
Anyway, some of these lines are cracking me up. "You were alone last night - and social drinkers don't drink alone. That's why they're social." OMG.
There is not nearly as much drinking in this book as in others.
Well the drinking did pick up towards the end of the book but not nearly as bad as some of MacLean's books. The drinking in this book at least as some reason behind it. I'll have to look and see where this book was in MacLean's list of books. Some of his were at the height of his alcoholism.
I did enjoy the book. I suspected Gregori at first (just because he was "foreign") and then changed my mind half way through since there seemed to be no focus on him at all, then thought maybe that's why there is no chapter about him because he IS the guy. And to think he was an ex-communicated American, I can see how MacLean judges us!
Here's one of my favorite lines (besides the social drinking), the attendant in the garage "had been expertly bound and gagged by someone who had not stopped to consider the price of scotch tape."
I like MacLean's books because I never feel like I should skim or skip any part; I'll miss some good line!
The cover of my book has sketches of 2 buildings which I did assume were part of the Mordon complex but now I see there are trees so it must be London. I think this would make a good movie especially the helicopter piece at the end.
Another MacLean book I would like to read is HMS Ullyses, it was his first novel. Pick that one next, Ang! Or I will on one of my turns.
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