Donald Hamilton (1) (1916–2006)

What starts as a straight forward assassination attempt ends up as a rather strange book, story that is about much much more than shooting people.

Paul Nyquist seems to be a prototype of an assassin gunsmith (echoes of this type of character can be found in later books by other authors, like "The Very Private Gentleman"). Man very much at peace with himself, consummate professional and most importantly - human being.

Story is told from Nyquist's point of view. We follow him as he tries to navigate the rather weird relationship he has with the local criminal kingpin Carl (who hires him for the job mentioned above). Carl, outright megalomaniac and sadist seems to constantly be on the verge of ordering Paul getting killed. This very dynamic between the two, constant testing of boundaries, jousting and getting Carl's thugs embarrassed ever so often is what drives the story. As we follow our hero we are given very realistic comments when it comes to guns and gun-handling. Nyquist shares with us the full knowledge of expert gun-smith and while his backstory remains very much in the shadows we see that he is a man who dedicated life to guns and gun-fighting.

Another interesting aspect of the story is Nyquist's view of life. While it might be interpreted in one way as a fatalistic it is for all means and purposes view coming from a man who knows himself, his abilities and, while trying to avoid conflicts, when he sees injustice he knows how to end the fight (Reacher would be another comparison here). I wont go into details here in order not to ruin the experience for others but our hero has a problem or two of his own that he needs to live with and can be a role-model that even when one finds oneself in dire straits one needs to keep on living to the best of his abilities.

Very interesting hero, coupled with very interestingly presented man-woman relationship. I wish there were more books like this around. I have seen less character building in books three times the size.

Story is not fast, action scene after action scene, there is lots of dialogue in here, lots of introspection. But for me it was quite a ride and - thanks to the author's style - very fast read. I just could not stop once I started it.

If you are interested in guns, you will like it. If you like stoics give this book a shot. If you like stories of shrewd heroes, fighting for good and always ready to do the right thing you will like this book.

Finally if you like "smart" action books, this one is highly recommended.… (mere)

Matt Helm is back in action. After carrying out assassination in South America he accidentally crosses paths with a person from the past - ex-Nazi general doing some shadowy work with the pro-communist rebels. After losing their leader rebels start disintegrating but presence of high ranking Nazi general is something completely unexpected and possibly situation that can have very serious effect on the security of the US.
Further investigation reveals ex-Nazi identity and his involvement with the war-crimes during WW2. But what was he doing with the rebels?

Puzzled by this chance encounter Helm's agency sends him to northern parts of Mexico to figure out what exactly is going on and dispose of the said Nazi war-criminal.

As one can expect from Matt Helm adventure, story is fast-paced and Matt Helm is no-nonsense as usual. Man I like his approach to world and life.
Also interesting is the way author shows scars that undercover work leaves on the agents.

Highly recommended to all fans of action and thriller.… (mere)

Moral of the story - DON’T HITCHHIKE!

Elizabeth says “honey” way too much! So much that if you drank every time you read it, you’d be hammered long before chapter 8. It was extremely annoying. Also annoying - the many times she says, “I declare.” Seriously, who actually talks like her?

Basically, the bad guys try to substitute a hitchhiking Navy Lieutenant for another guy to cover up something that has to do with boats coming and going and things being couried. I honestly don't actually know what it was all about. Definitely not one of the better Hard Case Crime books, in my opinion.… (mere)