Crime

Overall, I think most readers will say this novel has a somewhat superficial style to it. It does, they are correct, but that is not a bad thing. In fact it is because some of the scenes are so “expected” that the novel is delightful. For example, there is an amusing scene in chapter eight with Gisele that is light-hearted and contrived, but maybe do not take it so seriously and enjoy the fun of it!

Do not get me wrong, this is not great literature, but I am really glad I read it – and not just because of the speediness of reading it.

It surprises me that I enjoyed this so much and was so affected by it. I really enjoyed the Anna storyline. I actually came to like the characters more than I would have thought possible in such a spare and “tropey” novel. It was a nice spot of interesting fun for a speedy read. This is good for readers who need a fast novel without a lot of word count. ( )

The surprises start from the first page and they keep coming. This is the first book I've read by The Eagle has Landed author Jack Higgins. The plot and the writing is tight.

Secret agent Paul Chavasse's task is to get back the manuscript of a high-ranking Nazi's memoir. The memoir's content reputedly reveals prominent people on the Allied side sympathetic to the Nazis. More than that, it names the Englishman who will head the Nazi the government in Britain.

Chavasse isn't the only one after the manuscript. He gets out of the usual tight spots requisite of this genre. The surprises are there too.

If you're after a quick read, you'll enjoy this. It was first published in 1962 and had stood the test of time. ( )

This is a book I wanted to like. A thriller set in the cold war sounded cool to me, but unfortunately the execution just fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional, and much of the plot and activity of the book just didn't make sense. I understand it was written many years ago and shows its age. I just wish the book would have had more zing. ( )

This is the first time we encounter super spy Paul Chavasse. For fans of Higgins later novels starring Sean Dillon this seems to be where the character begins.

Caspar Shultz is one of the most prominent Nazis yet to be brought to justice, he was in the bunker in the final days with Bormann & Hitler.

It has come to light that he has written his memoirs and intends to publish them. This will cause embarrassment to British sympathisers at the time and also provide evidence against a number of Nazis that have kept the crimes they committed under the radar.

The British get Paul Chavasse on the case, a man who only wants to get the job done and doesn't mind killing a few people in the process. He is joined by a Jewish group who have made it their ambition to bring Nazis to justice for war crimes. Ultimately he falls in love with Anna, one of their agents.

Pitched against the deadly Inspector Steiner & Doctor Kruger, who will reach manuscript first, or for that matter, even remain alive.

Originally written under the pen name Martin Fallon, this is an early Higgins offering, certainly not up there with The Eagle has Landed, but worth a look. ( )