The Death Trade

Over the last 30 odd years, I have managed to read everything that Jack Higgins has published in the US. Although not Harvard Classics, they are normally very entertaining and a good way to pass a long flight. Some of his more recent books were becoming too formulaic, and I thought that it might be time to move on. This one renewed my faith. Probably his best since "The Flight of Eagles," there were plot twists throughout with a couple of good ones in the last ten percent of the book. Along with a new breadth of characters, some of the longstanding characters were less prominent in this book allow more plot variation and fodder for the future. I am actually quite glad that another Higgins book will cross my desk. If that were not to happen it would be like losing a long term friend.

Did Jack Higgins really write this book? It doesn't seem like him at all. The characters don't ring true to their history and the writing is stilted with sloppy, unlikely, conversation between the characters. I don't think I'm going to be able to finish reading this book. I always look forward to Higgins' next Sean Dillon story and I can hardly believe that I feel like I've wasted my money.

I rated three stars only because I haven't finished reading it,( and hoping for a vast improvement)but the way I feel at this point one would probably be more truthful.

Fast moving action. Easy to read, as it kept the reader's attention. Will recommend this book to all my friends.