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Killmaster #3
Checkmate in Rio
The story takes place in January 1964. After the events described in "The China Doll", six AXE agents based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have been found mutilated and murdered in a short space of time. Nick Carter accompanied by fellow agent Rosalind Adler are sent to investigate.
- GenresEspionage
158 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1964
7 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Nick Carter
1,056 books45 followersNick Carter is a house pseudonym used by Award, Ace, and later Jove, publishing for the series Nick Carter who later graduated to a special agent for the Killmaster novels, a series of 261+ spy adventures published from 1964 until late 1990s.
A great number of writers have written under the pen-name over the years, beginning in September 1886 when Nick Carter first appeared in the 'New York Weekly' in a 13-week serial, entitled 'The Old Detective's Pupil; or, The Mysterious Crime of Madison Square'.
The Nick Carter character was originally conceived by Ormond G. Smith, the son of one of the founders of Street & Smith, and realized by John R. Coryell.
A great number of writers have written under the pen-name over the years, beginning in September 1886 when Nick Carter first appeared in the 'New York Weekly' in a 13-week serial, entitled 'The Old Detective's Pupil; or, The Mysterious Crime of Madison Square'.
The Nick Carter character was originally conceived by Ormond G. Smith, the son of one of the founders of Street & Smith, and realized by John R. Coryell.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 16, 2024
Another fun Killmaster. If you enjoyed the past ones you should enjoy this one as well. Lots of action and fun. This time on the sunny beach.
December 25, 2015
It’s December, so for me that means I take some time to do some bookshelf housekeeping by selecting some books that have languished on my shelves for years, just begging to not be overlooked anymore. I grew up on The Executioner books and The Destroyer books but I never did try a Nick Carter – Killmaster book…until now.
It’s pretty much what I expected: straight forward “men’s adventure” with a lot of spy action, both in and out of the bedroom (or on the beach in this case since we’re talking Rio). Nick Carter, top agent of “Axe” America’s super-secret intelligence force is sent to Rio to determine what has happened to their entire spy network there. There is a mystery element here but the ending is never in doubt, especially when you consider that this is book #3 out of 261. A number of different authors have written these books within the Killmaster series but this one was reportedly penned by Valerie Moolman in 1964.
For the uninitiated, the character of Nick Carter has a long and fascinating history, first appearing as a 19th century detective and adventurer in Street and Smith's “New York Weekly” dime novel, on September 18, 1886. That was one year before the appearance of Sherlock Holmes although he was still considered an American Holmes knock-off. From there he evolved through numerous reincarnations all the way up until the 1960’s when he was resurrected once again (this time as a spy) to capitalize on the popularity of the James Bond novels.
I am glad I can say that I have now read at least one of these books although, frankly, I am much more intrigued by his long ago versions. While this one was actually better than I expected it to be, I will need to try to get hold of one of those early detective novels to see what they are like…
It’s pretty much what I expected: straight forward “men’s adventure” with a lot of spy action, both in and out of the bedroom (or on the beach in this case since we’re talking Rio). Nick Carter, top agent of “Axe” America’s super-secret intelligence force is sent to Rio to determine what has happened to their entire spy network there. There is a mystery element here but the ending is never in doubt, especially when you consider that this is book #3 out of 261. A number of different authors have written these books within the Killmaster series but this one was reportedly penned by Valerie Moolman in 1964.
For the uninitiated, the character of Nick Carter has a long and fascinating history, first appearing as a 19th century detective and adventurer in Street and Smith's “New York Weekly” dime novel, on September 18, 1886. That was one year before the appearance of Sherlock Holmes although he was still considered an American Holmes knock-off. From there he evolved through numerous reincarnations all the way up until the 1960’s when he was resurrected once again (this time as a spy) to capitalize on the popularity of the James Bond novels.
I am glad I can say that I have now read at least one of these books although, frankly, I am much more intrigued by his long ago versions. While this one was actually better than I expected it to be, I will need to try to get hold of one of those early detective novels to see what they are like…
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March 8, 2025Jaque mate en río
January 6, 2010
The Good: There is an interesting undercurrent of revulsion towards the idea of womanizing (despite the genre). The plot is marvelously ludicrous.
The Bad: The action scenes are oddly flat. The "love scenes" are straight out of a Harlequin romance. Narrative drive is almost nil.
The Ugly: The sexism is not so over-the-top as to make it parody; sadly, the stereotyping and casual use and abuse of the female characters is still too easily found in even the best fiction.
The Bad: The action scenes are oddly flat. The "love scenes" are straight out of a Harlequin romance. Narrative drive is almost nil.
The Ugly: The sexism is not so over-the-top as to make it parody; sadly, the stereotyping and casual use and abuse of the female characters is still too easily found in even the best fiction.
February 8, 2016
A nice rewrite of an old Pulp character. Recast more in the James Bond spy mode. Good quick men's adventure read. If you are looking for some fast paced action and adventure then this is a recommended read.
August 8, 2014
Suurta viihdettä. Piti nauraa ääneen hassuudelle. Vaikka se ei ehkä ihan ollutkaan kirjan tarkoitus.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews