Our Agent in Rome Is Missing

Killmaster #80

by Nick Carter

4 mass market paperbacks. These are some titles between #80 and #89. The books are tight. There is some scuffing and edge wear and some marks inside. Reading copies. Written by various authors under the Nick Carter name. These are known as the James Bond

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Nick 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.

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The more of these I read, the more convinced I am that one of the key ingredients is undercover work. The spy-versus-spy, assassin, revolutionary, and (occasionally) detective stories just don't have the same magic for me as a good old fashioned caper with a spy pretending to be a rich fop in luxurious environs.

This story provides many of the trappings of a good Bond-without-Bond, and while there are some convolutions near the end, the hook of the story is decently original and suitably kitschy. My one complaint would be the lack of much mystery along the way. Perhaps because of the economical pacing, we never get time to consider other possibilities for how the villains' scheme might operate. It's not such a crime to be whisked from beginning to end though.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.