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Tweed & Co. #1
Double Jeopardy
A British secret agent is found murdered on Lake Konstanz in Bavaria, with a neo-Nazi sign carved on his back. However, was it the Nazis, or was it the Russians attempting to discredit them? Caught between them, British agent Martel must discover the truth, before he too becomes a victim.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
448 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Colin Forbes
157 books117 followersRaymond Harold Sawkins was a British novelist, who mainly published under the pseudonym Colin Forbes, but also as Richard Raine, Jay Bernard and Harold English. He only published three of his first books under his own name.Sawkins wrote over 40 books, mostly as Colin Forbes. He was most famous for his long-running series of thriller novels in which the principal character is Tweed, Deputy Director of the Secret Intelligence Service.
Sawkins attended The Lower School of John Lyon in Harrow, London. At the age of 16 he started work as a sub-editor with a magazine and book publishing company. He served with the British Army in North Africa and the Middle East during World War II. Before his demobilization he was attached to the Army Newspaper Unit in Rome. On his return to civilian life he joined a publishing and printing company, commuting to London for 20 years, until he became successful enough to be a full-time novelist.
Sawkins was married to a Scots-Canadian, Jane Robertson (born 31 March 1925, died 1993). Together they had one daughter, Janet.Sawkins died of a heart attack on August 23, 2006.
Sawkins was often quoted as personally visiting every location he features in his books to aid the authenticity of the writing. As a result, there is detailed description of the places where the action in his books takes place.
Fury (1995) was inspired by the courage of his wife before she died, and he set it apart from his other novels “because of the strong emotion and sense of loss that runs through it”.
Just one of Forbes' novels was made into a film: Avalanche Express, directed by Mark Robson and starring Lee Marvin and Robert Shaw, which was released in 1979 to generally poor reviews.
Sawkins attended The Lower School of John Lyon in Harrow, London. At the age of 16 he started work as a sub-editor with a magazine and book publishing company. He served with the British Army in North Africa and the Middle East during World War II. Before his demobilization he was attached to the Army Newspaper Unit in Rome. On his return to civilian life he joined a publishing and printing company, commuting to London for 20 years, until he became successful enough to be a full-time novelist.
Sawkins was married to a Scots-Canadian, Jane Robertson (born 31 March 1925, died 1993). Together they had one daughter, Janet.Sawkins died of a heart attack on August 23, 2006.
Sawkins was often quoted as personally visiting every location he features in his books to aid the authenticity of the writing. As a result, there is detailed description of the places where the action in his books takes place.
Fury (1995) was inspired by the courage of his wife before she died, and he set it apart from his other novels “because of the strong emotion and sense of loss that runs through it”.
Just one of Forbes' novels was made into a film: Avalanche Express, directed by Mark Robson and starring Lee Marvin and Robert Shaw, which was released in 1979 to generally poor reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 10, 2023
This book was first published in 1982 and I think I read it around then, or shortly afterwards. It is a series that has stayed with me and I decided to try to hunt out the books again and re-read the series from the first novel. No Paula Grey or Bob Newman, the characters I remember most, but this is the first in the series and obviously Colin Forbes had not yet introduced all of his central characters.
The body of a British agent is found with a neo-Nazi symbol carved in his back. Tweed sends another agent, Martel, to investigate. Meanwhile, there is a meeting in Europe which will see four world leaders on an express train and Tweed learns that one is to be assassinated. The killer is one of the four security chiefs supposed to be guarding them...
As I recall, Forbes often used this plot device, but this was still great fun. It seems a little old fashioned in parts now. Just about every female character is capable and brave, but also have great legs and colour co-ordinate accessories. That aside, this is still an exciting spy story and Tweed a great central character. I look forward to reading on.
The body of a British agent is found with a neo-Nazi symbol carved in his back. Tweed sends another agent, Martel, to investigate. Meanwhile, there is a meeting in Europe which will see four world leaders on an express train and Tweed learns that one is to be assassinated. The killer is one of the four security chiefs supposed to be guarding them...
As I recall, Forbes often used this plot device, but this was still great fun. It seems a little old fashioned in parts now. Just about every female character is capable and brave, but also have great legs and colour co-ordinate accessories. That aside, this is still an exciting spy story and Tweed a great central character. I look forward to reading on.
June 24, 2020
The beginning of the Tweed series, it doesn’t have the same main character set as with the majority of the books in the series but it’s still a great read, peppered with intrigue and suspense.
I’m re-reading the series after a 20 year absence, I’m starting at the beginning again and I wasn’t disappointed. Still a solid spy novel.
I’m re-reading the series after a 20 year absence, I’m starting at the beginning again and I wasn’t disappointed. Still a solid spy novel.
December 20, 2013
Though read it a long time ago I remember the thrilling moments this book offered. Colin Forbes indeed.
December 7, 2021
Zo even een oude spionageroman. Typische 007 verhaal maar tot het einde best spannend.
July 30, 2018
All of the Forbes books I think should be considered classic spy novels. His attention to detail when describing locations is exceptional and he really gives a sense of the geography. His description of characters is well done, but they could be considered stereotypical as every woman is glamorous and every man the typical alpha male. Great books which are easy to read and escape into.
August 9, 2023
Absolutely thrilling. It starts off by throwing you right into the action and then you cannot put it down. The stakes are high, the time is limited and the characters are brilliant in their roles. One or two heartfelt moments along the way. Brilliant reveals. I couldn’t put this down, finished reading it in 3 days.
March 1, 2022
Great series which is shallow enough for a quick read but deep enough to make you want the next one. Good cast of characters and excellent writing.
September 8, 2023
Tweed
Having read a lot of the tweed books it was, very good read also helped as I new the area around which the novel was based in Bayern nice to come across and be able to read the first novel, need to follow up on the others now to see how the later members of the squad joined together
Having read a lot of the tweed books it was, very good read also helped as I new the area around which the novel was based in Bayern nice to come across and be able to read the first novel, need to follow up on the others now to see how the later members of the squad joined together
December 28, 2012
Unfortunately, this review is over a week after finishing it and my main recollection was there were too many characters in a good plot which made it difficult to follow, particularly after leaving the book alone for a few hours.
My first read of this author. It has not put me off and I look forward to his second book.
My first read of this author. It has not put me off and I look forward to his second book.
September 5, 2023
Welcome tweed and co.
I had read earlier most of the tweed and co books. Still some are left. This one is in it. Enjoy this super speedy thriller with suspense and many turn twist. Recommanded and waiting for all books.
I had read earlier most of the tweed and co books. Still some are left. This one is in it. Enjoy this super speedy thriller with suspense and many turn twist. Recommanded and waiting for all books.
July 25, 2020
Very confusing. No idea what the book was about
July 9, 2022
I’m so glad I discovered this book in a pile of used books at a flea market. Being a fan of Forsyth I was blown away by this book. An edge of the seat high paced action thriller!
August 10, 2023
İt has impressive and impeccable. must be made a movie or series😂
April 25, 2020
I had first read a couple of books from this series when I was in college around 1994. Unfortunately, at that time, I did not get the opportunity to read the series from the beginning. So here I am in 2020, starting off the Tweed & Co adventures fresh and from the start.
"Double Jeopardy" is the book that introduces us to Tweed & Co. From the first book it is very apparent that Tweed, will lead the series not as the protagonist but as the mastermind and the mentor behind a few protagonists over the entire series.
The plot is broadly about a train journey that 4 world leaders are set to undertake to a summit in Vienna. British intelligence reports suggests not one but two threats to one of the world leaders, by both East German communists and the neo-Nazi Delta group, who have been targeting spies around the Lake Constance area of Switzerland. Tweed and his junior Keith Martel (and other characters who feature in many more of Forbes's later books) have to find out who is behind an attempted assassination, as well as a Communist conspiracy to to garner political advantage in the run-up to the German national elections. With a character based loosely on the infamous Carlos The Jackal, "Double Jeopardy" becomes a timeless classic and an engrossing thriller all in one. It was written in 1982, set in East and West Germany, the neo-Nazi angle was an intrinsic part of the German political climate during those times. The pacing is quite fast, the narrative is simple and the plot does not get too complex.
This is definitely a series I am looking forward to finish as apart from the fact that I really want to meet the characters that I had come across in college days, this series also brings back memories of college days when getting your hands on a Colin Forbes novel was something to celebrate.
"Double Jeopardy" is the book that introduces us to Tweed & Co. From the first book it is very apparent that Tweed, will lead the series not as the protagonist but as the mastermind and the mentor behind a few protagonists over the entire series.
The plot is broadly about a train journey that 4 world leaders are set to undertake to a summit in Vienna. British intelligence reports suggests not one but two threats to one of the world leaders, by both East German communists and the neo-Nazi Delta group, who have been targeting spies around the Lake Constance area of Switzerland. Tweed and his junior Keith Martel (and other characters who feature in many more of Forbes's later books) have to find out who is behind an attempted assassination, as well as a Communist conspiracy to to garner political advantage in the run-up to the German national elections. With a character based loosely on the infamous Carlos The Jackal, "Double Jeopardy" becomes a timeless classic and an engrossing thriller all in one. It was written in 1982, set in East and West Germany, the neo-Nazi angle was an intrinsic part of the German political climate during those times. The pacing is quite fast, the narrative is simple and the plot does not get too complex.
This is definitely a series I am looking forward to finish as apart from the fact that I really want to meet the characters that I had come across in college days, this series also brings back memories of college days when getting your hands on a Colin Forbes novel was something to celebrate.
January 21, 2022
"Endspurt" war das erste Buch aus der Feder des britischen Autors Colin Forbes für mich und ehrlich gesagt verspüre ich nach Auslesen der Lektüre kein großes Verlangen danach, ein weiteres folgen zu lassen.
Der Roman, der ca. 300 Seiten umfasst, spielt vor allem in Lindau, wo ein britischer Agent tot aufgefunden wird. Keith Martel wird geschickt, um den Tod des Kollegen aufzuklären.
Zunächst habe ich noch gedacht, dass zwar die Geschichte durchaus Spannungsmomente hat, mir einfach nur die Charaktere nicht gefallen, die allesamt dem Ian Flemming Romanen abgekupfert erscheinen, aber selbst das war nach gut der Hälfte dann nicht mehr der Fall - dann hat auch die Geschichte immer mehr an Spannung verloren.
Bei einigen Textstellen weiß ich auch nicht, ob ich einfach die Übersetzung nicht schön, oder aber Zitate wie "[...] bösartige Tollkühnkheit [...]" einfach übertrieben empfinde. Aber was mich wirklich von Anfang an gestört hat sind die blassen Charaktere, die in meinen Augen in drei Kategorien einzuordnen sind: 1. Einzelgänger, der jedem misstraut, aber bei der erstbesten Möglichkeit in Gegenwart einer fremden Frau auf dem Sofa einschläft (Protagonist), 2. Weibliche Nebencharaktere, deren Handlungen allein deshalb wichtig werden, da sie sie als wichtig beschreiben (alle weiblichen Charaktere), 3. Die Bösen (der Rest).
Nun gut, mein SuB ist um ein Buch kleiner geworden - Ziel erreicht.
Der Roman, der ca. 300 Seiten umfasst, spielt vor allem in Lindau, wo ein britischer Agent tot aufgefunden wird. Keith Martel wird geschickt, um den Tod des Kollegen aufzuklären.
Zunächst habe ich noch gedacht, dass zwar die Geschichte durchaus Spannungsmomente hat, mir einfach nur die Charaktere nicht gefallen, die allesamt dem Ian Flemming Romanen abgekupfert erscheinen, aber selbst das war nach gut der Hälfte dann nicht mehr der Fall - dann hat auch die Geschichte immer mehr an Spannung verloren.
Bei einigen Textstellen weiß ich auch nicht, ob ich einfach die Übersetzung nicht schön, oder aber Zitate wie "[...] bösartige Tollkühnkheit [...]" einfach übertrieben empfinde. Aber was mich wirklich von Anfang an gestört hat sind die blassen Charaktere, die in meinen Augen in drei Kategorien einzuordnen sind: 1. Einzelgänger, der jedem misstraut, aber bei der erstbesten Möglichkeit in Gegenwart einer fremden Frau auf dem Sofa einschläft (Protagonist), 2. Weibliche Nebencharaktere, deren Handlungen allein deshalb wichtig werden, da sie sie als wichtig beschreiben (alle weiblichen Charaktere), 3. Die Bösen (der Rest).
Nun gut, mein SuB ist um ein Buch kleiner geworden - Ziel erreicht.
April 24, 2024
An okay read, neat and tidy.
Four possible victims and four possible double-agent murderers all in an express train rolling from Paris to Munich. Which will it be? President of the US? Prime Minister of England? German chancellor or French president? And which of the security chiefs of the respective countries is not who he says he is?
It’s a train caper and conjures up Agatha C and others, incuding James Bond, although no one is nearly that dashing. The characters are superficial and placeholders in a formulaic narrative. Published 40 years ago, one smiles at all the agents rushing to find pay phones.
Other things I smiled at: the British security chief is severely grouchy. Almost every time he speaks, he snaps into a distempered diatribe. Honestly, it could be a drinking game. “How dare you….” Drink! “Keep your opinion to yourself….” Drink! “What do you think you are…” Drink and hope you are sober enough to finish the book!
Many many people are killed in public places and also six dogs, which probably wouldn’t fly in a book written nowadays. I had not read this author before and in fact it was pubbed in 1982. I kept thinking how much more depth one finds in current espionage novels, but then I remembered Len Deighton’s Bernie Samson series, which was also pubbed in that same time period and you won’t find a better one today.
This is the first in a 24-book series and I may or may not try another one.
Four possible victims and four possible double-agent murderers all in an express train rolling from Paris to Munich. Which will it be? President of the US? Prime Minister of England? German chancellor or French president? And which of the security chiefs of the respective countries is not who he says he is?
It’s a train caper and conjures up Agatha C and others, incuding James Bond, although no one is nearly that dashing. The characters are superficial and placeholders in a formulaic narrative. Published 40 years ago, one smiles at all the agents rushing to find pay phones.
Other things I smiled at: the British security chief is severely grouchy. Almost every time he speaks, he snaps into a distempered diatribe. Honestly, it could be a drinking game. “How dare you….” Drink! “Keep your opinion to yourself….” Drink! “What do you think you are…” Drink and hope you are sober enough to finish the book!
Many many people are killed in public places and also six dogs, which probably wouldn’t fly in a book written nowadays. I had not read this author before and in fact it was pubbed in 1982. I kept thinking how much more depth one finds in current espionage novels, but then I remembered Len Deighton’s Bernie Samson series, which was also pubbed in that same time period and you won’t find a better one today.
This is the first in a 24-book series and I may or may not try another one.
December 4, 2024
Another example of the state of publishing today.
I understand the publishing industry has been decimated by cost cutting and headcount reductions…this book shows the effect.
A good, human editor could have tweaked this story to be better.
As it is, it is muddled, confusing and uses a technique common, but infuriating, in naming characters.
Must one use similar sounding character names?!?
Confusion is inherent when done so…
That and the old saw of foreign language interpsersed with English as if to demonstrate it is set outside the English speaking world. Yeah, ok, I get it… but my high school language study is insufficient to parse the meaning of continued phrases and words in German!
Sadly, I finished this. Disappointing is barely adequate to describe my feeling on completing this book…leading to my final criticism…
Why can authors NOT compose a solid, stand-alone book?
Every book seems to have a teaser for the next episode attached at the end.
Why?
It’s as if denouement, resolution and conclusion are foreign concepts…
Write a complete story, with beginning, middle and end.
Conclude your tale. If well told, readers will eagerly look for more!
I understand the publishing industry has been decimated by cost cutting and headcount reductions…this book shows the effect.
A good, human editor could have tweaked this story to be better.
As it is, it is muddled, confusing and uses a technique common, but infuriating, in naming characters.
Must one use similar sounding character names?!?
Confusion is inherent when done so…
That and the old saw of foreign language interpsersed with English as if to demonstrate it is set outside the English speaking world. Yeah, ok, I get it… but my high school language study is insufficient to parse the meaning of continued phrases and words in German!
Sadly, I finished this. Disappointing is barely adequate to describe my feeling on completing this book…leading to my final criticism…
Why can authors NOT compose a solid, stand-alone book?
Every book seems to have a teaser for the next episode attached at the end.
Why?
It’s as if denouement, resolution and conclusion are foreign concepts…
Write a complete story, with beginning, middle and end.
Conclude your tale. If well told, readers will eagerly look for more!
Read
April 23, 2024correct me if i am wrong, but i think this from my understanding in the back of the book, they redid this book and published it once again in August 17, 2023. right? like it was first published years ago. thinking??! conspiracy thrillers. political thrillers & suspense. espionage thrillers. just saw a reviewers review and i saw 1982 ... i was four years old then so i was not reading this kind of book ... LOL!! but i bet it would have been a different experience ... i love reading at different ages and seeing how it affects you ... it is like a whole different book. fun times!! will hope to read more from this series and this author soon ... i guess for me ...not that i have ever written a book but when you are long gone ... i guess you give the rights to your publisher to publish later on after you are gone?? i wonder ... curious. i can not tell if this is a Goodreads giveaway or not? i see i didn't pay for it ...so i wonder? maybe Bookbub told me when it was free?! thinking. thinking. thinking.
May 26, 2020
This was a good, fast paced read. It starts with a murder and goes from there. This is not a murder mystery. The plot is set in the cold war and there is a murder in the opening scene. Initially, however neither we nor the protagonists are certain whether this is a cold war event or another group of antagonists acting for another, more mercenary reason. We only begin to understand as the story unfolds
The story is set in Europe and the active protagonists are European. The author makes good use of NATO personnel, and European and neutral locations. This adds a certain cosmopolitan flavour that is not always present in some North American techno dramas.
I am beginning to be impressed with Colin Forbes. The story is set in the 1980's and there is no use of mobile phones or the internet, and limited use of computers or digital technology in any form. This does not compromise the story unless you are specifically looking for a techno drama. Four stars.
The story is set in Europe and the active protagonists are European. The author makes good use of NATO personnel, and European and neutral locations. This adds a certain cosmopolitan flavour that is not always present in some North American techno dramas.
I am beginning to be impressed with Colin Forbes. The story is set in the 1980's and there is no use of mobile phones or the internet, and limited use of computers or digital technology in any form. This does not compromise the story unless you are specifically looking for a techno drama. Four stars.
June 6, 2024
I thought the name Colin Forbes was one I'd heard before, but had forgotten that I'd read many of his books many years ago when they were quite new.
The story in Double Jeopardy is great - delightfully unbelievable, plenty of action and plot twists - just like a cranked-up version of James Bond. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it now as a Kindle edition.
The book is of course a product of its era, long before micro-electronics and their impact, so the characters are somewhat dated too, particularly the descriptions of the females.
Now I'll be looking for some more of his books to enjoy all over again.
The story in Double Jeopardy is great - delightfully unbelievable, plenty of action and plot twists - just like a cranked-up version of James Bond. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it now as a Kindle edition.
The book is of course a product of its era, long before micro-electronics and their impact, so the characters are somewhat dated too, particularly the descriptions of the females.
Now I'll be looking for some more of his books to enjoy all over again.
December 7, 2023
This is a really good read. The action is there from the off and just keeps going. I, like a lot of people, am revisiting these books after a number of years away from them, and was really surprised how good I still found it to be. There were quite a few changes for the 2nd book and some characters did not stay the distance, but once he found his Tweed groove the books were a pleasure to read. Definitely reading more of these (or re-reading I should say).
May 21, 2024
This was absolute rubbish, and served to show how far the thriller has evolved in the last few decades.
The plot was fatuous, and the characters were trite and pandered to the most inane stereotypes. Even allowing for the fact that the book was published more than forty years ago, the sexism was painful to behold, with no cliché knowingly overlooked. Forbes’s characters made the James Bond of Ian Fleming's novels seem almost like a woke warrior.
The plot was fatuous, and the characters were trite and pandered to the most inane stereotypes. Even allowing for the fact that the book was published more than forty years ago, the sexism was painful to behold, with no cliché knowingly overlooked. Forbes’s characters made the James Bond of Ian Fleming's novels seem almost like a woke warrior.
November 25, 2017
Always been a Colin Forbes fan. But this wasn't too good a read.
Maybe was short but I guess it lost its plot along the way.
I like the way the author describes shadowing in most of his books. Amazing detailing and very entertaining.
Maybe was short but I guess it lost its plot along the way.
I like the way the author describes shadowing in most of his books. Amazing detailing and very entertaining.
March 14, 2024
Excellent storytelling
Great story, well told, kept me waiting right til the end to find out who did it. Not who I thought. Great suspense. Brilliant read herrings. Totally enjoyable. Good for all suspense and spy fans.
Great story, well told, kept me waiting right til the end to find out who did it. Not who I thought. Great suspense. Brilliant read herrings. Totally enjoyable. Good for all suspense and spy fans.
April 25, 2024
A very good and interesting story well told.
The story was interesting, well told but a little too long. The characters were well defined, played the roles well and the story ended in an ok fashion.
The story was interesting, well told but a little too long. The characters were well defined, played the roles well and the story ended in an ok fashion.
May 2, 2024
Tension Builds
Quite a well developed plot with enough suspense to keep your palms wet. New author for me but now I will look for more. Hint: may want to take notes of the cast of characters because I got a little lost here and there.
Quite a well developed plot with enough suspense to keep your palms wet. New author for me but now I will look for more. Hint: may want to take notes of the cast of characters because I got a little lost here and there.
May 13, 2024
Excellently plotted intrigue with characters you can relate to. Espionage and double agents with cover stories all help to prolong the mystery and ruthless killers after political figures makes for a really suspenseful story.
May 13, 2024
Keeps you guessing
Right up to the penultimate chapter. Gripping espionage thriller with very believable characters each with their own personality. And the story line remarkably possible in real life!!!
Right up to the penultimate chapter. Gripping espionage thriller with very believable characters each with their own personality. And the story line remarkably possible in real life!!!
July 2, 2024
Exciting!
Wow, what a thrill ride. This story is told so well. The descriptions are fabulous, and the Martel character is memorable. The action is almost non-stop, and got my pulse racing.
Wow, what a thrill ride. This story is told so well. The descriptions are fabulous, and the Martel character is memorable. The action is almost non-stop, and got my pulse racing.
July 31, 2024
Excellent book
Liked the pace and you kept me guessing right till after the end. Had to go back and reread the last chapters to sort out who was who and who did what.
Congratulations very well written
Liked the pace and you kept me guessing right till after the end. Had to go back and reread the last chapters to sort out who was who and who did what.
Congratulations very well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews