The Way to Dusty Death

by Alistair MacLean

Too many things have been going wrong in too many Formula One races. Johnny Harlow, world champion driver and apparent cause of the latest accident, decides the time has come to sort things out. And what he finds has nothing to do with cars.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Action, Suspense, Crime

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Alistair Stuart MacLean (Scottish Gaelic: Alasdair MacGill-Eain), the son of a Scots Minister, was brought up in the Scottish Highlands. In 1941, at the age of eighteen, he joined the Royal Navy; two and a half years spent aboard a cruiser were to give him the background for HMS Ulysses, his first novel, the outstanding documentary novel on the war at sea. After the war he gained an English Honours degree at Glasgow University, and became a schoolmaster. In 1983, he was awarded a D. Litt. from the same university.

Maclean is the author of twenty-nine world bestsellers and recognised as an outstanding writer in his own genre. Many of his titles have been adapted for film - The Guns of the Navarone, The Satan Bug, Force Ten from Navarone, Where Eagles Dare and Bear Island are among the most famous.

Reviews

[Kurt Reichenbaugh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had the old paperback of this one, along with a few others by MacLean. I really liked his novels when I was a teenager. Rereading his books now you realize how dated they are in style and the way characters are moved around the plot. There's nothing wrong with that. If you're going to read one of MacLean's novels I would suggest one early in his repertoire rather than this one. It's a little slow, and stretches the reader's credulity at times. The plot involves Grand Prix racing and heroin. The hero has to put on a charade that his life is falling apart, because that's what the plot calls for. There are three women with a version of the name Mary as well. That gives you an idea about the role they play. In other words, there's a lot of man stuff going on, and the women should run along like good girls and leave them to it.

[Melindam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Certainly read better by McLean.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 1973, The Way to Dusty Death is part of a series of unrelated novels featuring not one protagonist but featuring war, crime, adventure, derring-do, espionage and … death. It is a quick read full of action and larger-than-life heroes and baddies in the old style, i.e. good or evil, strong or weak, with few grey areas to make you worry about questioning their motives.

The book was written at a time when deaths among Formula 1 racing drivers were commonplace. Racetracks still had inadequate fencing (straw bales were still used on some tracks, I believe, or had not long been replaced by Armco barriers, which were considered too expensive); cars were still made from steel and aluminium, with no crumple zones; and they were fast but the handling and braking were not always up to the job. This only changed because British racing champion Jackie Stewart, after witnessing too many deaths of his friends and colleagues, was brave enough to go head-to-head with the sport’s managing body in public and set up a racing driver’s association to protest until some positive action was taken. Deaths in Formula 1 now are extremely rare, thankfully.

The author has taken the theme of driver deaths in F1 and adapted it to produce a story about a driver’s downfall: he begins to drink excessively, having not drunk at all previously; he is blamed for the death of another driver and his future looks bleak. The story twists and turns, there is a love interest, a naïve young man gets involved, and the main characters try to outwit each other until the dramatic climax.

I don’t want to give the game away but the story is exciting and unpredictable until at least halfway through, and then you still need to get to the end to see how it will pan out.

The story shows its age, in that the characters are a bit two-dimensional, the heroes being too heroic and capable, and the baddies pure evil. Some of the dialogue comes across as very old-fashioned by today’s standards as well, but don’t let that spoil your enjoyment of this thriller.
Three and a half stars.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Formula one champion Johnny Harlow notices that too many bad things are happening in too many places. When he starts to investigate, he is blamed for the latest accident which cripples his girlfriend.

[Shalini M · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Read/Reviewed in Oct 2011

The background is Formula 1 racing (and perhaps the only book I’ve read with this context), and quite interesting as such. The story itself is not so much about racing, but about more sinister under-goings, - not unexpectedly so, as McLean’s forte is spy thrillers. But I do not want to divulge the actual theme here for anyone who may happen to look at my post before reading the book. Only a hint, in words of Johnny Harlow (the hero of the book) - "There are other ways to a dusty death than losing control on a racing track".

I enjoyed this, as always is the case with McLean for me. The suspense, the turn of events at a pace that you can’t even blink your eyes, the protagonist with no training in any related field, but skills that turn out to be extra-ordinary than an intelligence officer, are sufficient to keep one engaged and at an edge for a few hours. However, it doesn’t compare too well against some of his other works, like The Guns of Navaraone, Ice Station Zebra, The Satan Bug. A typical characteristic of McLean’s novels is that nobody and nothing are actually what they appear to be. It’s true to a large extent in Dusty Death as well, but only for the majority of other characters of the book; for the reader, the suspense is more or less uncovered quite early in the book.

As a die-hard McLean fan, I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers. It has all the content for an action movie (even a romance angle, unlike most of his other novels). I am aware of many movies based on his novels, have seen a couple; I hadn’t heard of a movie based on this one, but a quick search revealed there is one.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not Alistair macLean expert but I would go as far as saying this is one of this lesser known books - not to say it was not fund to read (it was surprisingly so) but rather it has dated itself. Some books by their very storyline and descriptions (although I am sure the author tries their hardest not to) place them in a specific time.

The world of Formula 1 after all is driven (sorry no pun intended) by innovation and development so to try and capture even just part of that in my eyes at least is like trying to bottle mist. That said really this is only the back drop to the story at hand - and that I will admit in my eyes has faired a lot better.

So what of the story - well sorry no spoilers but I will say it is not what you think - and I have to say the reference to the title of book - is explained but is certainly not what I was expecting - which to me shows how the story was still able to catch me.

[Gabe Herrmann]

An incredibly well-written thriller/mystery! MacLean is a master of letting the reader think ahead, and solve the mystery.

Beginning the book is kinda confusing, and it's almost halfway through that you finally know who is the "good" guys, and who are the bad guys, this amazing writing style kept me on the edge of my seat, and maybe up a little to late..... :0

Really great Alistair MacLean, liked this style better than some of his other books, as it was less killing and more mystery solving. Five star!!

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would make a good action-thriller movie, but I didn't care much for the writing style of this car racing thriller set in Europe. For anyone familiar with Harrison Ford in the movie "Force 10 from Navarone," the film is based on a different book by this author as is the older movie "Guns of Navarone." This was published in 1973 and the style of writing grated on my nerves at times. It's fast paced and not long, and there are surprises as you read through the book, although some things I saw from a mile away (but not all).

[Geoff Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nowhere near MacLean's best, but it's another childhood favourite of mine. In this book, AM takes his formula to the world of motorsport. Anyone with a passing knowledge of motorsport will probably spot a few errors here and there, but it's part of the charm. And one could argue that Grand Prix cars should have brake lights!

It's an easy-reading adventure story with the usual AM twists and characters (heavy-drinkers, baddies, ever-present 'Mary'), and it's not too long. If there are any teenaged motorsport enthusiasts reading this review, this book is for you.

Objectively, I guess this is a 3 star book. But I'm going to give it 4..!

Actually I'd really like to read it again!

[Carol Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in high school in the early 1970s, I read every Alistair MacLean book I could find in the local library. He is easily in the top 5 of my favorite authors from my lifetime. This book was published after I had moved on to college and too much "required" reading to give me time for pleasure reading. But now, I'm retired and have plenty of time to read and re-read my favorites!

I enjoyed this book so much! Fast-paced action, great characters, a clean love story, good guys, bad guys, and fast cars. What more could I want? Just more, more, more of the same kind of writing from MacLean. I'm one happy girl!

[Janine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A top racing driver causes a deadly crash changing the lives of many... But did he really cause it? While entertaining, this story relied on people constantly making assumptions, some of which were just a jump too far. Many revelations came out at the end, some would have been better to have been exposed sooner to give the book more depth. The main character was too emotionless until near the end and by then a bit hard to warm to. The main female character was two dimensional, very pure and good, you know the sort. An OK read but I don't think I would tell anyone "read this!"

[Brian Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way to Dusty Death is a thriller giving testimony to Alistair Maclean’s brilliance. Johnny Harlow- the main character, is no ordinary racing driver and as suspected his mission is a race against time; ‘the way to dusty death’ being a clever play on words. The villains are those whom one would expect, but Maclean is too devious to disclose their motives until well towards the end when one is perched on the edge of one’s seat keen to turn the pages and see the world put to right. This is Maclean at his best and a well-recommended read.

Brian Wilson

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased the hardcover of this novel in Britain in fall of 1973. For some reason this novel really appeals to me. Johnny Harlow is an unusual MacLean protagonist. He is neither a spy nor law enforcement. As with most MacLean leads he is implacable and becomes ruthless. However, he has personal motivations, unusual for MacLean.

As usual, most of the characters are thinly drawn, but the family dynamic is different. I like the Grand Prix setting.

[BookishDramas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand Prix racing.
Drugs
Intrigue.
It is dated and there has been a generational change in the last 4 decades. But takes nothing away from the story which has its upside and a lot of action both on and off the track. The usual suspects and side effects are all in place.

This was one of earliest adult novels in 1989 which I got as a gift from my uncle. The thrilling world of racing and the action packed thriller made me a lifelong fan of the genre and off course Alistair Maclean.

[GS Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An old favourite...Read it for old times sake...pretty nice old fashioned story, men with strong jaws and strong minds, beautiful women, dark villians, and misguided youth. A formula but an enjoyable formula, none the less...

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

fantasic read really enjoyed this one ! recommend !!!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

very fun - would recommend to new MacLean fans

[Dharmabum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has got everything that you come to look for when it comes to this author - an intriguing, almost incredible and racy plot, a smart to being near arrogant protagonist, a beautiful lady, and some really mean guys. This one didn't have the depth for me as HMS Ulysses. By no means does that mean I am giving up. If you have a lazy afternoon to pass, and don't mind some quick reading pleasure, I'd say you can pick up any of his books.

[Michael Wormsbecher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ouderwets niet weg te leggen boek. Zeer vlot geschreven spannend verhaal.

Hoe je vier personen in een Ferrari krijgt is mij niet helemaal duidelijk… maar dat mag de pret niet drukken.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. I did not enjoy this one.

[etherealskyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Quite a quick read. It's what I call an airport book though, but the plot was intriguing enough.

[Mark Hoyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Daft stuff. Mid career MacLean, nowhere near his best, but a few nice touches.

[rabbitprincess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly diverting thriller for fans of auto racing. The story begins with world-famous Formula 1 driver Johnny Harlow being involved in a fiery, horrific crash that claims the life of a fellow driver and cripples the daughter of his team's owner when she is hit by flying debris. Rumours then start flying that Harlow has lost his nerve -- he's seen drinking to excess when before he would never touch alcohol, he spends more time alone and is just generally unpleasant. He is also convinced that there is some more sinister explanation for the accident and for some of the other unusual occurrences that have been happening on the track. But is this just bravado or paranoia on his part, or is it true?

For the first half of the book the reader constantly changes their opinion of Johnny. One page he's a drunken idiot and not deserving of sympathy, then the next he is very much put-upon and deserves to succeed. Very much an anti-hero. But once the second half really gets into gear (sorry! all car-related puns in this review will likely be intended), he becomes more of a cartoon action hero type. Not that there's anything necessarily wrong with that, and indeed it's a lot of fun if you like that sort of thing. At least he does stuff, which is more than I can say for the owner's daughter, Mary, who spends the entire book crying and saying "Oh, Johnny!" She added very little to the book and I would have been far happier had she been written out entirely.

The best parts of the book were the technical descriptions of the cars (especially in that crash at the beginning, horrific as it was), the sheer craziness of the hijinks at the end, and MacLean's characteristic dry-witted, clever narration. Recommended more for F1 fans who also happen to like MacLean's work and have tried something else by him already.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant enough read but, as only the third Alistair Maclean novel I've read, my least favourite of the three.

There is plenty of mystery in the story since the characters' thoughts, even that of the protagonist, Harlow, are never written - only their actions - so we are left to guess at their intentions. But therein lies the problem. Empathy comes before sympathy. How can we care what happens if we are not sympathetic towards the characters, and how can we be sympathetic if we do not know what they are thinking?

In this respect it is saved somewhat by the dialogue between Harlow and the love interest, Mary McAlpine. Their words to each other are almost the only insight into the true character of Harlow, and it is through their exchanges that one can develop a vested interest in the outcome of the story.

I enjoyed The Way to Dusty Death, but I much preferred Caravan to Vaccares, I hope the rest of Maclean's novels are more like that one.

[Suby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Formula 1 racing is something we look forward to watching. In this book, Mr. MacLean gives us an insight into what goes on behind the scenes in this emperor of sports. How a Champion driver is driven to enacting the role of an alcoholic to find out who is the betrayer in his team.
Wherever there is a lot of money involved in sports these irregularities are bound to happen. But how can a race driver function when he has no trust on the supporting team. Really a ver pertinent question.
The Ace Formula I driver in this book finds his own means to defeat the efforts of the one individual in his team who would otherwise have managed to drive him out of the Formula I circuit.
An interesting book, written in the inimitable style of AM, quite worth reading while traveling, I suppose! But not for serious readers like me who spend upto 6 hours a day in reading anything that is at hand!

[Antoni Savander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olihan vauhdikas kirja! Tosiaan heti alusta lähtien nappasi otteeseensa eikä meinannut irti päästää. Hauska sinänsä, kun ajattelee miten erilainen maailma formuloissa oli tuohon aikaan verrattuna nykyiseen, jossa Kimi ja kumppanit työtään tekevät. Ei olisi nykypäivänä varmaankaan mahdollista miltään osin nämä tapahtumat.

Vaikka kirja onkin likimain mahdoton juoneltaan, on sitä hauska lukea. MacLeanilla on kirjoissaan useimmiten (ainakin niissä jotka olen nyt lukenut) päähenkilö, joka on kivikasvoinen sankari, jolle mikään vastoinkäyminen ei ole kuin pieni hidaste päämäärän edessä. Vaikka läpi harmaan kiven -sanonta kuvastaa hyvin näitä kirjojen sankareita. Silloin aikoinaan näitä piti olla. Nykyään sankarit ovat heikompia, haavoittuvampia, mutta silti tarpeen vaatiessa aivan yhtä kovapintaisia.

Erinomainen kirja luettavaksi kesällä, lomalla ja mökillä.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites, by my favorite author. Still it will never be high literature but it never aspires to be that. It’s a rock solid thriller set in the world of formula one racing, but in a time when this was a seriously dangerous enterprise, it was published in a time when that world was still having a massive star appeal.
The story quite naturally for MacLean features a good bit of deception by the protagonist, some villains that show no moral ambiguity, but are pure evil. As standard for MacLean as little of a love story as to not getting in the way of the action.

There is a quite horrible movie adaptation with Simon McCorkindale and Linda Hamilton that best remains forgotten, but in some capable hands this could be still a viable hit movie.

[Sthitadhi Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a must read for all the motorsport fans out there….

brilliant breath-taking….the story races ahead like those sleek formula 1 cars racing around on track…the best part is..the climax is not on the tracks but off it..the story doesnt end with the hero winning the last race of the season by a tenth of a second to win the championship…but there is more to formula 1 than simply hurtling these beasts around the race tracks….foul play in motor racing can be even more sinister….can be even dirtier than simply squeezing ur rival against the wall on track at 300kmph ….

the pressure and passion of formula 1 racing can do weird things to the minds of a racer…

u die a dusty death if u die in a crash….but THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO A DUSTY DEATH

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, shorter thriller by the master. In this one, the story is set around Formula 1 Grand Prix racing, and it is not until about half way through the novel that the true plot is unfolded. At first it seems to be the story of a young but wildly successful driver, winning race after race with increasingly wreckless driving and behavior, until finally a horrible crash kills another driver.

Gradually, we find out there is far more to the story and it winds up another fine outing by MacClean, with another one of his brilliant, ruthless, and driven heroes.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lively tale but stretches the imagination in some unlikely ways

This one was a quick read. MacLean still relies on his old habit of concealing information from the reader to maintain suspense, but it seems less annoying in this book than in some of his earlier works. Also, I found it difficult to believe that someone at the pinnacle of Grand Prix racing would *also* possess such unrivaled investigatory and clandestine skills. Still, if you can get past that objection, it's an entertaining read.