What do you think?
Rate this book
Matt Helm: The War Years
Matt Helm is a government assassin, working for a secret agency first formed during WWII to carry out assassinations in support of the war effort in Europe, and later continued against America's enemies. He is the star of 27 novels written by Donald Hamilton from 1960 through the 1990s. Although a cold-blooded killer, Matt Helm has a superb sense of humor, a sharp opinion on just about everything, and is quite capable of falling in love (or lust) during his missions. This book is about his WWII experiences, from his initial recruitment into the agency, his training, and his missions during the war.
This book is a pastiche authorized by Donald Hamilton's son, Gordon Hamilton.
This book is a pastiche authorized by Donald Hamilton's son, Gordon Hamilton.
- GenresAction
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2013
17 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 22, 2014
If you're a fan of Hamilton's Matt Helm series, then you'll likely enjoy this. In his foreword, Wease says that he's a fan & a writer, so he spent some time making notes of this period by simply reading the series. He tells us that he copied quite a bit of the text & reused it in this novel. I easily recognized entire paragraphs & passages.
For the first half of the book, this was all to the good, but then repetition started & I'm not a fan of that. I think he reused one bit three times. I also wasn't fond of Tina's story. The beginning of it was word-for-word from the book & then he went back in time only to take us back to what he'd already told us & never really showed her or the situation beyond what Hamilton had done.
I'm on a roll, so I might as well get another major fault of this book out of the way now. Helm's pocket knife is used to torture him, much the way Vadaya did with the soldering iron. I think that scene was pretty much cribbed. Nothing wrong with that, but Helm NEVER says anything about the abuse done to his knife. Helm likes knives, especially this one, & knows about tempering - seriously major boo-boo.
So why did I give this book such high marks? Because Wease did a great job keeping Hamilton's tone & said up front that it was a pastiche. It's on the cover, but it's more than that. He's a real fan who did a credible job adding to the series & even let Gordon Hamilton edit it. It was fun meeting so many of the missions & people we only had glimpses of before. I like his take on it, even if I am being nitpicky. Overall, I loved it & will add it to my collection, probably to re-read it some time. I'll recommend it to other Hamilton fans.
For the first half of the book, this was all to the good, but then repetition started & I'm not a fan of that. I think he reused one bit three times. I also wasn't fond of Tina's story. The beginning of it was word-for-word from the book & then he went back in time only to take us back to what he'd already told us & never really showed her or the situation beyond what Hamilton had done.
I'm on a roll, so I might as well get another major fault of this book out of the way now. Helm's pocket knife is used to torture him, much the way Vadaya did with the soldering iron. I think that scene was pretty much cribbed. Nothing wrong with that, but Helm NEVER says anything about the abuse done to his knife. Helm likes knives, especially this one, & knows about tempering - seriously major boo-boo.
So why did I give this book such high marks? Because Wease did a great job keeping Hamilton's tone & said up front that it was a pastiche. It's on the cover, but it's more than that. He's a real fan who did a credible job adding to the series & even let Gordon Hamilton edit it. It was fun meeting so many of the missions & people we only had glimpses of before. I like his take on it, even if I am being nitpicky. Overall, I loved it & will add it to my collection, probably to re-read it some time. I'll recommend it to other Hamilton fans.
March 4, 2013
At this point, I can't remember which was the first Matt Helm novel I read. Likely it was the third or fourth. I knew I'd found something very good and, being the completist I was even then, I had to find the earlier volumes. When I had all at that point, i never missed one as soon as it was published.
MATT HELM: THE WAR YEARS was authorized by Donald Hamilton's son and covers Helm's activities during those years of WWII.
As the novel opens, he's in the hospital recovering from wounds received on the last mission, as well as some judicious plastic surgery to cover bullet wounds. As he'd supposedly spent the war in public relations, bullet wounds would be out of place. The other wounds were covered by a "jeep wreck."
He's also pondering a request from Mac.
The bulk of the novel is spent on his recruitment as a candidate in officer training by Mac, his training in various aspects for his new profession in an organization that didn't exist, not mention various missions during the war that aided the allies, and finally the decision that sets the scene for Hamilton's first Helm novel.
Author Wease captures both Hamilton's voice and Matt Helm very well in this novel. Now we need to see that unpublished Helm novel that Hamilton left.
MATT HELM: THE WAR YEARS was authorized by Donald Hamilton's son and covers Helm's activities during those years of WWII.
As the novel opens, he's in the hospital recovering from wounds received on the last mission, as well as some judicious plastic surgery to cover bullet wounds. As he'd supposedly spent the war in public relations, bullet wounds would be out of place. The other wounds were covered by a "jeep wreck."
He's also pondering a request from Mac.
The bulk of the novel is spent on his recruitment as a candidate in officer training by Mac, his training in various aspects for his new profession in an organization that didn't exist, not mention various missions during the war that aided the allies, and finally the decision that sets the scene for Hamilton's first Helm novel.
Author Wease captures both Hamilton's voice and Matt Helm very well in this novel. Now we need to see that unpublished Helm novel that Hamilton left.
February 25, 2013
The story is a prequel, telling the tale of Helm's recruitment and training. Then some of the missions he handled during World War II are detailed. There are references to individuals and events taken from Hamilton's novels, so the author has done a lot of research. I was surprised that Wease successfully captured Donald Hamilton's first person narrative style in this pastiche of the Matt Helm novels. The writing isn't as smooth or as concise as Hamilton's, especially in the early novels like Death of a Citizen, but I think any Matt Helm fan will enjoy reading this book.
April 15, 2013
MATT HELM! The 60s spy that made Bond seem like a whiner.
February 13, 2017
A very successful pastiche, October 19, 2016
This review is from: MATT HELM: The War Years (Kindle Edition)
Some have complained that much of the book consists of the various Donald Hamilton references to Matt Helm's war years strung together with some new material by Keith Wease. Yes. Yes it does. Read the intoduction by Mr. Wease. The book is a successful pastiche just as he intended. To new readers of the Matt Helm books, I recommend reading the first in the series, Death of a Citizen, then this volume. For those who do not want to read a series, Death of a Citizen is a strong stand alone novel. If I remember correctly, President Kennedy was a fan of Matt Helm as well as James Bond. A very intellectual friend of mine called Donald Hamilton's writting a guilty pleasure. Another didn't even express guilt about admiring Hamilton. Neither do I.
This review is from: MATT HELM: The War Years (Kindle Edition)
Some have complained that much of the book consists of the various Donald Hamilton references to Matt Helm's war years strung together with some new material by Keith Wease. Yes. Yes it does. Read the intoduction by Mr. Wease. The book is a successful pastiche just as he intended. To new readers of the Matt Helm books, I recommend reading the first in the series, Death of a Citizen, then this volume. For those who do not want to read a series, Death of a Citizen is a strong stand alone novel. If I remember correctly, President Kennedy was a fan of Matt Helm as well as James Bond. A very intellectual friend of mine called Donald Hamilton's writting a guilty pleasure. Another didn't even express guilt about admiring Hamilton. Neither do I.
July 7, 2013
Turns out I did enjoy this book. Having sampled the first two Matt Helm books (which I plan to start reading sooon), I can say that this book (written with Donald Hamilton's son permission) was written very closely to the style of those two samples. We get to see how a young Matt Helm was trained and the sort of missions he went on in WWII. Very deep uncover with an unnamed secert agency, Matt grew up quickly in those dark days of the war. He had to learn to become cold-blooded and ruthless. I will use this book to jump into the Donald Hamilton series of books (now that they are finally becoming available in e-book formats).
July 16, 2022
Amazing Homage to Donald Hamilton’s Creation
I almost never read series continued by another author because it is so difficult to capture the voice of the original. I’m glad I made an exception for this. The author does a terrific job of telling the story of how a 25 year old Army Captain Matt Helm is recruited by Mac and becomes the legendary Eric. If you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy meeting so many familiar characters for the “first time” and going on the missions that were only briefly mentioned in the series. The author's careful research and creative integrity to Donald Hamilton's world make this a delightful read.
I almost never read series continued by another author because it is so difficult to capture the voice of the original. I’m glad I made an exception for this. The author does a terrific job of telling the story of how a 25 year old Army Captain Matt Helm is recruited by Mac and becomes the legendary Eric. If you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy meeting so many familiar characters for the “first time” and going on the missions that were only briefly mentioned in the series. The author's careful research and creative integrity to Donald Hamilton's world make this a delightful read.
November 8, 2023
An unexpectedly good addition to the canon
Ever wonder what professional American assassin Matt Helm did before he became a Cold War secret agent? Keith Wease, an avid fan of the original Donald Hamilton novels, has produced an entertaining and highly satisfactory prequel. Wease nails the Matt Helm style perfectly. His Helm is as amoral, ruthless and dryly humorous as ever. In fact, this book shows us how he got to be that way.
In a sane world, the Hamilton literary estate would authorize Wease to write a few more of these. Wouldn't that be fun?
Ever wonder what professional American assassin Matt Helm did before he became a Cold War secret agent? Keith Wease, an avid fan of the original Donald Hamilton novels, has produced an entertaining and highly satisfactory prequel. Wease nails the Matt Helm style perfectly. His Helm is as amoral, ruthless and dryly humorous as ever. In fact, this book shows us how he got to be that way.
In a sane world, the Hamilton literary estate would authorize Wease to write a few more of these. Wouldn't that be fun?
April 24, 2025
For Matt Helm purists
I was hesitant to read this. After all who knows Eric as well as I do. I originally read the books as they were written, as soon as each hit the marketplace; and multiple times since. How could anyone not named Donald Hamilton wrote a convincing Matt Helm. Well, Keith Erase could and to the point every point matched the original style. Wonderful. I will be purchasing the book so it can join the 27 I have in my library and check for other books by this author.
I was hesitant to read this. After all who knows Eric as well as I do. I originally read the books as they were written, as soon as each hit the marketplace; and multiple times since. How could anyone not named Donald Hamilton wrote a convincing Matt Helm. Well, Keith Erase could and to the point every point matched the original style. Wonderful. I will be purchasing the book so it can join the 27 I have in my library and check for other books by this author.
August 29, 2020
Plausible Backstory
Very well done indeed! This was an excellent pastiche to the Matthew Helm spy series telling us how he got started. Mr Hamilton would have been proud. I especially like that Wease quoted verbatim from Hamilton's original story showing due honor to the originator of the character.
Very well done indeed! This was an excellent pastiche to the Matthew Helm spy series telling us how he got started. Mr Hamilton would have been proud. I especially like that Wease quoted verbatim from Hamilton's original story showing due honor to the originator of the character.
July 25, 2017
True to form Matt Helm prequel.
Excellent tribute to Donald Hamilton and the mist practical tough guy Matt Helm. Thanks Mr Wease for putting in the time and energy to recreate the style and story telling by our old friend Eric. I enjoyed it immensely..." If it matters."
Excellent tribute to Donald Hamilton and the mist practical tough guy Matt Helm. Thanks Mr Wease for putting in the time and energy to recreate the style and story telling by our old friend Eric. I enjoyed it immensely..." If it matters."
August 15, 2017
Good
I've never read any of the Matt Helm books but since I read/watch/video game WWII as much as I can, I started here and it was very interesting and enjoyable ... Now on to the other stories ...
I've never read any of the Matt Helm books but since I read/watch/video game WWII as much as I can, I started here and it was very interesting and enjoyable ... Now on to the other stories ...
May 22, 2021
Overall I enjoyed this book. A 'prequel' of sorts to the Matt Helm series by Donald Hamilton, this book is well researched and well thought out. An interesting look into Matt's early days and a welcome addition to the other twenty-seven books!
January 3, 2022
Matt Helm: the War Years.
This was a delightful surprise. I had lost touch with Matt around 1969, the movies were didn’t count. A few weeks ago , I restarted the adventure, never guessing this even existed. I am so grateful it does.
This was a delightful surprise. I had lost touch with Matt around 1969, the movies were didn’t count. A few weeks ago , I restarted the adventure, never guessing this even existed. I am so grateful it does.
Read
March 28, 2023The War Years
The book follows Donald Hamilton style of writing. This book puts the Death of a Citizen in perspective. I have read all the helm books. This should be a first read before reading of the Helm novels.
The book follows Donald Hamilton style of writing. This book puts the Death of a Citizen in perspective. I have read all the helm books. This should be a first read before reading of the Helm novels.
June 9, 2023
The story of how Matt Helm (codename Eric) trained to become a professional killer in WW2 and a number of short stories of missions he and others went on for M Squad and the mysterious Mac, up till the War ended and he went into civilian life.
August 6, 2025
Good memories
If you are Matt Helm fan, this story is for you. No Dean Martin here, although I thoroughly enjoyed the exploits of the Italian Matt Helm on the big screen. I am looking forward to more similar works from Mr. Wease.
If you are Matt Helm fan, this story is for you. No Dean Martin here, although I thoroughly enjoyed the exploits of the Italian Matt Helm on the big screen. I am looking forward to more similar works from Mr. Wease.
April 4, 2019
Enjoyable
The writing style matched pretty well and the stories interesting. Worth the read. Now I'm on to the original series!
The writing style matched pretty well and the stories interesting. Worth the read. Now I'm on to the original series!
May 9, 2020
Matt Helm at his fineness
Well written. Helm written like you would expect. Don't you hate it when you have to write at least a number of words!
Well written. Helm written like you would expect. Don't you hate it when you have to write at least a number of words!
November 20, 2020
An old friend is back
It is rare for a "replacement" author to be as good as the original . I've read all the original books. This is as good as anything Mr. Hamilton wrote.
It is rare for a "replacement" author to be as good as the original . I've read all the original books. This is as good as anything Mr. Hamilton wrote.
August 4, 2021
A Matt Helm prequel
I wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. It was reminiscent of Hamilton and the plotting was well done . I enjoyed meeting the your Matt Helm.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. It was reminiscent of Hamilton and the plotting was well done . I enjoyed meeting the your Matt Helm.
December 13, 2016
Eric is back
I carry an EDC folding hunting knife today, because I read Donald Hamilton's Matt Helm books in High School. Is this the same Matt Helm? The voice doesn't seem quite the same, and the story pace isn't there. This book is seems a collection of anecdotes, without suspense.
But it is going to get me to visit Matt Helm again. Matt liked folding hunters, and hated low-ride pickups. And seemed the inspiration for all who came after him.
I carry an EDC folding hunting knife today, because I read Donald Hamilton's Matt Helm books in High School. Is this the same Matt Helm? The voice doesn't seem quite the same, and the story pace isn't there. This book is seems a collection of anecdotes, without suspense.
But it is going to get me to visit Matt Helm again. Matt liked folding hunters, and hated low-ride pickups. And seemed the inspiration for all who came after him.
December 20, 2016
Seamless homage
I too have read all the Donald Hamilton's original Matt Helm books several times and I think Mr Wease captures the voice and style perfectly. I'm not sure that we really needed MH's wartime experiences, but they were 'fun.' I think what we really need is MH in the 21st century and I think this guy could do it! Please?
I too have read all the Donald Hamilton's original Matt Helm books several times and I think Mr Wease captures the voice and style perfectly. I'm not sure that we really needed MH's wartime experiences, but they were 'fun.' I think what we really need is MH in the 21st century and I think this guy could do it! Please?
July 15, 2016
Weasel has done a wonderful job of pulling Hamilton's stories into a very credible prequel. I enjoyed it very much.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews