Haywire

by James Mills

A young boy named Charlie is separated from his parents while traveling on a flight from Caracas to New York. When the plane lands in New York, Charlie has disappeared and the search is on--but not only by his parents. Racing from the U.S. to Europe and the Far East, the boy is pursued by men who are after the $100 million in bonds Charlie's father hid in his stuffed lion.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

408 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

James Mills is an American novelist, screenwriter and prize-winning journalist.

Mills wrote two New York Times bestsellers, Report to the Commissioner, a novel, and , a study of international narcotics trafficking. As a result, he testified before a panel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee as an expert. His books The Panic in Needle Park and Report to the Commissioner were later made into major motion pictures.

Reviews

[Lois Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 9-year-old boy is being used by the government to smuggle $100 million from Caracas to New York hidden inside his toy lion. But the child, who is flying as an "Unaccmpanied Minor," disappears in mid-flight -- along with the toy and the money.

A great concept for a story. The first two thirds are a great read -- I couldn't put the book down. But the end is weighed down by a cumbersome explanation of international politics and the interaction of various government agents.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure that I've read this author before but fast paced action involving a family, international drug trade, and a lot of money. My only complaint is that the ending was too pat, but there are worse things. Some of his turns of phrase I loved, like his description of the TV switching from an interview with a counselor about heaven and devils to "and we left the world of demons to join a young lady bedeviled in her kitchen with an ineffectual washday product." Funny

[Steve Rabideau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story, quick read. I didn't hate it, but there were a few too many mentions of jesus for my liking. Unfortunately I was too far in to give up on it because of that. Wouldn't really recommend, far better books are available in the genre.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be patient with this book - it turned out to be a PAGE-TURNER! The story is so good - WHAT HAPPENED TO CHARLEY???!!!! Corruption in our government - that seems to be so many books' themes! Maybe there is a good reason!!! Look at the Bidens, Pelosi's, Shomer's, all those corrupt families!!! And yes, there are corrupt families in BOTH PARTIES!!!!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize I had gotten the wrong "Haywire" book until I was halfway through, funnily enough. I wanted to read "Haywire" by Brooke Hayward, which I imagine is a very different book. Anyhoo, I did finish this book, in about 2 sittings, because it was quite entertaining.

[Penny Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast moving story and well written, but Rather odd to read as events in 1995! Security at airports, cell phones, and technology have certainly changed this world in just 13 years!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect - the book was given to me, but the premise was interesting and the initial chapter grabbed me. The story is that a former DEA agent finds his life falling apart, and in a last ditch effort to get the money he needs to save his house and business, he looks into a one-time opportunity where he will carry 100 million dollars in bearer bonds from Venezuela to the United States. The money is sewn inside a bear that his 9 year old son will carry onto the plane. The son will travel as an "unaccompanied minor" though the parents will be on the same plane.

Something goes wrong, of course, and when mom and dad are pulled off the plane in Miami, the little boy is left by himself. And he promptly disappears.

Dad's frantic, globetrotting search for his son is gripping, and the revelations to this former DEA agent (and to his wife) about what in life is truly important builds logically and made me as the reader think about the same things. This did everything I would look for in a book. If I find more by James Mills, I will certainly read them.

[Lann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall story is quite interesting but of course with a typical Hollywood's American scandal (FBI, CIA, DEA in the mix). However, I don't like how all the questions and the mysteries about Charley's missing unfolded so easily by happily-tell-all session by Doug's friend (the DEA agent). And Doug himself didn't contribute much to safe his son other than wasting too much time stranded in the airports.

To be fair, this is 90's book where this kind of story is still new. 3 star only.

[Steve Rabideau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story, quick read. I didn't hate it, but there were a few too many mentions of jesus for my liking. Unfortunately I was too far in to give up on it because of that. Wouldn't really recommend, far better books are available in the genre.

[Toesnorth's mom]

got rather involved unnecessarily

[Christian · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a terrible book. The first third is wasted to setup the situation for a completely unbelievable plot.
During most of the time i seriously considered not finishing the book.

[Nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was alright. but it got too verbose at the end

[Paul Cruickshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast passed, easy read. Good weekend dead book