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Malko Linge #2
Chaos in Kabul
As U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan, and the Taliban is poised to take over, the CIA calls upon the Austrian aristocrat Malko Linge to execute a dangerous and delicate plan to restore stability to the region.
On the ground in Kabul, Malko reconnects with an old flame and hires a South African mercenary to assist with his mission. But Malko doesn't know whom he can trust. His every move is monitored by President Karzai's entourage, Taliban leaders, a seductive American journalist--and a renegade within the CIA itself. Before he can pull off his plan, Malko is kidnapped and nearly killed. When he finally manages to escape, he finds himself alone and running for his life in a hostile city.
On the ground in Kabul, Malko reconnects with an old flame and hires a South African mercenary to assist with his mission. But Malko doesn't know whom he can trust. His every move is monitored by President Karzai's entourage, Taliban leaders, a seductive American journalist--and a renegade within the CIA itself. Before he can pull off his plan, Malko is kidnapped and nearly killed. When he finally manages to escape, he finds himself alone and running for his life in a hostile city.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2014
15 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Gérard de Villiers
847 books94 followersGérard Adam de Villiers est un écrivain, journaliste et éditeur français.
Gérard Adam de Villiers is a French writer, journalist and publisher.
Gérard Adam de Villiers is a French writer, journalist and publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 9, 2024
Malko Linge, CIA special agent extraordinair, is send to Afghanistan where the US forces are being slowly withdrawn is still a democracy guarenteed by the US forces. The current Afghan president is not popular with the Taliban & the American White House. So very strange that Malko is send to organize an assassination, with which hé is not very happy about. Of course everything goes wrong and the varied forces in Afghanistan suddenly have their own agenda's. Malko tries to get out alive.
This series is known for its actuality, spies and some explicit sexual exploits by our Hero. Malko Linge works for the CIA.simply to pay for the restoring of his famelies' castle, which is essentially a moneypit.
As an teenager some of his more explicit activities were of course exciting and New (no internet around in these days). I found this allright at later age and they broke the thriller aspect of the book without any problem. A decent thriller about the situation around 2014 in Afghanistan and the various sides.
A Quick and easy read. As I remembered.
This series is known for its actuality, spies and some explicit sexual exploits by our Hero. Malko Linge works for the CIA.simply to pay for the restoring of his famelies' castle, which is essentially a moneypit.
As an teenager some of his more explicit activities were of course exciting and New (no internet around in these days). I found this allright at later age and they broke the thriller aspect of the book without any problem. A decent thriller about the situation around 2014 in Afghanistan and the various sides.
A Quick and easy read. As I remembered.
January 20, 2020
I really wanted to like this author after the write up in the media, but this was too shallow to be convincing. Easy read though it dragged a bit, could've finished a bit earlier.
February 1, 2020
I picked up Chaos In Kabul because of my interest in the South / Central Asian security environment. I believed the book will be a high quality spy thriller in fashion of Le Carre.
I was mistaken.
The book is set in Afghanistan. Surely, the author does have basic knowledge of the country. However, the book is more a Hollywood style thriller than a well researched work of fiction.
Chaos In Kabul is an easy read, hence the three stars. But it tends towards trashy novel than high quality spy thriller.
I was mistaken.
The book is set in Afghanistan. Surely, the author does have basic knowledge of the country. However, the book is more a Hollywood style thriller than a well researched work of fiction.
Chaos In Kabul is an easy read, hence the three stars. But it tends towards trashy novel than high quality spy thriller.
January 7, 2015
The New Yorker add caught my attention, and the main character premise was quite interesting. Part from that, this book redefines the concept of shallowness in plot, character development, etc.
The only positive thing I can say is that it was an easy read, something that entertain you but that you forget immediately after putting it down.
The only positive thing I can say is that it was an easy read, something that entertain you but that you forget immediately after putting it down.
October 3, 2018
Ugh. This book was brutal. And not in a Cormac McCarthy way (because I actually find his books worthwhile), but in a really ugly and shallow way. I did not find any of the characters relatable or sympathetic and the story was purposeless. Based on this book, I can only conclude that this author finds women valuable for our vaginas, and that’s about it. Finished it through sheer force of will alone. Look for international political thrillers elsewhere, it won’t be hard to find a better one.
March 8, 2017
It is a good adventure story, until your hero has primal carnal urges to satisfy. (This happens every 20 pages or so.) And that would be fine if it didn't teeter between laughable and icky.
The plot--which I charitably believe to be centered on arranging an assassination in Afghanistan is a pretty good adventure. There's some suspension of disbelief required. It is fiction after all, one hopes. But the hero keeps getting in the way of the story.
Someone is trying too hard to be James Bond. That is all.
The plot--which I charitably believe to be centered on arranging an assassination in Afghanistan is a pretty good adventure. There's some suspension of disbelief required. It is fiction after all, one hopes. But the hero keeps getting in the way of the story.
Someone is trying too hard to be James Bond. That is all.
Read
November 17, 2014James Bond escapism. realpolitik in Afghanistan. Check your realism at the door. Guns, Violence, and Very graphic sex, reader be warned.
September 9, 2019
Probably the best Malko Linge book I've read so far. As with all the M.L. books, they are a fast read, action packed, coitus packed and absent of any extraneous fluff. I found this more interesting than usual because it contained a lot of Afghani intrigue. Not being an expert, I don't know how much of the Afghani political commentary is accurate but it sure made for interesting reading. I learned about the different factions, the security forces operating there and day to day living on the streets in and out about town. It really did make me feel I'd spent a few weeks there.
Summary: The CIA tasks M.L. with offing President Karzai. As usual not a lot of things go right and we're along a ride dealing with mullahs, mercenaries and spies.
I really should deduct a star as there is at least 1 curious loose end and the story ends somewhat abruptly but I really enjoyed the novel and had a great time reading it. I highly recommend this series and it seems that you don't have to read it in order.
It seems that the author has written over a hundred Malko Linge books. Some were published in the 1970's and this current series of 6 has been recently translated. I definitely hope that the publishers will continue to publish the rest of the series because they are very good.
Edit: After I finished this review I took a look at the other reviews and have to agree with some of them. The sex scenes are gratuitous and a bit childish but I believe these books were written in a different time and different culture (French books translated into English) where things might be a bit different from today. I fast read through those as they seemed a bit monotonous and repetitive.
Some people compared these series to James Bond but I somewhat disagree. This series is better. The books are much faster reading and don't aim to be canonical works. They are just a great way to pass some time.
Stereotyped characters: Most of the characters did seem stereotypical but they are stereotypes for a reason. For example the mercenary Nelson Berry. I'm sure that mercs of that type do commonly exist but pretty much however you wrote him, the stereotype would exist as well. For example: the no nonsense merc, the loud mouth merc, the secretly penitent merc, the psycho merc, etc. I'm sure all of them would be considered "stereotypical" and "paper thin".
A lot of people seemed to give low ratings because of the way they felt about the plot, the way it was written or the portrayals which is all very fair, because I happened to give it a high rating for the same reasons.
Summary: The CIA tasks M.L. with offing President Karzai. As usual not a lot of things go right and we're along a ride dealing with mullahs, mercenaries and spies.
I really should deduct a star as there is at least 1 curious loose end and the story ends somewhat abruptly but I really enjoyed the novel and had a great time reading it. I highly recommend this series and it seems that you don't have to read it in order.
It seems that the author has written over a hundred Malko Linge books. Some were published in the 1970's and this current series of 6 has been recently translated. I definitely hope that the publishers will continue to publish the rest of the series because they are very good.
Edit: After I finished this review I took a look at the other reviews and have to agree with some of them. The sex scenes are gratuitous and a bit childish but I believe these books were written in a different time and different culture (French books translated into English) where things might be a bit different from today. I fast read through those as they seemed a bit monotonous and repetitive.
Some people compared these series to James Bond but I somewhat disagree. This series is better. The books are much faster reading and don't aim to be canonical works. They are just a great way to pass some time.
Stereotyped characters: Most of the characters did seem stereotypical but they are stereotypes for a reason. For example the mercenary Nelson Berry. I'm sure that mercs of that type do commonly exist but pretty much however you wrote him, the stereotype would exist as well. For example: the no nonsense merc, the loud mouth merc, the secretly penitent merc, the psycho merc, etc. I'm sure all of them would be considered "stereotypical" and "paper thin".
A lot of people seemed to give low ratings because of the way they felt about the plot, the way it was written or the portrayals which is all very fair, because I happened to give it a high rating for the same reasons.
August 27, 2024
Chaos in Kabul is a gripping spy thriller set against the backdrop of the tumultuous political landscape of Afghanistan. The novel, part of his popular Malko Linge series, delivers a fast-paced and action-packed narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
At the heart of the story is Malko Linge, a charismatic and resourceful freelance agent tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to assassinate Afghan President Hamid Karzai. As the U.S. prepares to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan, the CIA believes that Karzai has become a liability, and his removal is essential to stabilize the region.
What sets Chaos in Kabul apart is its intricate portrayal of the complex political machinations and power struggles within Afghanistan. De Villiers skillfully weaves together a web of intrigue, betrayal, and double-crossing that mirrors the chaos of the real-world situation. The author's extensive knowledge of the region shines through, providing a realistic and immersive experience for readers.
Beyond the political intrigue, the novel also offers a glimpse into the dangerous and unpredictable world of espionage. Malko's adventures are filled with thrilling action sequences, daring escapes, and deadly encounters. The author's ability to create suspense and tension is masterful, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.
While Chaos in Kabul may not be a deep dive into the complexities of Afghan history or culture, it is a thrilling and entertaining read that offers a glimpse into the world of international espionage. Fans of spy thrillers and those interested in the political situation in Afghanistan will find this novel a satisfying addition to their reading list.
At the heart of the story is Malko Linge, a charismatic and resourceful freelance agent tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to assassinate Afghan President Hamid Karzai. As the U.S. prepares to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan, the CIA believes that Karzai has become a liability, and his removal is essential to stabilize the region.
What sets Chaos in Kabul apart is its intricate portrayal of the complex political machinations and power struggles within Afghanistan. De Villiers skillfully weaves together a web of intrigue, betrayal, and double-crossing that mirrors the chaos of the real-world situation. The author's extensive knowledge of the region shines through, providing a realistic and immersive experience for readers.
Beyond the political intrigue, the novel also offers a glimpse into the dangerous and unpredictable world of espionage. Malko's adventures are filled with thrilling action sequences, daring escapes, and deadly encounters. The author's ability to create suspense and tension is masterful, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.
While Chaos in Kabul may not be a deep dive into the complexities of Afghan history or culture, it is a thrilling and entertaining read that offers a glimpse into the world of international espionage. Fans of spy thrillers and those interested in the political situation in Afghanistan will find this novel a satisfying addition to their reading list.
April 26, 2021
I don't normally expect too much from the fiction books that I read, and given how prolific a writer de Villiers was I understand that a certain amount of variance is to be expected between his novels. But in spite of all that, I truly feel like Chaos in Kabul missed the mark on a number of levels. The overall storyline to me felt very fractured; events came and went with little to no coherence between them. Subplots were started, explored, and then vanished without a trace. The ending felt incredibly rushed, which was surprising given that this is the longest de Villers novel I've read so far. But probably the biggest misgiving I have about this book is that it doesn't do the Malko Linge character any justice at all. For all the bungling and 'bad luck' he and his allies seemed unable to avoid, they read more like Maxwell Smart than James Bond, and I for one couldn't see a clear reason why. Inept protagonists, overly sadistic antagonists, and a supporting cast that can't decide who exactly they're supporting, skip this one unless you're trying to complete the set.
June 11, 2021
Veterans of "Madmen of Benghazi" will recognize familiar elements in Kabul: tribal and clan-based conflict; CIA bigwigs intruding and throwing around millions of dollars to manipulate outcomes; their NATO allies mostly useless; brutality and torture routinely used by all sides; devious, Machiavellian Moslem militants; local uneducated folks used as pawns; messy, ugly, crowded cities; and bad restaurants.
In a word: reality.
Into this steps Linge - Malko Linge - his aristocratic financial needs provided by the CIA in payment for his part-time work executing their political schemes. Along the way, Malko regularly finds stress relief from tense episodes of mortal danger with hot females that the author places in his path like bells in a pinball machine.
De Villiers's writing would well suit a high end cartoon book (something like Tintin) or Hollywood action movie. For now, we have to be satisfied with words rather than pictures.
Yes, the books follow a noticeable formula. But what lurks and breathes beneath is interesting, entertaining - and real.
In a word: reality.
Into this steps Linge - Malko Linge - his aristocratic financial needs provided by the CIA in payment for his part-time work executing their political schemes. Along the way, Malko regularly finds stress relief from tense episodes of mortal danger with hot females that the author places in his path like bells in a pinball machine.
De Villiers's writing would well suit a high end cartoon book (something like Tintin) or Hollywood action movie. For now, we have to be satisfied with words rather than pictures.
Yes, the books follow a noticeable formula. But what lurks and breathes beneath is interesting, entertaining - and real.
Read
October 5, 2024On the surface —- all that is wrong in Afghanistan. Pashtun fighting Tajiks , suicide bombers , religious extremism is described in this novel.
Below the surface - the novel portrays about the deep wrong that American foreign policy is assailed with . - making Afghanistan another Vietnam or worse .
The hero is sent to Afghanistan to exterminate a leader (who was legally elected?) so that America will not lose face in case there will be another chaotic Indo-China withdrawal by US forces.
The hero is also addicted to sex.
Below the surface - the novel portrays about the deep wrong that American foreign policy is assailed with . - making Afghanistan another Vietnam or worse .
The hero is sent to Afghanistan to exterminate a leader (who was legally elected?) so that America will not lose face in case there will be another chaotic Indo-China withdrawal by US forces.
The hero is also addicted to sex.
July 13, 2017
Unless you're into completely unbelievable plots (and not in a good way), child sexual assault, and the murder of children, this is not the the book for you. Or anyone, really. The only redeeming quality of this poorly written novel is the research into the Kabul expat community - some of that is actually quite well done. But as for the characters, plot, or any redeeming social or literary value - forget it.
May 12, 2022
Another good one. Not great literature but a detailed look at a place in our history and how complicated it was to navigate.
"As U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan, and the Taliban is poised to take over,..." - written in 2013 and yet we were watching it live again in 2022 with all the same dynamics.
Author Bruce Sterling calls it "New World Disorder" - been going on for 30 years now...
"As U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan, and the Taliban is poised to take over,..." - written in 2013 and yet we were watching it live again in 2022 with all the same dynamics.
Author Bruce Sterling calls it "New World Disorder" - been going on for 30 years now...
February 18, 2018
I have read a few of the Malko Linge books by Gerard de Villiers and have enjoyed them all. As most reviews will touch on, these are James Bond type spy thrillers set in the modern era with current event issues. De Villiers describes Linges adventures with women in more detail than Fleming, so that is a definite difference, but if you like the spy novel genre, these are must reads.
January 20, 2020
Pretty Standard Fare
Let's see, as a writer, I am interested in deconstructing de Villiers' work. I have summarized many of his plots to observe the weave of plots.
However, for this thriller, I merely kept track of all occurrences of sex and violence. Pretty balanced with 10 occasions of each (it is the timing and pairing that is interesting).
Let's see, as a writer, I am interested in deconstructing de Villiers' work. I have summarized many of his plots to observe the weave of plots.
However, for this thriller, I merely kept track of all occurrences of sex and violence. Pretty balanced with 10 occasions of each (it is the timing and pairing that is interesting).
October 11, 2021
Whether it is the translation or the writing itself, I don't know, but there are awkward and cliche moments in the prose. Beyond that, however, de Villiers keeps up a good pace of suspense and action. Best of all, he absolutely illustrates the chaos in Kabul and all of Afghanistan we now are so familiar with. More evidence that the U.S. involvement there was always a lost cause.
August 26, 2022
Good storyline, acceptable character development, heavy doses of believable action and sex. Easily read, it can provide light entertainment as pulp fiction usually does; consume within couple of days or don't consume at all.
March 23, 2024
Nothing but oral sex and unpronounceable names. Terrible, this guy is no Ian Fleming
November 13, 2014
The publicity for this book says “Gérard de Villiers has been hailed as France’s answer to James Bond—he sold millions of copies around the world of his thrillers and published his 200th novel just before he died in November 2013.” They have one thing right, this book was as exciting as any of the Bond books written by Ian Fleming, but Malko Linge gets a lot more from his encounters with the ladies than James Bond ever did. Some readers might be put off by the very graphic nature of the liaisons that happen regularly in this book. But if those don’t bother you, I’m sure that you will enjoy the non-stop action, and the many close calls that Malko just manages to escape from.
The story takes place in and around Kabul, Afghanistan. You feel like this could have been a true story, because you will recognize many of the names of the people and groups from the news. It could have happened that The President of the United States, Barack Obama, got the C.I.A. to hire a foreign national like Malko Linge, to plan and carry out an assassination of the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai. It probably didn’t, but de Villiers makes it seem quite possible. The story feels very current, like it could have happened yesterday. The action, people and places ring true. De Villiers gets everything right.
Chaos in Kabul is an action-thriller, and not everyone likes that kind of thing, but if you do, I think you will enjoy this book, and any other books in this series that get published. I know I will be on the look-out for Malko Linge novels. This is the second of five books in this series that Vintage Crime is planning on publishing.
I give Chaos in Kabul 4 1/2 Stars out of 5, and a Big Thumbs Up! This isn’t a great book, but it’s great fun, and a hard book to put down.
I received a review copy from Vintage Crime.
The story takes place in and around Kabul, Afghanistan. You feel like this could have been a true story, because you will recognize many of the names of the people and groups from the news. It could have happened that The President of the United States, Barack Obama, got the C.I.A. to hire a foreign national like Malko Linge, to plan and carry out an assassination of the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai. It probably didn’t, but de Villiers makes it seem quite possible. The story feels very current, like it could have happened yesterday. The action, people and places ring true. De Villiers gets everything right.
Chaos in Kabul is an action-thriller, and not everyone likes that kind of thing, but if you do, I think you will enjoy this book, and any other books in this series that get published. I know I will be on the look-out for Malko Linge novels. This is the second of five books in this series that Vintage Crime is planning on publishing.
I give Chaos in Kabul 4 1/2 Stars out of 5, and a Big Thumbs Up! This isn’t a great book, but it’s great fun, and a hard book to put down.
I received a review copy from Vintage Crime.
July 23, 2016
I'd been intrigued by this author (now deceased) who has been acclaimed as the French equivalent of Ian Fleming. But until a year or so ago his more than 200 books had not been translated into English. When I saw some of them had I picked one up. De Villiers has been acclaimed as writing about real-world issues, using names of actual world leaders and making them part of the story. In some cases his novels are said to have presaged actual events with remarkable accuracy. That was intriguing to me.
The reality, at least in the pages of this book, have been somewhat disappointing. The plot is simple: the lead character (who is actually Austrian, not French) is hired by the CIA to assassinate then-Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Since it's a real-world scenario I don't think it's a spoiler to say that he failed, and that happens at about the half-way point of this book. What follows is his attempt to get out of the country, usually by hiding in the backseat of a car driven by an Afghani or hiding in the CIA station in Kabul.
There are a few spats of action along with way, and, like James Bond, the main character has his way with the ladies, but not enough to justify a 300+ page book. I may be too harsh on the author as this was written late in his life, but it was not the introduction to his oeuvre that I was expecting given all I had heard about him.
The reality, at least in the pages of this book, have been somewhat disappointing. The plot is simple: the lead character (who is actually Austrian, not French) is hired by the CIA to assassinate then-Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Since it's a real-world scenario I don't think it's a spoiler to say that he failed, and that happens at about the half-way point of this book. What follows is his attempt to get out of the country, usually by hiding in the backseat of a car driven by an Afghani or hiding in the CIA station in Kabul.
There are a few spats of action along with way, and, like James Bond, the main character has his way with the ladies, but not enough to justify a 300+ page book. I may be too harsh on the author as this was written late in his life, but it was not the introduction to his oeuvre that I was expecting given all I had heard about him.
July 7, 2015
Chaos in Kabul “A Malko Linge Novel”
By Gerard DeVilliers
Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, U.S.; 2014
A much title Austrian aristocrat, Malko Linge is quietly called in to help the Americans carry out a plot to restore peace in Afghanistan. A sticky situation, no doubt, especially since there are secrets to be kept - with whom he really works for as one.
Entering the depths of the much corrupted city of Kabul, Linge quickly finds he is in incredible danger - he himself is soon being targeted for assassination.
With high paced action and a little romance on the side, “Chaos in Kabul” is a great read - and quick to engross the reader.
I received this book for free to review. I am a member of Goodreads, Librarything, NetGalley and maintain a book blog at http://dbettenson.wordpress.com.
By Gerard DeVilliers
Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, U.S.; 2014
A much title Austrian aristocrat, Malko Linge is quietly called in to help the Americans carry out a plot to restore peace in Afghanistan. A sticky situation, no doubt, especially since there are secrets to be kept - with whom he really works for as one.
Entering the depths of the much corrupted city of Kabul, Linge quickly finds he is in incredible danger - he himself is soon being targeted for assassination.
With high paced action and a little romance on the side, “Chaos in Kabul” is a great read - and quick to engross the reader.
I received this book for free to review. I am a member of Goodreads, Librarything, NetGalley and maintain a book blog at http://dbettenson.wordpress.com.
December 22, 2015
I was kind of disappointed after all the hoopla I had read in an article about the author, Gerard de Villiers. The plot seemed to depend on the 'hero' Malko Linge being tossed from one disaster or betrayal to another as he tries to set up an assassination of Afghanistan's president and make a deal with the Taliban.
In between there were gratuitous sex scenes that did nothing to further the plot...just satisfy Malko's libido and they weren't even well done. I could not believe that every woman who met Malko couldn't wait to tear off her clothes and have sex with him. I doubt I will be seeking out many books from this author if they are anything like this one.
In between there were gratuitous sex scenes that did nothing to further the plot...just satisfy Malko's libido and they weren't even well done. I could not believe that every woman who met Malko couldn't wait to tear off her clothes and have sex with him. I doubt I will be seeking out many books from this author if they are anything like this one.
January 18, 2015
Malko Linge is a free lance CIA agent. He is an Austrian aristocrat---and he has his way with women
enemy agents, and he is always on the edge of a cliff but never falls down.
This action pack novel includes the political Afghanistan maze----Taliban-Karzi's bold military
spies,enforcers--and this all to rule a country that's income is based on heroin-"popy's.
enemy agents, and he is always on the edge of a cliff but never falls down.
This action pack novel includes the political Afghanistan maze----Taliban-Karzi's bold military
spies,enforcers--and this all to rule a country that's income is based on heroin-"popy's.
June 16, 2015
Although the title was intriguing, the book itself was a real disappointment.
A great deal of explicit sexual content that had nothing to do with the story!
The story itself was hard to find credible, too many impossible escapes, too
many double/double crosses, little character or relationship development.
A great deal of explicit sexual content that had nothing to do with the story!
The story itself was hard to find credible, too many impossible escapes, too
many double/double crosses, little character or relationship development.
January 28, 2026
This is one of the "not so bad" novels from the series, as history and fiction are melting together. Malko Linge is a sort of James Bond, life in Afghanistan is as bad as you've heard about, maybe even worse.. Danger all over the place, Guns, Violence, and Sex, that's the usual menu.
And yet, the fans of the genre could and should be satisfied...
And yet, the fans of the genre could and should be satisfied...
December 12, 2014
Picked this one up at the airport. Lots of action, violence and explicit sex. Keeps you turning the pages, but too brutal for my taste. The saving grace is that de Villiers knows the the Afghan context in which this thriller is set.
August 12, 2017
Very fun. Very silly. Essentially literary nachos of the sort you get at the cinema. You like them even though they are vile and you typically will wish you had grabbed more napkins at the counter when you bought them.
October 25, 2014
Great CIA thriller set in Afghanistan!!!
February 19, 2015
I liked it. Typical de Villiers. A great plot. Not much character development. Fun read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews