The Windchime Legacy

by A.W. Mykel

In the early 1980s, the mysterious A.W. Mykel came out of nowhere with a brilliantly inventive espionage thriller that became an international bestseller…astonishing readers with its daringly imaginative plot, larger-than-life characters, and outstanding action…becoming one of the most entertaining and beloved spy novels of the century. THE WINDCHIME LEGACY America has a our espionage operations are run by Sentinel, an intelligent super computer that communicates with spies through an implant in their brains that massively expands their intellectual capabilities. But the power comes with a price. The implants are also explosives that Sentinel can ignite at its whim. Now one of Sentinel’s creators is defecting to Russia with plans to create a red Sentinel twin and must be stopped. Superspy Justin Chaple is assigned to the mission, pitting him against the KGB’s top assassins and, as a shocking conspiracy is revealed, the all-knowing, explosive killer hiding in his own skull. “A smashing tale! This cleverly plotted and twisting first novel compares to the best of Robert Ludlum,” Publishers Weekly “Bouncy, unbelievable thriller action,” Kirkus Reviews “Move over, Robert Ludlum. A.W. Mykel has arrived,” Akron Beacon-Journal A.W. Mykel wrote two more global bestsellers…The Salamandra Glass and The Luxus Conspiracy...and then disappeared as suddenly as he’d appeared. Until Now. Acclaim for THE WINDCHIME "An intricate high-tech thriller...a solid and often exciting yarn," The Rap Sheet "THE WINDCHIME LEGACY is recommended as a notable – and until this reissue, a regrettably hard to find – example of how the rivalries and anxieties of the world’s major governments provided the inspiration for much of the popular fiction of the time," Bookgasm "This novel actually feels like six put together, making for a fun rollercoaster ride. The book splices the styles of Ian Fleming and Robert Ludlum and adds a dash of Michael Crichton. Don’t over think the over-the-top fun and just enjoy the wild ride." Writers Bone

Genres: Thriller, Espionage, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

540 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Pseudonym of Michael Andaloro

Michael William Andaloro of San Antonio, Texas, passed away January 10, 2022. Born May 23, 1946, in Rochester, New York, he was the youngest son of Nicholas and Maria Andaloro and brother to Andrew. Michael was a creator by nature. He was a trained scientist in biology, chemistry, and physics who ventured into a successful career in business as an implementation specialist and executive.

The mysterious A.W. Mykel (Michael’s pseudonym) hit the literary world in 1980 with his acclaimed first novel "The Windchime Legacy". He later published "The Salamandra Glass" and "The Luxus", which landed on the best seller’s list across the country. His first-rate international spy thrillers have compelling, realistic covert operational action with authentic details outlining the art of assassination.

Michael loved the serenity that surrounded his later years in the Texas Hill Country. He was grateful for the life he lived, thankful for the time he had, and blessed with the family he raised. His sense of humor, generosity, and humanity will live on through us, his family.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Maria Andaloro; and his daughter, Amber. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Mykel (wife Jackie) and Theron (wife Seungyun); grandchildren, Tristen, Taylor, and Adeline; brother, Andrew; and extended family.

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super Spies! Assassins! Super computers! The Cold War! Nazis!

Wow. Gonzo spy fiction at its finest. Over the top action with some purple prose and a couple sex scenes that are just somewhat kinky by today's standards. But it clocks right along and keeps your interest. Dated and a product of its time - which was the late seventies. Within a couple chapters it's obvious that A.W. Mykel (aka Michael Andaloro (1946-2022)) was inspired by Ian Fleming and Donald Hamilton and not John le Carré.

In many ways the novel reads as if a long-term writer of romance novels decided to try his or her hand at a spy novel. It's not the deepest novel, but it's very readable. The technology is wildly inaccurate, and thirty-two caliber handguns will send people flying backwards off their feet, but so what? The men are REAL MEN and women are beautiful and great in bed. Lots of testosterone and wild passionate sex. No touchy feely, sensitive 1970's crap for these characters.

As another reviewer posted the big reveal at the end really isn't a big shocker and the writer gets knocked down a point for being rather unoriginal, but again so what? Getting there is a whole lot of fun.

In closing it should be apparent that this is not a weighty tome. It's a slam bam thank you mam spy/action novel and it will deliver. Leave all your pretensions at the door (and possibly your brain) and enjoy.

[Donna Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was invited to read and review this title by my friends at Brash Books and Net Galley; it was one of half a dozen that I could check out. I appreciate the invitation, and the other books in that batch have been read by me already and happily reviewed. This one is different; it has not stood the test of time.

So in other words: no, no, no, and no.

Usually I say it is essential to stick with a book till at least the 20 percent mark in order to get a sense of where it's going and whether it might redeem itself, but I can't do that here. By chapter three I am ready to throw things.

When this book was originally published, there was a significant portion of the book-buying USA who would have laughed at the notion that it's not okay to refer to a woman (in our case, a waitress) as having "a nice set of tits", or calling her "a piece of ass". Those same people would have told me not to be so touchy about the "N" word (applied for no special reason to the African-American cook in the restaurant.) Probably I would have heard people say that we should just face the fact that some people talk that way, and that the text therefore reflects reality.

I stuck with it long enough to determine that the demeaning nature of the dialogue was not merely placed to determine the nasty nature of a single protagonist, but both the computer scientist and his adversary and potential recruiter say and think these things.

And for me, that was enough.

Stick a fork in me; I'm done!

[Margaret Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't actually finish this, but there's no other way to take it out of "Currently Reading" than to mark it read (that I could find). It's dated (seriously, an inept spy is found out due to a plot point involving a pay phone. A PAY PHONE!) and rather laddish for my taste. The fact that in 2015 we have computers in our pockets that, while they do not reason as the human brain does, they can imitate it to a high degree (Google Now, Siri, etc.) really dated it considerably. The plot was somewhat involving but I got tired of all the discussion of boobs and I have other things to read. Did not finish.

[Eunice Korczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Windchime Legacy

Windchime Legacy is a twisting, turning spy novel to keep you deeply engaged while reading it and meditating upon it after finishing it. Worth every star I have given it.

[Elayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first novel by AW Mykel and was originally written in 1980. Unfortunately this shows in a number of places. If it had been updated - just a little - I would have given it 4 stars but it just fails due to being out-dated.

When it was written the spy world described with Russia and the US and the UK were very true. But unfortunately for this novel we all know that the Russians were very good at trapping people through sexy spies and no-one would be fooled by that these days - after Christine Keeler all politicians and defectors knew only too well to look out for a gift-woman and avoid them like the plague.

Then there is the computer and Sentinel. For its time, the novel was verging on fantasy but this computer is easily imagined today as are the implants and you would need to go further in what it could do - after all Google knows where all the missile silos are!

So update the hardware - the phones, the computers and some of the behaviour and what is an interesting spy novel would become good, but it just missed it for me as it seemed I had read it all before - even the idea of the Nazi plan for later world domination and a mysterious notebook have been seen in other books now - though it may have been the first to have these ideas.

The author has stopped writing but appears to live in Texas but always wrote under a pseudonym so we don't know who it was but Brash books have some knowledge - I wonder if there are royalties to be paid to him for the re-publication? If so, they know where he lives!

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cold war espionage story that has the best of the genre beat. The plot is devious and thrilling. The characters are well-formed and the best of their breed. Plot twists include deception, romance, incredible secrets, first-rate technology, an age-old conspiracy, and other wrinkles too numerous to identify. The book is filled with heart-pounding, breath-catching action. All the clues along the way don't prepare you for the truths that are revealed. Plan to read this one from start to finish, and hope a movie is in the offing. It has Bond and Bourne beat from the go.

[Patricia Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was an amazing read from beginning to end and I didn't come close to predicting the conclusion. There were so many twists and turns which kept the anticipation high and the adrenaline following. An excellent read especially if you enjoy spy thrillers.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Windchime Legacy is a Cold War era spy novel. Originally written in 1980 when this genre was more popular, by today’s standards - 42 years later - it seems terribly outdated.
Yet it explores many themes that would become popular in contemporary culture. All secret agents have code names. The protagonist, Justin Chaple is code named Pilgrim. He is the all-American hero - the Mitch Rapp of his day. A thinking supercomputer is today called AI or artificial intelligence. Instances where it tries to take over the world is a recurrent theme in many movies - 2001: Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, Terminator, Matrix, etc. An out-of-control spy agency is immortalized as Treadstone in the Jason Bourne series.
The plot has many twists and turns, and the reader never knows quite whom to trust.
Overall the writing is subpar, and the narrative has enough holes to drive a truck through it. Many reviewers have objected to the sexist nature of the writing - Pilgrim’s girlfriend is nicknamed Jugs. Agency head Elizabeth Ryerson's dream fantasy about Pilgrim is inserted for prurient interest only.
What I most object to is the plot arc about the resurgent Fourth Reich. The story would have been fine as a Cold War spy thriller. By bringing in this Nazi connection, Mykel makes the plot even more ludicrous. It is like today’s obsession with zombies. In order to make things sell, there are actually movies like “Zombie Beach Party.”

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up at ValVill looking for something to read in the conspiracy range. Although spy thrillers are not my perfered reading material I quite liked this book. It keep me engaged, I kept turning the pages and, being a history major, I always love a creepy nazi connection in a spy book. Here the nazi link was small quotes at the beginning of each chapter from some supposed secret post-WWII nazi diary. They were fun and helped set the mood.

I only gave it 3 stars because the main charactor was not the sort of "man" I identify with. Kind of toxic masculine with the "chisled good looks" and a hard-drinking Mary Sue type of personality. And he moaned to much about wanting to settle down and start a family and that kind of crap which began to wear a little thin by the end. But it wasn't too gradtuitous so as a lead he was livable.

There was one point where he was in a bar, drinking beer and ordered turkey sanwhiches with 'extra' onions. Yuck! Can you imagine being around that guy the next day when he's farting! As I said, not my kind of guy.

Anyways, it was a fun read, and I would recommend it to someone interested in a spy thriller, despite the gas. Lots of twists and turns, (many of them predictable but that's o.k.), and a lot of fun.

[Gary Sedivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tense and active story, with several of good twists, too.
This is a ‘rise of the Fourth Reich’ story. A super-secret extra-government organization, similar to the Mission Impossible squad, is tasked with extracting a Russian defector. The object is to not allow the CIA or MI6 get him. The two agents sent to get him stumble into a plot to steal the plans for a super-duper computer. The weak link in the story is how fantastic this computer can “see”, “hear”, and communicate with the agents. It’s SciFi in capabilities, and you have to suspend your disbelief. It appears to have no weaknesses until near the end of the novel. How this ties into the Fourth Reich plot is done cleverly.
The hints to who the really bad guys, as compared to just bad guys, are revealed, and later realized by the protagonist, without giving too much away. I did not grok the final two plot twists, so I was surprised a little bit.
Good read!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The greatest secret of America’s intelligence agencies is SENTINEL: a computer intelligence, a thinking intelligence, far advanced and in control of American intelligence operations. Only the president and a select few know it even exists, other than the men and women who run it. Its agents are modified with special neuro-implants, allowing them to communicate directly with the computer and giving them increased intelligence; they are never aware that they are speaking to a machine more capable than any human could ever be. They are aware, however, that those implants are explosives that SENTINEL can detonate on a whim.

Justin Chaple is one agent of SENTINEL. His dedication to his country’s security has cost his his marriage; he’s losing touch with normality, and with it his young son Michael. Swirling around him is a world of intrigue and betrayal. A SENTINEL spy is gunned down in England, one of three who’s cover has been blown. Justin’s one of the other two, and he’s sent out to collect a journal that the dead agent was beginning to translate. That leaves him the closest agent to a Soviet spymaster looking to defect to the West, after being denounced by a competitor; the only trouble is that Justin has to pull him out from under the watchful eye of the CIA. Meanwhile, one of SENTINEL’s creators attempts to defect to the Soviet Union, eager for more power and prestige. And behind it all lurks a shocking Nazi conspiracy that threatens the world, its history and goals hidden in one missing journal…

Within a few chapters, it’s clear that Mykel is less influenced by John le Carre and more by Ian Fleming—and at times, I wondered if it was originally geared for the men’s action-adventure market. Mykel excels at the action and intrigue portions, with twists coming often to surprise the reader and throw another complication into the plot. He’s weaker with character development and drama—for example, see the scene where Justin is confronted by his estranged wife, a predictable scene that seems forced into the narrative because cliche and expectations demanded it. The dialogue in scenes like this can be cringe-worthy. The occasional flare of gory violence can be over-the-top, as are the more frequent sex-scenes… The latter have a romance-writer feel with some of the descriptions, all Justin’s organ this and fiery passion that, when the sex isn’t edgy or risque (see the turncoat Soviet spy caught in a honeypot by a KGB agent dressed up like a 13-year-old girl, or the SENTINEL agent who seduces a gay Soviet soldier).

The writing, though, is better than Fleming’s simple prose; the original blurbs heralded Mykel as the new Ludlum, and The Windchime Legacy certainly has a Ludlum feel to it—not just from the title, but from the writing style and plotting as well. It also foreshadows later techno-thriller writers like Clancy and Crichton, blending near-future technology with contemporary issues. The novel starts off more as a pure Cold War spy thriller, but later on the conspiracy begins to take shape, and as Justin is drawn further into the confidence of SENTINEL’s leadership he begins to learn much about this powerful technology, and the novel takes the shape of a techno-thriller. There’s a lot of good plotting in the novel; it binds together three main plots—the duality of a defective Soviet spy and a defective American programmer with a looming Nazi plot, which the novel foreshadows well with the journal entries that introduce each chapter. There’s enough here for three novels, and I suspect had it be published a decade earlier it may well have been a set of slim paperbacks.

The blurbs and marketing are quick to point out the mystery behind the “A.W. Mykel” pseudonym, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the “Mykel” was an author more famous in another genre trying to branch out… Maybe a romance writer, from the sex scenes that give the novel a “romance for men” feel, or a mainstream author in need of a paycheck or trying to break into a popular genre. Whoever he is, Mykel only wrote four books before disappearing back into the realm of mystery—Brash Books even had to hire a P.I. to offer a reprint deal. I’ve heard that his best book is his third, The Luxus Conspiracy, though I wouldn’t know for sure: none of Mykel’s books have been reprinted and are thus are rare finds on the secondary market.

While The Windchime Legacy creaks under pressure of age and has a few clumsy flaws, it’s a solid and often thrilling espionage adventure. The story dives across three plots—enough plot for three novels!—as Cold War spies play their games of cat and mouse, filled with plenty of unforeseen twists and action. The final twists comes a bit late in the book, but the entire novel builds up to them nicely. The Windchime Legacy is a look back at Cold War popular culture, to a time when the Soviet Union was the great enemy of western intelligence agents; not only is it very much in tune with its era, but it’s also the kind of spy novel they don’t make any more, and I’m not just talking about geopolitics. It’s certainly a step above those men’s action-adventure novels, and even Fleming, and will provide readers several nights of gripping entertainment.

[Subeer Bakshi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewing this book because it’s not a good book and yet I still recall the characters, sub-plots and dialogues. I am not side if this was the first book that used the exploding brain implant concept that became a trope in so many later science fiction novels.

[Bob Box · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in 1981. A brilliantly inventive espionage thriller.

[Robert Iannone · Rating 4 out of 5]

still a good read

After so many years, I decided to reread this book. It stood the test of time. I still enjoyed it.

[Dave Estela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty predictable cold war spy novel between the Russians and the U.S., but a good read nonetheless.

[Bent Andreassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 minus. Quite good thriller.

[Mike Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

So many twists and turns ,the unexpected .what a story .this keeps you interested all the way .start to Finnish

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of espionage. Nothing is as it seems. Brought to mind the old saying - the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

[John Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Windchime Legacy” eBook was published in 2015 and was written by A. W. Mykel. Mr. Mykel has published 4 novels.

I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘R’ as there are instances of Violence and Mature Situations. This Thriller novel is set during the height of the cold war with Russia. It was originally published in 1980.

The primary character is Justin Chaple, an agent for a very secret US intelligence organization. He, and his colleagues, are involved in one thrilling, deadly encounter after another.

He is sent on a mission to bring a defecting Russian KGB officer safely to the US. He is also involved in finding a Dr. Edward Bridges who has been involved in the development of a secret supercomputer in the US. Bridges had grown unhappy with his position and has decided to defect, selling the key information to the highest bidder. The computer Bridges has worked with is at the heart of the agency that Chaple works for. However, Chaple begins to question some of the things he has seen and been told.

There is plenty of intrigue, suspense and twists in the plot of this spy novel. The fact that is was written over 30 years ago does not diminish the reading pleasure. The author, A. W. Mykel, is also something of a mystery. Some of the gadgets in the novel have the feel of contemporary technology, and the underlying plot fits in well with today’s world. In many respects it reminds me of the “James Bond” thrillers of the same era that I read a a teenager.

I enjoyed the 11+ hours I spent reading this 540 page novel. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.

Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.

[Diane Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Americas spy agencies are run by Sentinal,a super computer. Very few know about this super intelligent computer, not the FBI or even the CIA. Only the President and some very special agents who work with the group that created Sentinal. These agents have a chip implanted in their brains which allows them to communicate directly with the computer. It is also armed with an explosive device that can be detonated remotely.
No one can afford to have one of these agents captured and interrogated. Now one of the creators of the computer is defecting to Russia. Justin Chaple is assigned to stop him and retrieve the information he has stolen before it can be handed over to the Russians. He is pitted against the KGB and soon discovers there is more going on than he has been told. This book is full of action, suspense and intrigue that will keep you guessing. An excellent spy thriller.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will keep the reader on his or her toes with the various plots and subplots. The book is set in the late 1970s and involves Cold War intrigue between the U.S. and the Soviets, with spies, defections, and a super secret supercomputer that can radically alter the balance of power.

Although the story may seem somewhat dated given the technological advances since it was written, the author has envisioned a computer system with abilities that far exceed even the best known current technology. Plus the book has all the classic elements of a great spy novel.

This is a must read for anyone who likes this genre. The ending is very much unexpected.

I received a copy through netgalley in exchange for a review.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd little book I found at work the other day. The cover looked like one of the old Hermann Hesse reprints--all 70's color and Dallas like hairdos. Turns out it was published in 1980, but has a surprising amount of colorful swear words and anatomy descriptions for what I thought were the uptight "me" decade. A convoluted spy story that actually moves rather well, the book is pretty hefty, and the final few chapters suspend disbelief. Although the book jacket itself promises "a shocking finale" I found it one of the more boring reveals in the genre, and found it quite laughable. Nice Cold War Spy ware history lesson though, for when we all live together in a new world order.

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say but I just couldn't finish this book. It was originally published in 1980 and it still feels like 1980, with heavy smoking people, lots of Russian spies and far, far to many twists and turns in the plot and subplots. After 70 pages I was almost none the wiser; I really don't like books that read like telephone books (with too many names) or like a summary of things that have happened.
I suppose in 1980 the idea of SENTINEL must have been very original and thrilling and of course the Russians were our ultimate enemy then but nowadays we need more in a story than what A.W. Mykel is bringing us.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justin Chapel is a government agent for a group that doesn't exist except to the President and a few selected men. They guard and protect Sentinel, a super computer that has delusions of world takeover. Written in the 80's, this story transitions ok into today's time frame but does have some issues. It is set in the 70's it feels sluggish in some spots but the story line and main character are spot on. He's cool under fire, trusts no one and tries to control the situation while being betrayed and manipulated by other agents. Not a bad story, I enjoyed Justin and his quick mind assessments.

[Card · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.W. Mykel came from nowhere and styed at my hose forever with this one. some many plot twists and shakeup, it will leave you mouth hangin open til the last page. everything ties together to come to a staggering halt. damn fine read. not to be missed.

[Patsy Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was suspenseful and did not drag. There are some parts where not all the logistics are explained, but the plot still flowed. It kind of reminded me of an old Star Trek episode.

[Vonrick Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was 15 yrs old I’m 60 now, it has remained with me, it’s plot is realistic it is compelling and draws you into events in a turn the page quickly kind of way. I’ve often wondered and looked for this becoming a movie, alas none to date.

[Edb · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read.

[Glenn F. Rodgers Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

With out a doubt one of the best thriller books that I have read. Twists and turns and many surprises all through the story. Very hard to find a stopping place.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brilliant.

I found it in my attic, I read it 20 years ago, reread it.

Still holds up