Siege

James Burlane Thriller #4

by Richard Hoyt

[English hardcover original. byRichardHoyt

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

The author of 27 mysteries and thrillers, I’m a former army counterintelligence agent, newspaper reporter, Newsweek writer and college professor with a PhD. in American studies. The New York Times included four of my titles on its annual notable books list. My novels include 10 John Denson Pacific Northwest mysteries and 10 James Burlane international thrillers. My John Denson mystery 30 for a Harry was nominated for a Shamus by the Private Eye Writers of America and Siege won the American Mystery Award for best espionage novel. The French publisher Gallimard published Trotsky’s Run as a Serie Noir best-of-the best title. I’ve been widely published in British commonwealth countries, France, Holland, Belgium, Finland, Japan and Germany.

Reviews

[Lou Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advice: skip chapter one about the monkeys until you are about 50 pages into the book, and then you will appreciate it more.
Although this was written years ago, the premise of a society glued to a video screen for entertainment is eerily coming true. The news anchors come across as what they are made of, and if it weren't so funny, I would have screamed. Hoyt takes that a step further and uses it as an integral part of the triumph by the protagonist.
The read is over the top fun, sarcastic, action packed, and wonderful. Two scenes stand out.
The funniest exchange I've ever read is the translator's report of what the Albanian ambassador said.
Second, the protagonist says of the female protagonist before they single handedly save the day, "...she pahticipates...." It is his humorous downplaying of his admiration of her spy/killer skills which match his own. I've avoided any opportunity to ride a camel ever since I read this book.
You'll find Siege in used book shops if you can't find it otherwise, and after you read it, there are another 5 + standalone books by Hoyt just as great. Especially Trotsky's Run and Red Dragon.
Hoyt's outlook on life is unique and so very entertaining.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite spy.

Mr. Hoyt never ceases to amuse, with his snotty but accurate takes on all the big movers and shakers in the world. And James Burlaine does not disappoint, with his abilities and quirky Umatilla attitude. I was happy to see Jim Quint make an appearance, too.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy romp! Perfect vacation book. Having been to Gibralter made this all the funnier.