Le Secret Halidon

by Robert Ludlum

Alex McAuliff, universitaire londonien, se trouve plongé dans la jungle de la Jamaïque. Il a accepté de diriger une prospection géologique pour le compte d'une multinationale qui projette d'y construire une ville. Contacté avant son départ par les services secrets britanniques, décidés à déjouer les velléités de conquête politique de cette entreprise aux ramifications financières multiples, il devra affronter sur place une mystérieuse communauté aux pouvoirs étendus, le Halidon, qui ne reculera devant rien pour empêcher la Jamaïque de tomber aux mains d'une puissance étrangère.

Dans la grande tradition du livre d'espionnage, l'intrigue en exploite tous les ingrédients : liaison amoureuse torride dans un cadre exotique, agents doubles, alliances complexes et retournements multiples, sans oublier les affres du personnage central, manipulateur potentiellement manipulé. Le dénouement demeure imprévisible, suspense oblige. --Madeleine Sorel

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Espionage, Suspense, Adventure, Spy Thriller

Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Robert Ludlum was the author of twenty-seven novels, each one a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 210 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. He is the author of The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and the Jason Bourne series--The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum--among others. Mr. Ludlum passed away in March, 2001. Ludlum also published books under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd.

Some of Ludlum's novels have been made into films and mini-series, including The Osterman Weekend, The Holcroft Covenant, The Apocalypse Watch, The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. A non-Ludlum book supposedly inspired by his unused notes, Covert One: The Hades Factor, has also been made into a mini-series. The Bourne movies, starring Matt Damon in the title role, have been commercially and critically successful (The Bourne Ultimatum won three Academy Awards in 2008), although the story lines depart significantly from the source material.

Reviews

[Lata · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had read a book by Robert Ludlum long back, 'The Materese countdown'. It didn't hold my attention and I couldn't understand what it was all about. But one thing I do remember was that he used the word, madness/insanity very often. I observed the same thing in this book too. I guess it is a Ludlum trademark.
Anyway this is also one of those pointless thrillers which make CIA, FBI, MI5 and such intelligence agencies look like fools. I don't understand why these highly trained agents have to take help from academics to solve some mystery.
There are so many groups mentioned - Dunstone, MI5, Chatterr-something, Jamaican revolutionaries, Crat, Halidon. The funny thing was each group is aware of the existence/ involvement of the other groups in the plot, though everyone was so secretive.

Neither the plot, nor the action made any sense. I can see why it is the least popular of all Ludlum books. Then why did I read this book? Because, it was the only thriller available in the library of a Wellness Retreat I 'had' to stay for 2 weeks 🙂

[Don Cram · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you write fiction, you should read this book. Fifth among Robert Ludlum's twenty-three thrillers, this book is a gem. The story keeps advancing, the characters are complex and interesting, and every time the reader thinks things are about to slow down there is a new worry added. That's suspense.

Stephen King has written much about the importance of writers reading. "Can I be blunt on this subject?" he wrote in On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Reading is the creative center of a writer's life."

Ludlum did everything well in this thriller. There are quiet and romantic moments, but the suspense just keeps building. The setting, Jamaica, is a major character in the story, and not the Jamaica you might expect. The penultimate chapter draws you to the satisfying conclusion at breathtaking speed. And the final chapter wraps up everything perfectly.

Ludlum's other thrillers have a bit too much graphic violence for my tastes; this one's is largely limited to a few pages toward the end. The rest makes it all worthwhile.

[Dipanjan · Rating 1 out of 5]

“The Cry Of The Halidon” was written in 1974 by Robert Ludlum under the pseudonym Jonathan Ryder. The book starts promisingly with enough material for a sophisticated thriller set in Jamaica. But unfortunately evolves into silly, boring and a dragging plot with every turning page. The plot is has a blurred complexity in which an American geologist is pitted against a villainous international financial cartel, which is being penetrated by British Intelligence, which is being outwitted by Interpol while a Jamaican guerrilla organization from the hill country fights the Halidon - a secret tribe whose wealth is matchless as the tribe fights for the rights of the world's underprivileged in Appalachia and Ghana by killing off members of Dunstone while also blasting away at Mafiosi in Vegas. Sounds all over the place, right? Yes it is exactly that. It’s a stale concoction that has every stale heel and leftover stirred in it.

Even an ardent Ludlum fan like me found it excruciating to go through the drab and ultimately finish the book. Do not waste your time.

[Filip · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just... didn't really work for me. It starts well enough and the protagonist has a nice progression from being clueless with all the spycraft to taking active part in the game (though he lapses a couple of time), but apart from that there wasn't really much here. Between this and the 'Matlock Paper' I think the author in his early career really went full on the trope of 'secret society of black men appearing to clean up all the mess near the end of the story'. The (pseudo)utopian society here just isn't convincing enough and generally quickly I stopped caring who is fighting whom and for what.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little apart from Ludlum's normal spy and action capers as it centers on the development of Jamaica and all the interested parties motives and actions that align and differ in numerous ways throughout. At the middle of it all are a few British suveyists (geologist and other types) ostensably there to survey a big portion of unsettled land, but really serving as the lynch pin of multinational corporation plans, native Jamaicans who have their own feeling on how their country's resources should be handled, the British Government, and the titular group of "ghosts" who really control everything.

It was a pretty good concept but came off a bit clunky, particularly as the main cog, the british survey head, was in theory coming in blind but had to control all the moving parts - just didn't really ever seem "right" in the way his view was the main one that kept mattering even though he had the least real involvement and ramifications. If a fan of Ludlum's work, definitely worth the read just to see a different side of him, but if new to him, there are quite a few better to go with.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published with copyright 1974 as authored by Jonathan Ryder, pseudonym of Robert Ludlum. The Bantam Books edition I read updated copyright by Robert Ludlum for the 1996 Introduction that adds a distinctive treasure to the reading experience of this novel.

With featured settings between London and multiple locations in Jamaica it is an armchair thriller that highlights corporate greed and sets the stage for an understanding of today's reality on the possibilities that could occur with an infiltration of MI6 to corporate boardrooms and how the politics can change with leadership or "lack thereof." In some ways similar to a Helen MacInnes thriller where the reader ponders if the author had a magic ball to see into the future as their vivid imagination almost mirrors some of today's headlines.

[Arielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend lent me this book, and since I read The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum and absolutely loved it, I was very eager to start The Cry of the Halidon. If left on my own I probably would not have picked up this book, but I never refuse a book, I read anything that I can get my hands on and I always make it a point to finish a book that I started.

Alexander McAuliff was chosen by Dunstone p.l.c. to head a survey team in the depths of the Jamaican jungle, otherwise known as the Cock Pit. Alex was offered a fortune to do this and he thought this would be a breakthrough in his career. However, upon leaving the meeting with Dunstone's Julian Warfield he is approached by British Intelligence where he is informed that all is not as it seems. Unknowingly Alex finds himself involved in a conspiracy dealing with Dunstone, British Intelligence and a force known as The Halidon in Jamaica. As the plot thickens Alex has to fight for his and the team's safety and it becomes a life or death situation, but even members of his own team are not what they seem. While the three entities battle it out, Alex is caught in the middle but all he wants to do is get out of Jamaica a free man.

When I read the book description the first time it sounded like this could be a gripping thriller. But although the plot is an intricate one, after all this is what Ludlum is famous for, it lacks any suspense. At times I didn't quite get it and while reading this book I was sometimes questioning the point of the story, but there were also parts that I really enjoyed. The way things happened most of the time seemed far fetched and lack credibility, I didn't think it was believable at all. When the end was approaching it sort of had me hooked for a little while, until the ending leaves you not knowing what really happened between the British Intelligence agent and the Halidonite. I am annoyed by books that leave me with questions as to what happened, why do some authors do that? It's like they skip the part that you have been waiting for and just tell you the result. But how did it happen? When I finish a book that ends this way, the first thing I think is "Huh?'"

All in all I have mixed feelings about this book, I didn't hate it but I didn't really like it either. I much preferred The Bourne Identity to this one and if you never read anything by Robert Ludlum before I wouldn't recommend that you start with this one. I wouldn't say not to read it either, but check out some of his other books before you get to this one.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 2 out of 5]

If, like me, you've generally enjoyed Robert Ludlum thrillers, I recommend you avoid this one. It's one of his early works, written under a pseudonym, and it's dry and clunky. I don't even remember why I bothered to finish it.

[PenNPaper52 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dark book with savage rituals and culture... in other words Ludlum tries to infuse terror of the African wild to Jamaica. Alex is a geologist who is hired to go to Jamaica to do a geological survey. Once there he discovers things are not as they appear.The last survey group sent by Dunstone, the company that has hired him, had vanished completely out of sight. He is also pegged by the British Intelligence who want him to do a little snooping for them. The Cry of the Halidon isn't the normal Ludlum affair and indeed there are far far better books written by him, all I can say is... this book wasn't boring and you do want to find out what exactly 'Halidon' means...

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite a disappointment. Thirty-ish years ago, when Ludlum was churning out his thrillers, I used to look forward to each one. The plots are always a bit outlandish with conspiracies galore, but still thrilling. Nothing in this book made me care. The main character was a dud. The writing was amateurish. For instance, the author kept saying "the black revolutionary ", "the white geologist", like the reader ( or maybe the writer) couldn't be relied upon to remember the main characters. I quit after 350 of the 450 pages.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I couldn't get in to this book, the story was too vague or subtle as some of the reviews say. I enjoyed the writing and it is accurate that Ludlum is the master of suspense (although this is the only Ludlum book I have read - so master might be too grand) but I didn't understand the battle. There were 4 groups; a huge American plc, British intelligence and two opposite Jamaican revolutionary soldiers battling in the cock pit. I just didn't understand the fight it didn't seem important enough to kill lots of people and the conclusion was poor.

[Dayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not get into this book! I should have put it down when I'd barely made progress in a month, but once I start a book I just have to finish it. Sadly, this would have been best left alone.

[Don Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Ludlum book - well-defined characters, an interesting plotline with a number of surprises along the way, and very detailed descriptions of the surroundings.

[JoAnn Ainsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvelous imagery. Subtle. I’m jealous. Too much of a good thing gets boring, however. The last part lost its zing.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the "page-turning" aspect of Ludlum's writing is in full bloom, accepting the storyline is a stretch I had trouble achieving. A corporate giant hiring mafia killers and turning native Jamaicans who were MI6 agents acting undercover to assist the killers in an effort to eradicate resistance to greedy development of the island... it requests a suspension of belief that demands a Mr. Spock-like arched eyebrow. Additionally there is little for the reader to hang their hat on regarding the backstory of the bad guy other than corporate greed. It's a bit thin to warrant much emotional response. Still, it's Ludlum, and at this stage that's enough to make this book an ok beach-read.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of years ago, I lucked out and found a Barnes and Noble that was going out of business. Unfortunately, I didn't discover it until the last day, but I was able to pick up a couple hundred dollars’ worth in books.

In this lot were 20 or so Robert Ludlum books. I'm an absolute fan of that genre, so I figured what the heck. I've read a few from that stash and picked this one to read over the Thanksgiving holiday. I felt that this book started out slow, but it grew on my and it definitely had my interest in the end.

All in all, it was a good book, but the story line was different from what I'm used to w/ Ludlum. I would recommend this to a friend.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that requires ones attention. I started to read this as a side line but found I'd need to review the previous chapter to refresh myself on the story and where all the characters were at. The pace of the book was such that I finally gave up trying to read it piecemeal, and from then onwards was caught in the relentless flow of the tale. Readers should bear in mind the publication date and that this is one of Ludlum early works. I can see myself re-reading this at some point in the future, perhaps when I am on a beach and have a number of uninterrupted hours ahead of me.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jamaica is up for grabs as a secret investment group, British intelligence, and locals battle for control of the island with different objectives. Alex Mcauliff is is caught in the middle as be is hired by the investors to conduct a survey of a remote location on the island. and he doesn't know who on his team that he can trust. This is a good thriller in typical Ludlum style.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Jamaica British intelligence uncover a plot to take over the island and build a new Corporate city. A powerful, secret and unknown group of Natives assist British intelligence on their own terms.

[John Burnham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an important book but a very entertaining book. More twists than a snake with a broken back.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Robert Ludlum book I have enjoyed the least. No connection to the characters, so the story drug on and on.

[MikeR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of Ludlum's best novels but an entertaining read. Due to the interweaving plotlines, that Ludlum is known for, this novel requires full concentration at all times. Written in the 70's it was a time when authors were artists of their craft, and Robert Ludlum was one of the best in espionage-thrillers. His descriptions of the Jamaican settings are superlative. Today many would say that it's elements of racism is too much, but that was the era, and in this novel, the racist elements go both ways as the Jamaicans were very anti-British colonist.

Alex McAuliff heads a survey team in the Jamaican jungle paid for by Dunstone Organization. He is approached by British Intelligence who warn him of the perils of undertaking the survey as the previous group were murdered, the only clue being the word "Halidon".

This novel is one that could be re-read as the concentration required in the plot do take away from the elegance of Robert Ludlum's writing, especially in his descriptions of Jamaica.

[Lawrence Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times I wondered if I was going to finish this book - it was good in parts but being near on 50 years since it was written it was hard to take in some characters and the setting -Jamaica has moved on some but if you don't know it today I suppose you could think back t0 Bond films of the 60's and 70's.
The story is a good yarn but the plot has weakness far too often with gaps that leave you confused and wanting more action - most of which comes towards the end. I staid with it to find out how things worked out and it was finally all a bit too lame and predictable. Given the amount of killing and injury it was not obvious anyone appeared before a court let alone ended up in jail. I gave this a three star because the idea was good and some parts held your attention but I am glad I can now start on another book.

[Andrew Keitley · Rating 2 out of 5]

having read almost every other Robert Ludlum published before his death (at least once) I was pleasantly surprised to find this unread, 'real' Ludlum for me to enjoy -

unfortunately this is his weakest offering I can recall. I know it was an early effort, but I really enjoyed other early books first, second and even third time I read them.

The characters have dated badly, the English spoken by the English isn't right and sounds like an American doing his English accent , and found the second half of the book confused.
I had to force myself to actually finish the book and ultimately found I didn't care what happened to the characters.

If I hadn't read so many other good Ludlum's I would be put off from him as an author.

My advice is NOT to start with this, and keep it on standby until you have nothing left to read before starting...

[Bill Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar theme to 'The Matlock Paper': young white American antagonist. Intelligent hero has a military background who's brought into the world of espionage. More militant blacks in this story as opposed to The Matlock Paper. This story has a bit of everything, romance, adventure, mystery, Shangri-La, etc. Ending was rather quick paced.

Story takes place mostly in Jamaica mon. What is it about Jamaica which is so appealing to story telling? I've read more stories about Jamaica recently than you can shake a stick at.

[Lisa Jackie Grima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magnificent Robert Ludlum book! Internationally intricate and complex, terribly exciting with the uncertainty of not knowing who's on Alex McAuliff's side! The line between what is considered good and evil becomes blurred when you come across tribes and organisations with justified causes. Beautifully historic, an abstract and unknown insight into the enchanting island that is Jamaica. And all this combined with cold and calculated intelligence agents, ancient secrets and a lust for power. Absolutely first-rate!

[Josh Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far-fetched and hard to follow. This was one of Ludlum's earliest works and it shows. Getting through the entire book felt like a chore, especially towards the middle and end. The whole novel revolves around a highly sophisticated and wealthy organization, capable of coordinated assassinations throughout the globe. This group happens to be from a small tribe of people in Jamaica. OK...? Ludlum really let his imagination run away from him with this story.

[Roger · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just did not do it for me. And I enjoy Ludlum! The story seemed good and characters "in place", but...it just never grabbed me. Takes so long to develop and along the way I just didn't care that much. I gave up a little over 1/2 way through just for the sole reason that whenever I thought about picking it up and reading more...I just found other things to do. Maybe I will go back to it someday but it was putting me in a "reader's slump".

[Sean O'Hara · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of Ludlum's early novels. He's still groping his way towards the paranoia thrillers that he's best known for. Unlike earlier books, where the conspiracies are mundane things like drug smuggling or embezzlement from the Pentagon, and the characters never leave the East Coast of the United States, here we finally have a story with international settings and grand conspiracies. The problem is that the goal of the conspirators remains nebulous, and the stakes unclear.

[Subtle Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t help but want to have a throw blanky and cuddle up with a book aside with some hot café au lait, just in my own world exploring with Mr. McAuliff and trying to hunt down the people who are watching us.

You see what I did there?

Us, like it’s him and me against the world until the last flip.

Beautiful read.

Happy Reading Lovelies