What do you think?
Rate this book
Johnny Fedora #11
The Head
The Head was shaped by one of the world’s greatest sculptors, in a quiet Spanish village near the Sierra Nevada … So near that, from his studio window, he could see the high mountain-peak where the statue was destined to be placed.
And when his work was at last completed, another task was begun. The task of carrying his statue to the peak, over three thousand feet of snow-covered mountainside.
Coincidence – and an urge for self-advertisement – brought him a strangely assorted bunch of helpers; among them the village mayor and the village priest, a London newspaperman and a Spanish film star. Not to mention Johnny Fedora, who came to the village just in time to tag along “just for the ride …”
The Head was a masterpiece - but it brought them trouble. Trouble and disaster. For, though Johnny was a late arrival, he wasn’t the last of he found that death was climbing the mountain, too …
And when his work was at last completed, another task was begun. The task of carrying his statue to the peak, over three thousand feet of snow-covered mountainside.
Coincidence – and an urge for self-advertisement – brought him a strangely assorted bunch of helpers; among them the village mayor and the village priest, a London newspaperman and a Spanish film star. Not to mention Johnny Fedora, who came to the village just in time to tag along “just for the ride …”
The Head was a masterpiece - but it brought them trouble. Trouble and disaster. For, though Johnny was a late arrival, he wasn’t the last of he found that death was climbing the mountain, too …
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1960
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 24, 2023
A High-Octane Espionage Adventure with a Masterful Protagonist
Readers are taken on a high-octane adventure that doesn't disappoint. As the eleventh book in the Johnny Fedora series, this installment showcases the author's expertise in crafting intricate plots and creating a world of espionage that is both captivating and authentic.
Johnny Fedora, the charismatic and resourceful protagonist, is at the top of his game in this thrilling tale. With his quick thinking and unwavering determination, he delves into a world of danger and double-crossing, where the stakes couldn't be higher. The author's meticulous attention to detail and well-researched narrative lend an air of authenticity to the story.
What sets this book apart is its ability to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws a curveball that leaves you breathless. The action is intense, the dialogue sharp, and the pacing relentless.
"The Head" is a must-read for fans of espionage fiction. It's a wild ride from start to finish, filled with thrilling twists and turns that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next Johnny Fedora adventure.
Review 3:
Title: A Gripping Tale of Espionage and Intrigue
Review: "The Head: A Johnny Fedora Espionage Assignment" is a gripping and suspenseful addition to the Johnny Fedora series. In this eleventh installment, readers are once again thrust into the dangerous world of espionage, as Johnny Fedora, the enigmatic spy, undertakes a mission that will test his skills and cunning.
The author's ability to create a realistic and atmospheric setting is commendable. From the dimly lit alleys of foreign cities to the smoke-filled rooms where deals are made, the attention to detail immerses readers in a world of secrets and hidden agendas. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth alongside Fedora.
The character of Johnny Fedora is expertly portrayed, with his complex personality and unwavering determination. He is a flawed yet relatable hero, and readers will find themselves rooting for him as he faces seemingly insurmountable challenges.
"The Head" is a thrilling and well-crafted espionage tale that will captivate fans of the genre. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and relentless suspense, this book is a testament to the author's skill in crafting compelling narratives.
Readers are taken on a high-octane adventure that doesn't disappoint. As the eleventh book in the Johnny Fedora series, this installment showcases the author's expertise in crafting intricate plots and creating a world of espionage that is both captivating and authentic.
Johnny Fedora, the charismatic and resourceful protagonist, is at the top of his game in this thrilling tale. With his quick thinking and unwavering determination, he delves into a world of danger and double-crossing, where the stakes couldn't be higher. The author's meticulous attention to detail and well-researched narrative lend an air of authenticity to the story.
What sets this book apart is its ability to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws a curveball that leaves you breathless. The action is intense, the dialogue sharp, and the pacing relentless.
"The Head" is a must-read for fans of espionage fiction. It's a wild ride from start to finish, filled with thrilling twists and turns that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next Johnny Fedora adventure.
Review 3:
Title: A Gripping Tale of Espionage and Intrigue
Review: "The Head: A Johnny Fedora Espionage Assignment" is a gripping and suspenseful addition to the Johnny Fedora series. In this eleventh installment, readers are once again thrust into the dangerous world of espionage, as Johnny Fedora, the enigmatic spy, undertakes a mission that will test his skills and cunning.
The author's ability to create a realistic and atmospheric setting is commendable. From the dimly lit alleys of foreign cities to the smoke-filled rooms where deals are made, the attention to detail immerses readers in a world of secrets and hidden agendas. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth alongside Fedora.
The character of Johnny Fedora is expertly portrayed, with his complex personality and unwavering determination. He is a flawed yet relatable hero, and readers will find themselves rooting for him as he faces seemingly insurmountable challenges.
"The Head" is a thrilling and well-crafted espionage tale that will captivate fans of the genre. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and relentless suspense, this book is a testament to the author's skill in crafting compelling narratives.
April 26, 2023
Johnny Fedora is a resourceful secret agent for British Intelligence. This was back in the days when all that an agent could rely on was their own brain.
Part of a series, this novel has Johnny in a small village in Spain. One of the world's greatest sculptors has just finished a large stone statue. Broken into pieces, the statue is to be carried (by donkey) to the top of a local mountain, where it is to be re-assembled in time for a local religious festival. We're not talking Mt. Everest; the snow-covered mountain is about three thousand feet high.
The trek attracts an assorted group of helpers, including the village priest and mayor, a female Spanish film star and a London newspaperman. Johnny also goes along "just for the ride." It turns into a fiasco. The snow and extreme fog are constant. The groups get separated from each other. Getting lost on the mountain is easy. They have come all this way; do they continue to the top, or give up, and head back down the mountain? This turns into a story of survival, even for someone as experienced as Johnny. Does the statue get installed properly? Does everyone make it off the mountain alive?
Here is a really good story. It's also a really "quiet" story; there is no sex or violence. There is lots of good storytelling, and it is very much worth reading.
Part of a series, this novel has Johnny in a small village in Spain. One of the world's greatest sculptors has just finished a large stone statue. Broken into pieces, the statue is to be carried (by donkey) to the top of a local mountain, where it is to be re-assembled in time for a local religious festival. We're not talking Mt. Everest; the snow-covered mountain is about three thousand feet high.
The trek attracts an assorted group of helpers, including the village priest and mayor, a female Spanish film star and a London newspaperman. Johnny also goes along "just for the ride." It turns into a fiasco. The snow and extreme fog are constant. The groups get separated from each other. Getting lost on the mountain is easy. They have come all this way; do they continue to the top, or give up, and head back down the mountain? This turns into a story of survival, even for someone as experienced as Johnny. Does the statue get installed properly? Does everyone make it off the mountain alive?
Here is a really good story. It's also a really "quiet" story; there is no sex or violence. There is lots of good storytelling, and it is very much worth reading.
June 28, 2023
Enter a world where art, destiny, and danger collide in this captivating tale. As a master sculptor shapes his greatest creation, the village comes alive with a cast of characters as diverse as the snow-capped mountains that surround them. From the village mayor to a London journalist, their paths intertwine with the enigmatic Johnny Fedora, whose arrival brings an undercurrent of mystery. As they embark on a treacherous journey to unveil the sculpture, fate weaves a web of unforeseen challenges. With death as an ever-present companion, the true nature of their journey unfolds, leading to unexpected twists and devastating consequences. Prepare for an immersive experience that will leave you breathless and questioning the delicate balance between art, life, and the forces that shape our destinies.
June 29, 2023
Without too much death and by-the-book espionage, this book pivots from many of Desmond Cory's thrillers but doesn't leave one with no dense storytelling and original ideas. In this book, Cory reveals a more 'humane' side to the main character, Johnny Fedora. The Head showcases a range of emotions not previously seen in the Fedora series.
Two other significant characters are journalist Eddy Page and world-renowned sculptor, Fernando Mesa. The three embarked on a journey that showcases perseverance, bravery and passion.
Far from gun-toting villains and would-be killers, “The Head” is an impressive read. Just read it and thank me later!
Two other significant characters are journalist Eddy Page and world-renowned sculptor, Fernando Mesa. The three embarked on a journey that showcases perseverance, bravery and passion.
Far from gun-toting villains and would-be killers, “The Head” is an impressive read. Just read it and thank me later!
June 25, 2023
Another excellent addition to the Johnny Fedora series, this book sees Johnny continue on his adventures around the world. Though this story doesn't have quite as many death defying thrills as some others in the series, it is still a worthy read as it shows a more tender side of our hero, deepening his character while still sweeping the reader along on a ride filled with twists and turns.
June 29, 2023
The Head, the eleventh book in the Johnny Fedora Espionage Assignment series, is a pulse-pounding espionage thriller that will leave readers breathless. Johnny Fedora, the charismatic protagonist, embarks on a high-stakes mission that takes him to the edge of danger. With its intricate plot twists, relentless suspense, and well-crafted characters, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.
July 17, 2023
A high-paced literary adventure I thoroughly enjoyed!
"The Head" is the eleventh installment in the Johnny Fedora Espionage Assignment series, written by Desmond Cory. This espionage thriller follows the adventures of Johnny Fedora, a skilled operative engaged in high-stakes intelligence work. In "The Head," Fedora finds himself entangled in a complex web of international intrigue as he races against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could have dire consequences on a global scale.
With his sharp wit, resourcefulness, and daring, Fedora navigates a treacherous world of spies, double agents, and hidden agendas, unraveling a conspiracy that threatens peace and stability. Cory's writing captivates readers with its fast-paced narrative, high-stakes suspense, and intricate plot twists, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the final page.
"The Head" is the eleventh installment in the Johnny Fedora Espionage Assignment series, written by Desmond Cory. This espionage thriller follows the adventures of Johnny Fedora, a skilled operative engaged in high-stakes intelligence work. In "The Head," Fedora finds himself entangled in a complex web of international intrigue as he races against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could have dire consequences on a global scale.
With his sharp wit, resourcefulness, and daring, Fedora navigates a treacherous world of spies, double agents, and hidden agendas, unraveling a conspiracy that threatens peace and stability. Cory's writing captivates readers with its fast-paced narrative, high-stakes suspense, and intricate plot twists, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the final page.
October 29, 2018
Very poor representation of a Desmond Cory book. He has written some excellent books but this is better to be forgotten. It’s quite rare today and this is clearly the reason. I am sure the book didn’t sell well and people did not keep it
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews