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Touchfeather
The wild, swinging ’60s spy adventure is back!
Katy Touchfeather is a carefree, red-headed, airline stewardess who is actually a top British spy. She’s lethal, seductive, and as ruthless as any double-O. Her latest assignment is to track down a scientist suspected of selling secrets to the Russians. It’s a high-stakes, global escapade that takes an unexpected violent turn that shatters her life…and ultimately pits her against a billionaire industrialist with terrifying intentions.
“Jolly & Preposterous Intrigue.” New York Times
“A clever, high-spirited story.” Times Literary Supplement (London)
“Exhilarating…it’s a winner!” Irish Times
Katy Touchfeather is a carefree, red-headed, airline stewardess who is actually a top British spy. She’s lethal, seductive, and as ruthless as any double-O. Her latest assignment is to track down a scientist suspected of selling secrets to the Russians. It’s a high-stakes, global escapade that takes an unexpected violent turn that shatters her life…and ultimately pits her against a billionaire industrialist with terrifying intentions.
“Jolly & Preposterous Intrigue.” New York Times
“A clever, high-spirited story.” Times Literary Supplement (London)
“Exhilarating…it’s a winner!” Irish Times
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1968
92 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 5, 2018
Jimmy Sangster was an acclaimed screenwriter (“Curse of Frankenstein”, “Deadlier Than the Male”, “The Legacy”, etc.), director (“Lust for a Vampire”, “Banacek”, etc. ). After working for Hammer Films he began writing spy novels in the late sixties.
Now, some almost fifty years later, he seems to perhaps be in 'being rediscovered mode’. His novels are being reprinted with bright and fancy new covers. I was a sucker for this kind of book back in the day and after thinking about it, came to the conclusion, these books must have been too pricey for me at the time as they only appeared in hardcover format. What kid could afford those prices at the time? And they somehow did not get the press they deserved.
Now I’m here to testify, that “Touchfeather” might not be the greatest book ever written, however its’s damned entertaining. Katy Touchfeather, a lovely redheaded Irish damsel, has been recruited by the British government into be a spy. along the lines of Modesty Blaise. Blaise debuted in comic form in the London Evening Standard on 13 of May 1963, and as the book “Modesty Blaise” in (1965). I’m sure that many comparisons will abound, however, having read the Blaise books, these comparisons hold no water.
The book is a sexy sixties spy romp, consisting of the world against the Russians (how timely) guns, planes and international terrorists. This book is immensely entertaining, with a sequel titled “Touchfearher Too”
Now, some almost fifty years later, he seems to perhaps be in 'being rediscovered mode’. His novels are being reprinted with bright and fancy new covers. I was a sucker for this kind of book back in the day and after thinking about it, came to the conclusion, these books must have been too pricey for me at the time as they only appeared in hardcover format. What kid could afford those prices at the time? And they somehow did not get the press they deserved.
Now I’m here to testify, that “Touchfeather” might not be the greatest book ever written, however its’s damned entertaining. Katy Touchfeather, a lovely redheaded Irish damsel, has been recruited by the British government into be a spy. along the lines of Modesty Blaise. Blaise debuted in comic form in the London Evening Standard on 13 of May 1963, and as the book “Modesty Blaise” in (1965). I’m sure that many comparisons will abound, however, having read the Blaise books, these comparisons hold no water.
The book is a sexy sixties spy romp, consisting of the world against the Russians (how timely) guns, planes and international terrorists. This book is immensely entertaining, with a sequel titled “Touchfearher Too”
May 1, 2020
Spygirl at 40,00 Feet
At one time in our history, air flight was considered sexy, romantic, and debonair. Armies of short-skirted, long-legged stewardesses welcomed you to the friendly skies. And, there was a time when James Bond was all the rage and copycats Bonds were a dime a dozen.
In two terrifically fun short books, Touchfeather and Touchfeather, Too, we are introduced to the spygirl, Katy Touchfeather, who had always dreamed of being a stewardess and now had it as her cover story. Long before Nikita appeared on tv, Katy was the end-all of all spy girls and Touchfeather, first published in 1968, is now back again courtesy of Brash Books.
Katy's still a bit traditional at least at first, marrying her pilot and falling for her first target, but as the book goes on, she becomes quite resourceful, tough, and no one to trifle with. The book is all about fun, nothing too deep, but it succeeds quite well in an easy narrative voice to draw the reader in to her adventures in the swinging sixties of spydom and air travel.
At one time in our history, air flight was considered sexy, romantic, and debonair. Armies of short-skirted, long-legged stewardesses welcomed you to the friendly skies. And, there was a time when James Bond was all the rage and copycats Bonds were a dime a dozen.
In two terrifically fun short books, Touchfeather and Touchfeather, Too, we are introduced to the spygirl, Katy Touchfeather, who had always dreamed of being a stewardess and now had it as her cover story. Long before Nikita appeared on tv, Katy was the end-all of all spy girls and Touchfeather, first published in 1968, is now back again courtesy of Brash Books.
Katy's still a bit traditional at least at first, marrying her pilot and falling for her first target, but as the book goes on, she becomes quite resourceful, tough, and no one to trifle with. The book is all about fun, nothing too deep, but it succeeds quite well in an easy narrative voice to draw the reader in to her adventures in the swinging sixties of spydom and air travel.
January 1, 2019
Touchfeather
Set in the 60's with a young Katy Touchfeather as the main character, is a spy novel written by well known screenwriter Jimmy Sangster. Katy is an operative for a deep-state organization that she doesn't even know the name of, but is sent on missions, and her latest is to find who killed her husband. It is fun, if you can get beyond the 60's morals of free love, with the intrigue spanning the globe. She falls in love easily, and into beds even more easily, but that in a sense is reminiscent of 007. Perhaps that was the goal of Mr. Sangster-- to make a young female version of James Bond. I wasn't totally disappointed in the book, and due to the genre and the era it was written in, I sort of expected the permissive attitude towards intimacy. Of course it was dated as well, written in the time well before cell phones or internet, so all of Ms. Touchfeather's spying must be done without the aid of any of that. All in all, an entertaining read
Set in the 60's with a young Katy Touchfeather as the main character, is a spy novel written by well known screenwriter Jimmy Sangster. Katy is an operative for a deep-state organization that she doesn't even know the name of, but is sent on missions, and her latest is to find who killed her husband. It is fun, if you can get beyond the 60's morals of free love, with the intrigue spanning the globe. She falls in love easily, and into beds even more easily, but that in a sense is reminiscent of 007. Perhaps that was the goal of Mr. Sangster-- to make a young female version of James Bond. I wasn't totally disappointed in the book, and due to the genre and the era it was written in, I sort of expected the permissive attitude towards intimacy. Of course it was dated as well, written in the time well before cell phones or internet, so all of Ms. Touchfeather's spying must be done without the aid of any of that. All in all, an entertaining read
January 3, 2018
I received this from Brash Books in exchange for an honest review.
Quick, simple read pretty typical for the times that it was originally written in (late 60s). Really digging the cover!
Not much character development, but it's not really needed in this book. I'll read the next one when it is released.
Quick, simple read pretty typical for the times that it was originally written in (late 60s). Really digging the cover!
Not much character development, but it's not really needed in this book. I'll read the next one when it is released.
April 15, 2015
Katy Touchfeather is an air hostess-sort of. No permanent airline, just whatever her current assignment had the need. She's an agent for a British agency, her boss a gentleman known only as Mr. Blaser.
She's part of a team assigned to bird dog a man named William Partman, a professor headed to India, ostensibly to read a couple of his papers, but suspected of selling his work to-maybe a foreign government. Part of a team, she's told to get close to him. Others would watch him as well.
Young and attractive, and the professor big and handsome, it's not hard for Katy. What is unanticipated is that Katy falls for Partman. In his three days at the conference, she's relieved that he's found to be innocent. No attempt to pass off anything, nothing in his room(she searched while he was out).
But flying home, the plane is hijacked, landed in Egypt, and Partman taken off. The last Katy sees of him is a smash in the face and blood flowing down as he's hustled off.
A kidnapping and a bit of torture later, when they want to know what Partman told her in their bed sessions convinces her the Professor is dead. She escapes, killing one, and heads back to London.
It doesn't end there. The information seems to have gotten out and the trail leads her across Europe and America as she tracks the one responsible.
Not a bad bit of action.
She's part of a team assigned to bird dog a man named William Partman, a professor headed to India, ostensibly to read a couple of his papers, but suspected of selling his work to-maybe a foreign government. Part of a team, she's told to get close to him. Others would watch him as well.
Young and attractive, and the professor big and handsome, it's not hard for Katy. What is unanticipated is that Katy falls for Partman. In his three days at the conference, she's relieved that he's found to be innocent. No attempt to pass off anything, nothing in his room(she searched while he was out).
But flying home, the plane is hijacked, landed in Egypt, and Partman taken off. The last Katy sees of him is a smash in the face and blood flowing down as he's hustled off.
A kidnapping and a bit of torture later, when they want to know what Partman told her in their bed sessions convinces her the Professor is dead. She escapes, killing one, and heads back to London.
It doesn't end there. The information seems to have gotten out and the trail leads her across Europe and America as she tracks the one responsible.
Not a bad bit of action.
January 16, 2018
What a fun, action filled, fast read. I was taken back to the sixties and could picture Katy doing her thing. Sangster was a very visual writer and the reader is made to almost feel like they are watching a movie back in the day. This was well worth spending a bit of time with and I highly recommend it for enjoyable easy reading. Thanks to Brash Books for an ARC for an honest review.
March 19, 2018
This is a spy thriller taking place in the sixties, partly in England and partly in America. It is about a special operative named Katy Touchfeather who works for a secret agency, the very name of which is so secretive that not even she knows it. Her job as an air flight hostess provides great cover for secret missions that take her all around the world. When she is assigned to keep an eye on a scholarly man named Bill Partman, who has done top secret work for the government related to missiles, something interferes with her work... she falls in love with him! Soon one thing leads to another, and she is head-deep in the middle of two powerful entities fighting for even more power. Not only that, but they are willing to kill for it, and Katy has become their target. Can she put an end to this before it is too late?
This was such a great plot! All of the characters were so well-developed, and the action and suspense was wonderful. However, the book is SO DIRTY! It wasn't in the least necessary to the plot, and it was just overwhelming. I loved the plot and it had me hooked, but even though I was, and still am, dying to know what happened next, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. Between the love scenes with Katy and several different men, a rape scene, LGBTQ content, and the sexual references and innuendo throughout, it was disgusting and unfit to be read. Which is a dang shame, because the author sure had the talent to write an incredible story. I'd give it two stars. If an edited, toned-down version of this story were to come out, though, I'd probably give it five!
This was such a great plot! All of the characters were so well-developed, and the action and suspense was wonderful. However, the book is SO DIRTY! It wasn't in the least necessary to the plot, and it was just overwhelming. I loved the plot and it had me hooked, but even though I was, and still am, dying to know what happened next, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. Between the love scenes with Katy and several different men, a rape scene, LGBTQ content, and the sexual references and innuendo throughout, it was disgusting and unfit to be read. Which is a dang shame, because the author sure had the talent to write an incredible story. I'd give it two stars. If an edited, toned-down version of this story were to come out, though, I'd probably give it five!
June 12, 2020
I guess I was expecting something more along the lines of Modesty Blaise, or at least a female spy along the lines of James Bond, what you get is a flight attendant, or flight hostess, in the British parlance of the day, who works simply as a courier. That fact, in addition to how wrong Sangster gets American culture and espionage, almost lead me to abandon the book halfway. If I had, this book would have gotten only one star. But fortunately, for the reader who sticks it out, Katy Touchfeather ultimately redeems herself.
As with so many British and French novels set in the United States, you often feel you're in Bizarro World, where things are not quite right—parallel worlds like that in the movie Yesterday. That's what happens when European authors work too hard at making their characters authentically American and end up creating bizarre—or bizarro—inauthentic caricatures.
Here's a line from the book: “Everybody in America seems to be either a cowboy or a gangster. You give them a gun and they shoot at anything that moves.” This line refers to CIA operatives shoot up a YMCA in Chicago looking for an American criminal, yes, on American soil. The least little research would have prevented this egregious error. The kind that absolutely stops a reader dead in his tracks. Like the American Psycho putting a silencer on a .357 Magnum. Huh?
As with so many British and French novels set in the United States, you often feel you're in Bizarro World, where things are not quite right—parallel worlds like that in the movie Yesterday. That's what happens when European authors work too hard at making their characters authentically American and end up creating bizarre—or bizarro—inauthentic caricatures.
Here's a line from the book: “Everybody in America seems to be either a cowboy or a gangster. You give them a gun and they shoot at anything that moves.” This line refers to CIA operatives shoot up a YMCA in Chicago looking for an American criminal, yes, on American soil. The least little research would have prevented this egregious error. The kind that absolutely stops a reader dead in his tracks. Like the American Psycho putting a silencer on a .357 Magnum. Huh?
June 30, 2019
When I first came across this book I thought it might have some similarities to that 60s thriller icon, Modesty Blaise. Unfortunately it seemed Katy Touchfeather wasn’t going to have anything in common with Modesty. I prefer my heroines to have more about them than lusting after attractive men and by a quarter of the way through the book this was her only claim to fame.
The only reason I kept reading was Katy suddenly started developing a bit more ‘steel’, it’s just a pity the story didn’t really improve until the last quarter.
As a spy thriller I was unimpressed with the competency of most of the characters and I thought the ending was bit ridiculous, but I must admit Katy turned out to be much more ‘kickass’ than I expected.
The only reason I kept reading was Katy suddenly started developing a bit more ‘steel’, it’s just a pity the story didn’t really improve until the last quarter.
As a spy thriller I was unimpressed with the competency of most of the characters and I thought the ending was bit ridiculous, but I must admit Katy turned out to be much more ‘kickass’ than I expected.
January 10, 2018
A Female Spy in a Male World
First and for all: This book was fun.
When I read the warning from the publisher: "This book was originally published in England in the late 1960s and reflects the cultural and sexual attitudes, language, and politics of those turbulent times.”, I was not sure, what to make of it. I hoped it would not be a silly 60ties parody, full of puns and false laughter. I should not have feared. The story is a spy story, as one would expect from any other spy series, e.g. a 007 book.
Nevertheless, there are some men, behaving in a way, that today would get them charged for sexual harassment, while it was looked at as impolite but "normal" behavior then.
Katy Touchfeather is a spy, working for a British Secret Agency. Being a stewardess for different airlines is her cover story, allowing her to operate world-wide with ease. She is fluent in several languages and knows what she is doing. Her boss in the agency trusts her skills and sends her on quite dangerous missions.
The story might have some plot holes, but the action and Katy's personality make good for it. It is a quick, easy and entertaining read with a great ending.
I recommend it if you like spy stories and I look forward to Brash's republishing of the second Touchfeather book.
First and for all: This book was fun.
When I read the warning from the publisher: "This book was originally published in England in the late 1960s and reflects the cultural and sexual attitudes, language, and politics of those turbulent times.”, I was not sure, what to make of it. I hoped it would not be a silly 60ties parody, full of puns and false laughter. I should not have feared. The story is a spy story, as one would expect from any other spy series, e.g. a 007 book.
Nevertheless, there are some men, behaving in a way, that today would get them charged for sexual harassment, while it was looked at as impolite but "normal" behavior then.
Katy Touchfeather is a spy, working for a British Secret Agency. Being a stewardess for different airlines is her cover story, allowing her to operate world-wide with ease. She is fluent in several languages and knows what she is doing. Her boss in the agency trusts her skills and sends her on quite dangerous missions.
The story might have some plot holes, but the action and Katy's personality make good for it. It is a quick, easy and entertaining read with a great ending.
I recommend it if you like spy stories and I look forward to Brash's republishing of the second Touchfeather book.
January 11, 2018
If you like strong female characters and the action of James Bond, you will love this thriller about Katie Touchfeather. Her husband was killed and once finding out the circumstances, finds herself becoming a British Spy. Posing as a stewardess or an air hostess as she is referred to, Katie is able to easily go undercover to achieve the goals she needs to as a secret agent. When she is asked to follow and see the interactions of Bill Partman, her life will forever change. Female characters that have brains, looks and skills are so much fun to listen to. Although the story is set in the 60's, it easily translates to today's standards, though times of sexual advances and innuendo are definitely a sign of the times back then. There are many characters to keep track of, each having their own role to play in this fast paced story. It's important to keep track of each, as they will return throughout and each has a decisive part in the outcome of the story. For a quick fun listen, this is definitely a good choice.
Helen Taylor gives Katie a lively and energetic voice. Her narration is well paced and each character is easily distinguishable. She gives an enjoyable performance.
Helen Taylor gives Katie a lively and energetic voice. Her narration is well paced and each character is easily distinguishable. She gives an enjoyable performance.
February 8, 2018
An interesting bit of political intrigue this was. The prologue has a warning of sorts that this novel was originally written in the free love 60’s and that language and perceptions would reflect such. I found it fairly enjoyable and thought about the 60’s when we stumbled over such areas. The protagonist Katy Touchfeather via the narrator was also a joy to listen to. I found myself smiling several times at her reactions and approaches to situations. Quite the girl that Katy. I thought the book a mix of Emma Peel from the Avengers and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., definitely tongue-in-cheek espionage. I liked the book and enjoyed the listen. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
November 11, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Katy Touchfeather is a part-time air hostess and full-time spy. When she is given a mission to keep tabs on an english scientist on his trip abroad she inadventently fall in love, and that's where the problem starts.
Written in a fun, easy to read style which screams of the 1960/70's with it's un-pc language and outdated views, this is no Ian Fleming and Katy is no 'Jane' Bond but it has it's own likable charm and I'd be quite happy to read of her adventures in the sequel Touchfeather Too.
There is not a great deal of character development but it is unnecessary for the type of book and it's fast moving storyline.
A fun read, even if some of the plot is somewhat contrived
Katy Touchfeather is a part-time air hostess and full-time spy. When she is given a mission to keep tabs on an english scientist on his trip abroad she inadventently fall in love, and that's where the problem starts.
Written in a fun, easy to read style which screams of the 1960/70's with it's un-pc language and outdated views, this is no Ian Fleming and Katy is no 'Jane' Bond but it has it's own likable charm and I'd be quite happy to read of her adventures in the sequel Touchfeather Too.
There is not a great deal of character development but it is unnecessary for the type of book and it's fast moving storyline.
A fun read, even if some of the plot is somewhat contrived
December 4, 2017
After a quick introduction, this book delivers danger, seduction, suspense and page after page of thrills. The characters are all a touch eccentric, with some drawn in more depth than others. The story itself leads across several continents with surprises appearing all along the way, and ends with a climax the reader could not have seen coming. Katherine Touchfeather is a very different kind of spy, and that gives rise to many unique and thought-provoking situations. The writing style is not difficult, but this is definitely a book for adults. You will finish this book with the feeling it was time well spent.
December 19, 2018
This book was written in 1968 so no cellphones. Things are sent by fax! The mini dress was the new height of fashion. I really enjoyed this story and Katy Touchfeather is a very likeable spy. I will enjoy reading the second book 'Touchfeather, Too' but alas there will be no more as Mimmy Sangster aka John Sansom died in 2011. He wrote two other mystery series, some non fiction, and was well known as a British screenwriter and Director.
May 12, 2023
You'd figure a 60s female spy novel that calls itself a thriller and has such good reviews would be...you know...fun, exciting, funny, or at least engaging in some way.
Unfortunately it's dull, in a first person narrative voice that is void of any personality or energy. In those few moments where Touchfeather is actually explaining a moment of action, it's written with the same energy and excitement as a plain baked potato.
Unfortunately it's dull, in a first person narrative voice that is void of any personality or energy. In those few moments where Touchfeather is actually explaining a moment of action, it's written with the same energy and excitement as a plain baked potato.
May 2, 2018
It's the swinging sixties, with the cold war raging and London setting fashions for youth from mop tops to miniskirts; James Bond, move over and meet your counterpart, Katie Touchfeather. With fabulous narration [AUDIO] courtesy of Helen Taylor who nails accents from both sides of the Atlantic, the story flies by in Cinemascope, evoking the era brilliantly.
April 12, 2019
A good read and will stop you getting bored. I liked the premise and will read the next book in the series. However what let it down is you sense that whatever happens the lead will always get out of trouble. Yes this happens in most books, it just never seems as obvious.
Still I would recommend the book, I just don’t think I felt that fulfilled at the end of this book.
Still I would recommend the book, I just don’t think I felt that fulfilled at the end of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2019
Not bad. The concept of turning an air stewardess into a secret agent of sorts shows promise. I understand that Jimmy Sangster used to write for movies & TV before his death so it makes sense that some of the setups might be a bit unbelievable. Tough, kickass heroines are becoming more & more popular and this is no exception. Moving right along to Book #2.....
February 8, 2018
This book was great! I loved the accent of the narrator and the little quips that are said. A nice little mystery but not too much that you are tense trying to figure it out. Very enjoyable. I only hope that more of these are narrated in the future.
February 22, 2018
She's noy Modesty Blaize but Katy Touchfeather is a spy. She works as a cover as an air line hostess, working through her boss for various airlines. But her main job is as a spy. Interesting case, exiting conclusion
September 23, 2018
Entertaining read with a Female spy.
Enjoyed the Female perspective in this book. It wasn’t a complicated novel, but light and quick. A little too much personal info that really wasn’t needed, but Zi will read the second one!
Enjoyed the Female perspective in this book. It wasn’t a complicated novel, but light and quick. A little too much personal info that really wasn’t needed, but Zi will read the second one!
July 30, 2019
A female James Bond!
Very entertaining! It's easy to picture the characters because it was very well written. But like James Bond, not really believable. So reading it is for pleasure and in that sense it was a delightful change!
Very entertaining! It's easy to picture the characters because it was very well written. But like James Bond, not really believable. So reading it is for pleasure and in that sense it was a delightful change!
April 25, 2020
this was a super fun book. I have really enjoyed all the books published by Brash so far. I am just hoping that all of Jimmy Sangster's books are as good as Touchfeather. I look forward to reading the sequel. This was a lot like reading a female James bond story. Great stuff.
August 14, 2021
Once I gritted my teeth and thought of Katy as a female James Bond? Things got verrrry interesting!
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
July 23, 2018
Oh oh seven!
A female swinging sixties style OO7 pastiche not to be taken that seriously at all, but a fun if not predictable, read.
A female swinging sixties style OO7 pastiche not to be taken that seriously at all, but a fun if not predictable, read.
February 12, 2019
Entertaining based upon when this was written.
October 27, 2019
Light, breezy spy read set in the Swinging '60s.
Nicely formatted for the Kindle.
Perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Nicely formatted for the Kindle.
Perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
September 17, 2021
Every twist of the plot leads to a bolt from the blue- right to the last page
July 6, 2022
It was pretty easy to read- I got distracted in the end over water wasting (signs of the times) and was not sure about closure but I guess that's why it was made into a series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews