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No Comebacks: Collected Short Stories
Here are ten suspenseful, serpentine stories of betrayal, blackmail, murder, and revenge...all culminating in shocking twists of fate. Within these pages live a wealth of characters you will not soon forget...people whose lives become irrevocably trapped in a world of no comebacks, beyond the point of no return—from the manipulators and the manipulated to the ultra-rich capable of buying and selling human lives, to the everyday man maneuvered by circumstances into performing deadly acts of violence.
255 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
427 people are currently reading
1934 people want to read
About the author
Frederick Forsyth
339 books4,289 followersFrederick Forsyth, CBE was a English author and occasional political commentator. He was best known for thrillers such as The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, The Fourth Protocol, The Dogs of War, The Devil's Alternative, The Fist of God, Icon, The Veteran, Avenger, The Afghan, and more recently, The Cobra and The Kill List.
The son of a furrier, he was born in Ashford, Kent, educated at Tonbridge School and later attended the University of Granada. He became one of the youngest pilots in the Royal Air Force at 19, where he served on National Service from 1956 to 1958. Becoming a journalist, he joined Reuters in 1961 and later the BBC in 1965, where he served as an assistant diplomatic correspondent. From July to September 1967, he served as a correspondent covering the Nigerian Civil War between the region of Biafra and Nigeria. He left the BBC in 1968 after controversy arose over his alleged bias towards the Biafran cause and accusations that he falsified segments of his reports. Returning to Biafra as a freelance reporter, Forsyth wrote his first book, The Biafra Story in 1969.
Forsyth decided to write a novel using similar research techniques to those used in journalism. His first full length novel, The Day of the Jackal, was published in 1971 and became an international bestseller and gained its author the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel. It was later made into a film of the same name.
The son of a furrier, he was born in Ashford, Kent, educated at Tonbridge School and later attended the University of Granada. He became one of the youngest pilots in the Royal Air Force at 19, where he served on National Service from 1956 to 1958. Becoming a journalist, he joined Reuters in 1961 and later the BBC in 1965, where he served as an assistant diplomatic correspondent. From July to September 1967, he served as a correspondent covering the Nigerian Civil War between the region of Biafra and Nigeria. He left the BBC in 1968 after controversy arose over his alleged bias towards the Biafran cause and accusations that he falsified segments of his reports. Returning to Biafra as a freelance reporter, Forsyth wrote his first book, The Biafra Story in 1969.
Forsyth decided to write a novel using similar research techniques to those used in journalism. His first full length novel, The Day of the Jackal, was published in 1971 and became an international bestseller and gained its author the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel. It was later made into a film of the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
August 15, 2019
This is without a doubt the perfect book to leave in your guest room. They will discover 10 short stories with just enough twists and turns to keep them intrigued , peppered with memorable characters that may linger in a dream ,and sprinkled with a sometimes wry sense of humor that may leave a twinkle in the eye.
It is hard for me to pick a favorite. But I will say that I believe this little gem has the power to make anyone fall in love with the short story all over again.
It is hard for me to pick a favorite. But I will say that I believe this little gem has the power to make anyone fall in love with the short story all over again.
January 30, 2013
If I had to introduce young people to the joy of reading, this is probably one of the books I'd highly recommend. Compelling stories, all masterfully crafted and well written by a smooth literary hand that never eases up the excitement. There's a reason why Frederick Forsythe is one of the kings of thrillers. This book has ten examples of that.
Don't take my word for it. Here read a sample of the first story and decide for your own self.
http://www.amazon.com/No-Comebacks-Fr...
Don't take my word for it. Here read a sample of the first story and decide for your own self.
http://www.amazon.com/No-Comebacks-Fr...
April 6, 2012
This is one of the best books ever written. I absolutely love "The Emperor" This book left me hungering for another short story fest with Mr Forsyth but alas it was not to be. I have read this book many times and find old hardcover copies to give as gifts.
July 20, 2021
Yes, Sir. Amazing! Diterbitkan oleh penerbit Interaksara pada tahun 2000, Tak Kunjung Kembali, berjudul asli No Comebacks, yang telah diterbitkan pertama kali pada tahun 1982, berisi sepuluh cerita pendek, dengan tema dan latar tempat yang berbeda-beda pula, karangan Frederick Forsyth. Terjemahannya cukup bagus. Hanya saja tidak ada daftar isi dalam buku ini.
Saya hanya akan mengulas dua cerpen pertama dalam buku ini.
Cerpen pertama berjudul Tak Kunjung Kembali (No Comebacks).
1. Tak Kunjung Kembali (No Comebacks)
Ini menceritakan seorang lelaki kaya raya asal Inggris bernama Mark Sanderson. Waktu masih muda ia bekerja di agen real estate menghadapi urusan properti. Lalu, setelah banyak belajar dan pengalaman mengajarinya banyak hal, ia mendirikan Saham Hamilton yang selama enam belas tahun berikutnya menjadi tulang punggung kekayaannya. Pada pertengahan tahun tujuh puluhan kekayaannya mendekati lima juta poundsterling dan mulai melakukan diversifikasi. Ia kaya raya, memiliki rumah mewah, dan semua yang ia ingingkan, kecuali... Ya, jodoh.
Perihal yang satu itu memang tak bisa dipercepat atau diperlambat. Jodoh, mati, dan rejeki: ketiganya datang dengan mengejutkan; tak bisa diprediksi. Hanya Tuhan yang tahu. Mark Sanderson punya segala kekayaan tapi ia ingin memiliki satu perempuan. Bukan ratusan. Hanya satu wanita yang bisa mengerti dirinya, hidup bersamanya. Tak disangka, pada awal musim panas, Mark tengah menghadiri pesta guna mengumpulkan dana sosial. Di sana ia bertemu dengan seorang wanita yang sudah menikah bernama Angela Summers. Perkenalan pun dimulai. Wanita itu orang Inggris tapi tinggal di sebuah vila kecil di pantai Spanyol atas dasar penghasilan suaminya dari buku-buku tentang burung dan atas penghasilannya sendiri dengan mengajar Bahasa Inggris. Mark membelikan Angela macam-macam barang termasuk parfum dengan botol besar. Mark sangat mencintai Angela dan merayunya supaya mau menceraikan suaminya dan menikah dengannya. Tapi Angela tetap setia dengan suaminya dan pulang kembali ke Spanyol.
Mark Sanderson tak tinggal diam. Ia punya rencana lain; mencari seorang penembak jitu--suatu kegiatan yang melelahkan dan penuh risiko dari perpustakaan hingga ke kafe di Paris.
Tukang tembak itu orang Korsika yang hanya menjuluki dirinya dengan sebutan Calvi--nama kota kelahirannya.
Setelah bertemu dan menerima upah uang muka, Calvi pergi ke toko buku di Rue de Rivoli. Dalam kamar flatnya Calvi mengerjakan buku besar sejarah Spanyol yang ia beli tadi--dengan pisau bedah setajam pisau cukur dan lem. Akhirnya sebuah pistol Browning 9mm dengan peredam masuk ke dalam buku itu. Siap dikirimkan ke Hotel Metropol di Valencia. Sementara ia sendiri akan terbang ke sana dengan pesawat Caravel Iberia.
Sampai di tempat, cuaca mendung. Hujan turun. Ia merunduk untuk menembak suami Angela hingga meninggal. Sangat mudah! Lalu ia pulang ke rumah dan menemui Mark untuk meminta upahnya. Ketika Mark menyerahkankan upahnya, sesuatu yang mengejutkan terjadi!
2. Tak Ada Ular di Irlandia (There are no Snakes in Ireland)
Seorang mahasiswa kedokteran asal India bernama Ram Lal, yang membutuhkan uang tambahan, sedang berusaha mencari pekerjaan. Di Bangor, Irlandia Utara, ia menemui seorang bos bernama McQueen yang nantinya akan memberinya pekerjaan sebagai kuli untuk menghancurkan sebuah gedung. Penuh risiko dan tak ada asuransi kesehatan. Namun di dalam pekerjaan, mahasiswa itu menemui mandor yang sangat kejam terhadapnya. Dikerjain dan ditertawakan bahkan dipukul oleh mandor itu. Mampukah Ram bertahan menghadapi godaan itu? Bertahan Demi uang? Atau jangan-jangan dia punya rencana?
Ya dia punya rencana.
Bau harum semerbak dupa memenuhi ruangan Ram Lal. Di luar mendung menggantung menakutkan. Dengan bahasa Sanskerta kuno dia mulai berdoa. Guntur meledak. Hujan gerimis turun.
"Aku telah sangat dijahati orang. Aku mohon pembalasan atas si jahat..." Ram Lal berdoa selama satu jam. Hujan menggenderang di genteng di atas kepalanya. Ketika dia selesai berdoa, sementara ruangan harum semerbak dan lilin meleleh lumer, Ram Lal memandang sudut kamarnya di mana jas kamarnya tergantung. Tali jas itu terlepas dan jatuh di lantai selama badai. Mengonggok seperti ular. Ia paham maksud semua itu.
Hari berikutnya Ram Lal meminjam uang temannya di Belfast untuk biaya kembali pulang ke India dengan alasan mengunjungi ayahnya yang sakit parah. Tuan McQueen pun ia pamiti pula dengan alasan yang sama. Sampai di India, Ram Lal mengunjungi pasar di Grant Road Bridge. Di sana ada toko yang menjual binatang melata. Tuan Chatterjee selaku pemiliknya bukanlah seorang asing bagi dunia akademik sebab ia memasok berbagai pusat studi kedokteran. Ram Lal membeli seekor ular bersisik gergaji. Echis Carinatus. Ular paling kecil tapi paling berbisa dan mematikan. Panjangnya antara 9 dan 12 inci dan sangat kurus.
Ram Lal menawar ular itu hingga mereka sepakat pada harga 350 rupi. Ia kembali lagi ke London dengan Jet Air India, dengan membawa ular kecil dalam kotak cerutu.
"Tidurlah sahabat kecil," kata Ram, "jika jenismu ini pernah tidur. Pagi hari kamu akan melaksanakan perintah Shakti untuknya."
Ia tiba di Bangor dan bekerja bersama mandor kembali, rencananya hampir mendekati berhasil. Saat mereka istirahat, Ram menyelipkan ular itu di jaket sang Mandor. Tapi ia keheranan sebab ular itu tak muncul untuk menggigitnya. Alhasil, sang mandor pun pulang ke rumahnya membawa ular itu.
Sang mandor punya keluarga. Anak dan istri. Anaknyalah yang pertama mengetahui keberadaan ular itu di rumahnya. Semua ribut dan kaget. Tapi si mandor punya rencana. Dengan sarung tangan ia mengambil ular itu dan memasukannya ke sebuah wadah. Sengatan kecil pada tangan si mandor tak terasa baginya. Tapi dampaknya?
Kali ini rencananya adalah untuk membawa ular itu ke tempat kerja dan memasukkannya ke barang milik Ram Lal. Ketika ia sudah bekerja, ia masukkan ular itu ke sana, tapi dan saat makan siang Ram Lal meloncat kaget melihat ular yang ia beli dan hilang mendadak datang kembali di kotak makannya dan hampir menggigitnya. Semua pekerja tertawa. Si mandor terbahak-bahak.
"Awas itu ular berbahaya," teriak Ram Lal.
Seorang pekerja menyahut. "Kamu tolol, di Irlandia tidak ada ular."
Rombongan kerja bubar. Ram Lal bekerja kembali. Sang mandor bekerja tapi mengeluh sebab pergelangan tangan kanannya bengkak. Ia istrirahat dan tak lama kemudian meninggal. Pemeriksaan medis menunjukkan meninggal karena terlalu keras bekerja. Ram Lal berusaha mencari ularnya tapi tak ketemu.
3. The Emperor (Sang Kaisar)
4. There Are Some Days... (Ada Hari-Hari...)
5. Money with Menaces (Uang Pemerasan)
6. Used in Evidence (Dipergunakan Sebagai Bukti)
7. Privilege (Hak Istimewa)
8. Duty (Tugas)
9. A Careful Man (Seorang yang Hati-Hati)
10. Sharp Practice (Praktek Lancung)
Hail Forsyth!!!
-A.S.
Saya hanya akan mengulas dua cerpen pertama dalam buku ini.
Cerpen pertama berjudul Tak Kunjung Kembali (No Comebacks).
1. Tak Kunjung Kembali (No Comebacks)
Ini menceritakan seorang lelaki kaya raya asal Inggris bernama Mark Sanderson. Waktu masih muda ia bekerja di agen real estate menghadapi urusan properti. Lalu, setelah banyak belajar dan pengalaman mengajarinya banyak hal, ia mendirikan Saham Hamilton yang selama enam belas tahun berikutnya menjadi tulang punggung kekayaannya. Pada pertengahan tahun tujuh puluhan kekayaannya mendekati lima juta poundsterling dan mulai melakukan diversifikasi. Ia kaya raya, memiliki rumah mewah, dan semua yang ia ingingkan, kecuali... Ya, jodoh.
Perihal yang satu itu memang tak bisa dipercepat atau diperlambat. Jodoh, mati, dan rejeki: ketiganya datang dengan mengejutkan; tak bisa diprediksi. Hanya Tuhan yang tahu. Mark Sanderson punya segala kekayaan tapi ia ingin memiliki satu perempuan. Bukan ratusan. Hanya satu wanita yang bisa mengerti dirinya, hidup bersamanya. Tak disangka, pada awal musim panas, Mark tengah menghadiri pesta guna mengumpulkan dana sosial. Di sana ia bertemu dengan seorang wanita yang sudah menikah bernama Angela Summers. Perkenalan pun dimulai. Wanita itu orang Inggris tapi tinggal di sebuah vila kecil di pantai Spanyol atas dasar penghasilan suaminya dari buku-buku tentang burung dan atas penghasilannya sendiri dengan mengajar Bahasa Inggris. Mark membelikan Angela macam-macam barang termasuk parfum dengan botol besar. Mark sangat mencintai Angela dan merayunya supaya mau menceraikan suaminya dan menikah dengannya. Tapi Angela tetap setia dengan suaminya dan pulang kembali ke Spanyol.
Mark Sanderson tak tinggal diam. Ia punya rencana lain; mencari seorang penembak jitu--suatu kegiatan yang melelahkan dan penuh risiko dari perpustakaan hingga ke kafe di Paris.
Tukang tembak itu orang Korsika yang hanya menjuluki dirinya dengan sebutan Calvi--nama kota kelahirannya.
Setelah bertemu dan menerima upah uang muka, Calvi pergi ke toko buku di Rue de Rivoli. Dalam kamar flatnya Calvi mengerjakan buku besar sejarah Spanyol yang ia beli tadi--dengan pisau bedah setajam pisau cukur dan lem. Akhirnya sebuah pistol Browning 9mm dengan peredam masuk ke dalam buku itu. Siap dikirimkan ke Hotel Metropol di Valencia. Sementara ia sendiri akan terbang ke sana dengan pesawat Caravel Iberia.
Sampai di tempat, cuaca mendung. Hujan turun. Ia merunduk untuk menembak suami Angela hingga meninggal. Sangat mudah! Lalu ia pulang ke rumah dan menemui Mark untuk meminta upahnya. Ketika Mark menyerahkankan upahnya, sesuatu yang mengejutkan terjadi!
2. Tak Ada Ular di Irlandia (There are no Snakes in Ireland)
Seorang mahasiswa kedokteran asal India bernama Ram Lal, yang membutuhkan uang tambahan, sedang berusaha mencari pekerjaan. Di Bangor, Irlandia Utara, ia menemui seorang bos bernama McQueen yang nantinya akan memberinya pekerjaan sebagai kuli untuk menghancurkan sebuah gedung. Penuh risiko dan tak ada asuransi kesehatan. Namun di dalam pekerjaan, mahasiswa itu menemui mandor yang sangat kejam terhadapnya. Dikerjain dan ditertawakan bahkan dipukul oleh mandor itu. Mampukah Ram bertahan menghadapi godaan itu? Bertahan Demi uang? Atau jangan-jangan dia punya rencana?
Ya dia punya rencana.
Bau harum semerbak dupa memenuhi ruangan Ram Lal. Di luar mendung menggantung menakutkan. Dengan bahasa Sanskerta kuno dia mulai berdoa. Guntur meledak. Hujan gerimis turun.
"Aku telah sangat dijahati orang. Aku mohon pembalasan atas si jahat..." Ram Lal berdoa selama satu jam. Hujan menggenderang di genteng di atas kepalanya. Ketika dia selesai berdoa, sementara ruangan harum semerbak dan lilin meleleh lumer, Ram Lal memandang sudut kamarnya di mana jas kamarnya tergantung. Tali jas itu terlepas dan jatuh di lantai selama badai. Mengonggok seperti ular. Ia paham maksud semua itu.
Hari berikutnya Ram Lal meminjam uang temannya di Belfast untuk biaya kembali pulang ke India dengan alasan mengunjungi ayahnya yang sakit parah. Tuan McQueen pun ia pamiti pula dengan alasan yang sama. Sampai di India, Ram Lal mengunjungi pasar di Grant Road Bridge. Di sana ada toko yang menjual binatang melata. Tuan Chatterjee selaku pemiliknya bukanlah seorang asing bagi dunia akademik sebab ia memasok berbagai pusat studi kedokteran. Ram Lal membeli seekor ular bersisik gergaji. Echis Carinatus. Ular paling kecil tapi paling berbisa dan mematikan. Panjangnya antara 9 dan 12 inci dan sangat kurus.
Ram Lal menawar ular itu hingga mereka sepakat pada harga 350 rupi. Ia kembali lagi ke London dengan Jet Air India, dengan membawa ular kecil dalam kotak cerutu.
"Tidurlah sahabat kecil," kata Ram, "jika jenismu ini pernah tidur. Pagi hari kamu akan melaksanakan perintah Shakti untuknya."
Ia tiba di Bangor dan bekerja bersama mandor kembali, rencananya hampir mendekati berhasil. Saat mereka istirahat, Ram menyelipkan ular itu di jaket sang Mandor. Tapi ia keheranan sebab ular itu tak muncul untuk menggigitnya. Alhasil, sang mandor pun pulang ke rumahnya membawa ular itu.
Sang mandor punya keluarga. Anak dan istri. Anaknyalah yang pertama mengetahui keberadaan ular itu di rumahnya. Semua ribut dan kaget. Tapi si mandor punya rencana. Dengan sarung tangan ia mengambil ular itu dan memasukannya ke sebuah wadah. Sengatan kecil pada tangan si mandor tak terasa baginya. Tapi dampaknya?
Kali ini rencananya adalah untuk membawa ular itu ke tempat kerja dan memasukkannya ke barang milik Ram Lal. Ketika ia sudah bekerja, ia masukkan ular itu ke sana, tapi dan saat makan siang Ram Lal meloncat kaget melihat ular yang ia beli dan hilang mendadak datang kembali di kotak makannya dan hampir menggigitnya. Semua pekerja tertawa. Si mandor terbahak-bahak.
"Awas itu ular berbahaya," teriak Ram Lal.
Seorang pekerja menyahut. "Kamu tolol, di Irlandia tidak ada ular."
Rombongan kerja bubar. Ram Lal bekerja kembali. Sang mandor bekerja tapi mengeluh sebab pergelangan tangan kanannya bengkak. Ia istrirahat dan tak lama kemudian meninggal. Pemeriksaan medis menunjukkan meninggal karena terlalu keras bekerja. Ram Lal berusaha mencari ularnya tapi tak ketemu.
3. The Emperor (Sang Kaisar)
4. There Are Some Days... (Ada Hari-Hari...)
5. Money with Menaces (Uang Pemerasan)
6. Used in Evidence (Dipergunakan Sebagai Bukti)
7. Privilege (Hak Istimewa)
8. Duty (Tugas)
9. A Careful Man (Seorang yang Hati-Hati)
10. Sharp Practice (Praktek Lancung)
Hail Forsyth!!!
-A.S.
July 2, 2013
This book languishes in the book collection of our beach house and this weekend I reread it again. It is generally difficult for me to rate a collection of short stories because their quality can vary from excellent to dismal. "Duty" and "Sharp Practice" are my least favourite stories but "Privilege" and "A Careful Man" are rare and precious gems that should be used as examples of how short stories should be written. My best quote comes from Privilege, when the judge looks at the complainant and thinks, "You sir lost control like the Concorde flies on elastic bands". A memorable image used in a memorable story of how the little guy sometimes wins. "Used in evidence" is tense and surprising, "The Emperor" is not truly original but nonetheless most satisfying.
All in all a MOSTenjoyable read.
All in all a MOSTenjoyable read.
June 14, 2009
I have never been a fan of the short story. I picked this up and was hooked on page one. All the stories are excellent and no two are the same. I would highly recommend this book. The story called The Emperor will be one that stays with me a for years.
July 28, 2012
This read was a surprise for me. A friend bought this book, originally published in 1972, at a library book sale and gave it to me. Just glancing at the cover I determined this wouldn't be the kind of book I would normally read, figuring it was a kind of who-dunnit read. But am working through the 30 books unread on my bookshelf and chose this one this week.
What a lovely surprise as I discovered this to be a book of 10 short stories, most about crime and whether it pays or not and a few that were more adventurous.
The writing is excellent and all 10 stories captured me!
I was sorry there were only the 10 stories when I reached the end!
What a lovely surprise as I discovered this to be a book of 10 short stories, most about crime and whether it pays or not and a few that were more adventurous.
The writing is excellent and all 10 stories captured me!
I was sorry there were only the 10 stories when I reached the end!
January 25, 2023
“Shorth is better than length.”― Dr. Seuss.
Yes indeed ! Don't all good things come in small packages?
I like reading short stories and have read many good ones. This collection tops the list. Each one of these stories is excellent, has a clear plot and sufficient details using so few words. Never did I feel that something was missed. Nor did I feel that the story should be expanded to a novel. I even learnt so many new things. - libel cases, fishing, about crude bombs, some clever cons.
This is my third re-read of this book.
1. No Comebacks - A wealthy playboy who is used to getting whatever he wants, hires an assassin to remove the roadblock to his wishes. The assassin's preparations was reminiscent of the details in "The day of the Jackal"
2. There are no snakes in Ireland. - What happens when racism and bullying pushes the victim to the edge? Do read about the proud Indian man who seeks vengeance against the bully
3. The Emperor - A timid man proves his mettle against the 'Emperor' of the sea during a fishing expedition
4. There are Some Days- This story was quite funny about how you can never get it right on some days. I am sure each one of us has some personal story about 'such' days.
5. Money with Menaces - A man, who never wavered from his daily routine tries one little adventure and is caught in a honey-trap. Do the blackmailers get away with it?
6. Used in Evidence - This one was twisted. One can really getaway with murder if you exercise your option to remain silent!
7. Privilege - When a man is unfairly reported in a newspaper and he realizes that suing the paper for libel would drain his resources, he resorts to a clever comeback within his legal rights.
8.Duty - I learnt something new about the Irish -English war
9. A careful man - The great lengths the 'Careful' man goes to ensure that his unworthy relatives do not inherit his wealth. Ingenious !
10. Sharp Practice - A clever con had me rooting for the con-artist
Yes indeed ! Don't all good things come in small packages?
I like reading short stories and have read many good ones. This collection tops the list. Each one of these stories is excellent, has a clear plot and sufficient details using so few words. Never did I feel that something was missed. Nor did I feel that the story should be expanded to a novel. I even learnt so many new things. - libel cases, fishing, about crude bombs, some clever cons.
This is my third re-read of this book.
1. No Comebacks - A wealthy playboy who is used to getting whatever he wants, hires an assassin to remove the roadblock to his wishes. The assassin's preparations was reminiscent of the details in "The day of the Jackal"
2. There are no snakes in Ireland. - What happens when racism and bullying pushes the victim to the edge? Do read about the proud Indian man who seeks vengeance against the bully
3. The Emperor - A timid man proves his mettle against the 'Emperor' of the sea during a fishing expedition
4. There are Some Days- This story was quite funny about how you can never get it right on some days. I am sure each one of us has some personal story about 'such' days.
5. Money with Menaces - A man, who never wavered from his daily routine tries one little adventure and is caught in a honey-trap. Do the blackmailers get away with it?
6. Used in Evidence - This one was twisted. One can really getaway with murder if you exercise your option to remain silent!
7. Privilege - When a man is unfairly reported in a newspaper and he realizes that suing the paper for libel would drain his resources, he resorts to a clever comeback within his legal rights.
8.Duty - I learnt something new about the Irish -English war
9. A careful man - The great lengths the 'Careful' man goes to ensure that his unworthy relatives do not inherit his wealth. Ingenious !
10. Sharp Practice - A clever con had me rooting for the con-artist
November 27, 2012
A great collection of short stories each with a unique twist at the end. In true Frederick Forsyth tradition, each short has , good plot pacing and wonderful descriptions. Would certainly like to read more short stories by this author.
April 13, 2013
No Comebacks by Frederick Forsyth (4.5 - 5 Stars)
Forsyth is a master on the same level as Wilber Smith when it comes to being a raconteur of tales. In the same was a Smith, he picks an area of the word he knows best for this set of short stories an pulls the reader in from the first paragraph. Of the ten short stories, I actually have three favorites and a fourth that I loved although it has a slight flaw which may never have been pointed out in previous reviews.
First, a bit about my three favorites without giving away the stories:
“Comeback” which is the first in the compendium is by far the best, showing us the flaws in the reasoning behind the plan to set up a murder for hire. Well done, right down to the last lines that hit the reader far between the eyes.
“The Emperor “wins my second place vote in this series, mainly because of the description of the fight to bring in the fabulous Marlin. Here is descriptive writing at it’s very best, capturing the full imagination of the reader right down to Murgatroyd’s bloody hands and the throes of death displayed by the monster. The final stages brought tears to my eyes. Truly the mark of a fabulous writier!
“Used in Evidence” brings out again the Master Tale Teller in Forsyth. He had me hanging on the ending for the old man wondering what the final evidence would show, right up to the last line. Remember to count your chickens.
The final great story “There are no Snakes in Ireland” is a mastery of showing human relationships and how different cultures react and perceive the same bits of information. It is also a model for remembering that racism can build up angers and tensions that have a comeback on the perpetrator of a prank. The one flaw is actually only obvious to a snake handling biologist who might have used a bit of tobacco or pipe tar to kill a snake in a manner that leaves it totally relaxed. By the time our snake had been in Big Billie’s tobacco contaminated pocket for even a few minutes it would have been long gone from nicotine poisoning. But my telling you this isn’t a spoiler, since that’s not the end of the story.
Enjoy the read. You’ll learn why not to blackmail some “little people” and you’ll laugh at the consequences of greed and philanthropy. A great book to tell your buddies about!
Forsyth is a master on the same level as Wilber Smith when it comes to being a raconteur of tales. In the same was a Smith, he picks an area of the word he knows best for this set of short stories an pulls the reader in from the first paragraph. Of the ten short stories, I actually have three favorites and a fourth that I loved although it has a slight flaw which may never have been pointed out in previous reviews.
First, a bit about my three favorites without giving away the stories:
“Comeback” which is the first in the compendium is by far the best, showing us the flaws in the reasoning behind the plan to set up a murder for hire. Well done, right down to the last lines that hit the reader far between the eyes.
“The Emperor “wins my second place vote in this series, mainly because of the description of the fight to bring in the fabulous Marlin. Here is descriptive writing at it’s very best, capturing the full imagination of the reader right down to Murgatroyd’s bloody hands and the throes of death displayed by the monster. The final stages brought tears to my eyes. Truly the mark of a fabulous writier!
“Used in Evidence” brings out again the Master Tale Teller in Forsyth. He had me hanging on the ending for the old man wondering what the final evidence would show, right up to the last line. Remember to count your chickens.
The final great story “There are no Snakes in Ireland” is a mastery of showing human relationships and how different cultures react and perceive the same bits of information. It is also a model for remembering that racism can build up angers and tensions that have a comeback on the perpetrator of a prank. The one flaw is actually only obvious to a snake handling biologist who might have used a bit of tobacco or pipe tar to kill a snake in a manner that leaves it totally relaxed. By the time our snake had been in Big Billie’s tobacco contaminated pocket for even a few minutes it would have been long gone from nicotine poisoning. But my telling you this isn’t a spoiler, since that’s not the end of the story.
Enjoy the read. You’ll learn why not to blackmail some “little people” and you’ll laugh at the consequences of greed and philanthropy. A great book to tell your buddies about!
February 25, 2022
My absolute favorite collection of short stories and a great accomplishment by the author. All the stories herein succeeds in keeping the interest, twisting and surprising, while staying on the right side of disbelief. No-one will read this one and then fail to mention "No snakes in Ireland", which is wonderful, but there are 9 more great ones as well. Recommended for reading aloud also!
April 4, 2024
These ten stories keep you on the edge of the chair throughout, nail biting suspense,always with a twist at the end.
My favorites "Money with Menaces" and "Used in Evidence" absolutely fantastic.
No spoilers here!!
My favorites "Money with Menaces" and "Used in Evidence" absolutely fantastic.
No spoilers here!!
January 17, 2022
Nem ismertem Forsythe-ot, mint novellák szerzőjét, de ez a kötet jó válogatás a rövidebb műveiből.
Kicsit emlékeztet a Meghökkentő mesék című régebbi angol tévésorozatra, vegyes témájú novellák, váratlan vagy kevésbé váratlan befejezéssel.
Érdekesség, hogy nagyobb részük Írországban játszódik, és/vagy ír emberek a szereplők.
Kicsit emlékeztet a Meghökkentő mesék című régebbi angol tévésorozatra, vegyes témájú novellák, váratlan vagy kevésbé váratlan befejezéssel.
Érdekesség, hogy nagyobb részük Írországban játszódik, és/vagy ír emberek a szereplők.
February 17, 2022
This has been setting on my bookcase for so many years, so in trying to purge books to make more room for all I keep buying, choose this one to go, long story short, it didn’t make it.
Realized it was an anthology of short stories, so read the first one, No Comebacks……well I was hooked! I had not read anything by Frederick Forsyth before….what a splendid writer his is, with many great novels to his name.
He writing style just grabs you, and you can’t put the book down, at least that was how he affected me…..needless to say will certainly read more by him…..highly recommended this anthology!
Realized it was an anthology of short stories, so read the first one, No Comebacks……well I was hooked! I had not read anything by Frederick Forsyth before….what a splendid writer his is, with many great novels to his name.
He writing style just grabs you, and you can’t put the book down, at least that was how he affected me…..needless to say will certainly read more by him…..highly recommended this anthology!
September 29, 2021
I had read this book a few years before. Even then, a fan of short stories that I am, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
This second time around, this book remains as entertaining as ever. With Forsyth's penchant for intensive research and detailing, these 10 short stories are intriguing and shocking in turns.
As with every short story collection, there are a few excellent ones and there are a few okay ones. I don't think any story is bad.
No Comebacks, There Are No Snakes In Ireland, The Emperor, Money With Menaces (my most favourite), Sharp Practice, and A Careful Man are the best. There Are Some Days..., Used In Evidence, Privilege, and Duty are good too. Duty is a bit too touching and I found tears in my eyes in the end.
I don't think I am clever enough or experienced enough to rate a Frederick Forsyth book. However, with my limited knowledge, my humble opinion is that this book is nothing short of 5 wonderful stars.
This second time around, this book remains as entertaining as ever. With Forsyth's penchant for intensive research and detailing, these 10 short stories are intriguing and shocking in turns.
As with every short story collection, there are a few excellent ones and there are a few okay ones. I don't think any story is bad.
No Comebacks, There Are No Snakes In Ireland, The Emperor, Money With Menaces (my most favourite), Sharp Practice, and A Careful Man are the best. There Are Some Days..., Used In Evidence, Privilege, and Duty are good too. Duty is a bit too touching and I found tears in my eyes in the end.
I don't think I am clever enough or experienced enough to rate a Frederick Forsyth book. However, with my limited knowledge, my humble opinion is that this book is nothing short of 5 wonderful stars.
January 6, 2013
An OK read, really. Mr Forsyth tries to shove the twist-in-the-end plot twist in every damn story, Thing is, it works with some and fails miserably with others.
Case in example being that story of the judge getting conned. It was so plain obvious the priest wasn't who he was and that the other dude was playing him but the author had to drag the reader into an unnecessary court room scene and then the equally flat anti-climax.
Pick this book if you are broke at a second hand mart to satiate that month-end yearning for a dose of fiction. Your money and time will be well spent reading something better if the situation is otherwise.
Case in example being that story of the judge getting conned. It was so plain obvious the priest wasn't who he was and that the other dude was playing him but the author had to drag the reader into an unnecessary court room scene and then the equally flat anti-climax.
Pick this book if you are broke at a second hand mart to satiate that month-end yearning for a dose of fiction. Your money and time will be well spent reading something better if the situation is otherwise.
July 2, 2017
Can't possibly explain how much I enjoyed reading this book. Read it during a very difficult and dreary time; few pages everyday after too much of mental exhaustion, and it has been a great relief. There are very few books, this included, that give you the feeling of pure enjoyment.
The first story alone, though I enjoyed the rest, deserves five stars.
The first story alone, though I enjoyed the rest, deserves five stars.
January 28, 2025
Zum Glück bini fertig (Wür gern 1.5 Stern geh wenn das wür gah)
March 23, 2016
I thought these ancient short stories were really good. Nothing incredible, even a bit pat. Three short stories are collected here, each tightly wound with tension, logic and suspense. Set in Britain, Forsyth's investigations dwell upon the fine art of planned homicide. Plots are built carefully: a protagonist is introduced and defined, a motive is created, and events ensue with moribund rigor. The title story focuses on playboy Mark Sanderson, a man who "liked women," perhaps to a fault. He falls for a married vixen and hatches a plot to murder her cumbersome husband. But his best-laid plan to retain the services of a professional assassin goes astray in a macabre manner. Next comes the case of mild-mannered Samuel Nutkin who, after answering a lascivious classified advertisement, becomes the target of blackmail at the hands of the dominatrix with whom he was smitten. Forsyth's wickedly wry style.
November 19, 2023
19th November 2023
4 Stars
The Fourth Protocol by Frederick Forsyth.
->This one's for you Glennie! 💗📖📚🙏
Frederick Forsyth novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I was explored at the time and over the years I have read everything he’s written.
Mr. Forsyth has a great knack for writing wonderfully suspenseful and exciting read, there is always great tension, action, drama, some danger, intrigue, and lots more to hold your attention. I can always count on him to deliver an intriguing read.
4 Stars
The Fourth Protocol by Frederick Forsyth.
->This one's for you Glennie! 💗📖📚🙏
Frederick Forsyth novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I was explored at the time and over the years I have read everything he’s written.
Mr. Forsyth has a great knack for writing wonderfully suspenseful and exciting read, there is always great tension, action, drama, some danger, intrigue, and lots more to hold your attention. I can always count on him to deliver an intriguing read.
June 8, 2013
I'm a real sucker for short stories and this book did not let me down. These I found were Forsyth at his writing best with some great lines and plenty of wit in some of the tales... from the retired bomb disposal officer to the wealthy underworld entrepreneur/gangster the characters are splendid and believable concoctions from Forsyth's imagination. A good book.
February 26, 2011
A collection of wonderful, unforgettable short stories. Some, like the title story, appear to be studies or sketches for full-length novels. Others, such as "Used in Evidence," are perfect gems, with nothing more to be added.
April 2, 2019
I read this book a while ago and this collection of short stories ensured that I appreciated the genius called Frederick Forsyth. My Dad was and still is a huge fan. But this one was one of Forsyth's only books that I absolutely loved.
(Don't remember which year I read it.)
(Don't remember which year I read it.)
January 13, 2024
This is a collection of 10 Forsyth short stories. Most are 3-4 stars, “The Emperor” 4+ and “Sharp Practice” 3-.
The short story format doesn’t leave room for the grand sweep and intricate plotting of Forsyth’s novels. Most of the stories have just one twist or reveal. There are a few recurring themes: revenge, the troubled Ireland of the 1970s, and confiscatory British taxes and the resultant pervasive efforts to avoid them. Many of the stories seem to be at least partly drawn from Forsyth's own experiences and observations.
Although the short story format doesn’t allow Forsyth to fully spread his wings, he is a great writer and these are still very good stories. This is a good collection to have handy as an e-book for when you want a well-crafted story to occupy a little time. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
The short story format doesn’t leave room for the grand sweep and intricate plotting of Forsyth’s novels. Most of the stories have just one twist or reveal. There are a few recurring themes: revenge, the troubled Ireland of the 1970s, and confiscatory British taxes and the resultant pervasive efforts to avoid them. Many of the stories seem to be at least partly drawn from Forsyth's own experiences and observations.
Although the short story format doesn’t allow Forsyth to fully spread his wings, he is a great writer and these are still very good stories. This is a good collection to have handy as an e-book for when you want a well-crafted story to occupy a little time. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
January 6, 2023
Solid collection of short stories.
March 9, 2024
Good collection of short stories. One-time read.
January 17, 2020
The stories that I liked in no particular order-
Money with menaces
No comebacks (this is the best short story I have ever read)
There are some days
Privilege
Duty
A careful man
Money with menaces
No comebacks (this is the best short story I have ever read)
There are some days
Privilege
Duty
A careful man
April 15, 2020
A book of well written short stories. I enjoyed the twists and turns.
Recommend.
Recommend.
September 25, 2018
I never heard of Forsyth writing short stories and when this one crossed the shelf, I could not resist picking it up.
No Comeback is a compilation of ten stories by the master story teller.
Does he manage to bring in the same detailing like he does in his regular thrillers?
-You Bet.
All stories except one were excellent.
Goodread only if you have loved reading Forsyth previously as his habit of meticulously detailing a crime and happening of a crime can bore you to death !!!
No Comeback is a compilation of ten stories by the master story teller.
Does he manage to bring in the same detailing like he does in his regular thrillers?
-You Bet.
All stories except one were excellent.
Goodread only if you have loved reading Forsyth previously as his habit of meticulously detailing a crime and happening of a crime can bore you to death !!!
November 21, 2021
Zajímavé a dobře čtivé povídky z předválečných i poválečných časů v Anglii, Francii a Irsku. Úplně mě nezaujala moralizující povinnost o nečekaném setkání dosud si neznámých lidí mezi které se v minulosti osudně vložila první světová válka. Snad jen povídka Císař mi k těm ostatním neseděla. Rozdílnost kvality povídek je také škoda.
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