Think Inc

Philip McAlpine #4

by Adam Diment

Philip McAlpine, Switched-on, turned-on, pot smoking, pop spy comes in from the cold for a hot number - Chastity, the coal-black sex-kitten.

Genres: Espionage

214 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 1971

About the author

Frederick Adam Diment (born 1943) is a spy novelist who published four novels between 1967 and 1971. All four are about the adventures of Philip McAlpine whom critic Anthony Boucher described as an agent who smokes hashish, leads a highly active sex life, kills vividly, uses (or even coins) the latest London slang and still seems a perfectly real (and even oddly likeable) young man rather than a reflected Bond image.

A film version of The Dolly Dolly Spy with David Hemmings playing McAlpine was scheduled to go into production but was never made.

Diment disappeared from public view after his last novel, adding to his cult figure status among fans of 1960s spy novels. According to The Observer, by 1975 Diment was living in Zurich, shunning publicity, and had no plans to write further novels. A publisher is attempting to re-issue his books via a crowdfunding scheme.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Inc is the 4th and last book in the Philip McAlpine spy series by Adam Diment. From what I've read, the series was sort of an anti-Bond spy series and quite a cult favorite. But after 4 books, Diment basically disappeared, never to write again.

In this final book, McAlpine is persona non grata with the British spy service after a bungled mission in the US. After an attempt on his life in London, McAlpine is now hiding out in Italy, on the coast by Rome. He has cut his blond locks, gotten a tan and spends his life wandering along the shore, eating at local restaurants, etc. One day he is taken 'hostage' by a criminal group, Think, Inc. run by a giant of a man, Faustus. Faustus, knowing about McAlpine's situation with British intelligence, offers him employment with Think, Inc.

This begins a series of activities, gun smuggling, robbery of counterfeit money, searching for ancient Greek artifacts. It's an entertaining, and yet, thoughtful thriller. McAlpine has grown as a character, is even thinking of a permanent relationship with the lovely Chastity. It's an entertaining, action-filled story and a suitable ending to the series, even if it's left hanging a bit and in sad terms.

McAlpine is an interesting character, hates violence, likes drinking and women and pot, as I said, a kind of anti-Bond. He's cool in his way and is more developed in this story. The rest of the cast, Faustus, Chastity and the other members of the group add to the story. It might be the best story of the four. (4.0 stars)

[Graham Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

No redeemable quality to the story. Ending ruins the entire book!