What do you think?
Rate this book
Johnny Fedora #3
Dead Fall
A master jewel thief is hired for a special burglary.
175 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
68 people are currently reading
169 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 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 31, 2014
When I read Dead Man Falling, I really couldn't help but think of James Bond of the 50's as Johnny Fedora. Both British agents are smart, manipulative, charming and notorious. This post war spy thriller could actually give 007 a run for its money. While Johnny Fedora is after a cache of sequestered diamonds, his stunning new bride keeps him afloat and alive along the Austrian alps. Not to be outdone is Sebastian Trout, another British detective and just as smart as his colleague. A murder on the train gently reminded me of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
and Ex-Nazis chasing & shooting them made the newlyweds’ honeymoon even more perilous and exciting and dangerous. Johnny Fedora may as well be called 007's twin, as he was as bold, as fierce and as naughty as Bond.
Desmond Cory's writing is exceptional, almost to the point that I thought he was Ian Fleming's reincarnation. Usually when I read mysteries and thrillers, I look for plot holes, but with Dead Man Falling, I was impressed because I couldn't pinpoint any holes at all. Cory knew how to build and pump up one's anticipation with the twists and turns in the story. The suspense literally killed me with every bated breath. The way Johnny eclipses James Bond was just as outstanding and gripping. I won't be surprised if this book is already considered a classic.
and Ex-Nazis chasing & shooting them made the newlyweds’ honeymoon even more perilous and exciting and dangerous. Johnny Fedora may as well be called 007's twin, as he was as bold, as fierce and as naughty as Bond.
Desmond Cory's writing is exceptional, almost to the point that I thought he was Ian Fleming's reincarnation. Usually when I read mysteries and thrillers, I look for plot holes, but with Dead Man Falling, I was impressed because I couldn't pinpoint any holes at all. Cory knew how to build and pump up one's anticipation with the twists and turns in the story. The suspense literally killed me with every bated breath. The way Johnny eclipses James Bond was just as outstanding and gripping. I won't be surprised if this book is already considered a classic.
July 14, 2013
"Readers who like their thrillers to complement their intelligence must on no account miss to Desmond Cory".
Fascinating to find that 60 years after the 1953 publication of Desmond Cory's novel DEAD MAN FALLING it has survived to the point of becoming a Kindle book. Probably Cory with his futuristic imagination knew his books would survive the myriad permutations of the publishing world. For those who may not remember, Desmond Cory is a pseudonym used by British mystery/thriller writer Shaun Lloyd McCarthy (Lancing, Sussex, February 16, 1928 - January 2001) - a writer whose novels were overshadowed by Ian Fleming's mega-success with the 007 series, but whose main character Johnny Fedora predated James Bond and to many the public came to expect even more from Cory's colorful action, copious carnage, elaborate intrigue, frequent surprises: for many the Fedora plots were more complex and intellectual. As one critic stated, `I must say that I find Cory's Johnny Fedora a much more persuasive violent, sexy and lucky agent than James Bond.'
DEAD MAN FALLING is the fifth of Cory's Johnny Fedora capers. Fedora is a hired assassin ("hired to kill"), and carries a sense of joie de vivre and sensual worldliness that serve as fine counterbalances to his brainy gifts as an action hero. The son of a Spanish father and Irish mother, Fedora is driven as much by a need to avenge the death of his parents as by patriotism or loyalty to British Intelligence. The debonair Fedora was always a tough and competent agent, and his first adventures were written in a more light-hearted manner than the latter ones. In this incarnation (DEAD MAN FALLING) Fedora and his, as usual, beautiful companion Marie-Andrée track down a stash of diamonds across Europe in pursuit of the former Nazi who is also after the diamonds to fund the rebuilding of the post-war Nazi party. The action is as intense on the trains as it is on the various locales - especially a climb to treacherous mountain near the Austrian village of Oberneasl. Nothing is ever straightforward: strange characters abound and every turn takes a twist and keeps the reader captured completely in this compelling (and at times humorous) book. Now on Kindle!
Grady Harp
Fascinating to find that 60 years after the 1953 publication of Desmond Cory's novel DEAD MAN FALLING it has survived to the point of becoming a Kindle book. Probably Cory with his futuristic imagination knew his books would survive the myriad permutations of the publishing world. For those who may not remember, Desmond Cory is a pseudonym used by British mystery/thriller writer Shaun Lloyd McCarthy (Lancing, Sussex, February 16, 1928 - January 2001) - a writer whose novels were overshadowed by Ian Fleming's mega-success with the 007 series, but whose main character Johnny Fedora predated James Bond and to many the public came to expect even more from Cory's colorful action, copious carnage, elaborate intrigue, frequent surprises: for many the Fedora plots were more complex and intellectual. As one critic stated, `I must say that I find Cory's Johnny Fedora a much more persuasive violent, sexy and lucky agent than James Bond.'
DEAD MAN FALLING is the fifth of Cory's Johnny Fedora capers. Fedora is a hired assassin ("hired to kill"), and carries a sense of joie de vivre and sensual worldliness that serve as fine counterbalances to his brainy gifts as an action hero. The son of a Spanish father and Irish mother, Fedora is driven as much by a need to avenge the death of his parents as by patriotism or loyalty to British Intelligence. The debonair Fedora was always a tough and competent agent, and his first adventures were written in a more light-hearted manner than the latter ones. In this incarnation (DEAD MAN FALLING) Fedora and his, as usual, beautiful companion Marie-Andrée track down a stash of diamonds across Europe in pursuit of the former Nazi who is also after the diamonds to fund the rebuilding of the post-war Nazi party. The action is as intense on the trains as it is on the various locales - especially a climb to treacherous mountain near the Austrian village of Oberneasl. Nothing is ever straightforward: strange characters abound and every turn takes a twist and keeps the reader captured completely in this compelling (and at times humorous) book. Now on Kindle!
Grady Harp
August 14, 2014
A mystery thriller filled with action, great descriptive scenes, suspense, unpredictability and more. Typically a strong fan of fantasy, but this spy action thriller kept my interest alive and peaked. Twists and turns just about on each page. Each Act moves with consistent pace. Boredom doesn't have a chance to creep in. Grammatically sound throughout. A story that keeps you wondering yet with rolling hills of drama.
The length of the story is not too long, although I would not have been fatigued had it been longer. The author, Desmond Cory demonstrates wonderful creativity in describing the scenes of the landscape, the journeys and more. One particular scene is a total 'nail biter.' I found it necessary, as during other scenes, to focus more intently, fearful of missing what was coming next.
Another bonus is that you are not required to read the other books in the series to follow along, understand and enjoy.The characters also bring unforeseen surprises. Character development is solid. I found myself becoming attached to certain characters. This sounds like what movie goes go through at movies. Act three is well constructed, not short, and an unexpected ending as well. A thriller that keeps you intrigued, on the edge of your seat on many levels.
The only occasional challenge was a lack of familiarity with the language. There was not enough to take away from the story. Very appropriate recognizing the content and context.
A must read!!
The length of the story is not too long, although I would not have been fatigued had it been longer. The author, Desmond Cory demonstrates wonderful creativity in describing the scenes of the landscape, the journeys and more. One particular scene is a total 'nail biter.' I found it necessary, as during other scenes, to focus more intently, fearful of missing what was coming next.
Another bonus is that you are not required to read the other books in the series to follow along, understand and enjoy.The characters also bring unforeseen surprises. Character development is solid. I found myself becoming attached to certain characters. This sounds like what movie goes go through at movies. Act three is well constructed, not short, and an unexpected ending as well. A thriller that keeps you intrigued, on the edge of your seat on many levels.
The only occasional challenge was a lack of familiarity with the language. There was not enough to take away from the story. Very appropriate recognizing the content and context.
A must read!!
August 18, 2014
I don't often read 1950's spy stories, but once I got into this one, I really enjoyed it.
It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
British master spy James Bond always had an array of advanced technological gadgets at his disposal, which helped him outsmart the most notorious of adversaries.
Johnny Fedora has to use his own ingenuity, and I found him to be much more like John LeCarre’s superspy George Smiley, who was “remarkable yet unremarkable.” The author’s writing style also reminded me of LaCarre.
Set in post WW2 Europe, Fedora and his very attractive and smart wife Marie-Andree use their own ingenuity to hunt down an ex-Nazi who is planning to unearth a cache of hidden diamonds that, should they be released into the world diamond market all at once, would undermine world economies.
There’s just one problem. The diamonds are hidden near the peak of a very high and forbidding mountain, and in a race to get to them in time, Johnny has to climb the mountain on the most difficult, treacherous, and icy, but shorter route.
The story is fast-paced and exciting, and the description of the actual climb up the mountain displays an intimate knowledge or intensive research of mountain climbing techniques.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes fast-paced action laced with mystery and danger.
The copy of Dead Man Falling was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
British master spy James Bond always had an array of advanced technological gadgets at his disposal, which helped him outsmart the most notorious of adversaries.
Johnny Fedora has to use his own ingenuity, and I found him to be much more like John LeCarre’s superspy George Smiley, who was “remarkable yet unremarkable.” The author’s writing style also reminded me of LaCarre.
Set in post WW2 Europe, Fedora and his very attractive and smart wife Marie-Andree use their own ingenuity to hunt down an ex-Nazi who is planning to unearth a cache of hidden diamonds that, should they be released into the world diamond market all at once, would undermine world economies.
There’s just one problem. The diamonds are hidden near the peak of a very high and forbidding mountain, and in a race to get to them in time, Johnny has to climb the mountain on the most difficult, treacherous, and icy, but shorter route.
The story is fast-paced and exciting, and the description of the actual climb up the mountain displays an intimate knowledge or intensive research of mountain climbing techniques.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes fast-paced action laced with mystery and danger.
The copy of Dead Man Falling was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2017
This turned out to be an excellent book, despite being a little difficult to get into. The author is undoubtedly a very talented and intelligent person, with quite a profound mastery of 'word-smithery'. This it turns out is a bit of a double edged sword.
There is a great deal of subtle observational humour woven through the prose, which I appreciate, and transforms the work from a bog standard adventure story to something quite special. The writing certainly elevates the book.
One criticism I would make is that due to the oftentimes clever and meandering prose, its not until the story gets going properly at about 20%, that one has a sufficient grasp of it to relax into the book. This is a minor issue - really no big deal.
The story moves at a good pace and the character building is excellent. Each of the main characters are solid, realistic and understandable. The plot is clear, the story internally consistent and it has a satisfying ending. I would rate the story itself at 4/5 but the writing an easy 5+. Worth a place on anyone's bookshelf. Well done Mr. Cory.
There is a great deal of subtle observational humour woven through the prose, which I appreciate, and transforms the work from a bog standard adventure story to something quite special. The writing certainly elevates the book.
One criticism I would make is that due to the oftentimes clever and meandering prose, its not until the story gets going properly at about 20%, that one has a sufficient grasp of it to relax into the book. This is a minor issue - really no big deal.
The story moves at a good pace and the character building is excellent. Each of the main characters are solid, realistic and understandable. The plot is clear, the story internally consistent and it has a satisfying ending. I would rate the story itself at 4/5 but the writing an easy 5+. Worth a place on anyone's bookshelf. Well done Mr. Cory.
October 2, 2016
Ace secret agent Johnny Fedora has an assignment that he would really pass on. He must track down a former Nazi whose identity he has no idea of, find a cache of stolen diamonds that might not even exist, and to do both, he must climb a treacherous mountain, and he hates mountains. When he witnesses a murder on the train ride to Vienna, Austria, he is sucked into a whirlwind of death, danger, and daring. He and the beautiful Marie Andre, posing as his fiancée, go to a tiny Austrian village very near the border of the Russian zone, where he finds a group of former Nazis living in the open, almost taunting him with their presence.
Dead Man Falling by Desmond Cory, is non-stop action a la James Bond, only, it takes place in the period immediately following World War 2, so there are no laser weapons or sleek cars, just good old fashioned guts and glory spying from the old school.
Cory paints a colorful picture of postwar Austria. He takes some liberties with history, for example, positing that Eva Braun bore Hitler a child, survived the Berlin bunker, and ended up in Austria with Hitler’s teenage son. You’ll be so caught up in the story, though, trying to identify the bad guys, you’re likely, as I did, to forgive this bit of artistic license. Besides, he tied it up neatly, so history is safe. The same can’t be said for the villains, though. Johnny Fedora makes 007 look like a wimp.
Oh, and after reading this, I’ve taken mountain climbing off my bucket list.
Dead Man Falling by Desmond Cory, is non-stop action a la James Bond, only, it takes place in the period immediately following World War 2, so there are no laser weapons or sleek cars, just good old fashioned guts and glory spying from the old school.
Cory paints a colorful picture of postwar Austria. He takes some liberties with history, for example, positing that Eva Braun bore Hitler a child, survived the Berlin bunker, and ended up in Austria with Hitler’s teenage son. You’ll be so caught up in the story, though, trying to identify the bad guys, you’re likely, as I did, to forgive this bit of artistic license. Besides, he tied it up neatly, so history is safe. The same can’t be said for the villains, though. Johnny Fedora makes 007 look like a wimp.
Oh, and after reading this, I’ve taken mountain climbing off my bucket list.
June 22, 2018
Johnny Fedora travels around the Alps looking for a former Nazi who is smuggling diamonds and stamps.
A real slog.
A real slog.
May 22, 2021
More of a slow burn than a fast-paced espionage thriller. Takes a while to get going and, I don't exactly enjoy the frequent detailed description of a place or historical event. It's clearly intended to enrich the story but.I’d rather have more action. The conclusion is a bit too convenient for me as well.
Still, the character of Fedora is interesting, likable, and pleasantly fallible in stead of perfectly clever. Something many spy/detective novels don't do.
Still, the character of Fedora is interesting, likable, and pleasantly fallible in stead of perfectly clever. Something many spy/detective novels don't do.
September 26, 2014
Dead Man falling by Desmond Korry, is a secret agent novel written in 1953. I was asked to carry out an honest review and in being completely objective I have set aside factors such as the fame of the author and a New York Time review.
Novels based around the main character, Johnny Fedora, precede those of Ian Fleming’s, secret agent, James Bond. While I have enjoyed all the James Bond books as well as watched all the movies, this is the first book by Desmond Kerry (Shaun Lloyd McCarthy) I have read. In comparing the two characters: Fedora and Bond, I can see very little similarity, apart from them both working for the British Secret Service and being ultra-fit. Fedora as a character and the plot for this novel are more plausible than any of the James Bond stories. The latter tend to fall somewhere between fiction and fantasy. James Bond books though can accurately be described as sexy, whereas the New York Times reference to Dead Man Falling being sexy is a mystery. Are we reviewing the same book?
Dead Man falling, has not the best of starts with a seemingly unrelated event of a young man falling down some steps and with the main character not being introduced until the second chapter. Instead, a minor character, a Mr Trout, is introduced. The early introduction of Trout, like the step tripper, appears to be a red herring, as he does not resurface as a recognized character until well downstream in the last quarter of this book. It is in this last quarter — climbing the mountain, that Korry’s brilliants shines and the novel reaches its greatest heights. The book tends to move from first to fifth gear leaving one gripping to the edge of one’s seat. At this point you don’t want to put the book down. The ending is equally clever resolving the issues of what happened next.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but was disappointed by the first chapter and also the need for better proof reading and formatting. I also found it somewhat frustrating not having numbered pages on the electronic version when I am sure that the hard and soft back versions originally printed comprised numbered pages. As an honest reviewer, I have rated this as 4 stars.
Novels based around the main character, Johnny Fedora, precede those of Ian Fleming’s, secret agent, James Bond. While I have enjoyed all the James Bond books as well as watched all the movies, this is the first book by Desmond Kerry (Shaun Lloyd McCarthy) I have read. In comparing the two characters: Fedora and Bond, I can see very little similarity, apart from them both working for the British Secret Service and being ultra-fit. Fedora as a character and the plot for this novel are more plausible than any of the James Bond stories. The latter tend to fall somewhere between fiction and fantasy. James Bond books though can accurately be described as sexy, whereas the New York Times reference to Dead Man Falling being sexy is a mystery. Are we reviewing the same book?
Dead Man falling, has not the best of starts with a seemingly unrelated event of a young man falling down some steps and with the main character not being introduced until the second chapter. Instead, a minor character, a Mr Trout, is introduced. The early introduction of Trout, like the step tripper, appears to be a red herring, as he does not resurface as a recognized character until well downstream in the last quarter of this book. It is in this last quarter — climbing the mountain, that Korry’s brilliants shines and the novel reaches its greatest heights. The book tends to move from first to fifth gear leaving one gripping to the edge of one’s seat. At this point you don’t want to put the book down. The ending is equally clever resolving the issues of what happened next.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but was disappointed by the first chapter and also the need for better proof reading and formatting. I also found it somewhat frustrating not having numbered pages on the electronic version when I am sure that the hard and soft back versions originally printed comprised numbered pages. As an honest reviewer, I have rated this as 4 stars.
August 16, 2015
A brilliant spy story! Desmond Cory set the standard for spy novels. Johnny Fedora is a spy of the highest caliber with wit, intelligence, and charm. In “Dead Man Falling”, the 3rd in the Johnny Fedora series, Johnny is traveling to Austria with Marie-Andree. Posing as newlyweds they check into an inn in a very small village known primarily for the mountain climbing opportunities in the area. Fedora is not a mountain climber. He’s on the trail of a cache of diamonds hidden by the Nazis somewhere in the vicinity of the village. But Johnny’s not the only one looking for the diamonds; the question is who will get to them first, and who will die trying.
Keep your wits about you because this is a twisty story where nobody is who they claim to be. I was on the edge of my seat (literally) throughout this book. If you enjoy spy stories along the lines of James Bond, then you will love this one. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Keep your wits about you because this is a twisty story where nobody is who they claim to be. I was on the edge of my seat (literally) throughout this book. If you enjoy spy stories along the lines of James Bond, then you will love this one. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
March 23, 2023
A Thriller That Does Not Disappoint
A setting in the 1950's, for this mystery/thriller, is great for the intellect. I would not say this book is as action packed as James Bond, but there are some definitely intense scenes that add to the plot. Anyone interested in the thriller genre who reads this book will not be disappointed.
A setting in the 1950's, for this mystery/thriller, is great for the intellect. I would not say this book is as action packed as James Bond, but there are some definitely intense scenes that add to the plot. Anyone interested in the thriller genre who reads this book will not be disappointed.
June 21, 2020
Forgotten how good these Fedora novels were.
I remember reading these Fedora books years ago. They were published the same years as Fleming’s Bond. A first class British mystery and thriller. Somewhat dated but still enjoyable.
I remember reading these Fedora books years ago. They were published the same years as Fleming’s Bond. A first class British mystery and thriller. Somewhat dated but still enjoyable.
October 19, 2013
This is an awesome spy thriller from Desmond Cory. I love an action packed book that will make me lose myself in a sexy world of the 007 vein.
Johnny Fedora will quickly wind you around his finger as you fall in love with his fastidious and charming ways. The book is full of action but it focuses on the story which is refreshing because so many post WWII novels focus just on the antics of the spy circle instead of helping us fall in love with the subjects.
Desmond Cory brings us through Austria and describes so well the snow covered mountains and the beautiful terrain that you can almost imagine being there .. albeit hopefully without post WWII drama surrounding you.
I wasn't bored for a moment, quite the contrary- I want more, this one was so well written and conceived. Unfortunately since the man behind the pen name Desmond Cory has passed away we will all have to satisfy ourselves with some of his other 35 plus novels.
Johnny Fedora will quickly wind you around his finger as you fall in love with his fastidious and charming ways. The book is full of action but it focuses on the story which is refreshing because so many post WWII novels focus just on the antics of the spy circle instead of helping us fall in love with the subjects.
Desmond Cory brings us through Austria and describes so well the snow covered mountains and the beautiful terrain that you can almost imagine being there .. albeit hopefully without post WWII drama surrounding you.
I wasn't bored for a moment, quite the contrary- I want more, this one was so well written and conceived. Unfortunately since the man behind the pen name Desmond Cory has passed away we will all have to satisfy ourselves with some of his other 35 plus novels.
October 17, 2022
Thrilling
There was Lots of great detail, a thrilling plot line, and well-developed characters. I’m keeping this author in my sights!
There was Lots of great detail, a thrilling plot line, and well-developed characters. I’m keeping this author in my sights!
December 8, 2022
A thrilling adventure
A well written page turner that’s going to give everyone who reads this book an exciting adventure of a lifetime.
A well written page turner that’s going to give everyone who reads this book an exciting adventure of a lifetime.
December 6, 2016
To begin with, the reader should know that in addition to being set in post-war Austria (and other places in Europe), this book was also originally *written* in 1953 (so says Wiki, goodreads says 1960) as well. I find that knowing the original publication date helps inform my reading.
Dead Man Falling is a good novel of the spy genre and is authentic to its time period and the intrigue found in that historical period. I found the author's tone and descriptions quite entertaining and lyrical - for instance, ' "Chuff" said the engine, experimentally. "Chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff, chuff". It was a large and healthy engine....and it didn't seem to be over-fond of the railway terminus at Zurich. '
The story does move along better once the characters reach their destination (about 1/3 of the way through the story). The mountain climbing scenes are suspenseful and gripping. An enjoyable read for those who like the spy/thriller genre, especially those who like WWII and immediately post war intrigue.
Dead Man Falling is a good novel of the spy genre and is authentic to its time period and the intrigue found in that historical period. I found the author's tone and descriptions quite entertaining and lyrical - for instance, ' "Chuff" said the engine, experimentally. "Chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff, chuff". It was a large and healthy engine....and it didn't seem to be over-fond of the railway terminus at Zurich. '
The story does move along better once the characters reach their destination (about 1/3 of the way through the story). The mountain climbing scenes are suspenseful and gripping. An enjoyable read for those who like the spy/thriller genre, especially those who like WWII and immediately post war intrigue.
April 1, 2015
Great entertainment as Johnny and his girl battle against great odds to outmanoeuvre the Nazi thugs. It is not for the faint hearted, an inch is not given in the pursuit of prized diamonds.
There are thrills and gasps, not to mention some great humour throughout high in the alps. It is set just after the second world war when stolen and hidden booty was plentiful. The author has made an excellent job of bringing alive the danger and excitement involved in chasing one of those treasure troves.
I must add, it is also great fun.
There are thrills and gasps, not to mention some great humour throughout high in the alps. It is set just after the second world war when stolen and hidden booty was plentiful. The author has made an excellent job of bringing alive the danger and excitement involved in chasing one of those treasure troves.
I must add, it is also great fun.
August 31, 2014
A period piece set soon after WWII, Cory conveyed the pace and sensibilities of the time with wit and skill. The opening pages suffered from a distracting case of adverb flu, but that settled down and the story took on a pleasant rhythm. If you’re tired of fast-food thrillers and crave a more relaxing meal, Dead Man Falling might be just what you want.
April 12, 2019
Spy catcher
The stories continue to capture and hold the interest. So many people are killed in each story and this one ended with many players still in play which is unsatisfying
The stories continue to capture and hold the interest. So many people are killed in each story and this one ended with many players still in play which is unsatisfying
January 14, 2018
I picked this up on a whim, partly because I wanted to test my month’s free membership of Amazon Prime and borrow a book (something I’d never done before) also because (as with all my reading these days) I was directed somehow to the engaging synopsis of the book on Amazon. (Which synopsis bears rather little relationship to the actual plot.)
I like Cold War stories. Big fan of John Le Carre, me. This one is set in 1950, when East-West political patterns for the next nearly 40 years were being set, a lot of roads weren’t tarmacked, most vehicles still had no synchromesh on any gear and a significant number of places had no electricity.
The book gallops along from the off. Mr Cory has an insouciant style and writes a great page-turner. One learns something of post-war Paris and European trains, rather more about rural Austria, and a considerable amount about the technical and philosophical aspects of mountaineering.
Now, I don’t like the cold. Let me lie on a hot rock and call me lizard – that’s my idea of a good time. However, this of the mountaineering I found completely compelling. Not only because of the knowledgeable observations about the mountain and technical information about climbing, where a mistake can easily be fatal (either Mr Cory has been up mountains, or has done his research very well indeed), but also about why people climb. This line was seminal: “Beauty’s nothing but the beginning of Terror we’re still just able to bear.” Which is a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke. Rilke was an intense, mystical and lyrical Austrian poet who died in a sanatorium in Switzerland in 1926. I’m not sure if he was a climber but he certainly found the mountains pressed in upon him, as they do upon the protagonists in this engaging novel.
I like Cold War stories. Big fan of John Le Carre, me. This one is set in 1950, when East-West political patterns for the next nearly 40 years were being set, a lot of roads weren’t tarmacked, most vehicles still had no synchromesh on any gear and a significant number of places had no electricity.
The book gallops along from the off. Mr Cory has an insouciant style and writes a great page-turner. One learns something of post-war Paris and European trains, rather more about rural Austria, and a considerable amount about the technical and philosophical aspects of mountaineering.
Now, I don’t like the cold. Let me lie on a hot rock and call me lizard – that’s my idea of a good time. However, this of the mountaineering I found completely compelling. Not only because of the knowledgeable observations about the mountain and technical information about climbing, where a mistake can easily be fatal (either Mr Cory has been up mountains, or has done his research very well indeed), but also about why people climb. This line was seminal: “Beauty’s nothing but the beginning of Terror we’re still just able to bear.” Which is a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke. Rilke was an intense, mystical and lyrical Austrian poet who died in a sanatorium in Switzerland in 1926. I’m not sure if he was a climber but he certainly found the mountains pressed in upon him, as they do upon the protagonists in this engaging novel.
March 30, 2023
Rip-roaring adventure tale set in the late 1940s Austria with Johnny Fedora on the private (he is happy to be funded by the proceeds of crime that he finds on the body of one of the crooks) trail of diamond-funded Neo Nazis led by a man called Mayer who is living under an - as yet unidentified - assumed name and both are of interest to the British secret service and army. Mayer is due to fetch more diamonds from his cache and Johnny must try and beat him to them but doesn’t know exactly where they are or which of the several mountaineers he encounters is Mayer. This is starting to sound like the plot of The Eiger Sanction with Clint Eastwood as Johnny. The part of The Eiger is played by The Hunting Horn.
Johnny is (naturally) accompanied by a gorgeous female French agent; they are pretending to be on their honeymoon in the Austrian Alps and enjoy each other while sparring like a couple in a screwball comedy.
Told initially with a deal of arch humour and marvellously evocative descriptions of steam trains the stakes quickly become all too high with ruthless eliminations and a brilliantly described, seriously terrifying ordeal of ice-wall climbing in order to collect the metaphorical ice.
Johnny is (naturally) accompanied by a gorgeous female French agent; they are pretending to be on their honeymoon in the Austrian Alps and enjoy each other while sparring like a couple in a screwball comedy.
Told initially with a deal of arch humour and marvellously evocative descriptions of steam trains the stakes quickly become all too high with ruthless eliminations and a brilliantly described, seriously terrifying ordeal of ice-wall climbing in order to collect the metaphorical ice.
May 21, 2019
Snow Capped Peaks
Mountain climbing, diamonds, Nazis, and British Intelligence come together in a hard action spy thriller sure to please any aficionado of old time spy novels. Looking forward to more of Johnny Fedora.
Mountain climbing, diamonds, Nazis, and British Intelligence come together in a hard action spy thriller sure to please any aficionado of old time spy novels. Looking forward to more of Johnny Fedora.
November 24, 2025
Good. Took me back in time to a time before computers and high-tech gadgets, when agents had to use their wits more than some ridiculous technology. Desmond Cory is an ace writer who keeps you intrigued into how the story will end.
March 11, 2021
More Johnny Fedora. Great fun!
November 17, 2025
High quality writing and first class detective fiction. Mad men meets James Bond. Loved the way it captures the post-war espionage period.
November 27, 2025
Marvellous - vintage British detective fiction. Johnny Fedora is a classic series, and a must read for all fans of this genre.
December 1, 2025
Desmond Cory is growing on me. This is the third in the series I have read, and encourage all readers who like well written books with a bit of intrigue to try him out.
December 21, 2025
Highly enjoyable - classic espionage thriller
January 22, 2026
I love classic mystery novels, and this one is among the best I have read. Johnny Fedora - bring him on!
February 12, 2017
What do you get with a dash of James Bond, MacGyver, and Mangum, PI....Johnny Fedora, Extraordinare...
This review is from: Dead Man Falling (A Johnny Fedora Espionage Assignment Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Though this story is book three of the ' Johnny Fedora' series, it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it, though it's not a genre I normally read.
Many readers compared the character to James Bond. I did too, but I also saw a bit of ingenuity of MacGyver, and a dash of Mangum, PI as well. Those traits made Johnny (main character) very likeable and adaptable.
The pace was slow in the beginning due to the British syntac, but as I got use to it, it began to speed up. Characters involved were realistic and you even got some that you that you either love'em or hate'em. World building was expertly done with an artistic flair due to Mr. Cory's imagination. I loved the twists and turns that grabbed my attention and helped me to devour the story quickly.
While on his honeymoon, Johnny will find himself caught up in a murder, dealing with Nazis. The gist of the story is blood diamonds being smuggled and converted. As he and his bride goes on, they will find themselves in some sticky situations. What happens next? Get the book, read it, and then you will know.
It contains humor, action and romance, along with greed, murder,....you get the idea.
I would recommend this read to readers who love a great spy adventure.
I voluntarily chose to review this book.
Happy Reading!!
This review is from: Dead Man Falling (A Johnny Fedora Espionage Assignment Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Though this story is book three of the ' Johnny Fedora' series, it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it, though it's not a genre I normally read.
Many readers compared the character to James Bond. I did too, but I also saw a bit of ingenuity of MacGyver, and a dash of Mangum, PI as well. Those traits made Johnny (main character) very likeable and adaptable.
The pace was slow in the beginning due to the British syntac, but as I got use to it, it began to speed up. Characters involved were realistic and you even got some that you that you either love'em or hate'em. World building was expertly done with an artistic flair due to Mr. Cory's imagination. I loved the twists and turns that grabbed my attention and helped me to devour the story quickly.
While on his honeymoon, Johnny will find himself caught up in a murder, dealing with Nazis. The gist of the story is blood diamonds being smuggled and converted. As he and his bride goes on, they will find themselves in some sticky situations. What happens next? Get the book, read it, and then you will know.
It contains humor, action and romance, along with greed, murder,....you get the idea.
I would recommend this read to readers who love a great spy adventure.
I voluntarily chose to review this book.
Happy Reading!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews