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Robert Renwick #2
The Hidden Target
For Nina O’Connell, a trip round the world was the holiday of a lifetime. Travelling in a group led by the attractive James Kiley and his friend Tony Shawfield, she is surprised when she runs into an old flame on a sunny Amsterdam street. But Robert Renwick, ex-army major attached to NATO, is not there by chance. He is on the hunt for two terrorists who have left a trail of bombings and murder in their wake, and now he must keep Nina safe while trying to discover their next target.
Soon Nina is caught up in a grim game of life or death that stretches from the back streets of Bombay to the highest reaches of Washington’s political elite.
Soon Nina is caught up in a grim game of life or death that stretches from the back streets of Bombay to the highest reaches of Washington’s political elite.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 12, 1987
79 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Helen MacInnes
68 books258 followersHelen MacInnes was a Scottish-American author of espionage novels. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland in 1928 with a degree in French and German. A librarian, she married Professor Gilbert Highet in 1932 and moved with her husband to New York in 1937 so he could teach classics at Columbia University. She wrote her first novel, Above Suspicion, in 1939. She wrote many bestselling suspense novels and became an American citizen in 1951.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 24, 2016
I read two or three of MacInnes's novels in the 1970s or perhaps the early 1980s, and enjoyed them. I'm not sure why I didn't carry on to read more of her work. Perhaps there was just too much other good stuff around at the time; I know that in the early 1980s I began bingeing on the old green Penguin editions of classic crime novels, plus I was reading a lot of sf/fantasy too, so maybe MacInnes just got squeezed out.
Anyway, I decided to redress this omission. Now that I've finished The Hidden Target I confess I'm a bit hum-ho.
Robert Renwick is a professional espionage type who's on the verge of retiring from the active game to found a sort of international counter-terrorist operation along the lines of Interpol; he's liaising to this end with high-placed colleagues in secret services in various countries. Two of the anarcho-terrorists he has his eye on are planning a round-the-world trip on a camper as a part of a plot by the master-terrorist Theo to pull off The Big One (whatever that might be) when they get to the US. They take along a bunch of innocent students as cover; one of those students, however, Nina, is the daughter of a high-up in the US administration, and is therefore -- although she doesn't know it -- an integral part of the plotters' evil scheme. What they don't know is that some years ago, when she was just 15, she developed a teenage crush on family friend Robert Renwick. And that, now she has grown to womanhood, he's beginning to look at her with new eyes . . .
This is a reasonably long novel and, although a lot of the events in it make great reading in their own right, it seems to me that far too many of them aren't contributing much if anything at all to the plot. For example, possibly the most suspenseful sequences involve Renwick and his chums sussing out a training camp for terrorists that's been established in a California mansion. They establish that it is what Renwick thought it was, and then the whole episode seems just to drop out of the picture until, a while later, we discover that one of Renwick's chums went back and blew the place to smithereens. Well, yes, that would have been a bit of a smack in the eye for Theo, but it does nothing to help thwart the terrorists' evil Big One scheme.
Similarly, I never quite worked out why the terrorists should mount the whole round-the-world trip with the students. As I said, this is a pretty long novel so maybe the point was explained early on and I just forgot.
Whatever, although The Hidden Target is never anything but nicely written, and although some of the characterization is quite vivid, the whole enterprise seems a bit ramshackle to me, as if MacInnes from time to time looked at her word-count and realized she ought to throw in an extra episode or two to bump things out.
I was also made uneasy, as I always am, by the whole fabulous-twentyish-babe-throwing-herself-at-fortyish-man trope. Of course, had this happened in real life back when I was the fortyish man in question I'd have seen nothing wrong with it at all, no sir, oh blimey, but I do weary of it in novels. To be fair, the novels concerned are usually written by jaded fortyish (and upwards) males who're, like, kidding themselves, whereas MacInnes was ~73 at the time she wrote The Hidden Target and was of course female. Even so, this aspect of the novel came across as a bit yucko.
So what I think I'm saying is that I found The Hidden Target a moderately good read, because of the skill of MacInnes's writing, but not really anything close to a good novel. I spent quite a lot of time on it, expecting it at any moment to properly engage me but, by the time I got to the (anticlimactic) ending, it still hadn't done so. A pity.
Anyway, I decided to redress this omission. Now that I've finished The Hidden Target I confess I'm a bit hum-ho.
Robert Renwick is a professional espionage type who's on the verge of retiring from the active game to found a sort of international counter-terrorist operation along the lines of Interpol; he's liaising to this end with high-placed colleagues in secret services in various countries. Two of the anarcho-terrorists he has his eye on are planning a round-the-world trip on a camper as a part of a plot by the master-terrorist Theo to pull off The Big One (whatever that might be) when they get to the US. They take along a bunch of innocent students as cover; one of those students, however, Nina, is the daughter of a high-up in the US administration, and is therefore -- although she doesn't know it -- an integral part of the plotters' evil scheme. What they don't know is that some years ago, when she was just 15, she developed a teenage crush on family friend Robert Renwick. And that, now she has grown to womanhood, he's beginning to look at her with new eyes . . .
This is a reasonably long novel and, although a lot of the events in it make great reading in their own right, it seems to me that far too many of them aren't contributing much if anything at all to the plot. For example, possibly the most suspenseful sequences involve Renwick and his chums sussing out a training camp for terrorists that's been established in a California mansion. They establish that it is what Renwick thought it was, and then the whole episode seems just to drop out of the picture until, a while later, we discover that one of Renwick's chums went back and blew the place to smithereens. Well, yes, that would have been a bit of a smack in the eye for Theo, but it does nothing to help thwart the terrorists' evil Big One scheme.
Similarly, I never quite worked out why the terrorists should mount the whole round-the-world trip with the students. As I said, this is a pretty long novel so maybe the point was explained early on and I just forgot.
Whatever, although The Hidden Target is never anything but nicely written, and although some of the characterization is quite vivid, the whole enterprise seems a bit ramshackle to me, as if MacInnes from time to time looked at her word-count and realized she ought to throw in an extra episode or two to bump things out.
I was also made uneasy, as I always am, by the whole fabulous-twentyish-babe-throwing-herself-at-fortyish-man trope. Of course, had this happened in real life back when I was the fortyish man in question I'd have seen nothing wrong with it at all, no sir, oh blimey, but I do weary of it in novels. To be fair, the novels concerned are usually written by jaded fortyish (and upwards) males who're, like, kidding themselves, whereas MacInnes was ~73 at the time she wrote The Hidden Target and was of course female. Even so, this aspect of the novel came across as a bit yucko.
So what I think I'm saying is that I found The Hidden Target a moderately good read, because of the skill of MacInnes's writing, but not really anything close to a good novel. I spent quite a lot of time on it, expecting it at any moment to properly engage me but, by the time I got to the (anticlimactic) ending, it still hadn't done so. A pity.
November 15, 2009
A true spy story; a lot of action and well written; however, the ending was tame/lame? Nothing of import happened because the good guys managed to wrap up everything -- but the ending could have had a bit more bite.
June 29, 2012
Two American girls Nina and Madge just finishing their educational pursuits in London are ready for some adventure before they return home. They soon find themselves as two of eight members about to set off in a large camper for a trip around the world. Six of the eight including the girls are “innocents” caught up in the desire for a great adventure, but Jim and Tony, who have had the idea for the trip, are not what they seem. As members of a terrorist organization, they are using the trip as a cover story to facilitate the recruitment of others to their cause in the places they stop.
Just before departing London, Nina runs into an old flame, Bob Renwick, an ex-military intelligence officer, who is on the trail of Jim and Tony as well as other members of their deadly organization. Bob knows Jim and Tony under their former aliases Erik and Marco.
After Nina and Madge leave on this bogus adventure, Bob’s sleuthing brings to light who Jim and Tony really are. Bob then has the most difficult task of keeping Nina and the other "innocents," safe from a distance, without revealing himself to Jim and Tony as well as to their bosses, Bob’s primary targets.
This book is a fast read which I thoroughly enjoyed. This book was written more than 30 years ago, but Helen MacInnes proves herself to be quite an insightful author. Her terrorists are not the radical Muslims that menace the world today, but many of the elements and tactics used by her terrorists are quite similar to what is being used to plague the world today. I do recommend this novel.
[Book 53 of revised 2012 target 70 (Jan-10; Feb-11; Mar-9; Apr-8; May-7; Jun-8)]
Just before departing London, Nina runs into an old flame, Bob Renwick, an ex-military intelligence officer, who is on the trail of Jim and Tony as well as other members of their deadly organization. Bob knows Jim and Tony under their former aliases Erik and Marco.
After Nina and Madge leave on this bogus adventure, Bob’s sleuthing brings to light who Jim and Tony really are. Bob then has the most difficult task of keeping Nina and the other "innocents," safe from a distance, without revealing himself to Jim and Tony as well as to their bosses, Bob’s primary targets.
This book is a fast read which I thoroughly enjoyed. This book was written more than 30 years ago, but Helen MacInnes proves herself to be quite an insightful author. Her terrorists are not the radical Muslims that menace the world today, but many of the elements and tactics used by her terrorists are quite similar to what is being used to plague the world today. I do recommend this novel.
[Book 53 of revised 2012 target 70 (Jan-10; Feb-11; Mar-9; Apr-8; May-7; Jun-8)]
July 6, 2013
Nina O'Connell is a twenty-one year old American art student in London who is invited on a round-the-world trip by a man who appears to be in love with her.
Robert Renwick is an intelligence officer with NATO, whose new project is to set up an international intelligence organization to fight terrorism.
Erik, aka James Kiley, is a terrorist masquerading as a free-lance writer.
These three are the main characters in The Hidden Target by Helen MacInnes. Espionage with a low-key love story included.
Robert Renwick is an intelligence officer with NATO, whose new project is to set up an international intelligence organization to fight terrorism.
Erik, aka James Kiley, is a terrorist masquerading as a free-lance writer.
These three are the main characters in The Hidden Target by Helen MacInnes. Espionage with a low-key love story included.
August 6, 2017
Exciting spy novel
I read these books many years ago, and am enjoying re-reading them again. In light of the growth of terrorism in the world it is interesting to see what I was oblivious to all those years ago.
I now, unfortunately, understand what terrorism is and anarchy and the differences and similarities. So even though methods of communication are out of date, the essential message remains.
Well worth the time spent with this story. I will be rereading more of Helen Macinnes' books.
I read these books many years ago, and am enjoying re-reading them again. In light of the growth of terrorism in the world it is interesting to see what I was oblivious to all those years ago.
I now, unfortunately, understand what terrorism is and anarchy and the differences and similarities. So even though methods of communication are out of date, the essential message remains.
Well worth the time spent with this story. I will be rereading more of Helen Macinnes' books.
February 23, 2009
I'm likin' this author!
April 7, 2014
another reread from years ago. I do like Helen MacInnes' books, even the later ones like this.
April 19, 2016
I'm nearing the end of my quest to read all of Helen MacInnes's books in order. This was another strong title. It's amazing how modern these feel.
December 18, 2016
Very apt for today's international political situation
March 2, 2020
Another good MacInnes spy novel. Terrorists organize an around the world tour to cover up their dastardly deeds, but NATO agent Robert Renwick foils their plotting. As always, MacInness is meticulous with her basic story while keeping the action exciting and realistic. Recommended.
Read
August 2, 2022the mullet of spy novelists: business in the front half of the book (long setting of the stage, often a bit tedious), party in the back (when the pages start turning much faster)
April 13, 2016
A very suspenseful espionage novel that kept me reading late at night!
Nina O'Connell is in London at university when she is offered a spot on a caravan (in the U.S. we would call it a trailer or motor-home) with a group touring Europe during summer vacation. Since her father's remarriage and subsequent distant stepmother (who does *not* invite Nina to join them at the Maryland seashore this year), Nina's choice is an easy one. Why not join the group?
(Because two of them are terrorists, that's why.)
Thankfully Nina has a close acquaintance, an ex-NATO disarmament expert, who is presently (and secretly) working to set up an international intelligence ring. Bob Renwick and his friends are led on a merry chase across Europe and Asia as they seek to 'catch' their quarry; some high-level terrorists.
What a timely book to read! Of course this is dated; MacInnes (whose husband was M15) very cleverly keeps the reader's interest as one event leads to the next, and the reader is just about jumping off their seat to find out if Nina and her friend Madge will ever escape these dangerous men. If nothing else, this book brings home the reality of what many undercover operators risk in their jobs; losing their life being the ultimate price to pay.
"The will of the majority," Crefeld said. "That's your measure?"
"That's the way votes are counted, Jake."
"In a free country," Crefeld reminded him.
Renwich nodded agreement.
"But what if resistance fighters or revolutionaries find they don't have a majority of the people behind them? Are they then terrorists?"
"If they use bullets and bombs to gain power over a majority that wants none of their ideas - yes, that's what they have become: terrorists."
There were times when I found it a bit hard to follow as the author changes perspective with the characters and although it is well done, sometimes I did get a little weary trying to follow all of the innuendos and information. However, I did enjoy this fast-paced novel and will continue to read more of MacInnes!
3.5 stars.
Nina O'Connell is in London at university when she is offered a spot on a caravan (in the U.S. we would call it a trailer or motor-home) with a group touring Europe during summer vacation. Since her father's remarriage and subsequent distant stepmother (who does *not* invite Nina to join them at the Maryland seashore this year), Nina's choice is an easy one. Why not join the group?
(Because two of them are terrorists, that's why.)
Thankfully Nina has a close acquaintance, an ex-NATO disarmament expert, who is presently (and secretly) working to set up an international intelligence ring. Bob Renwick and his friends are led on a merry chase across Europe and Asia as they seek to 'catch' their quarry; some high-level terrorists.
What a timely book to read! Of course this is dated; MacInnes (whose husband was M15) very cleverly keeps the reader's interest as one event leads to the next, and the reader is just about jumping off their seat to find out if Nina and her friend Madge will ever escape these dangerous men. If nothing else, this book brings home the reality of what many undercover operators risk in their jobs; losing their life being the ultimate price to pay.
"The will of the majority," Crefeld said. "That's your measure?"
"That's the way votes are counted, Jake."
"In a free country," Crefeld reminded him.
Renwich nodded agreement.
"But what if resistance fighters or revolutionaries find they don't have a majority of the people behind them? Are they then terrorists?"
"If they use bullets and bombs to gain power over a majority that wants none of their ideas - yes, that's what they have become: terrorists."
There were times when I found it a bit hard to follow as the author changes perspective with the characters and although it is well done, sometimes I did get a little weary trying to follow all of the innuendos and information. However, I did enjoy this fast-paced novel and will continue to read more of MacInnes!
3.5 stars.
April 25, 2021
I am slowly reading the Helen MacInnes books, whether it is a re-read or for the first time.
Good spy times, with the bad guys a group of anarchist terrorists working under the support and guidance of the KGB.
Set after the Iranian Shah was deposed, part of the story is about two young American women who set off on an around the world trip with a group of other young people. Since the leaders of the trip are terrorists in deep cover, the trip has all sorts of spyful shenanigans going on. Frankly, the young people who are not spies are too stupid to live, so before you can say boo, most of them are hooked on drugs and believe the tripe they are fed by their anarchist overlords.
The other part of the story is about real, actual spies (good guys) hunting down bad spies, who want to destabilize the government of the USA and cause mass panic, leading to the evil Russkies stepping in as our Communist Overlords. Sheesh, there is a whole lot of secret squirrel spycraft going on.
In the middle of all this, there is a romance between one of the good guy spies and one of those American girls on the long, crazy camping trip. I was somewhat uncomfortable with that because he is 18 years older than she is. That is like a whole generation, isn't it? Anyway, she has very little to recommend her other than youth and good looks, because as mentioned above, she is too stupid to live. All the signs are there that something hinky was going on, but she - la la la - ignored them until shit got real. Sigh.
Good spy times, with the bad guys a group of anarchist terrorists working under the support and guidance of the KGB.
Set after the Iranian Shah was deposed, part of the story is about two young American women who set off on an around the world trip with a group of other young people. Since the leaders of the trip are terrorists in deep cover, the trip has all sorts of spyful shenanigans going on. Frankly, the young people who are not spies are too stupid to live, so before you can say boo, most of them are hooked on drugs and believe the tripe they are fed by their anarchist overlords.
The other part of the story is about real, actual spies (good guys) hunting down bad spies, who want to destabilize the government of the USA and cause mass panic, leading to the evil Russkies stepping in as our Communist Overlords. Sheesh, there is a whole lot of secret squirrel spycraft going on.
In the middle of all this, there is a romance between one of the good guy spies and one of those American girls on the long, crazy camping trip. I was somewhat uncomfortable with that because he is 18 years older than she is. That is like a whole generation, isn't it? Anyway, she has very little to recommend her other than youth and good looks, because as mentioned above, she is too stupid to live. All the signs are there that something hinky was going on, but she - la la la - ignored them until shit got real. Sigh.
March 17, 2016
This was kind of a perfect read for a sick day.
Typical Helen MacInnes formula. There are multiple sites of converging action, some anarchists, and a love story.
Robert Renwick is a good, real hero. And a romantic. And he has good friends and ideas, like InterIntell, the intelligence community's answer to InterPol.
There are lots of Q-type gadgets, including weaponized umbrellas and walking sticks. There are terrorist training camps in Southern CA. There is terrorist recruitment and funding disguised as a world-tour of 20-somethings. There is a wiley Belgian interior decorator with tricky cigarettes and lipsticks.
We never do find out if Madge & Co made it back from Bali, though...
Typical Helen MacInnes formula. There are multiple sites of converging action, some anarchists, and a love story.
Robert Renwick is a good, real hero. And a romantic. And he has good friends and ideas, like InterIntell, the intelligence community's answer to InterPol.
There are lots of Q-type gadgets, including weaponized umbrellas and walking sticks. There are terrorist training camps in Southern CA. There is terrorist recruitment and funding disguised as a world-tour of 20-somethings. There is a wiley Belgian interior decorator with tricky cigarettes and lipsticks.
We never do find out if Madge & Co made it back from Bali, though...
April 1, 2018
Wonderful old mystery from (c) 1980 that could still be a part of today's headlines in 2018!
Within the folds of the mystery, there is also rich descriptive language that appeals to the reader's five senses and adds to the pleasures of reading in a very special way. Here's one small example...
"A cool afternoon made pleasant walking around the sweep of Potomac waters called the Tidal Basin. Unpoetic name, thought Renwick, for a romantic spot. The encircling cherry trees, even when touched by early November, had delicacy and grace. Yellowed leaves loosened their hold on black branches, drifted gently to the grass below. Soon, bare slender arms would stretch to a winter sky, wait patiently for spring to come and cover them in sleeves of white-petaled silk."
Within the folds of the mystery, there is also rich descriptive language that appeals to the reader's five senses and adds to the pleasures of reading in a very special way. Here's one small example...
"A cool afternoon made pleasant walking around the sweep of Potomac waters called the Tidal Basin. Unpoetic name, thought Renwick, for a romantic spot. The encircling cherry trees, even when touched by early November, had delicacy and grace. Yellowed leaves loosened their hold on black branches, drifted gently to the grass below. Soon, bare slender arms would stretch to a winter sky, wait patiently for spring to come and cover them in sleeves of white-petaled silk."
June 13, 2017
Nina O’Connell thought her trip around the world was just that. Little did she know that she was in the clutches of terrorists. But Robert Renwick, ex-army major attached to NATO, knew all too well. He wanted to catch the terrorists he was hunting and keep Nina safe.
This book is one of my favorites. My mom first introduced me to it, shortly after its original publication in 1980. And I only recently discovered that it is the second book in a Series of three. It is fast-paced and the characters are captivating, not to mention the author's writing style. This book is definitely a continuous reread for me as I revisit the characters from time-to-time.
This book is one of my favorites. My mom first introduced me to it, shortly after its original publication in 1980. And I only recently discovered that it is the second book in a Series of three. It is fast-paced and the characters are captivating, not to mention the author's writing style. This book is definitely a continuous reread for me as I revisit the characters from time-to-time.
December 30, 2019
Another thriller to keep you up all night reading
The twists and turns so impeccably written turn you inside out reading this masterful plot. It's filled with intrigue that keeps you engrossed in the story as it unfolds so effortlessly bringing together the characters as they become embroiled in this plot of terrorism, murder, revenge and assassination.
The twists and turns so impeccably written turn you inside out reading this masterful plot. It's filled with intrigue that keeps you engrossed in the story as it unfolds so effortlessly bringing together the characters as they become embroiled in this plot of terrorism, murder, revenge and assassination.
February 8, 2015
Hard to get into this book. Too much time spent with the bad guys, who are more than a little transparent and much prone to bully the innocent Americans they've brought on their trip as cover. However -- good guys win in the end. World is safe for democracy. And etcetera.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2011
A lot of people to keep track of in this book, but it was an over all good read.
July 27, 2012
Light summer reading. Enjoyed.
February 25, 2015
Book on terrorism written in the 1980s. Not interested.
December 1, 2019
Two American girls Nina and Madge just finishing their studies in London are ready for some adventure before they return home. They join eight younger people about to set off in a large camper for a trip around the world. Jim and Tony, who have had the idea for the trip, are not what they seem though. As members of a terrorist organization, they are using the trip as a cover story to facilitate the recruitment of others to their cause in the places they stop.
Just before departing London, Nina runs into an old flame, Bob Renwick, an ex-military intelligence officer, who is on the trail of Jim and Tony as well as other members of their deadly organization. Bob knows Jim and Tony under their former aliases Erik and Marco.
I read through this entire book to try and figure out what the plan was. We never really find out what the terrorists were going to do, or who the head guy is after Theo is taken out. We also do not find out anything else about Nina's friend, Madge. INitially it was difficult to remember the characters and what role they are playing- maybe if I had read one of her other books I could have followed more easily in the beginning if she uses the same characters in the series.
Just before departing London, Nina runs into an old flame, Bob Renwick, an ex-military intelligence officer, who is on the trail of Jim and Tony as well as other members of their deadly organization. Bob knows Jim and Tony under their former aliases Erik and Marco.
I read through this entire book to try and figure out what the plan was. We never really find out what the terrorists were going to do, or who the head guy is after Theo is taken out. We also do not find out anything else about Nina's friend, Madge. INitially it was difficult to remember the characters and what role they are playing- maybe if I had read one of her other books I could have followed more easily in the beginning if she uses the same characters in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2023
Good, but not her very best which can be wonderful. It seems Robert Renwick has previous with the author but I’ve not read that yet so work needed. Rather than throw intelligent but capable amateurs into the fray this story involves an expert (Renwick) who is trying to outfox a bunch of well-financed anarchists intent on causing mayhem on the early 1980s world stage through a bombing campaign in the Bader-Meinhof style. There are delicious covert meetings in cathedrals and well organised escapes from Germany, changes of identity and an overarching plan to somehow do something nasty in America but by means of a tortuous journey in a camper van half way around the world - the reason for which escaped me. However the plan is to inveigle innocent American female students to undertake the trip (to act as cover I suppose) while Eric and Marco (bad guys) foment unrest and garner support from their mates across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. They make the simple error of enticing along Nina, not-so-bright and unworldly daughter of their eventual target and unlikely potential girlfriend of Renwick (she’s got a mental age of about 15; he’s 20 years older than her for Chrissakes!), and her even dumber friend who you just know is going to hinder everyone.
August 15, 2025
Many more things went right with this novel than went wrong. Hidden Target widens the scope of its story beyond anything MacInnes has written until this time. From New York, DC, Germany, the Netherlands, London to California, Greece, Istanbul, Iran, and into Bombay, it just about scans all across the globe. It shows in the pace of things, too, with the Soviets paused to invade Afghanistan, the Shah just exiled from Iran, and former Nato intelligence agent Robert Renwick involved in setting up a new internationally dependent agency to coordinate individual countries' spy work against the Soviet Union and its opportunistic allies--anarchist revolutionaries. In fact, this story goes so fast there is little time for what had been bothering me so much in the two or three previous novels. Those works had become sedentary, with far too many passages consisting of people eating lengthy lunches or dinners in expensive restaurants, cooing over the menus. Target is harder edged, following a terrorist pair hiding behind a hippy caravan, while tracking the Soviet mastermind as he sets up an anarchist training school in the US. The cost of this, however, is the usual detailed atmosphere MacInnes brings to her work. When she is located in Central or Southern Europe, that atmosphere is enthralling. But I get the impression she really doesn't know Iran or India nearly as well. In fact, some of her descriptions are more reminiscent of scenes I've watched in movies than in the intricately detailed passages of inns, hotels, farmhouses, and mansions of Europe that usually populate her tales. Too, MacInnes's reliance on multiple perspectives was a bit off for the first half or more of the book. Instead of interdependent pieces fitting an overall puzzle, the perspective shifts seem disjointed and sporadic. That is, until the last quarter of the story. Then, all comes together again.
April 30, 2025
The second in the Robert Renwick series features Nina O'Connell who with her friend Madge accompanies a group of people traveling throughout Europe. It seems very bohemian and like the adventure of a lifetime. However, they people she has hooked up with to travel are not who they seem, and we come to know they are terrorists very early on. I didn't really grasp why they needed this group of people unless it was a front for meetings with cells as they went along on their journey. Robert Renwick is an old friend who Nina really likes and who ultimately will 'rescue' her. Robert is also in the process of setting up his own intel agency, which explains how he came to accidentally meet up with her in Europe, which turns out to be a really good thing for her.
August 1, 2025
Not bad as spy stories go. But dated way back to the late 1970s when Cold War politics were in full spate. Helen MacInnes writes well, and the characters are drawn with convincing ease. Nevertheless, they fall into fairly stereotypical roles, from the naive students thinking they’re in a world sightseeing tour in a camper to the evil terrorists leading them on while using them for cover as they plot the takedown of the enemy (America). Fortunately, an ex-CIA guy is able to outsmart the German mastermind behind the plot and thwart him while giving chase to the camper van without tipping them off that one of the girls on board is relaying info to him.
May 13, 2023
After all these years the main plot still holds up. Espionage thriller set against the background of the Cold War. Filled with twists and turns, the story weaves its way from Amsterdam to Bombay with many stops along the way. Ms MacInnes is a bit preachy at times, but paints a very readable picture of a time and places without resorting to heavy violence. Depictions of the main female character were a little cringe-worthy, but (unfortunately) rang true for the era depicted. That and a very anti-climactic ending took a point off, but still a good read.
October 31, 2022
Excellent Cold War espionage
I first read this book decades ago and loved it. It was my first Helen MacInnes novel and I promptly went out to the neighborhood used bookstore searching for more. I now own a copy of all her novels. They are all excellent page turners but this remains my favorite. I’ve reread it at least twenty times. Intriguing plot, timely international issues, excellent characters and a deftly managed romance.
I first read this book decades ago and loved it. It was my first Helen MacInnes novel and I promptly went out to the neighborhood used bookstore searching for more. I now own a copy of all her novels. They are all excellent page turners but this remains my favorite. I’ve reread it at least twenty times. Intriguing plot, timely international issues, excellent characters and a deftly managed romance.
August 22, 2020
A good story told from multiple (sometimes too many) points of view, but the plot clips along in this round-the-world adventure. Dialogue is not MacInnes's strong suit, nor is romance. The love story between the protagonist and the girl he saves feels rushed - they've spent roughly two days together before getting married, and he's roughly 20 years her senior.
February 24, 2025
1980 is practically ancient history for spy thrillers that don't go down James Bond's road. Tracking terrorists across Europe and a lot of Asia before cell phones, GPS, satellites, and drones is a matter of luck, mostly. Friendly local.... police or undercover agencies make for an improbably seamless intercontinental op.
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