A Taste for Death

Modesty Blaise #4

by Peter O'Donnell

The rugged team of Modesty Blaise and her loyal lieutenant, Willie Garvin, take on impossible odds as they battle Simon Delicta, a man with a taste for death, and Swordmaster Wenczel in a duel to the death. As the adventure unfolds, and they travel from London to Panama to the depths of the Sahara desert, the pair will need all their killing skills to survive.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Crime, Action, Pulp

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Peter O'Donnell also wrote as Madeleine Brent.

http://www.cs.umu.se/~kenth/modesty.html
is an excellent resource on this author.

To help keep the novels and the adventure strip collections separate, here's some info about the Modesty Blaise works.

In 1963, O'Donnell began his 38-year run as writer of the Modesty Blaise adventure story strip, which appeared six days a week in English and Scottish newspapers. He retired the strip in 2001.

Each strip story took 18-20 weeks to complete. Several publishers over the years have attempted to collect these stories in large softcovers. Titan Publishing is currently in the process of bringing them all out in large-format softcover, with 2-3 stories in each books. These are called "graphic novels" in the Goodreads title.

Meanwhile, during those 38 years, O'Donnell also wrote 13 books about Modesty Blaise: 11 novels and 2 short story/novella collections. These stories are not related to the strip stories; they are not novelizations of strip stories. They are entirely new, though the characters and "lives" are the same. These have been labeled "series #0".

There is a large article on Peter O'Donnell on Wikipedia, with a complete bibliography.

Reviews

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay I think I see the problem...I'm not 13 anymore. The book is full of ACTION! Willie a master of the throwing knife and Modesty's good right hand and apparently long time dedicated minion. Modesty herself...master of every weapon including the bow and arrow, master of ninjutsu, jujitsu, judo, and apparently any and every other martial art in existence. I mean after all, she's already in her...mid-twenties????

There is a moment in the book when a thug (Reilly) is waiting to "stitch" Modesty with a submachine-gun when she comes through a door....he's been anticipating the murder for several pages, he's hyped, up and looking forward to it. Modesty comes through the door...in a short black skirt, a man's black shirt (unbuttoned to her navel of course), and black hose. He's struck by how beautiful she is, her face, her legs. He waits till she sees him, enjoying the prospect of her knowing she's about to die. Only, when their eyes lock, he's unaccountably terror stricken. We then get a few words on combat psychology. The next scene, the submachine-gun fires...but it turns out it's firing into the air as Modesty has out shot him, with the .25 from her pocket.

The scene actually made me laugh. I suppose the books are fun and if you like the action and Modesty's super powers (including sex of course) then you'll really like these. I don't hate them, I don't really "like" them, they won't be jumping back onto the top of my to be read list soon. I have too many other books waiting to be read. But as I said, there's some fun to be had here.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bettie's Books

[K.J. Charles]

Surprisingly good pulp, for a given value of 'good' in that it's full on 1960s tosh. Modesty is a kickass sex-positive heroine avant nos jours, and her relationship with Willie is satisfying in its platonic yet disturbingly obsessive way. The baddies are proper bad, the set dressing is just plausible enough that we don['t lob the book across the room, and while it's utter nonsense, it's undeniably fun. Also, the back cover blurb on my edition is beyond price.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

objectively 2 stars. my nostalgic and comfort book rating 5 stars . so average is 3.5. Modesty kicks ass and in her totally unrealistic way somehow still inspires me to be a better person.

not at all pc though. and laughably over the top in all ways.

[Bill · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

A Taste for Death is the 4th book in the Modesty Blaise adventure / thriller series by Peter O'Donnell. I enjoyed this as much as the first three. Modesty is a strong, independent woman (think Lara Croft) who finds herself in many sticky situations and is helped to deal with them by her partner / best friend Willie Garvin. Both started out in the criminal world and have retired. Living in England and enjoying life they regularly help British spymaster, Tarrant, with various situations that need an independent, non-governmental hand.
In this story, Willie Garvin is on vacation in Panama, diving for pearls, when he comes across an attack on two women and saves one, her sister being murdered.
The enemies involved include Gabriel and McWhirter, who Modesty and Willie have battled previously. A new foe also is involved, one from Willie's past. The two, along with Modesty's beau, Stephen Collier, must travel to Algeria, to try and save blind Dinah Pilgrim and a group of archeologists, from Gabriel and Delicata (one of the more vicious villains I've met yet), risking their lives in the process.
Like the others, this is an entertaining, page turner, with strong likeable characters who you find yourself rooting for. Most enjoyable (3.5 stars)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

From BBC radio 4:
By Stef Penney. Action adventure with the female answer to James Bond.

[Bread winner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely gripping predicament, but weirdly oppressively grim. Extremely satisfying finale, but quite a bit of cluttered admin to get there. Outstanding gorilla-shaped villain who you can’t wait to see ripped to pieces, but the insufferable Steve Collier really wears out his welcome this time. With one hand Peter O’Donnell giveth, and with the other he taketh away!

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Taste for Death by Peter O'Donnell

In A Taste for Death Peter O’Donnell delivers a classic Modesty Blaise adventure that blends globe-trotting action, lethal villains, and razor-sharp partnership between two unforgettable protagonists: Modesty herself, a former crime queen turned secret agent, and her fiercely loyal lieutenant Willie Garvin. The story opens in Panama when blind Canadian Dinah Pilgrim is ambushed and only Willie’s timely intervention saves her life, drawing Modesty into a deadly game against an old nemesis and a new, terrifying adversary named Simon Delicata, a man of immense strength and brutal skill. Their hunt carries them from London to the heart of the Sahara as they face betrayals, impossible odds, and sword-to-sword combat with life-and-death stakes.

What gripped me most was how O’Donnell balances blistering pace with wry, warm character dynamics, especially the unshakeable trust and banter between Modesty and Willie that grounds the high-octane thrills. Every set piece feels vividly imagined, and the desert finale in an abandoned fort lit up with desperation and honor made the emotional and physical stakes feel real.

4 out of 5: classic spy fiction that delivers both heart-racing action and unforgettable camaraderie.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed parts of this book, but there is one aspect that annoys me just a little. I am beginning to realise one of the limitations of the author’s technique. As a seventeen year old back in 1969, when this book was written, the thought of Modesty Blaise and a Jensen Interceptor FF would have satisfied me, but nearly fifty years on I need a plot that isn’t quite so formulaic.
After four books it is becoming clear that the action is going to be based on something going wrong. It could just be bad luck or betrayal or bad planning, but it appears to be the author’s main method of keeping the story moving. It always seems to be them getting into trouble, followed by horrendous suffering and then finally escaping.
I don’t mind them having problems, but it has reached a point where I am just waiting for the next thing to go wrong.
Fortunately once you get past things going wrong, it is usually a really interesting read to see how Modesty and Willie escape and come out on top.

In the middle of the book I would have only given 2 stars, but by the end this might have risen to 4 stars. I suppose 3 stars was a bit of a compromise.

Finally I was so pleased to see that Collier has gone.

[Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

ludicrous but fun

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 1960s action romps suffered badly at the hands of Austin Powers and might be doomed to be read forever through a pair of ironically ‘swinging’ glasses. And in fact most of the elements of the genre are present and correct.

1. Delightfully retro high technology.
2. Stylised action:
3. Comic opera bad guys (led by the gorilla-like Delicata – the man with a taste for death, no sense of pain, and superhuman strength)
4. Globe-trotting plot

Modesty Blaise’s partner-in-crime Willie Garvin is pearl-diving off a remote island in Panama when he witnesses the murder of one young woman and the kidnap of another. He is too late to prevent the murder, but foils the kidnap with brutal finality before escaping with the girl. Garvin also sees the man in charge of the operation, an old enemy named Gabriel.The girl, Dinah Pilgrim, is brave, beautiful – and blind. Gabriel wants her alive, but she has no idea why. Trapped in Panama, Garvin calls in Blaise to get him and the girl out in one piece, which she does in fine style. Improbably, the action then moves to the Sahara Desert… sword-fights ensue.

So, it’s all good fun. But there’s more here.A surprising, but very winning feature of the book (and presumably the series) is the strong sense of family. Cockney action-man Willie Garvin is basically Blaise’s soul-mate, despite the fact that he hooks up with Dinah Pilgrim and she is with the elegant mathematician Collier. Blaise’s boss Sir Gerald Tarrant, who seems to work in British Intelligence, is the father-figure. Genuine bonds of affection, loyalty and occasionally poignant humour exist between them all. O’Donnell clearly loved his characters and that really comes across.

Full review at
http://pastoffences.wordpress.com/201...

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow one of the "blandest" Blaise books. I don't mean I wanted more and darker violence, I mean the story itself. Dinah Pilgrim (really, Peter?) is introduced, and Steven Collier reappears, and it looks like they're about to become fixtures in the life of Willie and Modesty respectively via marriage! Well, it looks that way--until Gabriel and Co. turn up and kidnap Dinah.

I don't know--I've always felt the Collier contingent were there to prove to the reader that Modesty and Willie are just "regular folks" at bottom, which of course they are not. In this installment Modesty is at her Mary Sue-est, what with the perfect sense of direction, mad survival skillz, and now excellence in fencing beyond Tarrant himself ("he fenced for England, you know!"). This time around Willie basically makes stuff and carries stuff and goes "Right, Princess" and does as he's told. Even when he faces up to his old arch-nemesis, it's because she's wounded and watching.

This time around, I noticed that Willie's girlfriends all seem to be damaged in some way, either mentally or physically. Dinah is blind, Lady Janet has only one leg, another of his girls had been brainwashed and still wasn't quite "right"--and even the sex-mad girls he tells stories about, aside from being each and every one a nymphomaniac, had definite kinks. (Not that I believe those stories, and I wonder Modesty does. They sound too much like a fifteen year old boy's letter to Penthouse.) I can understand that no woman could ever be as perfect as Modesty--but the need to pick lame ducks for romantic relationships says something about Willie's self-esteem.

It was okay for a bedtime read, but it's never been my favourite. It's not bad, but it needs a bit of salt.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

After seeing Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I can't help but imagine Angelina Jolie as Modesty Blaise, and Brad Pitt as Willie Garvin. Based upon the 1960's comic strip, the Modesty Blaise series of books are a no-nonsense adult thrillers that are completely satisfying. I came across this paperback copy at a yard sale, and I re-read it for the third time.

[Nick Statt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best in the series in my opinion and that is high praise as the standard across the series is very high.
While very much of it's time it is full of charm and ingenuity with great characters and a fantastic globe trotting plot.
My wife thinks it's rubbish but I love it and will continue to re-read for a long time to come!

[Jenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story kind of takes a while to get going, and I think Collier is particularly annoying in this one, but there's great Modesty and Willie interaction, plus the fabulous pearl necklace!
Just read the whole series, I promise these are the most fun books ever.

[Stray Taoist · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't a bad Modesty Blaise story. Fact. And this is one of the best.

[Mouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good fun story but the characters were unbelievable

[Adrian Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth Modesty Blaise adventure carries on pretty much immediately where the previous book, “I, Lucifer” finished, with Modesty still seeing paranormal researcher Peter Collier, and her right-hand man Willie Garvin on one of his mysterious periodic solo holidays… in fact, it’s Willie who kickstarts this story when he witnesses from afar the murder of a girl on an exotic island. He kills the murderers himself and rescues the girl’s companion, who turns out to be her younger sister, Dinah, a blind girl with finely honed senses and instincts which have drawn interest from highly dangerous criminals with global interests…

The heirarchy of villains and sub-villains seems rather unnecessarily convoluted, though the sadistic, sly but gorilla-like Simon Delicata is a fine adversary, but once again more influenced by TV’s more bizarre The Avengers, as opposed to the relatively down-to-earth James Bond. That said, this is actually quite a straightforward escapade for our glamourous superspy/agent, notwithstanding the various kidnappings, rescues and re-kidnappings, but things never get quite so outlandish as to totally defy narrative logic, and suspense levels are kept high throughout. I remain disappointed that there is no character arc as such for either Modesty, Willie or even their handler Tarrant, though the fates of some ancillary characters here at least show some sign that things in this world can change between episodes.

Overall I’d say this is possibly the best entry in the series since the first, with a satisfying ending which means I’ll keep working my way through the novels for now, which is as good a recommendation as I can offer!

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Taste of Death is a quintessential entry in the Modesty Blaise series, combining pulse-pounding espionage with complex characters and a morally gray world. Modesty herself is the star: brilliant, fiercely independent, and physically capable, yet unmistakably human. O’Donnell excels at balancing her almost superhuman skills with vulnerability—she bleeds, she gets hurt, and her intelligence alone doesn’t always guarantee victory.

The plot is tightly woven, full of twists, betrayals, and high-stakes danger. Modesty navigates a world where allies can be treacherous, and enemies are often as cunning as she is. The pacing keeps the tension high, with moments of daring combat, clever infiltration, and the occasional shocking revelation. O’Donnell’s writing style is both cinematic and precise, painting vivid action scenes while giving readers insight into Modesty’s strategic mind.

The novel also retains the sensuality and charm that make the series stand out. Modesty is unapologetically confident in her sexuality—scenes like her fighting in minimal clothing are thrilling and underscore her fearlessness, but they never feel gratuitous. They’re part of a character who controls her body, her choices, and her destiny.

Overall, A Taste of Death is a perfect example of why Modesty Blaise remains an iconic female spy/heroine: she is brilliant, daring, and entirely human. The novel is a must-read for fans of espionage thrillers who appreciate a hero who is both empowered and relatable.

Rating: ★★★★☆ – Thrilling, smart, and stylish, with a heroine who leaves a lasting impression.

[Susan Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine recommended this book because they love this author so much. I had never read Peter O'donnell before. The characters come from a cartoon strip from the 1960s and the book is very much written in a mid-century style with omniscient prose that jumps from one character's head to the next, which took a little getting used to, but eventually became invisible to me as a reader.

Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin take on the terrifying Simon Delicata, who has a taste for death (hence the title). There's quite a bit of set up to the action of the story, but it's interesting for the most part, and a tad over detailed occasionally. The character development, however, is quite good and I was repeatedly reminded of some of the old 007 films as I read. The book has that kind of feel.

It's entertaining and I will probably read another book in the series.

[John Peel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willie Garvin saves the life of a blind girl and discovers she's being sought by old foes Gabriel and MacTavish. And Tarrant wants Modesty to investigate an archaelogical dig being conducted by an old friend. Is it possible the two events are connected? Once again, Modesty and Willie are roaring into action, but this time with foes who know how they operate and are ready for them.

As always, a lot of fun. Mind you, you have to accept a couple of huge coincidences in this story, starting with the possibility that Willie has accidentally stumbled on the one person in the entire world essential to Gabriel's latest scheme. And when you hear that one of the villains almost beat Willie to death, then the ending of the story is pre-ordained, isn't it?

[Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the DC graphic novel, a tiny bit of the comic strip, and seen the movie, but this is the first Modesty Blaise novel I've tried.

Decent thriller overall; I look forward to trying more of these.

For those that think of Blaise as a female counterpart to James Bond, I think she is more akin to a Green Hornet maybe. To me, there is a pulp sensibility to these works and the Cold War is not really a feature in any of the stories I've seen.

[Wayne Bilow · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like an adventure with James Bond, then you will love Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin. There is nothing but action and adventure. Willie can make weapons' on the spot and Modesty can handle anyone in her path. This is the 4th book of the series. It takes you to the islands to do pearl diving and to the Sahara to find riches. This is the 4th book of the series. Modesty is great in all of them with Willie as her side.

[Mauve Guava · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book, read it in my teens, I have never ever forgotten Simon Delicta, - who I used to call Simon Delicata (go figure). All the Modesty Blaise books are superb, but this is definitely the best

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ancient treasure provides the McGuffin for this adventure. The treasure barely features in the story, merely providing an excuse for the action, which is fine, though not as well done as in previous books. Turns out that I remember reading this one back in the 60s. Off to the next one.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

New life goal: be half as cool as Modesty Blaise.

[Marie Bouteille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another thrilling adventure, another really scary villain, another good read

[James Hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the series.

[Tim Trewartha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slight, albeit fun slice of camp late 60's crime/action adventure. Reminded me of the Avengers, if only slightly less ludicrous.

[Adam Taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly good romp