Three of last the four novels I opened were DNF (did not finish). I was afraid that the masters had spoiled me. To be honest, a lot of the NY Times Best Selling authors are crap. They have a market, I get it. But most of it is not for me.
Then I came this one on our shelf. I had never heard of Don Pendleton, and the cover didn't imply he was anyone. So I gave it a go. What did I have to lose. Worst case I prove myself right.
Bam! From the first page, I knew I was happily wrong. This starts off a theme park thrill ride and seldom slows down to catch its breath. Great in an unique way. I especially liked how the narrator, Joe Copp, stops to recap what he thinks is going on.
Midway through, I looked up Don Pendleton. Turns out he was something of book selling monster back in his day with all sorts of deals going on. This is case, he was a monster who could really write.
ABOUT OUR COPY
As part of my read every book we own project, I usually talk about my physical copy. This one has a sale price sticker on it for $2.50. Which means I bought it at some point off a chain store clearance table back when I worked downtown. Now about 30 years later, I have finally read it. I'll be giving to my brother who will appreciate it.