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Spy #2
Twice a Spy
On the heels of Once a Spy , which PW hailed as a "wildly original debut [with] an action-packed story line," Keith Thomson returns with a breakneck thriller that's twice as explosive as the original.
In the tradition of Robert Ludlum, with a witty twist, Thomson's second novel featuring a former spy and his son once again poses the What happens when a former CIA agent can no longer trust his own mind?
Charlie and Drummond Clark are now in Switzerland, hiding out from criminal charges in America and using the time to experiment with treatments to retrieve Drummond's memory. When NSA operative Alice Rutherford, with whom Charlie has fallen in love, is kidnapped, the Clarks must dodge a formidable CIA case officer and his team to get her back.
In the tradition of Robert Ludlum, with a witty twist, Thomson's second novel featuring a former spy and his son once again poses the What happens when a former CIA agent can no longer trust his own mind?
Charlie and Drummond Clark are now in Switzerland, hiding out from criminal charges in America and using the time to experiment with treatments to retrieve Drummond's memory. When NSA operative Alice Rutherford, with whom Charlie has fallen in love, is kidnapped, the Clarks must dodge a formidable CIA case officer and his team to get her back.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2011
76 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Keith Thomson
25 books148 followersKeith Thomson has been a semi-pro baseball player in France an editorial cartoonist for Newsday and a screenwriter. Now a resident of Alabama, he writes about intelligence and other matters for The Huffington Post. His novels include Once a Spy, a New York Times Best Seller, Twice a Spy and Pirates of Pensacola.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
September 2, 2017
This is the first novel I've read by this author and it was a book challenge read. It falls into the genre of spy thriller, which is one of my favorite genres to spend my time in. I liked the father/son duo and that the father had Alzheimers. That was an interesting element.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite kind of book. I wasn't a fan of the writing style. I liked the humor, but the plot was so light and fluffy. It also read like a dictionary. The author would throw out a word or a phrase and then proceed to define it. This happened in almost every scene. While that is a nice tool to use occasionally, this one was abused in this book. It took me out of the story every time with all of the explaining going on. So 2 stars because it was just okay for me.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite kind of book. I wasn't a fan of the writing style. I liked the humor, but the plot was so light and fluffy. It also read like a dictionary. The author would throw out a word or a phrase and then proceed to define it. This happened in almost every scene. While that is a nice tool to use occasionally, this one was abused in this book. It took me out of the story every time with all of the explaining going on. So 2 stars because it was just okay for me.
April 13, 2011
This sequel is not as good as the first book, Once a Spy. This one is more about Charlie, the son, rather than Drummond, the CIA spook father with Alzheimer's. In this book, Charlie's love interest, Alice, is kidnapped, while the antagonist, Bream, tries to secure a nuclear equipped washing machine from the Clarks. There are many other players along the way, none of which are very interesting or humorous, unlike in the first book. There was some promise with a spy couple, Stanley and Hadley, but without a sensible explanation, Stanley turns rogue, and the interesting character, Hadley, is shot and out of commission.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2011
Just a few weeks after the explosive events of Once a Spy, Charlie is fully in the driver's seat of his own adventure. Drummond is indispensible, but this time the former spy with early-onset Alzheimers is more of a partner to his son than a rescuer. The miraculous bouts of lucidity in Once a Spy were fun, but Charlie and this sequel survive on more than Drummond's seeming invincibility.
I particularly liked the slight change of pace. Charlie is much more focused on evading tails and staying off the grid than taking on enemies in fire fights, which allows him to succeed (most of the time) with keen observation. And when the body count does start to rise, it is the bad guys not the heroes that are responsible--in contrast to the previous book.
I was impressed by Thomson's ability to turn scene descriptions into a window on the characters' emotions. The dialogue was also pleasantly original. One of the mid-level villains had unconvincing motivations, but the rest were all admirably self-consistent.
Most of the book contained far less profanity than the first one--another welcome change. I appreciated the frequent chapter breaks as well. They allowed for scene-by-scene stopping points, or more often for "It's late but I can read the next chapter since it's only a few pages" justifications.
Verdict: read Once a Spy first, but double down for the sequel.
I particularly liked the slight change of pace. Charlie is much more focused on evading tails and staying off the grid than taking on enemies in fire fights, which allows him to succeed (most of the time) with keen observation. And when the body count does start to rise, it is the bad guys not the heroes that are responsible--in contrast to the previous book.
I was impressed by Thomson's ability to turn scene descriptions into a window on the characters' emotions. The dialogue was also pleasantly original. One of the mid-level villains had unconvincing motivations, but the rest were all admirably self-consistent.
Most of the book contained far less profanity than the first one--another welcome change. I appreciated the frequent chapter breaks as well. They allowed for scene-by-scene stopping points, or more often for "It's late but I can read the next chapter since it's only a few pages" justifications.
Verdict: read Once a Spy first, but double down for the sequel.
March 14, 2011
The follow up to Once a spy, which was a light but fast paced thriller using the unusual subject of a main lead being a spy with Alzheimer's. I thought it was okay, but was slightly underwhelmed as it was almost comic book like it it's pace and the logic didn't work at times. But this is a slightly more low key event and it works much better. It has all the component parts of the first, but tighter and more toned down.
Charlie Clark , along with his ex spook father (he's the one with Alzheimer's) and girlfriend Alice (also a NSA spook) have escaped to Switzerland. Alice is then kidnapped and held in ransom in exchange for a washing machine containing a small nuke...
Once again the good guys and the bad guys blur into `who do you trust' and the usual double crossing fast paced action. I enjoyed this, it doesn't pretend to be anything else then a light and fun thriller and the things that annoyed me in the first have mainly been removed from this, making it far more readable and enjoyable.
So no deep and complex plotting or gritty realism, but a fun and light alternative to the traditional Jason Bourne type thriller.
Charlie Clark , along with his ex spook father (he's the one with Alzheimer's) and girlfriend Alice (also a NSA spook) have escaped to Switzerland. Alice is then kidnapped and held in ransom in exchange for a washing machine containing a small nuke...
Once again the good guys and the bad guys blur into `who do you trust' and the usual double crossing fast paced action. I enjoyed this, it doesn't pretend to be anything else then a light and fun thriller and the things that annoyed me in the first have mainly been removed from this, making it far more readable and enjoyable.
So no deep and complex plotting or gritty realism, but a fun and light alternative to the traditional Jason Bourne type thriller.
April 2, 2011
This is the Sequel to the truly stunning novel, Once A Spy, the novel about a CIA agent in the early stages of a very virulent alzheimer and his son, a nere do well math genius turned gambler. The first book was truly inspired and this one is very good but some of the edge of the first tale is dulled by the fact that we know Dad has moments of lucidity and oft times truly amazing recollections of trade craft. Having said that this novel moves along, has some great characters and some almost Elmore leonard momnents of dialogue. And at the end we understand there will be a third in the series.
May 24, 2011
I got sucked in by "Think Carl Hiaasen taking on John LeCarre", two authors that I've read extensively and like a lot. There's no LeCarre in this novel besides spy genre; it's Hiaasen in that it's outrageously adventuresome and funny, just not at the Hiaasen level. It was enjoyable, but not engaging. Perhaps Once a Spy, which got nice reviews, is better.
August 14, 2011
Good. Interesting book, Charlie ill prepared reluctant resourceful spy.
January 21, 2021
As a standalone novel, it is a pretty standard spy/thriller and a fine read. As part of the conceit of the series, it somewhat strays from the original, in that more focus is on the son rather than the father. It might be a necessary shift to avoid repetition but it does end up costing the novel some of its uniqueness.
August 13, 2018
Not anywhere near as entertaining as book 1 of the series. As I read this book, I often found myself wishing it would end soon. My advice to any mulling over taking the time to read the series, go for book 1 (Once a Spy) and quit while you're ahead.
January 18, 2020
No spoilers- I found this and the first in the series page-turning reads. The situation of the characters, particularly in the first book was poignant and humorous, and the desire to see what happened next kept me reading longer than I intended, every time.
July 18, 2023
My stats said 7hrs over three weeks to finish. Seemed like a lifetime. Incredulous stories. Escapes. Adventures. Pretty far-fetched. Not sure it’s even in the same realm as the first book, or maybe I don’t remember it so well.
Thx,
Jay!
Thx,
Jay!
May 23, 2017
As good as the first.
May 17, 2018
Pretty unrealistic and over the top.
October 14, 2018
Still more Perils and Escapes for our heroes - so many and so ridiculous that they made me laugh with glee. A delight.
October 28, 2018
Good; Continuing characters: Duncan and Charlie Clarke; the father and son duo are at it again, trying to keep washing machines that are really nuclear devices from falling into the wrong hands
May 30, 2021
Wonderful yarn
If you like a good spy novel with plenty of humor, this is it. The story cooks along with plenty of twists to keep the reader on their feet.
If you like a good spy novel with plenty of humor, this is it. The story cooks along with plenty of twists to keep the reader on their feet.
December 10, 2021
Still exciting, but lacked the punch of the first.
April 19, 2022
A very fun adventure with a great continuation of the characters. I really enjoyed this story.
June 24, 2022
More Superhero rather than a gripping spy novel. Hey, anybody can be a superhero without any prior knowledge or training and save the world from the baddest of baddies.
March 7, 2024
Continuation of the story of the Clark father/son duo. What a spoof on spy novels and the CIA, FBI, and other government agencies. Very funny!
May 17, 2024
Completely ridiculous and I loved every word.
September 27, 2016
I really enjoyed these two books.
March 7, 2011
Picking up just a few weeks after the events of Once a Spy ended, Twice a Spy finds father and son Drummond and Charlie Clark, fugitives wanted for capital crimes in America, on the run trying to avoid an international manhunt for them.
Along with Charlie’s girlfriend and renegade NSA agent, Alice Rutherford, the Clarks are off the grid in Switzerland, trying to find a way to establish their innocence as well as looking into alternative treatments for Drummond’s advancing Alzheimer’s.
Having only recently learned that his father’s entire humdrum life as an appliance salesman with Perriman Appliances had been a front for his career as a CIA operative, Charlie is still coming to grips with the fact his dad has James Bond-like skills and holds secrets with world changing implications in his increasingly unreliable mind.
When Alice is kidnapped by a group that demands Drummond provide them with the location of a nuclear bomb, which was disguised as a washing machine as part of the cover project Drummond and his fellow “appliance salesmen” were working on, Charlie and Drummond once again find themselves having to rely on Charlie’s street smarts and Drummond’s intermittent flashes of his old spy self in order to stay one step ahead of the law and save the day.
Just as in Once a Spy, spy gadgets, surveillance and counter-surveillance techniques, non-stop action, and plot twists abound in Twice a Spy. Yet despite the James Bond meets Jack Bauer breakneck pace with global ramifications, it’s the relationship between Drummond and Charlie that really propels Twice a Spy. Amidst the amphibious vehicle chases, gun fights, plane crashes, and wicked one-liners, author Keith Thomson has subtly and skillfully worked a quite touching plot line about the reuniting of a father and son into a spy thriller.
With Twice a Spy Thomson clearly and unquestionably demonstrates that the success of Once a Spy was no fluke. It’s not very charitable to the Clarks for me to say this, but I for one hope their unfortunate talent for finding themselves up to their eyes in espionage and intrigue never ends. Once was great, Twice was even better…Third time’s the charm, right? Can’t wait!
Along with Charlie’s girlfriend and renegade NSA agent, Alice Rutherford, the Clarks are off the grid in Switzerland, trying to find a way to establish their innocence as well as looking into alternative treatments for Drummond’s advancing Alzheimer’s.
Having only recently learned that his father’s entire humdrum life as an appliance salesman with Perriman Appliances had been a front for his career as a CIA operative, Charlie is still coming to grips with the fact his dad has James Bond-like skills and holds secrets with world changing implications in his increasingly unreliable mind.
When Alice is kidnapped by a group that demands Drummond provide them with the location of a nuclear bomb, which was disguised as a washing machine as part of the cover project Drummond and his fellow “appliance salesmen” were working on, Charlie and Drummond once again find themselves having to rely on Charlie’s street smarts and Drummond’s intermittent flashes of his old spy self in order to stay one step ahead of the law and save the day.
Just as in Once a Spy, spy gadgets, surveillance and counter-surveillance techniques, non-stop action, and plot twists abound in Twice a Spy. Yet despite the James Bond meets Jack Bauer breakneck pace with global ramifications, it’s the relationship between Drummond and Charlie that really propels Twice a Spy. Amidst the amphibious vehicle chases, gun fights, plane crashes, and wicked one-liners, author Keith Thomson has subtly and skillfully worked a quite touching plot line about the reuniting of a father and son into a spy thriller.
With Twice a Spy Thomson clearly and unquestionably demonstrates that the success of Once a Spy was no fluke. It’s not very charitable to the Clarks for me to say this, but I for one hope their unfortunate talent for finding themselves up to their eyes in espionage and intrigue never ends. Once was great, Twice was even better…Third time’s the charm, right? Can’t wait!
May 10, 2011
I wasn't sure Keith Thomson could wow me as much as he did in his debut Once a Spy, but he me managed to pull out all the stops and impressed me thoroughly with this follow up, Twice a Spy.
Picking up shortly after Once a Spy, we find Charlie and Drummond in Geneva this time They've successfully evaded all the various agencies after them, and set Drummond up in the Alzheimer's program they were aiming for. Alice is part of the mix now and the three of them have settled into a comfortable, if cautious, European lifestyle. Alas, this is a thriller, so you know it can't last.
Delving even deeper into the CIA, and general espionage world than before, Keith Thompson takes you through the convoluted system and intricacies like a practiced pro. He does it so well, I'm starting to wonder if his being a journalist for The Huffington Post isn't some elaborate cover for his own intelligence background. Either way, thank god for it because it's this edge that makes the two books both different and appealing from your run of the mill mystery or thriller.
What Dan Brown did for scholarly thrillers, Keith Thomson does for the espionage thriller, putting it into layman's terms, making it exciting and fast paced but not condescending. You walk away excited, energized and having learned a little something on the side, but all through what would likely be termed a "light read". Although filled with material, that in someone else's writing style, might be hard slogging, these books are completely accessible and fun to boot, so next time you're looking for some escapism make sure to pick them up.
Picking up shortly after Once a Spy, we find Charlie and Drummond in Geneva this time They've successfully evaded all the various agencies after them, and set Drummond up in the Alzheimer's program they were aiming for. Alice is part of the mix now and the three of them have settled into a comfortable, if cautious, European lifestyle. Alas, this is a thriller, so you know it can't last.
Delving even deeper into the CIA, and general espionage world than before, Keith Thompson takes you through the convoluted system and intricacies like a practiced pro. He does it so well, I'm starting to wonder if his being a journalist for The Huffington Post isn't some elaborate cover for his own intelligence background. Either way, thank god for it because it's this edge that makes the two books both different and appealing from your run of the mill mystery or thriller.
What Dan Brown did for scholarly thrillers, Keith Thomson does for the espionage thriller, putting it into layman's terms, making it exciting and fast paced but not condescending. You walk away excited, energized and having learned a little something on the side, but all through what would likely be termed a "light read". Although filled with material, that in someone else's writing style, might be hard slogging, these books are completely accessible and fun to boot, so next time you're looking for some escapism make sure to pick them up.
September 8, 2011
This writer has what appears to be a strong fan base. Many books seem to rely on bringing the same characters into the fray time after time. But, are these books in any really sense, "literature" - or just a pleasant way to spend time - sometimes not so pleasurable.
As I've mentioned, I sometimes grab a handful of books in that "New Section" of the library - no idea what the book or author is about - sometimes at the Oakridge branch of the Vancouver Library System, sometimes at other branches. Maybe I should spend more time reading reviews about books - but, they themselves tend to be more about themselves than the actual merits of a book that might be of interest. Random picking seems to work for me.
Do I remember off hand what this book is about? I have a fairly good memory. And the answer is no - Ihaven't a clue - other than there must be a spy in the book. What is a spy these days, when there really is not anyone to truly spy on - like the old days of the cold war?
I made a note that indicates that the book is mostly formulaic - fans should like it, I assume. Assume is a tricky word as a description. And reading this book certainly was better than watching mindless tv - at the time about how a bunch of Tea Party Republicans were succesfully tanking the stock markets.
Can I recommend the book? - I can remember the time. Well, I don't not recommend it. Is such a recommendation allowed?
Confusing. The book was relatively straightforward and worth spending the time - it went by quickly. It won't hurt to give it a chance - unless something really new and interesting comes up with those crazy wild Tea Party people.
As I've mentioned, I sometimes grab a handful of books in that "New Section" of the library - no idea what the book or author is about - sometimes at the Oakridge branch of the Vancouver Library System, sometimes at other branches. Maybe I should spend more time reading reviews about books - but, they themselves tend to be more about themselves than the actual merits of a book that might be of interest. Random picking seems to work for me.
Do I remember off hand what this book is about? I have a fairly good memory. And the answer is no - Ihaven't a clue - other than there must be a spy in the book. What is a spy these days, when there really is not anyone to truly spy on - like the old days of the cold war?
I made a note that indicates that the book is mostly formulaic - fans should like it, I assume. Assume is a tricky word as a description. And reading this book certainly was better than watching mindless tv - at the time about how a bunch of Tea Party Republicans were succesfully tanking the stock markets.
Can I recommend the book? - I can remember the time. Well, I don't not recommend it. Is such a recommendation allowed?
Confusing. The book was relatively straightforward and worth spending the time - it went by quickly. It won't hurt to give it a chance - unless something really new and interesting comes up with those crazy wild Tea Party people.
January 23, 2015
A lazy and undisciplined sequel to a quirky and interesting first novel based around an elite espionage agent who develops Alzheimer's and ends up with his wastrel son as carer and developing amateur spy.
Without going into the plot too much, a conspiracy develops around a legacy operation during and post- the Cold War The action in this novel, which continued from the first novel Once a Spy, begins in Europe but quickly reverts to the US and then the Carribean.
What seems obvious is the author's desire to see the books become a movie franchise. A primary weakness in this plot is the stream of implausible, last minute escape scenes and serendipitous emergences from the effects of Alzheimer's from the ailing old spy, the protagonist's father.
In the end the conspiracy at the centre of both novels is a far-fetched but almost believable construction which is let down by the fantastical escapes and physically unlikely feats given the physical condition of both characters.
This, and the first book, feel as if they were written by a knowledgeably solid espionage writer who has developed some ingenious plot twists, in tandem with a thriller screenwriter from Die Hard 6 who needs the dollars to create action scenes that make the Rambo movie look authentic.
The conga line of new baddies introduced also seemed too ad hoc for a well-planned novel.
There's way more to bitch about but that's enough negativity for one day. I'm off to bake a cake.
These novels felt quite good at first, but too many eye rolls and muttered: "oh for God's sakes" later and I was over it.
A wasted opportunity.
Without going into the plot too much, a conspiracy develops around a legacy operation during and post- the Cold War The action in this novel, which continued from the first novel Once a Spy, begins in Europe but quickly reverts to the US and then the Carribean.
What seems obvious is the author's desire to see the books become a movie franchise. A primary weakness in this plot is the stream of implausible, last minute escape scenes and serendipitous emergences from the effects of Alzheimer's from the ailing old spy, the protagonist's father.
In the end the conspiracy at the centre of both novels is a far-fetched but almost believable construction which is let down by the fantastical escapes and physically unlikely feats given the physical condition of both characters.
This, and the first book, feel as if they were written by a knowledgeably solid espionage writer who has developed some ingenious plot twists, in tandem with a thriller screenwriter from Die Hard 6 who needs the dollars to create action scenes that make the Rambo movie look authentic.
The conga line of new baddies introduced also seemed too ad hoc for a well-planned novel.
There's way more to bitch about but that's enough negativity for one day. I'm off to bake a cake.
These novels felt quite good at first, but too many eye rolls and muttered: "oh for God's sakes" later and I was over it.
A wasted opportunity.
March 17, 2011
I have happily recommended to my friends that they read the first in this apparently emerging series: Once a Spy. The premise of an aging spy struck by early-onset Alzheimer's pairing with his deadbeat, racetrack-frequenting son to evade the onslaught of a government secret black ops group--well, it's creative and it's fun. And Thomson writes every scene as though he had already sold the rights to the action-packed movie. The combination of the interesting premise, the flawed but likable characters, and the thrilling narrative made the first novel a joy to read.
But having finished the second, I'm wondering whether making this into a series was a good idea. The main problem is that the novelty of the underlying premise--the former super-spy who comes in and out of clarity and, with it, his incredible prowess and key memories--is gone. And his son, the deadbeat with the gambling issues, has somehow magically transformed into somewhat of an action hero. The action is still there throughout the book, but the premise feels been-there-done-that, and Charlie's transformation is unbelievable. The only way this book was going to come close to the quality of the first is if Thomson had infused it with some new and creative twist, but it just wasn't there for me.
Give Thomson credit: he writes a good thriller, and the premise of Once a Spy was great. I will continue to recommend Once a Spy, and I would be glad to read more from Thomson in the future, but I think this will be my last effort with this particular series.
But having finished the second, I'm wondering whether making this into a series was a good idea. The main problem is that the novelty of the underlying premise--the former super-spy who comes in and out of clarity and, with it, his incredible prowess and key memories--is gone. And his son, the deadbeat with the gambling issues, has somehow magically transformed into somewhat of an action hero. The action is still there throughout the book, but the premise feels been-there-done-that, and Charlie's transformation is unbelievable. The only way this book was going to come close to the quality of the first is if Thomson had infused it with some new and creative twist, but it just wasn't there for me.
Give Thomson credit: he writes a good thriller, and the premise of Once a Spy was great. I will continue to recommend Once a Spy, and I would be glad to read more from Thomson in the future, but I think this will be my last effort with this particular series.
May 15, 2011
Ex-spy Drummond Clark and his son Charlie are back with another adventure in Twice a Spy.
After successfully eluding CIA agents intent on neutralizing them, they are now hiding out in Switzerland where Drummond is receiving experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Just when they think they might get some rest and relaxation, Charlie’s girlfriend, Alice is kidnapped by a group of bad guys who want Drummond to provide the location of a nuclear device they think he has hidden in Martinique. Meanwhile the CIA is still searching for them and they are now facing criminal charges if they go back to America.
This is the sequel to Once a Spy which I reviewed last month. It’s not necessary to read the first book to enjoy this one. The author does a nice job inserting background information when needed. Simply put, Drummond Clark, a retired appliance salesman, was a CIA spy who possesses sensitive information that could be deadly if it falls into the wrong hands. A group within the CIA feels he can’t be trusted due to his failing memory and wants to eliminate him and also his son, Charlie.
This book is a quick, enjoyable read with short chapters, and non-stop action. As in the first book there are lots of things blowing up, car chases, boat chases (we end up in the Caribbean) and shots fired. More a satire than a serious thriller, this book is a lot of fun and would make a good summer read.
After successfully eluding CIA agents intent on neutralizing them, they are now hiding out in Switzerland where Drummond is receiving experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Just when they think they might get some rest and relaxation, Charlie’s girlfriend, Alice is kidnapped by a group of bad guys who want Drummond to provide the location of a nuclear device they think he has hidden in Martinique. Meanwhile the CIA is still searching for them and they are now facing criminal charges if they go back to America.
This is the sequel to Once a Spy which I reviewed last month. It’s not necessary to read the first book to enjoy this one. The author does a nice job inserting background information when needed. Simply put, Drummond Clark, a retired appliance salesman, was a CIA spy who possesses sensitive information that could be deadly if it falls into the wrong hands. A group within the CIA feels he can’t be trusted due to his failing memory and wants to eliminate him and also his son, Charlie.
This book is a quick, enjoyable read with short chapters, and non-stop action. As in the first book there are lots of things blowing up, car chases, boat chases (we end up in the Caribbean) and shots fired. More a satire than a serious thriller, this book is a lot of fun and would make a good summer read.
July 12, 2011
The sequel to Once a Spy is as entertaining as the highly original first book. The 60ish Drummond Clark, an ex-spy forced to retire due to the early stages of Alzheimers, continues to be pursued by assorted agencies trying to terminate him so his ingenious black ops past won't be exposed and ruin thirty years of anti-terrorism tricks he has devloped and used over the years. He, his gambling prone and math brilliant son, Charley, and Alice, the NSA undercover agent--now Charley's lover--are on the run in Europe as Drummond is taking experimental drugs to counter Alzheimers. They end up in the middle of an operation that plans to use one of Drummond's faux nuclear devices to attack U.S. soil, while at the same time Charley and Drummond have to dodge several attempts on their lives by the various U.S clandestine agencies, and Interpol. While this is going on Alice is being held hostage and trying to find a way to escape. The book carefully and sensitively points out the seriousness of Alzheimers, a son bonding with his father--who he didn't know too well in childhood, and the mysteries of the brain in a person with a debilitating disease. All of this in a rip roaring adventure that any reader of suspense fiction will truly enjoy.
April 18, 2012
In this sequel to Once a Spy, Charlie and Drummond, along with Alice, are on the run from the Cavalry, a shadowy CIA black ops group. Since discovering that his dad was once a brilliant spy instead of a plodding appliance salesman, Charlie's life hasn't been the same. Charlie and Drummond are now in Switzerland for experimental treatment of Drummond's Alzheimer's disease, and Charlie is trying to decide how to tell Alice Rutherford, the gorgeous NSA agent who helped them escape the US, that he is in love with her. When Alice is kidnapped, Charlie and Drummond are off to the Caribbean. They need to secure a miniaturized nuke hidden in a washing machine to trade for Alice. This leads to frenetic chases, lots of gunfire and explosions, plenty of bad guys (both terrorists and rogue CIA agents), and an attempt to bomb an international meeting of finance ministers. Drummond is still able to remember his old CIA skills at times when they are most needed, and then there is always Alice. A page turner from start to finish. You never know who the real bad guys are until the end. Great read.
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