Don Pendleton's
The Executioner
Death Gamble #312
"The U.S. military's new superplane is about to fall into enemy hands."
This book in the Bolan saga was written by Tim Tresslar, an author who wrote a half dozen books for the Gold Eagle line. His subject in this book is a super secret American project know as 'Nightwind', a lethal anti-missle aircraft, having a solid state laser system that countries around the world will pay enormous money to get their hands on. The scientist who develops the system is a real lulu mixed up in drugs, prostitutes, and gambling, what a security risk, that all work together to allow him to sell the project on the open market, selling out his own country for huge gain. The action swings from Nevada, to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to Paris, France, back to Sierra Leone, and then to Nevada. Explosive action all the way.
Somewhat typical plot but enhanced by an ex-KGB homicidal crazy (Nikolai Kursk), including a cast of well trained men from rogue ex-Spetsnaz and ex-CIA, lead by another crazy called Talisman who takes no prisoners. Plus Bolan is being sold out every step of the way by State Department turncoat named Ray Moeller, who has the misfortune to eventually meet Mack Bolan in person. Bolan is really up against it this time, with only an ex-SVR female called Natasha Rytova who says she is on Bolan's side, but only time will tell. She seems capable and trustworthy enough, but any reader encountering Mack Bolan before will know that he works best alone, and doesn't have much use for local help.
The adventure continually ratchets up from beginning to end. One of the better Gold Eagle action books of recent times. Recommended to action/adventure lovers everywhere.
Our man in black is back in action and the action is fast and furious.
Semper Fi.
