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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
British Farce, 7 Sep 2001
By A Customer
This book would have been laughable if it hadn't been so frustrating. The flyleaf states it was first published in 1999, but I wonder when it was written. The dialogue is so dated it wouldn't be out of place in a black and white gangster movie. You cannot just throw in a few modern words such as "internet" and "Eurostar" and expect a story to pass as contemporary. The references to mobile phones and secure lines have clearly been inserted by someone with little knowledge of their workings. In one chapter the characters have them strung round their necks so they can all hear what is going on in a battle! The use of more relevant equipment such as two-way radios has been completely overlooked in an effort at modernity. The plot; the USA trying to absorb Britain as the 51st state, is interesting and believable. However, that's where any attempt to pass this plot off as feasible ends. To have the main characters, goodies and baddies, following each other around Europe and staying in the same three hotels is ridiculous. The lack of communication whilst they are in the hotels is another indication that this book was written pre faxes, computers, mobiles and even TV in hotel rooms. One evening in Switzerland, Tweed learns from the Swiss Police Chief, that a bomb went off in London that morning leaving 100 dead and more injured. And that was his first knowledge of it! Talk about on the ball, he isn't even on the pitch. Then Britain only learns about a fleet of invading American warships because a commercial pilot taking a detour sees them below. Up until then, the captain of the fleet had been careful to avoid shipping lanes and commercial flight paths! Great, I suppose the satellites were off line the week he was creeping up on us. But it was impressive how quickly the pilot's film was developed and flown back from New York on a return flight! Gee Tweed got those pictures almost the same day! Then there are silly mistakes. Tweed suggests to Paula a night out at Goodfellows, a lot happens covering 28 pages including Paula being attacked. She frees herself and once at home a discussion about events takes place. Bob reveals, that from the description of the thug he was in Goodfellows "the night you were there with Paula and I was up at the bar with Basil and Rupert." As if weeks had elapsed since the visit to Goodfellows instead of earlier the same evening! Was this scene too long for someone to follow? To say I am disappointed with this book is an understatement. I choose Colin Forbes because of the plot and his reputation as a writer. It is the first of his books I have read. How he and the publishers have the audacity to try and pass this book off as modern beggars belief.
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by Colin Forbes
by Colin Forbes
by Colin Forbes
by Colin Forbes
by Colin Forbes
