The Janson Directive (Hardcover)

There are one or two points though that make you wonder how much of this was actually written by Mr Ludlum himself and how much was written by another author to fill in the gaps. I did not like for example the way the story kept hopping from one country to another without an explanation as to how Mr Janson actually managed this, considering he is a man on the run. Also, one has to wonder, what happenend to Barry after he got shot?

Anyway, I did very much enjoy this, and would not hesitate to buy the next few Robert Ludlum novels that are due out soon. Even though they may be written by someone else.

When I use the word contemporary it is often the dialogue that has changed. It is not only much crisper, edgier, and wittier than Ludlum, it also uses dialogue from movies like, "Pulp Fiction", that would never have been found in the late author's work. What puzzles me is where the publishers find a writer this good who is willing to remain anonymous. Perhaps these contributions will launch a new career eventually, but in the meantime I hope that whoever is writing these books is being very well paid. One only has to look to the last, "Ludlum", book and its time spent on the bestseller lists to hope this is true.

The author has created one of the most entertaining players in the form of Grigori Berman. This Russian now considers himself absolutely the English gentleman, and to prove it one need only visit his home which was decorated with a single purchase. For on the day Merchant and Ivory Films completed one of their period pieces, our Russian simply bought the sets in their entirety and furnished his home in fashionable London. The paintings are not quite finished, and the furniture looks a bit strange without studio lighting, but for Grigori they are perfection. Grigori's butler is also a riot as he trains his "English" boss, and the nurses that attend to Grigori's needs have to be read about to be believed.

Whoever did write this tale they are very well schooled in the art of the extraordinary marksmen known as snipers. There are several very well written sequences that are very tense and also very informative as the three dimensional world of a sniper and teams of snipers is explained as the action takes place. The writing does not glorify what they do; these characters are not mindless killers or assassins for hire. They are people with amazing discipline and talent, and also people you want to stay a good mile or more away from.

I do think it matters who wrote this book, and I wish they were given the appropriate credit. The talent that is writing these books is extending the literary life and legacy of Mr. Ludlum, and he or she deserves to be recognized.

Well, it is one of the most exciting books I've read in a while.

The character is strong and well formed, and even though you are dipped into his past life throughout, it is done in such a way that you aren't left confused as to what is then and what is now.

The plot thickens, twists and pushes against the barriers of possibilities, but just without breaking through to become implausible. It's enough to keep you wondering to yourself about what's to happen next as soon as you lay the book down to get some sleep.

Downsides...nahh. It's all good.

Read it and you'll see why.