Old Boys (Hardcover)

The most enthralling spy novels, I think come from the British. This is my first introduction to Charles McCarry. I know not why, he is one of the best, and I read this novel on advice from an "inside" friend. "McCarry is now a bit of an old boy himself: 75, to be precise. As a young man, 1957 to 1967, he served as a CIA agent, under 'deep cover'. This is not, apparently, quite as exciting or dangerous as it sounds. However, it certainly provided the man with some inside information, which he evidently puts to good use> He tells us that "the mode is the message”, and we would be wise to follow his lead."

Horace Hubbard one of the "Old Boys" has put out word that his cousin, Paul Christopher, is missing and that the network of Old Boys needs to meet and discuss. Paul, also an 'Old Boy' had talked with Horace a year earlier about finding his safe if he were to come up missing. The time is now, the safe has been found, and the Old Boys need to continue Paul's search. Paul is certain that his mother, who went missing when Paul was a wee lad, is alive and has with her an old religious Roman scroll. She was captured by the German Nazis and there had been some sightings but never anything certain. So, starts the search all over the world. Russia, US, China, Budapest, Frankfurt, and the deserts of North Africa, where camels are killed. Yes camels and for a darn good reason. Money is used to bribe everyone and success comes but not without a cost.

McCarry's 1995 novel, "Shelley's Heart," describes the events surrounding the presidential election that would take place five years later. In Mr. McCarry's fictional world, the 2000 elections result in a Senate that is split 50-50 and a disputed outcome that hangs on a few thousand votes in a single state. An impeachment also figures in the tale. The state in question is Illinois, not Florida, but this bit of literary license can be forgiven, considering Illinois' long tradition of voter fraud. The title of the book, by the way, derives from the name of a fictional secret society at Yale that is central to the events surrounding Mr. McCarry's fictional anticipation of the 2000 election--a hint, perhaps, of the all-Skull-&-Bones contest looming in 2004. So, we wonder, does McCarry really forecast the future Will the story in "Old Boys" come true?

This is a fast paced novel that moves quickly and tells the story with fine detail. It could not be put down. These “Old Boys” come close to finding the truth and Paul’s mom. I want them on my side. How does a woman get into the “Old Boys” club, or does she?
Highly Recommended. prisrob 3-20-06