A good thriller, somewhat different from the usual formula, with a refreshingly competent female character. Very enjoyable. ( )

Set late 60s at the time of the Irish troubles, this is a fairly strightforward thriller as Mr Bagley does best. The opening quarter is a bit different to the rest of the book. But with a tomboy as working partner our hero soon goes to work for the good of the country - one he's never lived in.

It's the usual sort of affair that one might expect to find James Bond in, complete with jury-rigged contraptions. The plot is somewhat contrived, with clever villans who just happen to have a fatal flaw, but the writing is quick light and easy and the action covers up any logical holes.

Short and enjoyable like all Bagley's work, this one is more usual than some in that our hero works for the government, rather than being an independant operator. ( )