The Swastika Hunt (first published as Johnny Goes North) by Desmond Cory
This book could be described as a cross between Jonathon Creek and a thinking man's version of James Bond. Like other Desmond Cory novels, it has an intriguing plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end when all is revealed.
At a time when the old James Bond franchise (of beautiful women, locations, cars, hi-tech gadgetry) is being challenged (yes, even the new ROYAL CASINO film moves away from it), one can do worse than looking at alternative secret agents such as Johnny Fedora. Described by reviewers of the time as the "thinking man's James Bond", it certainly is a bit more thoughtful in the development of its plots. Although written in the 1960s (as the dialog shows all too well), it has many of the traits you might associate with modern fictional books. In Cory's novels, women have substantially more character and are far more intriguing. The secret agent (Johnny Fedora) also has a darker and more pensive side to him, seeing no real glory in involving himself in violence.
If anything, Johnny Fedora, in this novel, could do with a little more action-packed scenes (a lá Robert Ludlum), but on the whole this book is a good read.
This is Johnny Fedora's 7th assignment (novel), and as usual nothing is quite what it seems. Resigned from working for the British Intelligence Services, Fedora is enjoying some time off in Venice when suddenly he finds a friend of his murdered. The only clue seems to be his friend’s photo of an attractive woman.
From Venice, Fedora tracks the woman to Paris, Stockholm and Bohuslav (Sweden). In each location, another murder takes place, and slowly the true identity of the mysterious woman emerges.
Teaming up with Sebastian Trout (who appeared in Dead Man Falling, Intrigue) of the British Intelligence Services, Fedora finds himself in search of millions in hidden Nazi gold (hence the dubious title of the book).
The end scene (which I will not give away) is particularly clever and witty given the substance of the plot. Do read this book, and be prepared to be surprised in ways you could not suspect.
CONCLUSION: A recommended read for those who like thrillers full of surprises and with a decent plot.
At a time when the old James Bond franchise (of beautiful women, locations, cars, hi-tech gadgetry) is being challenged (yes, even the new ROYAL CASINO film moves away from it), one can do worse than looking at alternative secret agents such as Johnny Fedora. Described by reviewers of the time as the "thinking man's James Bond", it certainly is a bit more thoughtful in the development of its plots. Although written in the 1960s (as the dialog shows all too well), it has many of the traits you might associate with modern fictional books. In Cory's novels, women have substantially more character and are far more intriguing. The secret agent (Johnny Fedora) also has a darker and more pensive side to him, seeing no real glory in involving himself in violence.
If anything, Johnny Fedora, in this novel, could do with a little more action-packed scenes (a lá Robert Ludlum), but on the whole this book is a good read.
This is Johnny Fedora's 7th assignment (novel), and as usual nothing is quite what it seems. Resigned from working for the British Intelligence Services, Fedora is enjoying some time off in Venice when suddenly he finds a friend of his murdered. The only clue seems to be his friend’s photo of an attractive woman.
From Venice, Fedora tracks the woman to Paris, Stockholm and Bohuslav (Sweden). In each location, another murder takes place, and slowly the true identity of the mysterious woman emerges.
Teaming up with Sebastian Trout (who appeared in Dead Man Falling, Intrigue) of the British Intelligence Services, Fedora finds himself in search of millions in hidden Nazi gold (hence the dubious title of the book).
The end scene (which I will not give away) is particularly clever and witty given the substance of the plot. Do read this book, and be prepared to be surprised in ways you could not suspect.
CONCLUSION: A recommended read for those who like thrillers full of surprises and with a decent plot.
