SPYLIGHT

by James Leasor ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 21, 1966

As in Leasor's last, there's a whole lot of international whoop-la go'n on. In fact, the plot is so complicated that in the middle of the novel, back at the old rancho known as British Intelligence, Secret Service Agent MacGillivray is in a dilemma: ""the feeling grew that with each day that passes, the more complicated his Job became. Soon, it seemed to him, he could best be replaced by a computer."" And so could the reviewer when it comes to relaying the complexities of this plot. Briefly, Dr. Jason Love, who is rapidly becoming the world's most professional amateur intriguer, becomes involved when a World War II buddy is blackmailed to the tune of two million pounds. His friend, the Nawab of Shahnagar, is prepared to pay off since his son's sight is threatened (the boy has already lost the use of one eye). This ""donation"" is to be paid to the ""International Committee for the Preservation of Big Game"" but the beasts turn out to be money-hungry Chinese agents. There are tricky devices-- magnetic belt buckles, cyanide cigarettes and a laser beam that could knock out the eye of a sparrow leaving the feathers unruffled. And there is a cast of thousands, most notably the fat Chinese Mr. Chin who carries on a sadomasochistic relationship with his secretary. It's all done in infra-red detail, served up to the addict in action doses.

Pub Date: April 21, 1966

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Lippincott

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1966

Categories: FICTION