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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
cspeet's review against another edition
3.0
This was not my favorite Alistair MacLean book. The story was ok, but I felt there was a problem with the narrative since the first part of the book is presented under false pretenses. Somehow it seems worse than an unreliable narrator when the lie the narrator is perpetrating exists only to preserve an artificial sense of suspense. It was still entertaining, but marred by this flaw in the telling. Just OK.
mike_68's review against another edition
5.0
Another classic MacLean novel of revenge set on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the underlying seabed. A sunken DC-3 with its cargo of over ten million dollars in gold ingots, emeralds and diamonds, and the remains of two men, one woman and a very small boy. Intent on the recovery an oilman, General Ruthven, with his own offshore rig, supported by a ruthless gang, Vyland, Royale, and drug addict Larry, blackmail John Talbot into helping them recover the cargo. Unknown to the gang, the skeletons in their watery coffin were Talbot's people and he will avenge their murders.
Once again MacLean presents an entertaining and exciting story, well researched especially the oil rig and submersible descriptions.
Once again MacLean presents an entertaining and exciting story, well researched especially the oil rig and submersible descriptions.
sparkyr's review against another edition
4.0
I've forgotten how much I enjoy his writing. It's not high brow lit, but pulls you into the action.
ergative_'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
psyckers's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent and intriguing book that has a plot that twists and turns throughout.
It may be a bit dated but the quality of the story transports you back to the early sixties, yet feels fresh enough to imagine the plot setting being in more modern times.
Certainly a riveting read that will captivate your imagination.
It may be a bit dated but the quality of the story transports you back to the early sixties, yet feels fresh enough to imagine the plot setting being in more modern times.
Certainly a riveting read that will captivate your imagination.
barts_books's review against another edition
4.0
Got this for an absolute bargain along with Where Eagles Dare and Ice Station Zebra.
My first taste of Maclean and I must say I was very impressed particularly with the way he structured the plot and kept the key twist from becoming too obvious until the last thirty pages. I was also surprised by the dialogue which contained more than a few Chandler-esque similes that actually came off. A solid & fun 4/5 read.
My first taste of Maclean and I must say I was very impressed particularly with the way he structured the plot and kept the key twist from becoming too obvious until the last thirty pages. I was also surprised by the dialogue which contained more than a few Chandler-esque similes that actually came off. A solid & fun 4/5 read.
stella_starstruck's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favourites. I was glad to find a copy of it again when I was back in my home city in October. It took me longer to read it now than when I was young, probably because I don't have the same amount of free time.
Well worth re-reading!
Well worth re-reading!
daveeth71's review against another edition
4.0
read this in 1973 and the phrase, part of the title has remaind with me always 'Fear is the key to all the answers'
owen_spanner's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5