Synopsis/blurb....
UH-OH CANADA!
The Cold War's boiling over. Global tensions are near the breaking point. So what's the perfect assignment for a super-spy who hasn't slept since the Korean conflict? A fun-filled trip to the Montreal World's Fair!
The adorable girl he's escorting - who, under different circumstances, would be sitting on the Lithuanian throne - can hardly contain her excitement, but it isn't all playtime for Evan Tanner. Some mysterious disappearances, apparently linked to the fair's Cuban exhibition, need to be looked into.
Keeping his mind on business, however won't be easy after an insatiable lovely in a tiger skin falls into Tanner's arms, and a mother lode of dangerous drugs falls into his lap. But the biggest, deadliest surprise is the terrorist plot Tanner's tumbling into, and he'll have to think and act quickly to prevent the visiting queen of England from being blown to smithereens.
The fifth in the Evan Tanner series of adventures and the first one I've read in print after enjoying the earlier books in audible format.
Hmm... an okay read but if I'm honest my least favourite of the series thus far. I don't think the Cuban disappearances element of the plot really grabbed hold of me. There's the usual madcap antics and close scrapes and humour and sex and danger that I've come to expect and in that respect Block delivered. He always does, but it wasn't one to rave over.
I enjoyed the sneaking into Canada, after being turned back at the airport initially. I liked the Quebecois separatist angle and the plot to assassinate Elizabeth II, one Tanner has to foil while still appearing sympathetic towards the goals of the movement. As always, even when he's being flippant Block imparts a bit of knowledge about the political situation in the locale at the time of the book's setting. Canadian history isn't my strong point, so I'm tempted to find out a bit more about Quebec and the movement that sought to achieve a separation from Canada.
Oh, and along the way his sort-of daughter gets kidnapped and he has to try and rescue her while being temporarily Canada's most wanted man.
3 from 5
Previously enjoyed - The Thief Who Couldn't Sleep, The Canceled Czech, Tanner's Twelve Swingers and The Scoreless Thai. Three more to go.
Read - June, 2020
Published - 1968
Page count - 256
Source - owned copy
Format - paperback
Just goes to show you, I think, that even the most talented authors don't always do stellar work. I'm not sure I'd have bought the Cuba angle, either, if I'm being honest. But the Canada bit interests me; I can see how that got your attention. Glad you found some things to like about this one, Col.
ReplyDeleteA bit average really, Margot, which is a shame, but they can't all be absolute bangers I suppose. Still glad I read it though.
Delete