Kenneth Aubrey returns after Craig left him out of his previous book, Winter Hawk. This novel take place in the months following the events of The Bear's Tears, with British tratior Andrew Babbington being sent back to the Russians in exchange for falsely accused Kenneth Aubrey. Even though Aubrey is cleared of all charges, the British are weary of letting him immedately take back his post as head of SIS, making him take an extended vacation. That is until they send Peter Shelly, Aubrey's old assistant, to ask him to take on a defection of an East German. The East German is the son of Brigitte Wintebach, Aubrey's counterpart, and an old enemy of his dating back to World War II. After the British get their hands on the defector, things go terribly wrong and he's accidentally killed. Meanwhile in Nepal, British-born Timothy Gadiner, the son of Richard Gardiner from Craig's earlier book, Wolfsbane, is an officer of the Gurkas, but the Gurkas are being curiously disbanded. While aimlessly going around Nepal, Timothy stumbles upon a scheme involving Russians and East Germans. Eventually on the run, he can only hope to get in contact with his gaurdian, surprise, Kenneth Aubrey, and that he will belive his story and help him to safety. Aubrey of course gives Timothy the benefit of the doubt and looks into it, travelling to Italy and Malaysia to track down the leads. Craig slowly unravells the plot that involves Nepal, Bristish traitor Andrew Babbington, and East German Winterbach. Also, Dmitri Priabin shows up in the Soviet embassy in London. Priabin, of course, appeared in the three Mitchell Gant novels, and is currecntly ridding on his sucess from the previous book Winter Hawk. A very good Craig Thomas novel. One of my favorites, though that may be because of Timothy Gardiner, who's one of my favorites of Craig's characters.
Exciting Military Drama
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Thomas uses familar characters of his to present a Cold War crisis in the Nepalese mountains that is exciting and memorable. Fans of Thomas and Clancy will enjoy this work.
A botched up defection and trouble at the roof of the world.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
After his return from the Soviet Union, Sir Kenneth Aubrey is asked by the British Secret Service and the CIA to take care of one more mission - to oversee the defection of a high ranking East German official. Of special interest to Aubrey is the defector, Kurt Winterbach, who happens to be the only son of Brigitte, a general of the East German secret service. However, the defection goes sour and Kurt is killed. Aubrey, once again, falls from grace. Meanwhile, Aubrey's unholy trinity, his arch-enemies- Brigitte, Babbington and Kapustin- are brewing up their own little caper in Nepal. The caper is uncovered by ex-Gurkha officer Tim Gardner. Tim is discovered by the East German spies and Brigitte finds a target for her vengeance on Aubrey when she finds out that Tim is Aubrey's adopted son. Shunned by the CIA and his own service, can Aubrey find the means to blow the whistle on the trinity's plot and save Tim?(Originally) Released in the UK as "All the Grey Cats" this book is certainly for those who have followed the spy master's adventures. Although it lacks the "techno" part of the techno-thriller that was in Firefox, Firefox Down and Sea Leopard, Thomas fans will certainly appreciate the classic spy craft and chess match struggle between Aubrey and his enemies behind the Iron Curtain. Slightly dated but it still makes for a great thriller!
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