The Talbot Odyssey

by Nelson DeMille

Book Overview

IT STARTED AS A SIMPLE SPY HUNT. IT BECAME A DESPERATE BATTLE TO SAVE THE WEST. For forty years Western intelligence agents have known a terrible secret: the Russians have a mole -- code-named Talbot -- inside the CIA. At first Talbot is suspected of killing European agents. Then a street-smart ex-cop uncovers a storm of espionage and murder on the streets of New York, while in a Long Island suburb a civic demonstration against the Russian mission...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446358584
• ISBN13: 9780446358583
• Release Date: July 1991
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.1" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Excellent spy thriller, lots of action

This was the most far out plot in any of the DeMille books and like a couple of others, it had a lot of characters and a lot of action. That can be a good thing, but it can also be a bit distracting, I enjoy DeMilles later works that have a single protagonist and follow that characters POV most of the way a bit more than I like this format. This isn't the type of book to read a bit then go back to, it's the type of book that's best read straight through in a single weekend or vacation or similar time to get absorbed simply because it's easy to get lost on who is who and what's going on. I think this is the last of DeMille's books for me, I'll have to wait until the next one comes out or go back and reread Gold Coast. He's a very good author and this book is no exception. I believe another movie is on the way, Up Country, featuring the same character that was the protagonist in The Generals Daughter. I hope it's done well. If you haven't read DeMille yet, this is a good place to start as any if you like action, intrigue spy thrillers, if you want more of a serious single POV plot, try Gold Coast or Word of Honor, both novels that are among the best I've ever read.

Another Great Read! The Russian Threat!

This story about the Russian plot to knock out all electroniccommunications in the US and thereby take over with their own Presidentmakes another unique story and realistic reading. DeMille continues toprovide great dialog, emotionally interesting characters and suspensethroughout the book. Can't put the book down. The reappearance of oneof the main characters after a so-called parachuting accident is agood twist. Also the flashbacks and the reappearance of intelligenceofficers after 30 years is a good plot line. Which of them are the badguys is not answered until the very end with some great surprises!is impressive throughout the book. I wish Nelson Demille could write as fast as I can read. He is among the FEW authors whose books I keep to readagain later. My second read will be right before the movie comes out.Enjoy this book!

Spell-Binding

I've read many of DeMille's books. And like all of them, this is is fast-paced, with excellent character development. Like another of his books, "Charm School," this story has cold war, spy theme. But one thing that is different is that the plot is based in New York, instead of Russia. And in this story there are double agents within CIA and KGB. With any novel, I always set out placing myself in the drama. DeMille makes it easy to be there. Your heart will race. You may even say a few, "Gotchas." And you will really be there amongst the drama, the spy life and the historical context.

Breathtakingly awesome!

I read the first 1/3 and was bored, so I put it down at the end of my vacation. 9 months later (ok I forgot about it) I picked it back up and couldn't put it down again. The first 1/3 sets up the story and the characters, and then the rest is non-stop action. It had an incredible ending. In fact I read the last 80 pages nonstop until 2am because I couldn't stop myself! If you imagine the setting (back during the cold war) you'll really enjoy it.

Russian's, double agents, and an old man named Talbot

This book is a good companion to Charm School, except this one is set on home turf (Long Island) and the threat is more imminent. The questions are what do the Russians have planned and who is on their side? DeMille has created a suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing til the last chapter. The book starts off a little slow, but once you get into it, you won't want to put it down. As always, DeMille takes a lot of time establsihing character. Pay attention to all the clues, and maybe you'll figure out who you can trust. Other good DeMille titles: Plum Island, Lion's Game, Charm School - my favorite.