By Taffy on 7 Aug. 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
As an avid reader of Frederick Forsyth I had high expectations of this novel, which had obvious links with 'The Day of the Jackal'. It did not disappoint. The story line was entirely plausible, aided by meticulous detail, especially of weapons, and the author obviously has an excellent knowledge of French geography. The excerpts from interview statements also lent realism to the story, which, as the author points out in the postscript, is based on actual events.
As Jacques Chirac, the intended victim, was not murdered in real life, you know that the assassination attempt is going to end in failure, so what intrigues the reader is just how it's going to fail, given the meticulous planning by Lux, the hired killer. The denouement, when it comes, is ingenious.
I have just a couple of gripes. The characters are all one-dimensional. Perhaps I am naive to expect anything else in a thriller, but I would have liked some insight into the motivation of a man who murders for a living. I also find it difficult to accept government agent Ghislaine's sudden and unexpected switch from pretend to real lover. Finally, and at the risk of sounding like Mary Whitehouse, there is just too much sexual activity for my liking! I know a certain amount of bonking is a required ingredient of a thriller, but in this story it seems that every time a male and a female are in the same room, off come the clothes. Even in the changing room of a department store! Or am I just leading a sheltered life?
By David Macsporran on 29 May 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
A racy, well researched first thriller by Lex Lander whose descriptions of the South of France especially around the Menton, Cannes, Monaco area indicate an excellent knowledge of these places. This also goes for excellent of a descriptions of firearms, other parts of the world and motor cars.
The plot is fast moving and is based on the attempted assassination in 1996 of Jacques Chirac, the French President by a breakaway Greenpeace faction, in retribution for his atomic testing in the Murora Islands of the South Pacific. The attempt is funded by a dying multi-millionaire New Zealander whose aim is to start a green war and thus forcing an International agreement to ban all future atomic testing.
The assassin is a handsome American named Lux who has been chosen for his expertise in the fields of weaponry, camouflage and ability to work out the means, location and method of the assassination. To undertake such a mission involves working with a high French government official and other non-savoury characters. There are many sub plots which make for interesting reading, all of which are interwoven with skill.
The book is written in such a way that we already know the outcome of the attempt by beginning each chapter using exerpts of various statements made at the final enquiry. This in a way detracts from the plot and I think it would have been better to have omitted such material.
Although the final outcome is known, there is a sting in the tale which begs the question whether it was a work of fiction or was there an element of truth.
To make your own mind up you will have to read the book.
By R. Nicholson-morton on 21 May 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
As the title suggests, this is a thriller in the mould of Frederick Forsyth's Day of the Jackal. It's 1996 and another French president is marked for assassination. The novel is written in a documentary style, ostensibly its facts gleaned from a number of sources after the events. This works very well, and provides a strong sense of verisimilitude, thanks to the vast amount of precise detail, which clearly shows that Lander knows France, his weapons, his European cities, cars and boats.
The assassin is Lux, an American who prides himself on doing things right. As you'd expect, he's an expert in weaponry and the varied methods of dealing in death. He's hired - albeit through middle-men - by a dying New Zealander who has a final agenda, to start a green war. There's plenty of verbal fencing between him and his new lieutenant, which is fun to read. Naturally, nothing is straight-forward and there are double-crosses and deception, with the odd twist thrown in. There are plenty of characters involved, from the president's office, through the police, to the co-conspirators, and they're all delineated with skill.
As with Forsyth's Jackal, we know the attempt fails, but thanks to the tightly plotted, fast-moving narrative, we really want to know what happens next, and whether Lux can get away, even if it isn't murder. Yes, when you reach the end you do tend to ask, was this entirely fiction?
If you liked Day of the Jackal, you'll love this. Lex Lander is a name to watch, I reckon.
I have one criticism, however - the blurb tells us too much!
By TempusTempusFugitFugit on 18 Sept. 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Zipping around the globe with the handsome protagonist - the author leads us an interesting and merry dance.
No doubt, a great deal of research was undertaken as "Lex" demonstrates an admirable knowledge of the important detail of this novel. Maybe a certain market appeal will restrict the audience - but consider this reader a fan!
By Stuart on 5 Oct. 2014
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Ingenious, superbly-constructed faction thriller with plenty of human interest to complement the hard action. The twist at the end is sublime. A worthy successor to Frederick Forsyth's Day of the Jackal. I look forward eagerly to this author's next title.
