J. E. Macdonnell (1917–2002)

Understanding the context of this book may require a quick trip to Wikipedia (try Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation), but it isn't really required to appreciate the exploits of Mark Hood in trying to prevent Indonesia from developing an atom bomb. Hood works for an organization set up by the nuclear powers (I assume the US, Britain, France, and USSR) to prevent proliferation by any means possible. The plot, concerning how Hood infiltrates the Indonesian side, is about as believable as most plots in 60s spy novels are, but the book succeeds grandly due to Dark's clean prose and the fascination of the leading character. Hood is a failed medical student, a karate master, cricketer, race car driver, and a lot else. It is a pleasure following his thoughts as he plans his next move. The bursts of violence that punctuate the book are also very well done. Throw in some obligatory sex (but not much, and not dirty), and you have a very satisfying book. There are 14 books in this series. I hope to stumble across the rest in my used book store searches.… (altro)