If you haven't read a Matt Helm novel, then you haven't read great spy fiction. Tough, cynical, hardboiled, unsentimental, Helm belongs to a secret agency as a trained killer in the height of the Cold War. Here, he gets involved in a Bahamian/ Carribean adventure involving blondes, ex movie stars, and Texas oil magnates, and ships disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle. He presents theories on how his enemies are setting up against him and trusts no one.

Helm's world is not a soft, peace, love, and understanding one. It's a world where you do what has to be done and if it means letting terrorists kill hostages, then so be it. You don't give in to terrorists. And you don't try to make deals with the bad guys because, if you show any weakness, the intimidators will just try to take advantage of you. There are some politicians today that could learn a few lessons from Helm.

Smoothly written, complex, and just a good hard-nosed story. ( )

A consistently interesting, non-ridiculous entry in the series. The plot, although it involves various people disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle, as well as Russians and Cubans, is actually very straightforward since it mostly focuses on Helm's own dealings with the various two-faced characters he has to deal with, including a woman who wants to both kill him and sleep with him. There is a lot of violence, and a great capture by Helm of a villain on a speeding boat. There is also a significant appearance in person by Helm's boss that livens things up. Not the best book in the series--but certainly one of the best so far as I continue to read them in order. I read this one right after reading another really bad John D. MacDonald Travis McGee book. I have to say that Helm, despite his cold-bloodedness, is a much more likable character than McGee ever was. ( )

An excellent entry in the series. When Helm's latest assignment goes a little too easy, he finds himself working with an enemy that was presumed dead years ago. Some really goods passages in this one, including but not limited to his scathing commentaries on Key West, an incident from his college years that he reveals, and his dealings with a spoiled millionaire who has 'hired' Helm's services. ( )

Helm spends time in the Caribbean doing what he does best. Hamilton takes him all over in a very interesting, evolving series of problems that Helm manages to solve through tough, cold logic. An old character from fairly early in the series reappears which adds some spice.

Hamilton always has something to say about current events & society. In this book, he explores racism, hostage taking & hijacking. It's interesting, especially when you remember the issues back then & look at them today.

It was a great read & I'm looking forward to starting [b:The Terminators|2234807|The Terminators (Matt Helm, #16)|Donald Hamilton|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1241287129s/2234807.jpg|2240644] today at lunch. ( )