The Sixteenth book in the Matt Helm takes super-assassin spy Helm on a mission to Norway as part of an offer of one man’s assistance to the Chief’s old friend. There, Helm assists in making a series of secret rendezvouses without knowing all the details or all the players or all the rationales. Rather then engaging in a supersonic battle against an all-powerful, technologically advanced foe, Helm works quickly, dealing with minute details of an operation and how to carry it out and who to trust.
What makes this book and series fine reading is the hardboiled nature of the stories. As Helm explains, the spy business is no place for adventurous young kids, idealistic people, or naivete. He is a professional and has a job to do. And, he will not pause for further instructions. Rather, he simply does what the situation demands. If you are looking for constant gunfire and secret inventions and the like, look elsewhere. But, if you are looking for hard-edged, realistic espionage fiction, this is your ticket. ( )

Another very good, fairly complicated adventure by Hamilton in the mid-1970's. This time, Helm is in Norway during autumn, lent out for his lethal reputation. That causes some problems, of course. Not everyone is as impressed as they should be. Just who are the good guys & what is going on isn't really clear until the climactic ending.

As usual, the descriptions of the area are good, providing just enough detail without bogging down the story. Some history of WWII is brought in, but Hamilton leaves Helm's participation open. The current issues are the oil crisis with the long lines at the pumps or even the complete lack of fuel. It brought back a lot of memories of the time.

Hamilton also rants about safety devices, especially in cars, a subject near & dear to my own heart. The idea of 'safety first' was just rearing its ugly head as cars started getting all kinds of warning devices. His observations are spot on.

Of course, the trend grew & spread until some tools became practically useless, requiring the customer to modify them so they'll perform their original function, if it is even possible. For instance, Dewalt no longer even makes a 3/8" drill with a trigger lock due to OSHA regulations, but has one on their 1/2" drill. It took me hours to modify my 2008 John Deere riding mower before it would mow half my lawn. How ridiculous!!! ( )