Second Wind (Published in 1999) - Authored by Dick Francis, not about horses

What is most enthralling and refreshing about Dick Francis is the ease with which he introduces myriad backdrops for his story telling, all well founded on his equine love and past as a steeplechase jockey. Second Wind is the story about a meteorologist Perry Stuart, who, along with his friend Kris Ironside, work for the BBC. He lives with and loves his grandmother, who offers clear, sensible advice from time to time – ‘If you can’t fix it, think of something else.’
The two men fly in Kris’s Piper Cherokee, a single engine low winged aeroplane, almost as old as the friends - thirty. Their destination is the Jockey Club. This camaraderie extends to the workplace as well, and the two are sent on an assignment to Trox Island, where the men are to chase a category 5 hurricane - Odin! His grandmother confesses she has a premonition which doesn’t augur well for Perry, however, against good sense prevailing, the meteorologist sets about to leave for Florida.
Kris and Perry stay with friends in the Grand Cayman, another friend offers to lend them his plane - having flown with success, Kris is confident of making the trip to and fro - with no possibility of any danger. He however, doesn’t share the details of the route - Perry finds out why when Kris sheepishly confesses that he is also running an errand for the couple they’re staying with; Stuart would have to photograph mushrooms grown on Trox Island where their hosts own a farm.




When they arrive at the Island, they are surprised when they encounter no human beings, just a whole bovine herd greets them. The weather is also taking a turn for the worse, and so they decide to head back - they set off in the middle of the storm. On the way, one of the engines stalls and as luck would have it - their plane plunges into the waters below. Kris in a life boat, and Perry in a life jacket - adrift on the waters.
Stuart is washed up on the shore of an abandoned island where most of the habitation is destroyed by Odin. In a hut, he comes across a mysterious file and a Geiger Counter (used to measure radiation). He is later rescued by a team, all of which are dressed in radiation protective gear. He learns that much of the Island’s population was wiped off by a disease caused by unpasteurized milk. Back in England, Perry finds out that there is a sinister plot to ship uranium to undisclosed parties who crave the mineral for terrorist activities; involved are the couple he stayed with on the Grand Cayman.
Armed with knowledge that seeks to harm the vested interests of the evil rich, Stuart realizes his life is in danger, as another plane he’s on is sabotaged. His 40th novel received mixed reviews, with a majority criticizing Dick for giving a miss to his usual equine based narrative. Second Wind comes in gasping for breath just like the name suggests, you could read it for sheer fondness of Francis!

Straight - Authored by Dick Francis - Published in 1989

When he is almost rendered jobless after an accident that leaves his ankle broken, steeplechase jockey Derek Franklin’s sagging spirits are further pushed to the bounds of being broken when he receives sad news. Greville Saxony Franklin is hooked. To life support. And soon he bids farewell to the world. Derek inherits his brother’s life - wealth, horses, business, mistress, and his enemies - a deadly inheritance. The two brothers have rarely ever met, a consequence of their parents having separated, there is a bond between them.

Greville was a lawyer, who imported precious stones, and was a frequent face at the racecourse. He loved his money making enterprise, and generously bequeaths it all to his baby brother - nineteen years his junior. The very first attack was unexpected, and left Derek flabbergasted - after gathering the belongings of his dead brother, he is crudely mugged, the bag with Greville’s belongings, snatched from him.

"The bad scorn the good, and the crooked despise the straight”- reads a note Greville wrote shortly before he passed away. Derek soon discovers that his older brother’s fondness for the greens was insatiable. On plunging head on into sorting and sifting through Saxony’s business and financial affairs, he is informed that a large cache of diamonds has gone missing. If Derek is unable to trace the stones, his brother’s carefully built - up business will go kaput.

In the midst of it all, he is confronted with the harshness of the British Law which forbids jockeys from owning horses - so he would therefore have to sell his brother’s equestrian wealth. Derek also uncovers Greville’s romantic liaisons with a married woman, his mistress. Struggling to strike a balance, his life is overtaken by the decisions his brother took when alive.

Uncovering layers of greed, evil and ambition, triggering a vicious cycle of events leading to murder and mayhem - Dick Francis delves deep into the cesspool of human emotions. The writer has his pulse on the underbelly of horse racing - the drugging of innocent animals to sate the avarice of men, commerce infiltrates the sporting arena, threatening to rip apart the moral fabric of the men and women involved.

Francis’s clear and clean approach to the protagonists in his stories stems from his own inability to do anything that compromises his morals in real life. Thirty four year old Derek Franklin is one such character and he shares the same squeaky clean conscience with his creator. The theme is typical of most of Francis’s novels - the transition of society towards materialistic pursuits for remaining happy; drug dealing, racing, gambling, against a commercial backdrop, pitted against the selfless honesty and integrity of the hero Derek Franklin. He takes on his brother’s woes and enemies with the refinement of a monk, accepting of his fate without outward fuss.

To his advantage, there exist, thankfully, others in the story who are similar, if not equally clean in character as Derek. Straight is a first person account, lending propinquity to the story, keeping readers close to the plot. An interesting story, different in the sense that it uses commerce as a backdrop. Interesting read.

Decider - Authored by Dick Francis - Published in 1993

The ‘Decider’ is Lee Morris, a thirty five year old architect and builder, who likes to take up restoration projects; his current project is a huge barn house which belongs to his family, which consists of six kids and his wife. Amanda and Lee were married when they were nineteen, high school sweethearts. Over time the two, though living together, have become estranged, putting up a brave front for the boys sake, and respectfully keeping to having civil relations with each other.

It is Easter week, and the family is staying in a converted bus camper, after Amanda insists that Lee and the boys enjoy some time out with each other. The family isn’t prepared to face a violent and confrontational Holy Week, given that they are all fun loving, out doors type, good people.

In the meantime, the manager of the race course - Roger Gardner, makes an offer to Lee that he should help in the modernization and renovation of the racetrack - this despite the fact that the Strattons are conflicted over wanting to sell, renovate or leave the race course the way it is. He has a holding in the Stratton Park Racecourse, whose ownership is conflicted – Lee’s mother had married and divorced Lord Stratton’s son, and part of the racecourse stock came to be hers in the settlement after the divorce. The manager wants   Lee to use his shares to keep the race course running. Keith was the race course owner’s son, hyper abusive and violent, he raped Lee’s mother, after which a girl was born, whom the mother abandoned.

Keith’s father sympathized with his daughter-in-law and gives her a stake in Stratton Park; now with the old man dead - the Strattons want nothing more than to throw Lee out like a runt from the litter. The Strattons are a formidable bunch, they are keen to cheat Lee out of his part of the stock, and when the latter attends a shareholders’ meeting with his five older sons, he is assaulted and beaten - a grim warning that he should relinquish his hold over the racecourse. The slimiest of the lot are Lee’s mother’s ex husband - Keith and Marjorie Binsham, Keith’s aunt.

The worst happens when an explosion occurs in the grandstands of Stratton Park; but not before one of the kids sees explosive charges wired through the stands - he alerts Lee, who tries to get the crowd to vacate, everyone, save the nine year old son, leaves in panic, the bombs explode, thankfully, the child is unhurt.

Lee realizes he is now part of a mysterious conspiracy and has to fight to save his family from unknown sources that are threatening the children’s security. Lee is a dependable sort of guy, balanced and secure, physically well built and mentally very strong as well. He hates being dragged into this family feud, and wants nothing more than to solve the problems of Stratton Park and move on.

Readers rate the 33rd novel of Dick Francis as the best. Unlike most of his other books, The Decider is more family oriented, readers will love Lee for his sensitive dad character, they will ache for Amanda and him to be united, believing strongly that there is love after all those years together. A good read if you like family drama, mystery, intrigue as well as a slight romantic angle in your books!

Wild Horses - Authored by Dick Francis - Released in 1994

Dick Francis’s 33rd novel is a story about Thomas Lyon, a former steeplechase jockey, turned film director. Lyon is shooting a film, starring an American movie star, based on a best seller about the mysterious death of a young horse trainer’s wife Sonya Wells - whether she was murdered or actually committed suicide by hanging - remains unknown. The book is based on the actual occurrence, in which the woman was found deceased - it is a twenty six year old cold police case.

Now, her sister, niece and nephew are obstructing the shooting of the film, whilst the author of the book it is based on is concerned about ensuring that the film maker is not tampering with the original plot. Meanwhile, in the midst of the filming, Lyon’s friend Valentine Clark, a racing columnist by trade, passes away, with Thomas at his bedside; as luck would have it, Clark, in his state of delirium, mistakes Lyon for a priest, and makes a death bed confession. He also bequeaths to Thomas his wealth of articles and racing books - apparently priceless, as a lot of people want to get their hands on them - and the fact that Lyon is in possession of these is miffing many people around - they stop at nothing and can stoop to any extent to get the books, on one instance, assaulting Dorothea, Clark’s elderly sister.

Why is Lyon interested in making this particular film? It is because Jackson Wells, Rupert Visborough (her brother-in-law) and Valentine Clark were acquaintances. After Sonya’s death, the two men -Jackson and Rupert were dismissed from the Jockey Club, putting an end to their budding careers. When Thomas Lyon approaches the producer of the film O’Hara, the latter and Lyon both agree that it could be a shot at solving the woman’s mysterious death, they could actually come up with theories and clues that would clear Jackson and Rupert’s names.

But someone wants the filming to stop immediately, he/she seems to understand the intention behind unraveling the death; in a bid to warn Lyon’s, the actor’s double is attacked, another murder is committed - this time the victim is Clark’s nephew, and Thomas is blatantly given death threats, and even stabbed in the market place. So what did Clarks confess which has sent Thomas Lyon’s in a state? It seems that the old man, mistaking Lyon for a priest, sought absolution for his guilt for having killed someone some years ago.

A different read from most other books of Francis, this one plays on the human aspect of relationships, of how the past can cloud the present. For instance, Sonya wasn’t the loving wife everyone believed her to be, neither was Clark’s nephew, Dorothea’s son the martyr for having looked after his mother all those years. He does however redeem himself in the readers’ minds for having died saving his mother when goons break into her home. On the other hand, Jackson, whose life has been a whole mess for a long, long time, actually found true love and lived happily ever after. Even the fact that Valentine Clarks may have been a killer, makes one feel sorry for him - to have lived an entire lifetime with such guilt-ridden thoughts, painful!

A good read for anyone who enjoys a tear jerker and admires heroes who ‘keep ticking despite getting a constant licking’!

Smokescreen (published in 1972) - A movie actor trying to break a mystery related to horses

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded the CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Smokescreen slightly deviates from the usual text of Dick Francis where the protagonist is a swash buckling movie star, happily married and much touted family man. Edward “linc” Lincoln is a handsome movie star happily married to Charlotte with three children. Though English, Francis shifts the action away from the English shores to Spain and South Africa. Linc happens to be the star of a Spanish film, “man in the Car” and which while shooting in Spain comes across a draining scene. He is handcuffed and left to die for the shoot which proves to be for real. After this nerve racking experience Linc craves for something akin to a vacation. His godmother, Nerissa asks him to visit her and Linc on meeting her is taken aback by her condition. Nerissa suffering from a kind of cancer has few days to live. She asks Linc to check out her ranch in South Africa where her prized stallions are going bust in all the races.



She wants to leave her stallions to her nephew upon her death and also to Linc. Nerissa in her simplicity feels that the inheritance she leaves should not be a burden to her nephew. Linc agrees to go to South Africa and sort out the issue.
Linc, apart from being a movie star, in his earlier days was actually a prized jockey, whose only fault was to grow very tall. So he knows quite a bit about the horses and meets Nerissa's nephew, Danillo. At first Danillo seems to be a innocent young man, but soon Linc's suspicion shifts to him. Danillo seems to lead a double life and intends to usurp Linc's inheritance as well. As soon as Linc lands in South Africa, continuous attempts on his life takes place and he is compelled to play a game of cat and mouse with a tough assailant. As all the Dick Francis stars, Edward Linc is left battered, but he doggedly pursues the case and helps to get the knots untied.
As usual Dick Francis has come up trumps with a great book of the day and I can assure you that you cannot keep it down even for a second. If you are planning to read through the night get the lights properly checked for you ain't gonna let this go half way. Linc as a hero is superbly sketched and each encounters with the villain brings in goosebumps. South African scenery is well exploited in this book and mind you these are the dark apartheid days. In-spite of little craziness Smokescreen works wonders and is one of the best thriller you can put your money on.

Flying Finish (published in 1966) - By Dick Francis, a heir to an earldom becomes a horse groom

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Henry Grey in real life is a viscount and a very poor one too. A dwindling family fortune does not allow him any luxury to engage in his passions of racing and flying. Sleepwalking through his depressingly dreary desk job, he keeps his passions a secret. So just as any hero in the Dick Francis novels, Henry is sick of his life, struggling, but has great abilities with horses, mental toughness and determination. To compound his miseries, his family expect him to find a loaded wife who could bring in the money.



But Henry, tired of this life throws caution to the winds and takes up the job with a company which transports horses. He is the groom to the horses and this job albeit low in money and prestige takes care of his twin loves i.e flying and horse racing. But the company is not what it seems and Henry with his curiosity soon gets suspicious with the going-ons. As he goes on with his life he meets Gabriella in picturesque Milan with whom he feels a connection. But as he investigates the mysterious disappearances of colleagues and killing of horses he understands that, what he is transporting is more than equine cargo. This realization brings him face to face with a cold blooded ruthless killer. So Henry fights for his life, the horses and his love all while hanging precariously up in the air. After the fight sequences, the novel stops rather abruptly especially not resolving the romantic conflicts. These hanging loose threads may cause insomnia for a while.
On the whole the book is quite satisfactory with a great pace and action sequences. It also serves as a time machine which gives peek in to the past where the iron curtain ruled the political landscape. The villains are more blood thirsty and violence more graphic. The only disappointment is the ending, but many readers might wonder the fate of Gabriella. But a good book for all those who crave a mystery.

Odds against (published in 1965) - A mystery around horse racing by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He droppd out of school to train as a Jockey and was fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall an d became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Odds Against can easily be one of the great mysteries of Dick Francis. Sid Halley is one of those for whom leadership is thrust upon and find to their surprise that they wear it well. We find easy to relate to this simple down to earth guy who fights against injury, bad luck and divorce to find a way.



Maybe that is why Dick Francis conferred this unlikely honor of featuring Halley in three of his books, not a bad decision many would agree. Sid Halley is an impoverished teenager who drops out of school to train as a jockey. Soon he is a success in the racing circuit, has great investments and a lovely wife. When life seems to be going great, he has a fall and is forced out off his racing career, looses much of his money and faces the stark reality of a divorce. Sid continues life as a private investigator for Hunt Radnor Associates Detective Agency and is soon dubbed a failure. The moment of epiphany happens when he is shot in the arm during a skirmish with a petty thief and his life, success, failure's, love and divorce flash before his eyes, and Sid chooses to turn it around.
Sid's ex-Father-in-law, admiral Charles Rowland invites him over to his farm house to recuperate. Rowland introduces him to Howard Kraye who plans to take over Seabury Racecourse, Halley's old Racing haven. Rowland suspects Kraye sabotaging the races to induce a take over bid of the course. A series of bad accidents and death has many believing that Seabury is jinxed improving Kraye's chances. Halley has the unenviable task of investigating the ruthless Kraye and his wife Doria who treat the less fortunate as dirt and plans to build condo's at Seabury. Sid is fully recharges to save his old institution and it does not come easy, but he does it.
Dick Francis builds the suspense with each page and I have literally chewed all my nails in anticipation of the showdown. The villains do not get any of the sympathies which is very uncharacteristic of Francis. But as Sid slowly peels away each layer of deception we have nothing but to rejoice at the revival of the man who was a goner. Good book for all times.

Dead Cert (published in 1962) - a horse racing story by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
The Dead Cert Hero, Alan York is an Amateur Jockey in the steeplechase races. During one of the races, he witnesses his friend Bill Davidson falling down from his horse and getting injured. Alan pulls up to help his friend to the hospital where he is declared dead. On his return his suspicions of foul play are confirmed when he finds the wires coiled near the fences and grooves on the posts. When he tries to bring it to the notice of the law enforcers, the wires disappear. Alan forms one of the credible witnesses for the police and soon is asking questions to the officers.



Soon he is kidnapped and beaten up severely with a warning to let go of the case. But the beatings harden his determination to find the truth about his friends death. He also meets the women of his heart, Kate and soon indulges in a cat and mouse game with the wily antagonist to protect Kate. As he digs deeper he finds a ring of power crazy aristocrats who rig races and are even willing to murder jockeys who do not agree to their demands to fix races. Bill Davidson's children secretly listening to their fathers telephonic conversation provide the vital clue to crack this mystery.
This mystery describes us the world of British race tracks before the advent of high tech. If you are interested how crime was solved without the aid of cell phones, DNA and the host of other innovations, you have come to the right place. Alan York is the upright British Gentleman, who keeps his English uptight demeanor in-spite of beatings and injuries and doggedly pursues his much connected adversary to pay for his friends death.
Francis weaves a great tale effortlessly and the amount of suspense is really high. The language is clear cut and crisp like a refreshing summer day. A great book to unwind.

Alcatraz Versus The Knights Of Crystallia (published in 2009) - A fantasy book by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris was well received and followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Alcatraz after successfully putting down the Librarians returns to his real home of Nalhalla. After being in the Hushlands he returns to the Smedry's hometown where he discovers that he is a celebrity. Books are written in his name and people love to be with him. Considering the painful and isolated life in the Librarian infested United States, it is a very welcome change and Alcatraz fully welcomes it.
Meanwhile the librarians who are down but not out are weaving their own webs of treachery. Alcatraz finds his father whom he rescued from the pits of Alexandria is incoherent, silent and very distant. His efforts to engage a conversation is stiffly denied. Bastille on the other hand is stripped of her title and powers as she has broken the sword. Alcatraz discovers that he was kidnapped as a baby by the librarians with his mother active complicity as she was a librarian herself. In-spite of the problems Alcatraz revels in his newfound fame and grandpa Smedry has to zap him out of it.



So begins his adventures as librarians are negotiating with the king of Nalhalla. They ask for the kingdom of Mokia in return for the cessation of hostilities. His mother Shasta meanwhile try to infiltrate the royal archives to get a rare book which gives information about the origins of the Smedry talents. So Alcatraz on his teen shoulders has the responsibility of rescuing Bastille's reputation, foil the librarian plans, nullify the treaty of Mokia and open up his father. Does he do it by keeping his wit and brash teenage angst intact? Joining Alcatraz on his quest are the usual suspects grandpa and Bastille along with a Crystin Knight; Folsom Smedry, a cousin and literary critic; and Himalaya, a reformed librarian.
Another amazing adventure from Brandon Sanderson who just knows the pulse of the reader. However here Alcatraz comes to terms with his “greatness” and admit to himself that he is the cool jock of the free kingdoms. So a new self assured Alcatraz full of himself is presented. But his sarcastic wit and classic one liners keep his ego from inflating and the readers interest. This book has a little more action with dragons, trials, and maybe a budding romance. One little jarring thing is the knights of Crystallia, which actually does amount to much. The fights between the knights are not very much the center of the plot as the title suggest. And never read the book in isolation, always follow the series order and be prepared for the unexpected giggles and guffaws.
But still just as Alcatraz realized about himself, its time we accept the fact “that the book is just awesome”.

Kim (Published in 1901) - Written by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling, a Nobel laureate was born in India to a vivacious Alice Kipling and sculptor Painter, John Kipling. His works range from poems, to children's books. Rudyard was a English language writer whose prose is peppered with colloquial usage and languages mainly from India which opens a window to the prevailing culture and customs of the time. His children's stories are the most endured classics of the time and his short stories are the most sought after. Many of his works are deemed to be controversial as the time progressed. Rudyard Kipling was the product of an imperial India where imperialism under Queen Victoria was at its heights. His poems like White Mans burden are often cited as a clarion call for the imperialist and has been criticized by subsequent humanist. But as the youngest Nobel Prize recipient for English Literature, the place for Kipling in human history cannot be discounted and his prose and poems enthuse millions even today. Kipling died in 1936 in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Kim is one of the classics of the twentieth century and all of Kipling's angst is thrown in to the story of an orphan who reaches self awareness. Kim is Kimball O'Hara, son of a Irish soldier and a poor white mother whose is destined to grow up as a vagabond on the streets of Lahore. He is the poorest of the poor, a waif fending for himself and Kipling himself writes that he looks like any other Indian urchin. All the sense of whiteness in him is obscured by the indian-ness of the environment.



But Kim is street smart, savvy and courageous with an inquisitive and intelligent mind. He works for Mahbub Ali who really is a British spy in Lahore. Kim befriends a Tibetan Monk, Teshoo Lama who reaches Lahore looking for Buddhist Relics. He is looking for the River of Arrow supposed to have sprung from the arrow of Buddha and can cleanse all the sins. Kim is fascinated by the Lama and agrees to become his Chela or disciple. So the wanderings of Kim begin and they reach Benares and the foothills of the Himalaya's in search of the river. Kim is captured by a group of British Soldiers whose flag depicts a Red Bull on a green field. This fulfills the prophesy ringing in Kim's mind about “nine-hundred first-class devils, whose God was a Red Bull on a green field”. Anyway, initially thought as spies the chaplains of the regiment ascertain his identity from his papers and tell him that they knew his father. They take it upon themselves to make a white man of him. But Kim hates the sense of superiority and the nastiness present in the British soldiers. His deliverance arrives in the form of Colonel Creighton who befriends him and takes him under his wings for training as a spy. Soon Kim is above all the soldiers and is inducted in to the secret service.
He goes with the Lama, but as an undercover agent to the Himalaya's ostensibly to look for the river of arrow. Here he finds the Russian and other enemy spies plotting against the empire. Here Kim is forced to fight as the Russians try to harm the Lama. In the melee he obtains the secret papers and with the help of the natives manage to rescue themselves to the plains. He and the Lama are nursed to health by a native woman and Kim delivers the papers. Teshoo Lama is aghast about the violent streak innate in him and leaves to seek the ultimate path of renunciation. Kim also ponders his life and becomes of aware of his existence. In the end we find Kim as Kim, not needing any father figure, or mother to stand on his own. He just says “I am Kim” nothing less or more a person.
Kim is Rudyard Kipling's stellar works. His views on Buddhism, imperialism and nuances of native culture come through in this book. He very stoically supports the British way of life and supports her claim of Indian territory. But I feel we see a Kipling who understands native culture and abhors the white man who considers “nine tenth of the earth heathen”. His dislike of strict discipline and intense religious pontification comes through in Kim. A good read anyways.

The Guest of Honor (published in 1989) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
Matt Underwood is the President of the United States of America who has a beautiful wife, a former Miss America, and everything a man can ask for. He has money, power and can do anything, so it seems because the world revolves around him. His wife, a charming young lady, albeit a shrew is not enough for him even though she seems to satisfy his urges initially.
In a far far south east Asian country, its president, Prem Lapang is assassinated by communists or some shifty elements and his beauteous wife Noy Sang ascends the throne, well the chair. Noy, if it helps, is an American Educated sophisticated young thing with a precocious genius of a son. About two thirds of her country is occupied by communist rebels and her Army chief who is ably assisted by the CIA favors military action to throw them out, but alas good Noy prefers to talk. This creates lot of friction which makes the defense establishment see red.



Noy Sang comes to America on a state visit, also holding begging bowl for a large loan. Now the handsome former TV anchor President is very much smitten by her and falls desperately in love. He gives a larger than anticipated loan from the American coffers. As far as I know, the American President needs congressional support to give loan to other countries. Noy also reciprocates his feelings and soon they make love everywhere. President ditches the secret service to cavort in Noy's island paradise and other places. Nobody has a clue even the CIA except for an investigative journalist who tries to make it front page news.
Soon Noy is kidnapped by her own defense chief and good old Matt Underwood does a James Bondish rescue by shooting down her assailants. He had asked the secret service earlier not to cover him but to give him a gun which is put to good use to save his lady love. Anyways he saves her and soon the scandal concerning the heads of state tends to erupt so badly that even world peace is unhinged. Matt even tries to abdicate and does not want to run for the second term, but to retire with Noy to a tropical paradise. But soon things are solved magically with help of trusted lieutenants and Underwood remains president. And Good heavens he even has Noy on the sides along with wife and the world peace.
An inane plot and premise has this book doomed from page one. If you are a starter with Wallace's books, please do not get discouraged for he has written superb books which are page turners. Start with “The man”. This one is a page turner for sure, only think you would want to turn the page so fast to reach the end and bury the book.

The Golden Room (published in 1988) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
An historical novel from Irving Wallace where he churns out a interesting biopic of the Everleigh sisters. The Everleigh sisters were the owners of the ritziest Bordello in Chicago town and their entourage or the understudies were the most sought after girls in town. Aida and Minna Everleigh were the southern belles who were pushed into the flesh trade with the marauding armies of the civil war. Aida the silent brunette was the brain behind the organization which set up a bordello business. Her enchanting blonde sister Minna was the pretty head who always spoke her mind and had her ways. Soon after uprooting themselves in Omaha, they set up business in Chicago.



It is said that the Everleigh sisters brought class to their business. All their girls were hand picked for their beauty and were trained in the art of seduction. They were told to learn to talk, sit, appreciate art and culture and make an interesting conversation with the patrons. So the enterprising madams had soft skills wired in to their syllabi for their students. The clothes and make up were designed and brought from France.
A gentleman patron was supposed to spend at least 50 dollars at the club or face banishment. Foreign Liqueur chocolates, French wines, cornucopian offerings of fruits, nuts and exotic sweets were provided along with excellent entertainment for the patrons. The rooms were decorated lavishly with gold gilds and leaves and stones and even had a golden piano. From the other syphilitic whorehouses this den of vice seems a class apart.
So along with the the popularity many celebrities including, Princes, Actors, underworld Mafia dons frequented the place. Soon it becomes a a picking point for the notorious serial killer, Holmes who preys on the prostitutes. The Mayor of the town who is looking to close down the joint sends in a female undercover reporter Karen Grant who discovers, theft, rape and murder under the glitzy facade of the bordello. Soon they also come under the radar of William Pinkerton, the world famous detective who is investigating the serial killer.
As the tale proceeds the bordello becomes the victim of a host of things, like the moral brigade and the town misceants. Wallace weaves an incredible tale about two gutsy women who took on the world and brought it to their knees at a time when women did not even have a right to vote. This tale about the real life Everleigh sisters is one to read, even though it is not very much believable.

The Second Lady (published in 1981) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
The best spy is the one who is the most closest to the center of power. In this story the most powerful man in the world, the president of the United States has to be manipulated and who better to do this than his own wife. So how easy can an enemy nation have if they can supplant the first lady with their own stooge. Thats the premise of "The Second Lady".
Billie Bradshaw is the wife of Andrew Bradshaw, the president of the United States who is one of the most popular women in the world. He beauty and poise makes her the most sought after and photographed lady. So the Soviets hatch a plan to put a look alike in her place. So Vera Vavilova, a small time actress gets a role of her life time to play the first lady due to her uncanny resemblance to Billie.



But there are many hurdles for Vera to pass which includes extensive tutoring and training. She has to understand every nuances and behavior of the first lady, her likes, dislikes, friends, enemies and even sex life. She is coached by Alex Razin, a Soviet agent who slowly develops an intimacy due to close proximity. Every physical feature including a scar due to appendectomy is replicated by plastic surgeons in Vera's body. Wallace describes the training process very well in the book and bulk of the early material is devoted for this.
Anyways Billie is abducted and Vera is supplanted in the White House. She gets in to the skin of the character very soon except for small hurdles like when Billie's pet dog does not recognize her, or when she mistakes an old friend for another. But all in all Vera starts enjoying the power and plans to stay on.
Billie on the other hand is drugged and kept in a secret place. Soon she starts to develop a plan to escape and is aided by Alex Razin. After a lot of intrigue they manage to outwit the KGB and escape to America. They confront Vera and plan to thwart the Soviet plan. But Soviets are one step ahead of them and detonate bomb which kills Razin and one of them. Who survives to take the place next to the President is the million dollar question that the reader asks? This book is not one of Wallace's best works and has lot of loopholes and ambiguity around it. It is difficult to accept an ability of an actress to fool an entire security apparatus and a husband. But still, it is good enough for for a one time read.

The Almighty (published in 1982) by Irving Wallace - A power drunk man

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
The Almighty is the story of a man who becomes so drunk with power that he thinks that he can control everything in the world. This novel indicts the current news media which manipulates the news to boost its TRP's. As the number of information media increases, the customer thinks he is the king with his remote controls, but little does he realize the marketing tactics which subtly control his power.



Edward.J.Armstead, the son of Ezra Armstead, the media tycoon inherits his fathers riches which includes the newspaper, New York Record. But there is a catch to his inheritance, he can only call the paper his own if within a year he can surpass the circulation of the new York Times. Edward tired of being in his fathers shadow takes up the challenge of conquering and besting his father's achievements and starts with seducing his father's mistress, Kim Nesbit. He has no feeling for his invalid wife Hannah and his outdoorsy son Roger.
He recruits Victoria Weston who is the daughter of harry Weston, the White House Press Secretary and assigns her the crime beat under the tutelage of Nick Ramsey. She gets the scoop from a slimy informant, Gus Pagano about a tunnel under the prison. This news is utilized by Armstead who helps Sam Yinger, a death row inmate to escape from prison. Yinger tries to kill the defense attorney who sent him to prison and is saved by Victoria and the whole scoop is reported in the New York Record. This scoop helps the New York Record to zoom ahead of the New York Times consolidating Edwards inheritance.
Soon this incidence whets Edward hunger for more success. He develops a plan with his close associates to be the first one with the scoop. He organizes a gang who help him create and manipulate the news. And so begins the sinister chain of events, where this gang in the name of the terrorist Carlos undertake the kidnapping of the King of Spain, the UN secretary general and the Israeli PM. All this news is reported under the pseudonym Mark Bradshaw by Edward. AS the sales zoom up, Edward becomes reckless and plan more daring scheme. Soon things start going wrong, as the abduction of the Pope is foiled and other actions fail.
Victoria at first jealous of Bradshaw soon starts to suspect the veracity of these reports and along with Hannah Armstead and Kim Nesbit brings down the empire of Edward. In the end Edwards narcissism and greed for being the Almighty bring him down. A book for all ages and times which opens your eyes to the menace of selective news reporting. Read and understand the world information flow.

The R Document (published in 1979) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
Is a great working democracy an Utopian idea? As democracy promises freedom of speech, does it allow the right to circumvent the duties as a citizen or the freedom which causes law and order should be curbed. These are the uncomfortable questions which are addressed by Irving Wallace in the R document.
Rampant corruption, racial tension, drug abuse and other law and order problem prompts the President of the United states to bring about an 35 th amendment of the constitution. This law if enacted will enable the President to suspend the Bill of Rights in case of emergency. The FBI director Vernon Tyson is pushing for this amendment which ostensibly will curb the law and order problem prevalent in the United States. He threatens, Blackmails and kills to enable the passage of the bill.



Christopher Collins, an upright attorney general is uncomfortable with such a draconian provision and giving sweeping absolute powers to the FBI. But he feels that the provisions are not so bad for the critics to shout from the rooftops and has made peace with the passage of the bill.
But Noah Baxter his dying predecessor warns him about the controversial provisions of the bill and encourages him to look for the R document. Chris has very less time to unveil the conspiracies as state after state ratifies the amendment making it a law. As he finds out the R document or the regeneration document is a cassette player recorded by Rick Baxter, Noah Baxter's son. Does Chris unearth the conspiracies and protect millions of Americans from living in a police state? Has Rick's innocent recording throw up some startling answer's?
Irving Wallace's novel published in 1979 is very pertinent even today. Yes the realities have changed with law and order problems taking a back seat to terrorism especially after 9/11. After reading the novel the reader is forced to think about such a scenario where civil liberties he has taken for granted are taken away. How would life be if you cannot say what you like, do what you like, write or read your choice's, follow your heart and even blog your mind off? Will life be worth living under a black shadow, a big brother watching you?

The Pigeon Project (published in 1979) by Irving Wallace - the elixir of youth

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had Emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book “Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies.
What do you do if you can attain eternal life, beauty and youth? Will you prefer living for ever, even after all your loved ones and friends have gone? Even if you attain the elixir of youth would you keep it for yourself or you will share it with mankind. These are the answer's the Pigeon Project is looking for.



Professor Davis Macdonald, an American scientist working in the USSR has discovered the elusive formula which will prolong the life span indefinitely. This fountain of youth or the Elixir is one of the most coveted boon for mankind throughout its history. Now that the formula is perfected the Soviets want it all for them selves and are definitely not willing to share it with the world.

So MacDonald flees the country, ostensibly to attend a medical conference in Venice. The Soviets send in agents to track down the professor and his invention. They enlist the support of the Italian communist to seal all the escape route's and block Venice.
Tim Jordan is an American writer working in Venice, and he accidentally bumps in to the the scared Macdonald. He befriends the hapless professor and promises to help him. So begins the action with Tom and professor trying to remain one step ahead of their pursuer. In his frantic efforts to safeguard the professor Tom puts him up with friends ans acquaintances. But betrayal follows him everywhere, even from one of his most trusted friend. Soon many others join the quest for the elusive dream of youth. This includes, a sexy film star, an American millionaire, a wily priest and a countess. This action packed story moves through the streets ans canals of Venice involving, speed boats, helicopters and car chases. The whole adrenaline punch is prepared by the massive lock out of Venice where escape is thwarted even at the last minute. So Tom manages to get the professor out along with a beautiful love at the end of the story.
The best thing about the book is the description of Venice ny the author. He has researched every nook and corner of the city which is evident from his graphic and eloquent presentation. It almost reds as a Lonely Planet's description of Venice.
This is not my favorite book of Irving Wallace. The premise of the Elixir of Youth has high potential with lot of philosophical and spiritual questions attached to it. Wallace does not address this part of the story and focuses just on the action side. Anyway it is a well narrated story and makes up a cool time pass.

The Word (published in 1972) - written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book “sins of Peter Fleming did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
The Word published in 1972 works on the premise that Religion is indeed the opium of the masses. A multimillionaire undertakes the publication of a newly discovered Gospel of James. According to this Gospel, Jesus does not die on the cross but is buried alive. All his followers have dispersed and only James remain at his side. Jesus talks to him and prays for everybody and also for his adoptive father, Joseph. Then a fully recovered Jesus goes abroad to deliver his teachings. According to the Gospel of James, the death and resurrection of Jesus occurs in Rome 20 years after the crucifixion.



Steven Randall, an alcoholic, atheist lawyer is hired by George Wheeler to publish the new testament. He is facing opposition from skeptics, the prominent one being Maertin de Vroome. Steven's personal life is in shambles, as his wife being separated from him, his daughter caught plying drugs and expelled from school and he being the biggest disappointment for his clergyman father. Steven travels to Europe with his lover Darlene and meet eh movers and shakers who are involved in the publication of the new testament. The most important person he meets is Prof. Augusto Monti who is confined to an asylum and talks in riddles. Steven is unable get coherent answer's from him but gets two codes, that of a fish and a harpoon. As Steven goes deciphering this he meets Monti's daughter, the beautiful Angela who falls for him. Steven and Angela hit it off and become lovers.
But the biggest shock awaits Steven as he encounters Maertin de Vroome who insinuates that the Gospel is a work of forgery by a petty French thief Lebrun. Although initially skeptical Steven meets Lebrun who confirms the act of forgery. Steven rushes to stop the publication of the book and is thwarted by the powerful religious lobby. A disillusioned Steven retreats to more alcohol and obscurity. As Steven battles with his conscious, he is not able to do anything. He even finds his father taken in by the new Gospel. As the book comes to a close we find the moral and mental dilemma of Steven lighting up a new path and consciousness. This book by Irving Wallace may show shades of Dan Brown, but the message is completely different. You need to feel the faith and even a forged document can elicit passion and belief in a person's life changing it forever. A must read for all Wallace's fans.

The Fan Club (published in 1974) by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents, Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had Emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies.
How far you would go if you are deeply infatuated with an eminent personality? How far would your obsession and fantasies propel your mind? Would you do murder, kidnapping, extortion and rape and justify your deviant behavior just because you are a fan? This is the questions thrown up by Irwin Wallace in The Fan Club.
The object of affection is Sharon Fields a buxom bombshell whose on screen persona has enamored millions of fans. She portrays the typical sex siren on screen where as off screen she is as reclusive and shy as the girl next door. She may be the dumb blonde on screen but in real life she she is as sharp as the needle.



But her on-screen-avatar has Adam Malone completely bewitched and he feels that he knows her completely. Wallace gives us the low down on his psyche where he fantasizes about Sharon and feels that she would love him if only she could get a chance to know him. He is a complete failure in maintaining a realistic relationship which adds to his desperation. So in the mean time he just dreams about Sharon and collects all information available.
A chance meeting with 3 other men puts forward the motion of sinister events. Kyle Shivley, a crude Vietnam Veteran has no respect and feelings for women. He gets cheap thrills by passing derogatory comments about women and never cares about a relationship. He is cunning, shrewd and cruel. Howard Yost is an insurance salesman whose is bored with his wife, job and life. Boredom pervades every aspect of his life and he indulges in sexual fantasies to get over the monotony. Leo Brunner is a timid accountant who is scared of everything in life. But he never admits to his fear and projects a sense of false bravado and try to impress women. The end result is rejection slip from the opposite sex.
So a chance meeting get these men talking in the bar about Sharon and the regurgitate all the false information planted in the media about Sharon. As the discussion grow more animated they decide to kidnap her to let her know about their love. They feel that she would understand their need and satisfy their lust. So the overt plan is set in to motion by these psycho's. Disguised as exterminators they stalk her, get to know her routine and places she frequents. So on the fateful day Sharon is waylaid in her jogging track, chloroformed and kidnapped. As she regains consciousness she confronts her kidnappers and does not submit to their advances. Adam and Co find that Sharon is nothing like her on screen persona and are pretty discouraged. But Kyle, Leo and Howard rape her with Adam as a mute bystander. But they don't count on the smart Sharon who is devastated but soon plans to escape. Does her captors get their just desserts? Find out in the Fan Club for it is an interesting story out there.

The Plot (published in 1967) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents, Bessie and Alexander Wallace who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
The plot is an action packed thriller which brings the five characters together in the shadow of a nuclear disarmament summit. Th summit has the nuclear powers America, China and Russia coming together for talks on containing nuclear weapons and proliferation in Paris. So you have the protagonist traveling to Paris, each having an agenda of his own.



They are, Matt, a disgraced diplomat who has been exiled for leaking nuclear secrets to China and is languishing in obscurity. He has been framed and plans to meet a soviet diplomat who knows the truth about his innocence regarding the defection of an American Nuclear scientist to Red China. Jay, a yesteryear super journalist who has lost favor with the readers and publishers alike and is languishing in the lower end of the writing spectrum, authoring cook books. He plans to test out a story which was pointed out by his pupil long time ago, to write a story which will set him on the glory road again.
Hazel, Jay's pupil who has surpassed the master and is the current flavor of the journalism industry. She cannot forget the debt and love for Jay and must meet him to get her story straight. Emmet, the ex-President who had a murky past and a grimy hand in the nuclear defection saga needs to meet the ex-arms manufacturer who plans to expose him through his memoirs. He needs to stop the slimy details from tumbling out or his part in history will be tainted for ever Medora who has lost her British passport for having an affair with a high ranking diplomat which culminated in a scandal. She means to confront the diplomat who tricked her in leaving England forfeiting her passport.
All of them converge in Paris, where sinister forces are at work against the summit. There is an under current of tension between USA and Russia with a Sino-Soviet under ground deal. So the protagonist come together through sheer luck and work together to bring the sinister plot to the ground. They battle murderers, Russian spies, and Chinese conspiracies to unearth the Sino-Soviet plot.
Though sometimes the book seems too contrived, it has a tight narration. It is heartening to see the bunch of losers, who piece together the puzzle just as the readers do to unearth the obvious. Just go ahead and enjoy a nice drama.

The Seven minutes (published in the year 1969) Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had Emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book “Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies.
The Seven Minutes was published in 1969 and has its reverberations even today. It talks about the rights of an individual vis a vis that of the society. Is an authors right to publish his opinions above than societal injunctions and whether the banning of a book tantamount to trampling of the individuals right to free speech? The book is an in-depth analysis of the famous Voltaire quote “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."



A small town teenager Jeremy Griffith buys a book which borders on pornography from Fremont, a small time publisher. Many may consider this book as an impressive literature including the protagonist, Micheal Barrett. Micheal is a brilliant attorney who has a rich girl friend who entices him to make money and a high moral compass which makes him fight for the truth. Jeremy is charged with rape of Sherry Moore who suffers a head injury and is in coma. The prosecutor Elmo Duncan who is running for office insinuates that the book enticed him to carry out the rape, and therefore runs a campaign to ban the book. He is supported by money bags Yerkes and Jeremy's father who are just looking out for patronage from a future president.
So Michael Barrett puts his career, girl friend and life on the line to defend the book. This book by J. Janeway gives insights in to a womens mind during the seven minutes of sexual intercourse. So Michael has to marshal all his resources to prove the innocence of a book. His only recourse is to find the author and her protagonist who might be real and alive. Micheal learns to find and defend the truth and ends up with the girl of his dreams.
The good thing about the book is the unique story, and a thought provoking theme packaged neatly in to a action packed best seller. The court room scenes and Micheal's dilemma's are well presented. But the bad news is that it is less on the suspense quotient. You know the villains and know they are going to bite the dust. But still a realistic, amazing and very current book and a must read for all democracies.