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 Miracle (published in 1984) - 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.
A Miracle as defined by the oxford dictionary is an occurrence through faith which has no scientific proof or rational explanation. Wallace tries to weave a tale of intrigue, faith and love around the old legend of the Lady of Lourdes.
Lady of Lourdes is the Virgin Mary who had appeared to the shepherd girl Bernadette on the slopes of Lourdes. Bernadette sees the vision of our Lady and is subjected to intense scrutiny by the world and the faithful visit the grotto where the Lady had appeared in search of a miracle. It is said that the waters of the Grotto have healing powers and millions flock to Lourdes during the pilgrimage season celebrating the arrival of Our Lady before Bernadette.



So the novel opens with a scroll presented by Bernadette being opened by the Vatican council. According to this the Virgin Mary will again appear in Lourdes during the 8 day feast period. AS the church makes this information public millions flock to Lourdes for the miracle. Wallace centers the tale around five character's, principally women who travel to Lourdes for the Lady.
Sergei Tikhanov is a soviet official who suffers from muscular dystrophy and travels to Lourdes incognito as the communist party does not accept any religion. He hopes to get a cure and hires a young guide Gisele Dupree as an interpretor. Gisele has an agenda of her own and is looking for an avenue to get back in to the United Nations favored circle and get her job back. Peter Clayton, an young American is suffering from cancer and reaches Lourdes after canceling his treatments with a skeptical fiancée, Amanda in tow.
Amanda is a no non sense psychologist who does not believe in miracles. She has able company in Liz Finch, a hard nosed journalist who wants to debunk the miracle theory. She teams up with Amanda to expose the racket of Lourdes. Beautiful Natalie Rinaldi is stricken by a mysterious disease which has made her blind and she fervently believes that Virgin Mary will restore her sight in Lourdes. The sweet English woman Edith Moore is a poster girl for the Grotto as she has been cured of her cancer due to the intercession of Mother Mary. But she is a reluctant participant in this publicity which is commercially exploited by husband Roger. Basque terrorist Mikel Hurtado wants to blow up the shrine for his political beliefs and reaches Lourdes with the sole intention of destruction.
As the novel progresses you find the question of Faith is the touchstone, with the cure possible for Natalie Rinaldi where she finds sight and love from Hurtado who denounces the violence. But for Edith and Clayton the cure does not come and they look for medicine. For Gisele death follows and Tikhanov becomes the murderer. Wallace weaves the most splendid story with no preaching and is one of my favorite books in his collection. Read it and enjoy.

The Celestial bed (Published in 1987) - 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.
Irving Wallace novels have graphic sex scenes and he is accused of pandering to the readers fantasies. But no one can deny his passion for issues like racism, gender equality, freedom of expression etc which reverberates even in today's world. In the Celestial bed he confronts the big “o” itself, Sex. The novel brings in the new sex therapy tool of sex surrogacy in to the limelight. Sex surrogacy is a therapy tool where the therapist treat patients with sexual problems like fear, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse by actually performing the act with the patient. Some moralist treat sex surrogacy as a form of legalized prostitution and this is the very question dealt in the Celestial Bed.



Doctor Arnold Free-burg uses the sex surrogates during the therapy sessions with his patients. He feels that this is more useful in solving sexual problems as talk therapy never works. But his clinic is vandalized and he is run out of his home state of Arizona. His lawyer friend encourages him to open a clinic in California and assures him that Californians are more accepting. So with his sex therapist Gayle miller he opens a new clinic and hires a male surrogate Paul and four other girls. They are given intensive training before handling of patients.
Soon success stories tumble out and the clinic becomes popular. Soon new patients like Nan, the local Mafia Don's girl friend who suffer from vaginismus enter the clinic. The clinic receptionist encourages her boyfriend Chet to seek help for his problem of premature ejaculation. Chet, budding journalist looking for the ultimate scoop calls a religious leader and informs him about his intention of exposing the clinic activities. He joins hands with the moralist who want to bring down Doctor Freed-burg. But soon Chet's indignation evaporates as he finds he is being cured and feels guilty for taking part int eh expose.
So does the moralist and the Mafia don who suspect his girl friend bring down the clinic? Do Gayle and Paul rise above their petty quarrels about professionalism and consummate their relationship? These are deftly handled by Wallace who electrify the reader with his view. Well my only complaint is that the book is too hot to handle and is not for teenagers. You need mental and emotional maturity to absorb the views and the language. Read it if you are above eighteen.

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.

The three Sirens (published in 1964) - Authored 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 abest 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 three sirens published in 1964 is a racy novel of sex and infidelities. It deals with the repressed sexuality in our modern times and civilizations and how the myth of sex implodes when it comes in contact with the free society. It also talks about sexual freedom, the gender issues and how cultures clash. It depicts the dangers for conversion of the natives by so called civilization and laments the loss of traditions and cultures lost in the name of uniformity and civilization.



Dr. Maude heads a group of anthropologists and their families who reach a remote Polynesian island to study the culture and traditions of the so called islanders. Here they reach a veritable paradise with beautiful scenery and amazing life. Here they comes across the islanders who are sexually liberated and unshackled. Sex is no longer taboo in this community of 200 odd people. Here you have husbands having frigid wives visiting sex huts, free necking and sex escapes on the beach.
So the anthropologists coming across such a free society question their own outlook on life and love. Soon many form their own agendas in their mind. Some join the natives, some try to convert them and some are just fascinated by a new study given to them. One of the daughters of the anthropologist fall in love with one of the island boys, another's son succumb to temptation and some marriages are ruined. Many indulge in their own fantasies and show the bored natives the western way of life. But these contacts bring about the ruin of the island paradise similar to the serpent which wrought the destruction of Eden.
Irving Wallace can be said as the pioneer in analyzing the sexuality reports, like the Kinsey reports for the development of his plots. But I feel that his over the top narration of the sexual interludes almost borders on porn. The book about the rights of the natives gets mired in the sexual content and conquests. It looks like a teens fantasy novel and I would not like to recommend for a mature individual. It is a western fantasy about the life described by a commune living 60's flower child. Not a shade on his other novels.

The Prize (published in 1962) - 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 Prize published in 1962 presents the lives of six Nobel laureates who receive the most coveted prize in the history of man kind i.e the Nobel prize. All six of them receive the all important telegram and their past and intertwining lives changes their world all together, for ever. This book was adapted in to a book by Paul Newman which was not much of a success as the novel.



The six characters whose pioneering works get them the Nobel prize reach Stockholm with their loved ones and the demons from the past. Max Stratman, an venerable physicist has battled the Nazi camps and death of loved ones. He retains his humanity and is very concerned for his niece Emily who has secrets of her own. She battles terrifying memories about the concentration camps and have problems in trust and building relationships.
The Marceau's are the husband and wife duo whose work gets them the prize in chemistry. They have been partners in life as well as in the lab. But the husband's infidelity has developed cracks in their marriage and the wife gets her revenge by cozying up with a lab assistant. Will their seemingly perfect union survive?
Andrew Craig in the major character who wins it for literature. It is said that Andrew's life was a fantasy of Wallace's. But Andrew's literary graph has plummeted with his wife's accident. He feels guilty her death and drowns his sorrow in alcohol and women. His sister in law takes care of him and tries to have a relationship, but does she succeed in her manipulations? Andrew has various sexual conquests in Stockholm and his love for Emily redeems him.
Doctor John Garrett, the winner for medicine has to share it with Carlo Farelli, his arch rival who completely eclipses him in the press. John with his reclusive ways is overshadowed by Farelli and is seethes with jealousy. But his compassion and skills win him the last round and he combines forces with his arch rival to save a life.
It is said that Wallace took 15 years to pen this book and it is worth the effort. You get the golden nuggets of information about the Nobel Prize winners and the intrigue and processes by which the selection is done. Just go for the book, it worth time and money.

The Seventh Secret (Published in 1985) - Authored by Irving Wallace - What if Hitler was still alive ?

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 abest 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.
Seventh Secret is a book on the Nazi past and present with a question mark over the death of Hitler. A well written action thriller, it presents the scenario where Hitler is alive and still heading the SS. Dr. Harrison Ashcroft, a well known historian travels to Germany to excavate the bunker where Hitler has committed suicide. He gets a phone call which informs him that Hitler is alive and well in Germany waiting for the winds to change. But he is killed before he can complete his work. His daughter Emily Ashcroft travels to Germany determined to complete her fathers assignment. She is joined by Rex Foster a dashing Architect, Tovah Levine, a beautiful Mossad agent and Nicholas Kirvov, curator of the Hermitage of Leningrad.



Emily is dogged by unknown assassins as soon as she lands up in Germany and is gallantly saved by Rex Foster. Here Wallace deviates from the plot with the attraction subplot between Emily and Rex. This sexed up encounter take the sheen out of the story. Emily soon in search for clues meets up with Hitler's dentist who gives her information about a lucky charm worn by Hitler and his latest dental caps which not found by the Russians. Soon with the help of Levine, Kirvov and Foster she comes to the conclusion that Hitler had survived the War and used the death of his double to blind fold the world.
Soon the plot unravels with the disappearance of Emily who seems to have been kidnapped. Foster looking for clues in the sixth bunker comes across a thin crack which on further investigation reveals to be the opening to the seventh bunker. There he finds Emily who informs him that it leads to a cafe run by Evelyn Hoffman. Foster drugs Evelyn who spills the truth that she in fact is Eva Brown, the wife of the German despot. Hitler did survive the war and was waiting for the opportune moment to assume power and unite Germany. He died on the same year as JFK and Evelyn has assumed the command of the Nazi's. The story further throws in astonishing details of Hitler's child who leads a peaceful life. Well all this digging for truth is useless because, the entire bunker detonates and Eva and her child escape. So with the proof gone Emily and Rex have only each other to cling to.
The story is loosely written with lot of loopholes fort the reader to latch on. The premise is good but the details are jarring. It is difficult to accept that the proof uncovered by the protagonists are not found by the leading investigative agencies. But still worth your free time if you have a lots of it.

The Man (published in 1964) - the turmoil when a Black Man becomes President of the United States

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.
As you read The man, you just feel that Wallace is holding a mirror to the society which has to prove itself in accepting people who we ourself prove to be different. Today the Barack Obama presidency rolls on you just cant be amazed by the events of the 60's where a racially charged America forced to accept a black president comes up to our expectation to truly prove its secular and equality credentials.



A quirky accident, kills the American president, vice president and the pro term speaker which throws up the question of succession. Douglas Dilman, the President Pro Tempore, largely a ceremonial position, is thrust in to the limelight to succeed the slain president. The ultimate question remains in the book lingering, will America boiling in the race cauldron accept a black president. The book follows the ethical and moral questions about race discrimination which emotionally scars and almost overwhelms a capable man.
Douglas has to maintains a distance with everybody. He cannot encourage any black friends for the fear of alienating white constituents. His family itself is torn between his son who enjoys being the beacon of black power to the daughter who has given up on her race. His relationship with his secretary, Edna Foster is very cautious one which involves a no close door policy. The other senators and right wing newspapers pillory his every stance right on domestic policies and international relations. The author portrays each cruel barb with such force that the reader feels enraged by the tactics of the villains. The portrayal of Eaton and Zeke Miller as ambitious upwardly mobile whites in a racially vitiated atmosphere is real.
But Douglas Dilman is no remote controlled mannequin. He slowly comes on his own confident in his abilities and truth which makes his opponents desperate. So the motion is set in to remove the president, the motion of impeachment. Soon character assassinations, threats and bogus impediments are laid down which actually befuddle the public. But will the truth survive, will the senate be blinded by color believe the lies of Miller and Co or uphold the constitution which says “ All Men Are Equal” and will Douglas Dilman win the trust of his children, lady love and the public to be true inspiration and commander in chief?
These burning questions remain and shades of Harper Lee's “try to kill a mocking bird also emerges”. A true inspirational story which will resonate through generations.