a loss of freshness in ideas and characterisation. But Forbes takes measures to deal with this: each new book strikes out in an unfamiliar direction, and if his narratives are sometimes overly ambitious, the sheer storytelling verve carries the reader through. This 25th book has a prophetic edge: Forbes deals with the results of the assassination of the Prime Minister, leaving the island state--Britain--in mortal danger. His protagonist, Paula Grey, saves an important American from a brutal attempt on his life, which seems to be part of a strategy by a giant power to absorb Britain into its own system. And the country is soon under threat from legions of enemies, including the malign Jake Ronstadt and his troop of henchmen. The narrative hurtles towards a dramatic climax on Romney Marsh as an invading naval task force approaches Britain. This is the kind of labyrinthine plot in which a moment's inattention on the part of the reader will leave them adrift. But Forbes more than repays our close attention, and even if some of the characters here are conventionally drawn, there's no denying the ambition and skill. --Barry Forshaw
Reviews which might be of interest for Colin Forbes
3 Similar Reviews of The Sisterhood - ColinForbes
The Sisterhood Review ofThe Sisterhood - ColinForbesby
stephenmarkb
Advantages: A good read with an interesting, if predictable plot Disadvantages: Coincidences in the book do sometimes stretch the realms of reality
...ColinForbes once again plunges the reader into a headlong battle between Tweed & Co and the enemy (in this case "THE SISTERHOOD".
Along with other books written by ColinForbes the book is fast moving and enjoyable - although somewhat predictable if you have read any of his other books.
Although the plot is quite good this book, like his others, involves a series of conicidences which are quite unbeleivable - no matter where the team go in europe they always meet the same group of people quite by chance.
Paula, again is supposed to be strong of mind and character but, unlike the male characters goes into a state of shock at everything.
There are many old fashioned ideas in the book regarding what women should or not should or wear and how they should behave.
Again anything foregin (except the police chiefs) are to be mistrusted...
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helpful 11.07.2001
Good Book Review ofThis United State - ColinForbesby
jpegington
Advantages: Good Book, Interesting and somewhat believable Disadvantages: Story simularish to other Colin Forbes Books
...Technical Information:
Paperback 502 pages (December 10, 1999 Version)
Publisher: Pan
ISBN: 0330374893
Categories: Fiction , Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ColinForbes has written now over 40 Books, both as ColinForbes and other names, including Jay Bernard and Harold English. He wrote his first book published as ColinForbes (Tramp in Armour) in 1969 and since then all of his books have been published with this name. His real name is apparently Raymond Sawkins.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Now this is a book about Tweed and his colleagues, including Paula Grey and Bob Newmann among others.
Right the basic story is that the British Prime Minister is assassinated and an attempt is made on the CIA Director's life.
British spies Tweed, Paula Grey and Bob Newman are called in and they discover a massive conspiracy.
Meanwhile...
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Advantages: Fast paced story Disadvantages: Terrible characterisation, writing is poor.
...with diplomatic passports and immunity? How does the mysterious "Charlie" fit into this puzzle?
As Dillon is packed off to a secret bunker, Tweed instantly recognises that time is a factor in this case and he and his team set out to discover what exactly is going on and how it can be stopped, if necessary.
From the very start, "This United State" sets off at a cracking pace and doesn't let up until the very end. This works in its favour as the writing isn't outstanding, but the pace of the story keeps the pages turning until the climax. I've never read anything by ColinForbes before, but I got the impression from this book that Tweed and his crew were characters that cropped up regularly in Forbes' stories. This didn't affect my enjoyment of the book because "This United State" is self-contained, much like a James Bond movie, although like those...
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11.07.2001
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