Book Review: Edge of Danger

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Edge of Danger     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jack Higgins
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Espionage   Thriller
Series: Sean Dillon # 8
HarperCollins,2001,£16.99

Jack Higgins, never one to let his characters go to waste, brings back Sean Dillon and Blake Johnson yet again to battle Paul Rashid - half British and half Arab, a man who wants to take vicious vengeance on a conspiracy to deprive of his family of its oil rights.

Recently, it seems as though Higgins could never be accused of writing a complicated novel. His last few books starring Sean Dillon have been easy to read, uncomplicated and quite short. 'Edge Of Danger' is no exception to this rule, and it becomes annoying, as the entire book is too simple. Dillon 's team are just too good - they cut through their enemies like a knife through butter, to use a cliché, and no-one stands a chance against them. This is a trap that Colin Forbes has fallen into and it seems as though Higgins is quite happy to go the same way. Whilst some characters play a much smaller role in this book, they are still there and the formulaic approach smacks of a lack of originality.

He shows his areas of expertise, as he describes diving in great detail and his descriptions of the places visited seem authentic. However, this is not a taxing novel and ultimately leaves you unsatisfied, since there is not enough meat in this sandwich into which to get your teeth. Higgins is capable of writing better novels that are more complex and although this formula has sold copies before, it is only a matter of time before people become bored with the exploits of the invincible Dillon and his team.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
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