Book Review: The Keys of Hell

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

The Keys of Hell     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jack Higgins
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
HarperCollins, 2001 (revised edition), £16.99, 244 pp.

Paul Chavasse is a British secret agent. He goes on what he believes is an easy mission into Albania, but it soon becomes a real fight for his life. Previously published under the pseudonym Martin Fallon, this book is set just after the Second World War and before Sean Dillon's rise to fame as Higgins' hero.

This is a brief story and could be read in one sitting. Like all Higgins' novel, it is an easy read that will not create any difficulties. Having not read the original, it is hard to say how this reworked version compares, but in some places, the similarities to Higgins' current novels are clear, such as the seeming invulnerability of Chavasse and his incredible skills as a secret agent, which really do not ring true.

Higgins makes the Albanian marshes come alive but the book just is not exciting enough to grab the attention of contemporary readers brought up on a diet of Tom Clancy and Frederick Forsyth. Back when the book was originally released, 'The Keys Of Hell' may well have been an innovative and original read, but now it is simply an attempt to cash in on Higgins' continuing popularity. Existing fans will fail to find anything new and for new readers, there are better examples of Higgins' talent on the shelves.

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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