EXCELLENT.
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This is the first time i've read Gerald Seymour.This is truly a great book,i'd love to see this made into a film.10/10.
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Terribly trite trash
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The only reason this book is getting one star is because Amazon hasn't yet given reviewers the option of awarding minus stars. Apologies to those who enjoyed the book, but I found it poorly written, overly long and devoid of any thrill element whatsoever. It was not in the least bit credible. This was admittedly my first Seynour (and I'm quite happy to say my last). If you're looking for thrills go with Ian Fleming or Frederick Forsyth. If, however, you're looking the book-like alternative to a barbituarte, then this is it.
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Traitor's Kiss
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Even for a confirmed fan of Gerald Seymour this book stands out as one of his best ever written. Superb story and tension build up and you find yourself reading at a gallop as the book ends. In many ways it is typical Seymour fare, the book littered with terse and unlikely dialogue. Moody and unsociable characters, depressed people and depressing scenario descriptions but for all that, this book has the feeling of an old lost friend as Seymour delights in taking the reader on a journey into the Cold War spy game of yesteryear. The references to the espionage icons of the 70's and 80's are fantastically done and almost make the reader yearn for these dark times. The nods towards events in previous Seymour books is also a very nice touch. The only criticism I can levy, which is rather unfair as when you read a Seymour book you don't expect joyous endings and "happily ever afters", is that when you do complete the book you do feel almost as low and depressed as Seymour's main characters. Would it be too much to ask for one smile at the end?
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For pace and sheer verve, once again Seymour hits 5.5 stars
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really don't know how Gerald Seymour manages to write so many superb thrillers and spy novels. I have been a fan since the legendary Harry's Game, and never fail to be disappointed by his latest offerings. Traitor's Kiss is as good as any, and would be an excellent introduction to his work. This is a Cold War novel but set in the present day - a long standing Russian agent needs to be taken out of the well-fortified Kaliningrad naval base and a team of retired SAS men are sent in to do the job, because nobody else understands the old ways of the service. There are many twists and turns in this book but the reader races through the over 500 pages, such is the pace of the novel. I have no idea where Seymour gets his background information from but the level of detail about the workings of the service is fascinating. I would give this five stars and can only say to anyone who is a little snobbish about this genre, Seymour is a quality writer, a master of pace and sheer verve.
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Slow starter
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I love Gerald's books. This one has a good story line - but is particularly slow in getting going. Masterful writing and research - but less pacy than others. David
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