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61st out of 77 books
—
9 voters
The Paris Option (Covert-One #3)
For thirty years, Robert Ludlum's novels have set the standard for the finest in international intrigue and suspense. With an unbroken string of bestsellers in almost every country in the world, his books have been enjoyed by hundreds of millions of readers and are widely acknowledged as classics in the field. Now, after the bestselling Covert-One novels The Hades Factor a
...more
Mass Market Paperback, 512 pages
Published
March 14th 2003
by St. Martin's Paperbacks
(first published January 1st 2002)
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I had never read a book by Robert Ludlum so I bought one – only to find that the price sticker on the front covered the name of the person who actually wrote it, Gayle Lynds. So what we are dealing with here is a form of franchise where Ludlum comes up with the story and Lynds does the writing. This is one of a long series of titles following a formula: The Hades Factor, The Cassandra Compact, the Lazarus Vendetta, The Hedgehog Conspiracy, and so on. In this case, the title isn’t improved by the...more
I don't really know why I picked this book up. I was in a bookstore and I find it impossible not to buy a book. Perhaps it was the Ludlum name as I always enjoyed Ludlum's novels. I was aware that it was not written, or written completely by Ludlum. I wasn't really aware at the time that Ludlum had passed away and this doesn't bother me, this marketing of Ludlum's name to sell more books although I wonder about the benefit of this. It probably does sell more books, but I suspect that many reader...more
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This is another of those "famous authors with" books that often turn out to be less than what one expects from the name.
However, in this case, I found it well-written and suspenseful.
Terrorists blow up the Pasteur Laboratories in Paris where a mastermind is working on the next level of computer science - a molecular computer. Jon Smith, an army colonel, doctor and super spy, hurries to the site as his friend was there at the time of the explosion. From there, it's a journey through Europe and No...more
However, in this case, I found it well-written and suspenseful.
Terrorists blow up the Pasteur Laboratories in Paris where a mastermind is working on the next level of computer science - a molecular computer. Jon Smith, an army colonel, doctor and super spy, hurries to the site as his friend was there at the time of the explosion. From there, it's a journey through Europe and No...more
I couldn't find Covert-One #2 in our local bookstores. So, from Covert-One #1 that I read last year, I jumped to Covert-One #3. Anyway, just like in any of the thrillers where there is one recurring character, that of an agent or spy, each part can stand alone.
From his resignation from United States Army Military Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Nathaniel Frederick Klein approaches the star of this series, doctor and army John Smith to join the secret army organization in t...more
From his resignation from United States Army Military Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Nathaniel Frederick Klein approaches the star of this series, doctor and army John Smith to join the secret army organization in t...more
i listened to the audio version of this book - it kept me entertained on the drive home from knoxville. had i read the book, i might've given it 4 stars. maybe. the story was well crafted and the plot kept moving, although there were a few moments of exposition where the characters lectured to each other, which i always find a little annoying. for the audio version, though, i had to go with 3 stars because a couple of the characters' voices were just too ridiculous. marty, the computer genius wi...more
Book #5 of 2009
This time Jon, Peter, Randi and Marty are racing after a DNA computer in the hands of a group of frenchmen intent on exposing American weakness and forming a united Europa. There were several hints of possible romances - Jon/Randi and Jon/A French woman, but it was all action. As usual, the day is saved, so to speak, just in the knick of time. It can be hard reading such extreme hatred of the United States, from the French group, an Islamic group and a Basque group, even if it is...more
This time Jon, Peter, Randi and Marty are racing after a DNA computer in the hands of a group of frenchmen intent on exposing American weakness and forming a united Europa. There were several hints of possible romances - Jon/Randi and Jon/A French woman, but it was all action. As usual, the day is saved, so to speak, just in the knick of time. It can be hard reading such extreme hatred of the United States, from the French group, an Islamic group and a Basque group, even if it is...more
For thirty years, Robert Ludlum's novels have set the standard for the finest in international intrigue and suspense. With an unbroken string of bestsellers in almost every country in the world, his books have been enjoyed by hundreds of millions of readers and are widely acknowledged as classics in the field. Now, after the bestselling Covert-One novels The Hades Factor and The Cassandra Compact, comes the third thrilling novel in the series.
A fiery explosion in the dark of night shatters one o...more
A fiery explosion in the dark of night shatters one o...more
A decent story, but could have been better.
And by 'better', I'm thinking better told. According to the cover, it's a collaboration, and I think it shows. It's a fair bit longer than it really should be (it follows the premise of the last 'Bourne' I read, by having the whole thing build to a climax in the middle, then go on again. You know you're only half way through, as you can see there's still a couple of inches of book to go, it can't possibly have the impact it really should), and a bit fla...more
And by 'better', I'm thinking better told. According to the cover, it's a collaboration, and I think it shows. It's a fair bit longer than it really should be (it follows the premise of the last 'Bourne' I read, by having the whole thing build to a climax in the middle, then go on again. You know you're only half way through, as you can see there's still a couple of inches of book to go, it can't possibly have the impact it really should), and a bit fla...more
Downloaded from Audible.com
Narrator: Paul Michael
Publisher: Audio Renaissance, 2002
Length: 13 hours and 44 min.
Publisher's Summary
In the dark of night a fiery explosion shatters a laboratory building in Paris' esteemed Pasteur Institute. Presumed dead is Emile Chambourd, one of the leaders in the global race to create a molecular, or DNA, computer. Unfortunately, Professor Chambourd kept the details of his work secret, and his notes were apparently destroyed with him in the bomb blast and raging...more
Narrator: Paul Michael
Publisher: Audio Renaissance, 2002
Length: 13 hours and 44 min.
Publisher's Summary
In the dark of night a fiery explosion shatters a laboratory building in Paris' esteemed Pasteur Institute. Presumed dead is Emile Chambourd, one of the leaders in the global race to create a molecular, or DNA, computer. Unfortunately, Professor Chambourd kept the details of his work secret, and his notes were apparently destroyed with him in the bomb blast and raging...more
This was probably a 2 1/2 stars. It wasn't as good as the others that I have read in the Covert One novel series. It sort of bogged down in the middle. Still lots of action and the characters I've come to know were all present and accounted for: Joh Smith (love a spy named Smith); his boss Mr. Klein; Peter from Britain's MI6; Randi from the CIA; and Marty the computer genius. Lots of frightening stuff.
John Smith is at it again. While working on creating a DNA computer out in Colorado, a similar lab in blown up in Paris. The noted scientist is killed, Marty Zelerback, Johm's childhood friend is in a coma. Covert One is in action as the United State is experiencing massive communication outages. This can and has caused major issues. Could it all be the work of a terrorist organization?
I have always loved all the Robert Ludlum books. This is no exception. It is filled with suspense, murder and a kidnapping. It also involves a stolen DNA computer which can create havoc on any and all electronic devices. Of course, the CIA is involved and of course there are some very interesting characters. I would recommend this book to any one who likes intrigue and suspense.
Apr 25, 2011
Katie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2011,
mystery-thriller
A good, thrilling yarn complete with super, duper rule-the-world computer, dastardly NATO and Islamic evil-doers, handsome secret covert US operative, beautiful CIA ruthless partner, nerdy Aspberger's computer genius, crusty M16 operative, and a bunch of wimpy US military commanders. For when you don't want to stress your brain cells too much but just want pure entertainment.
Another franchise covert operations team working to save the world...some have done it better, some worse...this one falls in the middle...the "Covert One" team must stop a European megalomaniac from establishing European dominance by attacking the USA with DNA computer hacks and then Nukes...this genre is entertaining as always!!!
It's been awhile since I've read a Ludlum book. "The Paris Option" was a good pick. The characters were somewhat predictable but well developed. The plot is full of twists and turns with much of it plausible, except of course the uncanny ability the heroes have to escape certain death multiple times. One thing I liked about the interaction between the characters is the complete lack of romantic drama! While there is some slight romantic tension between two of the characters it is not distracting...more
I hadn't read the first two Covert-One books and picked up this one from the free bin in the library because of the title. Much of the action takes place in Paris and environs. I enjoyed it somewhat - it's not written by Ludlum but by another author using his notes so ... not quite the same depth to it.
Probably would have rated this book higher except my copy of it is randomly missing about 80 pages. Those pages were arbitrarily replaced with 80 pages from a completely different book that was probably not written by Robert Ludlum. This made the story a bit hard to follow.
Not a bad read, but disappointing compared to other Ludlum books -- most notably the Bourne books. The first two thirds were hard to get through -- too many sub-plots and narrative threads. Could have been condensed in to 20 pages with less trivia and more directness.
May 17, 2012
Tracy Harvey
is currently reading it
I have only just started this book, but I love Robert Ludlum and hope this book will be similar to his other books. I know he didn't write this one, but the ideas were his and so hopefully, the book will captivate me like all of his other 'creations' have!
It's been a long time since I read this book, but I remember it being pretty good. However, years later I can not remember any details of the plot. Thus, although I remember this being a good read, I must conclude that it was not memorable.
Overall not a bad book, but wasn't great either. Same author as The Bourne Identity which I have not read, though I have heard that it is one movie that is better than the book. The Paris Option was neither hot nor cold, just ho hum.
Good conspiracy book as always Robert Ludlum does a great job..This one was a little harder because it took place in Paris and I don't know French and can't figure out how to pronounce some of the names of cities. Good book though.
My mom is a huge Ludlum fan, so she practically made me read it.
Not being a Ludlum fan myself (this is his first book that i've actually fished) i give it well deserved 4* (though my mom gives it a full 5!)
The story starts and proceeds in a fashion typical for all the Ludlum stories- with a bang.
The characters are also quite ordinary- spies, scientists, military officers.
This time the story revolves around a very current topic- a molecular computer. Now, I understand the concept of the computer...more
Not being a Ludlum fan myself (this is his first book that i've actually fished) i give it well deserved 4* (though my mom gives it a full 5!)
The story starts and proceeds in a fashion typical for all the Ludlum stories- with a bang.
The characters are also quite ordinary- spies, scientists, military officers.
This time the story revolves around a very current topic- a molecular computer. Now, I understand the concept of the computer...more
Personally I love the Covert One series - great characters and fast moving plots - quick easy reads. However for anyone who only wants to read well-written believable stories then this series is not for you.
I'm not reading anymore of these ghost written Ludlum books. They are a pale shadow of Robert Ludlum's original novels and they appear to be getting worse with each new publication.
I listened to this book on a road trip over the weekend and it was very enjoyable. I think this is the third in the Covert One Series that I have read and I have enjoyed them all.
Great Ludlum book. Covers much about the search for an mis use of the elusive DNA computer - which I just read about for real today. Exciting, interesting read
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11613006
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11613006
ludlum is master of thriller! i have read practically 12 to 15 titles of the author. jason bourne and col.jon smith are never forgotten.
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Robert Ludlum was an American author of 25 thriller novels. There are more than 290 million copies of his books in print, and they have been translated into 32 languages. Ludlum also published books under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd.
Some of Ludlum's novels have been made into films and mini-series, including The Osterman Weekend, The Holcroft Covenant, The Apocalypse Watch,...more
More about Robert Ludlum...
Some of Ludlum's novels have been made into films and mini-series, including The Osterman Weekend, The Holcroft Covenant, The Apocalypse Watch,...more
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07. Oktober, 22:01 Uhr