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Max Stafford #2
Windfall
Jan-Willem Hendrykxx's legacies to a small college in Kenya, a South African living in London, and a California dropout involve an American private eye, the head of Europe's largest security company, and sundry others in a mysterious, sinister plot centered in Kenya
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
14 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Desmond Bagley
131 books165 followersDesmond Bagley was a British journalist and novelist principally known for a series of best-selling thrillers. Along with fellow British writers such as Hammond Innes and Alistair MacLean, Bagley established the basic conventions of the genre: a tough, resourceful, but essentially ordinary hero pitted against villains determined to sow destruction and chaos in order to advance their agenda.
Bagley was born at Kendal, Cumbria (then Westmorland), England, the son of John and Hannah Bagley. His family moved to the resort town of Blackpool in the summer of 1935, when Bagley was twelve. Leaving school not long after the relocation, Bagley worked as a printer's assistant and factory worker, and during World War II he worked in the aircraft industry. Bagley suffered from a speech impediment (stuttering) all of his life, which initially exempted him from military conscription.
He left England in 1947 for Africa and worked his way overland, crossing the Sahara Desert and briefly settling in Kampala, Uganda, where he contracted malaria. By 1951, he had settled in South Africa, working in the gold mining industry and asbestos industry in Durban, Natal, before becoming a freelance writer for local newspapers and magazines.
His first published short story appeared in the English magazine Argosy in 1957, and his first novel, The Golden Keel in 1962. In the interval, he was a film critic for Rand Daily Mail in Johannesburg from 1958–1962. Also during this period, he met local bookstore owner Joan Margaret Brown and they were married in 1960.
The success of The Golden Keel led Bagley to turn full time to novel writing by the mid-1960s. He published a total of sixteen thrillers, all craftsmanlike and nearly all best-sellers. Typical of British thriller writers of the era, he rarely used recurring characters whose adventures unfolded over multiple books. Max Stafford, the security consultant featured in Flyaway and Windfall, is a notable exception. Also typically, his work has received little attention from filmmakers, yielding only a few, unremarkable adaptations. Exceptions were The Freedom Trap (1971), released in 1973 as The Mackintosh Man by Warner Brothers, starring Paul Newman and Dominique Sanda; and Running Blind which was adapted for television by the BBC in 1979.
Bagley and his wife left South Africa for Italy in 1960, and then England in 1965. They settled in Totnes, Devon from 1965–1976, then lived in Guernsey in the Channel Islands from 1976-1983.
Bagley also published short stories. When not traveling to research the exotic backgrounds for his novels, Bagley spent his time sailing and motor-boating. He loved classical music and films, military history, and played war games.
Desmond Bagley died of complications resulting from a stroke at a hospital in Southampton. He was fifty-nine. His last two novels Night of Error and Juggernaut were published posthumously after completion by his wife. His works have been translated into over 20 languages.
Bagley was born at Kendal, Cumbria (then Westmorland), England, the son of John and Hannah Bagley. His family moved to the resort town of Blackpool in the summer of 1935, when Bagley was twelve. Leaving school not long after the relocation, Bagley worked as a printer's assistant and factory worker, and during World War II he worked in the aircraft industry. Bagley suffered from a speech impediment (stuttering) all of his life, which initially exempted him from military conscription.
He left England in 1947 for Africa and worked his way overland, crossing the Sahara Desert and briefly settling in Kampala, Uganda, where he contracted malaria. By 1951, he had settled in South Africa, working in the gold mining industry and asbestos industry in Durban, Natal, before becoming a freelance writer for local newspapers and magazines.
His first published short story appeared in the English magazine Argosy in 1957, and his first novel, The Golden Keel in 1962. In the interval, he was a film critic for Rand Daily Mail in Johannesburg from 1958–1962. Also during this period, he met local bookstore owner Joan Margaret Brown and they were married in 1960.
The success of The Golden Keel led Bagley to turn full time to novel writing by the mid-1960s. He published a total of sixteen thrillers, all craftsmanlike and nearly all best-sellers. Typical of British thriller writers of the era, he rarely used recurring characters whose adventures unfolded over multiple books. Max Stafford, the security consultant featured in Flyaway and Windfall, is a notable exception. Also typically, his work has received little attention from filmmakers, yielding only a few, unremarkable adaptations. Exceptions were The Freedom Trap (1971), released in 1973 as The Mackintosh Man by Warner Brothers, starring Paul Newman and Dominique Sanda; and Running Blind which was adapted for television by the BBC in 1979.
Bagley and his wife left South Africa for Italy in 1960, and then England in 1965. They settled in Totnes, Devon from 1965–1976, then lived in Guernsey in the Channel Islands from 1976-1983.
Bagley also published short stories. When not traveling to research the exotic backgrounds for his novels, Bagley spent his time sailing and motor-boating. He loved classical music and films, military history, and played war games.
Desmond Bagley died of complications resulting from a stroke at a hospital in Southampton. He was fifty-nine. His last two novels Night of Error and Juggernaut were published posthumously after completion by his wife. His works have been translated into over 20 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 8, 2017
As a child/teenager I absolutely loved the ”simple” suspense novels by Desmond Bagley & Alistair MacLean, eating up every word. Triggered by an audio adaption of Landslide I fell upon, I decided to revisit Desmond Bagley to see if the Novels could withstand the wear of more than 35 years.
The first (pleasant) surprise was that even though I thought I had read all the books, not all were translated to Danish at that time, so I could start out with a couple of new experiences.
The Golden Keel (1963) , High Citadel (1965) , Wyatt's Hurricane (1966)
The first 3 books, all new to me, were pleasant surprises and it was plain to see why Bagley so quickly became a best-seller novelist, the stories are well written with a fast pace and a sense of detail which makes them readable even today.
Landslide (1967)
Landslide was a revisit and one of my favorites both back then and now, the story is catching and has a definite film manuscript feeling about it,
The Vivero Letter (1968)
Another “new” novel, it was not as strong as the first 4 but still enjoyable.
The Spoilers (1969)
Another new novel and a definitely low point, the story is weak and utterly unbelievable.
Running Blind (1970)
Another reread and another favorite, maybe his best novel, the story is strong, the setting in Iceland is brilliant and characters, simple as they are, are believable.
The Freedom Trap (1971)
Another new novel very loosely connected to "running blind", this time mostly placed in Ireland, slightly weaker than it's predecessor but still a enjoyable read.
The Tightrope Men (1973)
Another reread, Bagley's take on the Cold War political thriller, which Le Carre made famous in those years, The political intrigues falls somewhat flat for me, but the surrounding action story is Bagley at his best
The Snow Tiger (1975)
Another reread, I read this again in 2012 and decided not to reread it this time around. The story is well written and as something new constructed around a retrospektiv framework so the first half of the book retells events already happened whereas the story kicks off from there, Bagleys first attempt to play with the narrative form and well carried out. definitely in top 3 bagley.
The Enemy (1977)
Another "new" novel and a good one at that. Bagley is now a mature storyteller with more dimensions, the story are still fast paced but far more unpredictable than the earlier novels, this one actually spins off in a totally unexpected direction two thirds though, another solid novel and far from outdated.
Flyaway (1978)
Another "new" novel and the first max Stafford novel, the story mostly place in the middle east are well written and believable even today.
, Bahama Crisis (1980)
Another "new" novel, not a bad story but the political setup seems far fetched today.
Windfall (1982)
Another New novel and the second Max Stafford novel, way better than Bahama Crisis. Placed partly in Africa and again playing with the format having two main characters intermingling.
, Night Of Error (1984), Juggernaut (1985)
The first (pleasant) surprise was that even though I thought I had read all the books, not all were translated to Danish at that time, so I could start out with a couple of new experiences.
The Golden Keel (1963) , High Citadel (1965) , Wyatt's Hurricane (1966)
The first 3 books, all new to me, were pleasant surprises and it was plain to see why Bagley so quickly became a best-seller novelist, the stories are well written with a fast pace and a sense of detail which makes them readable even today.
Landslide (1967)
Landslide was a revisit and one of my favorites both back then and now, the story is catching and has a definite film manuscript feeling about it,
The Vivero Letter (1968)
Another “new” novel, it was not as strong as the first 4 but still enjoyable.
The Spoilers (1969)
Another new novel and a definitely low point, the story is weak and utterly unbelievable.
Running Blind (1970)
Another reread and another favorite, maybe his best novel, the story is strong, the setting in Iceland is brilliant and characters, simple as they are, are believable.
The Freedom Trap (1971)
Another new novel very loosely connected to "running blind", this time mostly placed in Ireland, slightly weaker than it's predecessor but still a enjoyable read.
The Tightrope Men (1973)
Another reread, Bagley's take on the Cold War political thriller, which Le Carre made famous in those years, The political intrigues falls somewhat flat for me, but the surrounding action story is Bagley at his best
The Snow Tiger (1975)
Another reread, I read this again in 2012 and decided not to reread it this time around. The story is well written and as something new constructed around a retrospektiv framework so the first half of the book retells events already happened whereas the story kicks off from there, Bagleys first attempt to play with the narrative form and well carried out. definitely in top 3 bagley.
The Enemy (1977)
Another "new" novel and a good one at that. Bagley is now a mature storyteller with more dimensions, the story are still fast paced but far more unpredictable than the earlier novels, this one actually spins off in a totally unexpected direction two thirds though, another solid novel and far from outdated.
Flyaway (1978)
Another "new" novel and the first max Stafford novel, the story mostly place in the middle east are well written and believable even today.
, Bahama Crisis (1980)
Another "new" novel, not a bad story but the political setup seems far fetched today.
Windfall (1982)
Another New novel and the second Max Stafford novel, way better than Bahama Crisis. Placed partly in Africa and again playing with the format having two main characters intermingling.
, Night Of Error (1984), Juggernaut (1985)
December 15, 2018
The second and final (owing tMr Bagley's death) Max Stafford adventure. Set in the US, UK and Kenya this is a nicely paced and enjoyable espionage thriller.
As with all of Desmond Bagley's books the settings in and around the countries is very well done, with small details on local customs, weather, places, plants and animals all accurate and described in detail. I also learnt about Muldergate; not anything about The X-Files but a South African political scandal.
A good read and I'm sure had there been more Max Stafford books they would have been good stories.
As with all of Desmond Bagley's books the settings in and around the countries is very well done, with small details on local customs, weather, places, plants and animals all accurate and described in detail. I also learnt about Muldergate; not anything about The X-Files but a South African political scandal.
A good read and I'm sure had there been more Max Stafford books they would have been good stories.
July 7, 2022
This book falls short of the 1st Max Stafford thriller. The premise is kind of never really fully explained. Even by the end, I didn't really know what the bad guys were trying to do. The book is a little long and needed a bit more action. And there are quite a few loose ends such a bunch of murders are never resolved and no one cared much about them and the wife character's life is an existential mess by the end but it's never really explored. Overall, it's muddled and clumsily put together Bagley book which is very unlike his other books.
March 31, 2017
Not as good as Flyaway, but then very few thrillers came close to matching the atmospherics of that first book. Not a bad, quick read...
October 23, 2018
Bought this as the author was familiar from my teenage years in the 70s. Really loved it and excellent read. Would recommend
December 18, 2018
I found this one disappointing. The supposed motivation driving his baddies is utter nonsense, so his storyline makes no sense.
September 7, 2025
It was not until I reached the end of this novel that I realised I have read Windfall before. I'm not sure whether that reflects badly on me for being so forgetful, or the writer for writing such a unmemorable book. Perhaps I am expecting too much of Desmond Bagley and myself for that matter. I do so hate the term "page turner" and the people who mark library books as an aide memoire because they can not recall having reading a particular book. I'd never wanted to reach such a state.
Bagley has a great sense of place. I recall that from his novel set in New Zealand. Whether this is an accurate depiction of Kenya in the late 1960s, it certainly has an air of authenticity. Certainly we can believe the experience of being in the bush seems so real.
The plot with the mystery about the windfall is ingenious, particularly as the main character has to sort out two separate entities who want Henry Hendrix dead. How the reader finds out about the South African angle is unsatisfactory. It would have been better for Max Stafford to have uncovered that as he discovered what Ol Njorowa was really about. It is unclear however, why it needed such an infusion of money.
This is a thriller. Don't look for deeply developed characters or problematic themes which challenge the reader. The characters and their simple motivations serve to move the plot along and the theme that good guys always win is predictable.
Bagley has a great sense of place. I recall that from his novel set in New Zealand. Whether this is an accurate depiction of Kenya in the late 1960s, it certainly has an air of authenticity. Certainly we can believe the experience of being in the bush seems so real.
The plot with the mystery about the windfall is ingenious, particularly as the main character has to sort out two separate entities who want Henry Hendrix dead. How the reader finds out about the South African angle is unsatisfactory. It would have been better for Max Stafford to have uncovered that as he discovered what Ol Njorowa was really about. It is unclear however, why it needed such an infusion of money.
This is a thriller. Don't look for deeply developed characters or problematic themes which challenge the reader. The characters and their simple motivations serve to move the plot along and the theme that good guys always win is predictable.
September 6, 2023
The second thriller I've read from this author, following on from BAHAMA CRISIS, and the last released before his early death. WINDFALL is more of a Wilbur Smith type adventure, the action mostly taking place in and around a research institute in Kenya. Bagley's style is crisp, lean and spare and he immediately hooked me from the outset with the character of Hardin, a down-on-his-luck gumshoe who comes across as tough, realistic and yet completely sympathetic. The story develops at a good old clip, supported by a complex back story which adds mystery to the thrills. There's very little in the way of traditional action here - shooting, car chases and the like - but the mystery inherent in the story gives it a real page-turning quality.
February 5, 2024
The plot itself was very well done and kept me guessing until the end for several aspects (but not all!), but I can't bring myself to give more stars to a book with the level of blatant racism and misogyny this book has.
I know it was written in the early 80s, but when it's clearly the author's bias showing through rather than showing how things were, it deserves to pull down the rating. There was simply no reason to refer to so many characters the way that Bagley did.
The other thing that caught my eye beyond the above and the plot was how amazingly easy it was to just book and board flights. I mean, Hardin took Hendrix on one when the latter had a bullet in his arm. Can you imagine trying to do that in this day and age? The metal detectors would go nuts!
I know it was written in the early 80s, but when it's clearly the author's bias showing through rather than showing how things were, it deserves to pull down the rating. There was simply no reason to refer to so many characters the way that Bagley did.
The other thing that caught my eye beyond the above and the plot was how amazingly easy it was to just book and board flights. I mean, Hardin took Hendrix on one when the latter had a bullet in his arm. Can you imagine trying to do that in this day and age? The metal detectors would go nuts!
December 22, 2023
It took a while to get into the plot and understand how things were going - and then it captured my interest of intrigue and subterfuge! Ben Hardin is good at his 'craft of detecting', especially being ex CIA. His boss sends him on a mission to find a man - reasons why - unknown! But his path is already set to Britain and Africa. It involves, an inheritance, scientific research centre, kidnapping, death and espionage! Definitely no romance for me in this story - but definitely a mission impossible of really who done it! The book was a good read and I'm sorry I do not want to say more, cause it will definitely spoil for those who enjoy Bagley's novels!
August 9, 2020
If ‘Bahama Crisis’ was the first Bagley novel to feel even a smidgin by-the-numbers, then ‘Windfall’ was an immediate corrective. True, it’s not as high octane in the action stakes as usual, but it’s still a cracking conspiracy thriller, filled with intrigue, mystery and double-crosses. Better still, it’s a rich and evocative novel of Kenya, featuring some of Bagley’s best descriptive prose. A set piece involving a hot air balloon and absolutely no thrilleramics proves a real high point (pardon the pun).
August 7, 2023
Although a little bit dated in parts, this is another cracking adventure, which defines the phrase 'page-turner'.
An intriguing plot with plenty of twists and turns, this is a fine example of the master story-teller's art and a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.
Great stuff.
An intriguing plot with plenty of twists and turns, this is a fine example of the master story-teller's art and a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.
Great stuff.
November 12, 2019
Really enjoyed my first Desmond Bagley escapade!
The language was a bit dated, but it has one of the best demises of a bad guy I have ever read!
The language was a bit dated, but it has one of the best demises of a bad guy I have ever read!
January 18, 2021
Not very interesting
April 27, 2021
Not his best work.
May 15, 2022
A great story, which these days must be regarded as 'historical' although written in a contemporary time frame.
A re-read of a paperback that spent 35 years in a box in the attic!
A re-read of a paperback that spent 35 years in a box in the attic!
July 15, 2022
Read in Norwegian. 4 minus. A good read.
January 2, 2023
Again, good story, but hasn't aged well in some aspects.
December 14, 2023
Very enjoyable read. I was transported into every scene.
February 8, 2024
Not as cohesive as the first Max Stafford, but it was still an amazing adventure.
November 28, 2024
Desmond Bagley doing what Desmond Bagley does- a good story, but not my favourite one of his.
September 22, 2020
One of the better Desmond Bagleys. A hunt in Los Angeles for a missing heir of a legacy, leading a private detective to London and thereafter to Kenya, where he gets horribly mixed up in an international conspiracy to create unrest in the newly formed republics in Southern Africa, hatched by an axis of white-supremacists of South Africa and Zimbabwe and Russian communists. Brilliantly told story, which unfolds with people going up in balloons across the Kenyan wilderness, dangerous liaisons with hippopotamuses in shallow waters and a 360 degree subterfuge where everyone is trying to con the other. There is no pussy-footing here - the action moves on at a steady pace. No grey areas - people are either good or bad. And the good ones come up trumps in the end.
Good read indeed.
Good read indeed.
November 2, 2015
Fast paced story. I like it enough though I mostly am never interested to read story if there is no women featured prominently, but I quite like this book.
I like how it gave the background on the Africas state at the time, it explained the complex history and politics of the Africas nation to something we can comprehend, and deliver the story in a climactic way.
It mostly feels more of an investigative novel, and then there is the big action scene at the end to wrap the story. No twist and turn, but I guess because of that I kind of enjoyed it. Good roundup characters and even the villains I felt sorry for.
Will not mind to read another book by the same author.
I like how it gave the background on the Africas state at the time, it explained the complex history and politics of the Africas nation to something we can comprehend, and deliver the story in a climactic way.
It mostly feels more of an investigative novel, and then there is the big action scene at the end to wrap the story. No twist and turn, but I guess because of that I kind of enjoyed it. Good roundup characters and even the villains I felt sorry for.
Will not mind to read another book by the same author.
September 6, 2015
A good story, which steadily built to a tense and dramatic finish. The only negative was that there seemed to be quite a lot of African history as part of the narrative, which I found to be a little dull.
July 10, 2016
Nederlandse titel: Grof Wild
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews