What do you think?
John Sand #3
To Live and Spy In Berlin: A Spy Thriller
The world’s greatest living spy…
…May have just found a man he can’t kill.
The world thinks John Sand’s retired. No longer heading into the MI6 offices, he’s an energy company executive. He’s got a nice corner office, lavish dinners to attend, and no bullets flying at his head…yet.
The truth is much deadlier.
Sand’s hunting stolen uranium, and he knows if he doesn’t find it soon, he’ll be hunting something very different…a nuclear bomb.
Deep in South America, the remnants of Nazi Germany hide. Their only goal is to accomplish what their insane leader failed to ensure Germany rises victorious out of the next World War.
Now that they’ve got enriched uranium, their psychopathic dreams are merely days away.
In a race against time, Sand must find the uranium and destroy these deranged lunatics once and for all.
Can the world’s greatest spy stop the evilest men to ever live?
Or is he a bit too old, a bit too weak, and a bit too slow?
…May have just found a man he can’t kill.
The world thinks John Sand’s retired. No longer heading into the MI6 offices, he’s an energy company executive. He’s got a nice corner office, lavish dinners to attend, and no bullets flying at his head…yet.
The truth is much deadlier.
Sand’s hunting stolen uranium, and he knows if he doesn’t find it soon, he’ll be hunting something very different…a nuclear bomb.
Deep in South America, the remnants of Nazi Germany hide. Their only goal is to accomplish what their insane leader failed to ensure Germany rises victorious out of the next World War.
Now that they’ve got enriched uranium, their psychopathic dreams are merely days away.
In a race against time, Sand must find the uranium and destroy these deranged lunatics once and for all.
Can the world’s greatest spy stop the evilest men to ever live?
Or is he a bit too old, a bit too weak, and a bit too slow?
246 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2021
About the author
Max Allan Collins
829 books1,361 followersReceived the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) in 2006.
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 15, 2021
In the first two novels in the John Sands espionage series, we learn that John was the British Agent no. 777 whose exploits spawned the Bond mania. The first two books have John semi-retiring and Meeting Stacy Boldt, giving us a married Bond character, but just as exciting, sexy, and violent.
This one opens with Stacy training to become a secret agent, too, although one wonders how secret a world-famous celebrity couple could be. So our married secret agent is now a powerhouse secret agent couple.
Together, along with a French Brigitte Bardot lookalike Agent who just happens to be John’s old flame, they travel to Brazil, Argentina and Berlin to head off the establishment of the Fourth Reich by a bevy of former Nazis and mad scientists. Putting the trio together probably wouldn’t fly in real life, but it makes things a bit more complicated.
The writing team sets this clearly in the Kennedy era with Kennedy giving his famous I am a Berliner speech and later the shots fired from the book depository.
Overall, a fine addition to a rapidly growing series, but not my favorite in the series.
This one opens with Stacy training to become a secret agent, too, although one wonders how secret a world-famous celebrity couple could be. So our married secret agent is now a powerhouse secret agent couple.
Together, along with a French Brigitte Bardot lookalike Agent who just happens to be John’s old flame, they travel to Brazil, Argentina and Berlin to head off the establishment of the Fourth Reich by a bevy of former Nazis and mad scientists. Putting the trio together probably wouldn’t fly in real life, but it makes things a bit more complicated.
The writing team sets this clearly in the Kennedy era with Kennedy giving his famous I am a Berliner speech and later the shots fired from the book depository.
Overall, a fine addition to a rapidly growing series, but not my favorite in the series.
August 7, 2021
This third book in the John Sand series has the eponymous spy and his wife (and his French ex) go up against a Neo Nazi plot to get enough uranium for a nuclear bomb. Is it just me, or does it seem odd that Sand never actually fights commies during the Cold War? Oh well.
Collins is a superior writer, obviously having a good time writing in a genre he enjoyed as a younker. It's fast moving,with just enough Fleming (and his many imitators) callbacks to keep you guessing.
Let's all hope for more!
Collins is a superior writer, obviously having a good time writing in a genre he enjoyed as a younker. It's fast moving,with just enough Fleming (and his many imitators) callbacks to keep you guessing.
Let's all hope for more!
August 7, 2021
The third novel in the John Sands series continues with a new mission for Sand, this time accompanied by his beautiful wife Stacy as a newly minted (almost) rookie agent. Also accompanying them this time is Sand’s gorgeous ex-lover. That right there could be an explosive combination. Sands himself realizes he is either the luckiest man on Earth…or the unluckiest.
The mission involves pilfered uranium, at least at the beginning. Who stole it and for what purpose? This is 1963 so perhaps somebody is planning on building a bomb? The chase leads Sand and his co-agents on numerous trips to Las Vegas, South America, Houston, and of course Berlin. Fortunately, Stacy is CEO of a multinational oil empire, so money is no object. The mission evolves as new clues are discovered, including a group of Nazis who are now making their home in Venezuela. Some, were thought dead…including…could it be? No spoilers here though.
A major sub-plot of the novel is whether Stacy is ready to be a field agent. She gets plenty of action scenes here and more than holds her own, proving she is smart and competent…but is this right for her? There’s no shortage of action or intrigue in the novel and just as in previous books in the series, several cameos are included as well, including an unforgettable Liberace.
Many reviewers of these novels seem to be under a mistaken impression that the books are supposed to be pastiches of James Bond. They are not. While the character of John Sand is the model for James Bond in this fictional world, naturally, there are playful comparisons between Sand and Bond. But authors Max Allan Collins and frequent co-author Matthew Clemens aren’t trying to imitate Ian Fleming. I’ve read Collin’s blog about these books and it’s clear both authors are espionage fans, but they are adding their own twists to it. The result is just plain fun.
While the story does mostly wrap up, there is one large cliffhanger which should easily lead into book four. I certainly hope there will be one.
The mission involves pilfered uranium, at least at the beginning. Who stole it and for what purpose? This is 1963 so perhaps somebody is planning on building a bomb? The chase leads Sand and his co-agents on numerous trips to Las Vegas, South America, Houston, and of course Berlin. Fortunately, Stacy is CEO of a multinational oil empire, so money is no object. The mission evolves as new clues are discovered, including a group of Nazis who are now making their home in Venezuela. Some, were thought dead…including…could it be? No spoilers here though.
A major sub-plot of the novel is whether Stacy is ready to be a field agent. She gets plenty of action scenes here and more than holds her own, proving she is smart and competent…but is this right for her? There’s no shortage of action or intrigue in the novel and just as in previous books in the series, several cameos are included as well, including an unforgettable Liberace.
Many reviewers of these novels seem to be under a mistaken impression that the books are supposed to be pastiches of James Bond. They are not. While the character of John Sand is the model for James Bond in this fictional world, naturally, there are playful comparisons between Sand and Bond. But authors Max Allan Collins and frequent co-author Matthew Clemens aren’t trying to imitate Ian Fleming. I’ve read Collin’s blog about these books and it’s clear both authors are espionage fans, but they are adding their own twists to it. The result is just plain fun.
While the story does mostly wrap up, there is one large cliffhanger which should easily lead into book four. I certainly hope there will be one.
July 29, 2021
John Sand is on another case, in the midst of it he tries to prevent a third world war.
Can he succeed?
Another great outing from the pen of Max Allan Collins and Matthew Clemens! The action
is fast and ongoing, which keeps you turning the pages. This ends on a cliffhanger and I
hope the series gets a continuation so I can see what's in store for the spy that Bond was
based on!
Can he succeed?
Another great outing from the pen of Max Allan Collins and Matthew Clemens! The action
is fast and ongoing, which keeps you turning the pages. This ends on a cliffhanger and I
hope the series gets a continuation so I can see what's in store for the spy that Bond was
based on!
September 27, 2021
THIS REVIEW PROVIDED IN RETURN FOR A FREE ARC
John Sand enters his third adventure in his supposed retirement in 1963. In fact, the world's megavillains are getting so dangerous that a new international agency has been created to fight evil. Sand, his wife Stacey and a beautiful French operative hunt for stolen uranium and Nazis in South America. This book feels less playful than the first two and is all the stronger for it. Saving the world is serious business and we need the Sands' help. This is the last book in the series but Collins hopes to get a contract for more. Me too.
John Sand enters his third adventure in his supposed retirement in 1963. In fact, the world's megavillains are getting so dangerous that a new international agency has been created to fight evil. Sand, his wife Stacey and a beautiful French operative hunt for stolen uranium and Nazis in South America. This book feels less playful than the first two and is all the stronger for it. Saving the world is serious business and we need the Sands' help. This is the last book in the series but Collins hopes to get a contract for more. Me too.
February 16, 2023
The final chapter in the homage series to Bond spy tales adds more Man From Uncle aspects. Naxis and another visit with old foes and friends leads to Berlin and the underground world that still might exist of the old bunkers from WWII.
August 21, 2021
Another John Sand Success
This third offering in the series featuring secret agent John Sand (from whom, the books fictionally reveal, is the model from whom Ian Fleming created James Bond), along with his Texas Oil Company President wife Stacey as they continue to work for a new agenda created by President Kennedy.
In this outing there are some suspiciously familiar villains from the past novels who are up to no good. This time, the stakes are higher as Stacy works at becoming an agent herself, the joining in arms with the couple another agent and former lover of John’s, Charlotte, and a possible attempt at escaped Nazis tying to rise into power again.
All of these elements, as well as the stellar writing from co-authors Max Allen Collins with Matthew V. Clemens into a satisfying, enjoyable read. If you love 007, and the swinging 60’s, and some good old fashioned spy craft then To Live and Spy in Berlin will not be a disappointment.
Though this can be read independently I feel that the reader would benefit by reading the series from the start. Why not begin now. My hope is that John and Stacy Sand, and their adventures are here to stay.
This third offering in the series featuring secret agent John Sand (from whom, the books fictionally reveal, is the model from whom Ian Fleming created James Bond), along with his Texas Oil Company President wife Stacey as they continue to work for a new agenda created by President Kennedy.
In this outing there are some suspiciously familiar villains from the past novels who are up to no good. This time, the stakes are higher as Stacy works at becoming an agent herself, the joining in arms with the couple another agent and former lover of John’s, Charlotte, and a possible attempt at escaped Nazis tying to rise into power again.
All of these elements, as well as the stellar writing from co-authors Max Allen Collins with Matthew V. Clemens into a satisfying, enjoyable read. If you love 007, and the swinging 60’s, and some good old fashioned spy craft then To Live and Spy in Berlin will not be a disappointment.
Though this can be read independently I feel that the reader would benefit by reading the series from the start. Why not begin now. My hope is that John and Stacy Sand, and their adventures are here to stay.
June 14, 2022
Max Allan Collins is a masterful story teller, and I love how he takes characters from the past and brings them to life. His John Sand books aren't of the same caliber as his Nate Heller and Eliot Ness books, but they are a swell ride. His knowledge of history and well crafted stories make for interesting reading, and keeps me coming back for more. John and Stacey are maybe a little too much of super heroes, but are engaging none the less. The premise of this book is vaguely plausible, and is handled with enough enigmatic plots to make it flow well.
August 12, 2021
Max Allan Collins and Matthew V. Clemens are back with their third John Sand adventure-and this is their best one yet! If you enjoy a good James Bond-like adventure, this one's for you. An international setting, beautiful women, action, suspense, a cliffhanger ending-it's all here. Don't start reading unless you're prepared to stay up all night to finish it. A real page-turner!
July 14, 2021
Good Plot But a Bit Slow
Although the overall book was entertaining, there was too much "fill-in" information distracting the reader when a sentence or too would have worked. Also, the violent scenes were a bit hokey, like cartoons!
Although the overall book was entertaining, there was too much "fill-in" information distracting the reader when a sentence or too would have worked. Also, the violent scenes were a bit hokey, like cartoons!
August 26, 2021
Vintage Collins
Lovers of historical fiction and nostalgia will enjoy this book. As a lover of history and James Bond, I highly recommend this book and this series. Give me more.
Lovers of historical fiction and nostalgia will enjoy this book. As a lover of history and James Bond, I highly recommend this book and this series. Give me more.
July 23, 2022
John, Stacey, and Charlotte travel from Argentina to Berlin in an attempt to thwart the rise of the Fourth Reich.
May 30, 2023
Another interesting read that, unfortunately, contains: Profanity and sexual situations intimately described. Narration is, as usual, clear and pleasant.
February 14, 2024
This one is a bit crazy but still a wild ride. The science experiments were a bit out there as was the discovery of the location for the final 'save the world' event.
January 28, 2022
Another Excellent John Sand Installment...
Max Allan Collins does it again! Another great book in the John Sand retro spy thriller series! It's such a fun read when history and kitsch combine to tell a tale as only Max Allan Collins can! Great stuff - a cold-blooded agent determined to keep the world safe from a resurgent Reich threat in the 1960's. A thrill a minute and great storytelling is the hallmark of any M.A. Collins tale. I heartily recommend it!
Max Allan Collins does it again! Another great book in the John Sand retro spy thriller series! It's such a fun read when history and kitsch combine to tell a tale as only Max Allan Collins can! Great stuff - a cold-blooded agent determined to keep the world safe from a resurgent Reich threat in the 1960's. A thrill a minute and great storytelling is the hallmark of any M.A. Collins tale. I heartily recommend it!
October 12, 2021
Another solid adventure in the John Sand series. I hope that Collins returns for a fourth tale.
July 19, 2024
Fantasy plot with Hitler and previously unknown daughter, subjected to plastic surgery, procuring uranium and atomic bombe expertise in 1963, but foiled by a James Bond style spy
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews