The Last Frontier - an old action/thriller but a good one

[Matthew]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Last-Fron...

I love Alistair Maclean's novels. Granted, there are a few sub par works in there, as there always will be, but the gems shine all the brighter for the comparison.

The Last Frontier is one such gem. One of Maclean's older works, it's set during the Cold War, and tells the tale of a British agent (Reynolds) trying to whisk a scientist away from behind the Iron Curtain, specifically Budapest.

So far, I could be describing a lot of books, so what makes this one special? Well, first of all, Frontier is missing the usual black and white portrayal common to thrillers of its time. Yes, the baddies are often callous and cruel, but it's not because they're Communists (as is often the case in books of this age), it's because that's their nature. Similarly, Reynolds and his allies are far from perfect - a far cry from the morally-unassailable heroes in some of Maclean's other works.

All that aside, Maclean's character work is at its best here (although the much more famous 'Where Eagles Dare' is perhaps a touch better) with plenty of memorable individuals on both sides. Sadly, as is typical for a Maclean story, there aren't any female characters beyond the mandatory (and largely passive) love interest, but even she manages a few memorable lines and scenes. Special mention must go to the mysterious Count, whose easy banter never quite hides the seriousness beneath, and easily steals every scene he's in.

Overall, well worth a read to anyone who likes thrillers, or just gets a kick out of beautifully-written characters.

[Pat ()]

Indeed, I have enjoyed Maclean's books for many a year.