SOLVED. 1970s spy thriller - Russians use oil rig as a spy base [s]

[Norm017]

This is a book by Futura (Published some time in the 1970s or early 1980s) I read four or five years ago.

The plot line involves the Soviets using an oil exploration rig in the 'Celtic Sea' as a spy base.

I think they are trying to steal an experimental weapon (either a torpedo or a missile).

As is typical of the period one of the agents is a 'sexy' female agent called (I think) Crystal Vengan.

One of the plot complications is that the Russians actually strike oil!

Any help with title/author would be greatly appreciated.

[Norm017]

Bump

[Kris]

A few long shots:

The Moon Pool by John Bishop Ballem? Subjects: Soviet Union, Undercover operations, Oil well drilling rigs - Fiction, Terrorism, Canada, Northern. 1978 book cover - www.amazon.com/moon-pool-John-Bishop-...

Maracaibo Mission by F. van Wyck Mason? "Colonel North of G-2 matches wits with a mad scientist and a Russian temptress in his attempts to foil a plot involving Venezuela's oil fields."

[Norm017]

No, the oil rig is definitely located off the coast of England. But I'll put both of your suggestions on my 'to keep an eye out for' list.

[Norm017]

I just remembered something else, the title may have had the word 'Horse' in it somewhere, probably given what I remember of the plot a play on the idea of a trojan horse.

[Ayshe]

The Moscow Horse by John Denis?

[Norm017]

That's it, thank you.