Date first published	1972
ISBN Number	0 586 03743 8
Page Count	205 p/b
h/b= hardback : p/b= paperback

Storyline

John Tanner is a reasonably successful network news director. He has a nice home in the suberbs, and is happy. Over the years he has developed close friendships with the Ostermans, Cardones and Tremaynes, all successful in their own spheres. Regular get togethers called Osterman Weekends rounds off the perfect life.

Until that is, Tanner is lured into a plot to reveal which of his best friends is in fact a Soviet Spy controlling a spy ring in America designed to bring down the government, and with it the industrial might. Tanner reluctantly agrees, after all nothing can go wrong with the CIA patrolling the area and watching his every move. That is until Omega decides to act, and the bodies start piling up.

Review

I usually find it quite hard to write up the plot of a book, in such a way that you the reader are attracted, but without giving the plot away, however in this case it is realtively easy.

Yes the plot is simple, it uses only one device to capture your attention, but it works. At 205 pages it is also relatively short book, but it is pacy, and gradually turns up the pressure. With only one plot line you are focused on the main event which actually takes up very little of the book. Everything is geared to making you wonder what is going to happen during the weekend, and which of Tanners friends is the Soviet Agent.

The leading chapters, just opens the door a little on the private lives of the Ostermans, Cardones, and Tremaynes, from this little glimpse you know that all three are involved in something, something which is possibly illegal, but that is as far as it goes.

Once the weekend actually starts, things spiral out of control, with all the parties including the Tanners not really knowing how or why. like all good mysteries all the parties are missing from the attempt on Tanners life, but it does give a major clue as to who the mole is. Thats all I'm saying because you will have to read the book to find out who the agent is.

To some up I liked the book. A week after reading it, I can still tell you the basic outline, the reasons for the whole set up and the final outcome from memory. It is a very good early Ludlum. Not his best but certainly a good solid read, which will leave you well satisfied.

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