I would describe this story as an Alistair MacLean adventure crossed with the James Bond books by Ian Fleming. I have read seven books by Fleming but only one by MacLean (The Guns of Navarone) so this may not be entirely accurate. Manston is working for an unnamed secret intelligence group but the story felt much more like an adventure thriller to me, with romance included. All of it was very well done, including the romance, so no complaints here.
Manston is a very likable character. He shows up later in the Rex Carver books, and in those books he is a bit different, darker. I also like the portrayal of Irina, the dancer, a woman who is capable and unafraid. That may be one of Canning's strongest points for me; he does a very good job with his characters, keeping me interested and involved whether they are good or bad or in between. There are some very interesting villains in this book too.
I am a big fan of Victor Canning's writing. I have only read his mystery and espionage fiction, and this is only the fourth book of his I have read, but I will be seeking out more of his books.
One resource I used in writing this review was a reference book by John Higgins, A Rex Carver Companion.
This review of Limbo Line at Mystery*File has more details, and more about the author's writing career and recommended books.
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Publisher: Berkley Medallion Books, 1965. Orig. pub. 1963.
Length: 192 pages
Format: Paperback
Setting: UK, France
Genre: Adventure, Thriller
Source: I purchased this book.
25 comments:
Very nice! I love that you are keeping these books alive in readers' minds. I always hate to think that good older books get forgotten and neglected.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Tracy. Sometimes, espionage and sort-of-espionage books go too far 'over the top,' but this one doesn't seem to do that, and that's good to know. And you've reminded me that I MUST do a spotlight on a Victor Canning novel. I should have by now, and just...haven't.
Thanks, Tracy. I keep meaning to read more by him. The Rainbird Pattern (reviewed by Moira at Clothes In Books) was very good.
Is this one of a "loose" series, are you planning of reading them all? Maybe I'll get to Canning next year.
Thank you, Kay. I wish that Canning was one of those authors getting their books reissued, to make them easier to find. I do enjoy his writing.
It would be good if you did a spotlight on Victor Canning someday, Margot. I would love to hear what you have to say.
I loved The Rainbird Pattern, Christine. I am now looking for The Mask of Memory which is the next book in the loose series. I am also looking for the 2nd in the Rex Carver series.
This book precedes the Rex Carver series just by a couple of years, Col, and then the Rex Carver series also includes Manston as a secondary character. I don't know which ones I will read... one period of his writing had lots of spy fiction or crime fiction, the earlier books were different. But I might try some of them anyway, just to see what I think.
I have a couple of paperbacks by Canning on "the shelf", but, despite a recommendation by Bill Crider, have yet to try one.
I've read a few Victor Canning adventure novels and thoroughly enjoyed them.
I especially liked Firecrest and The Rainbird Pattern, Rick, but all of the books I have by Canning have been good. But I also have plenty of books on my shelves by authors I have never tried.
George, I just found a copy of The House of the Seven Files by Canning at a book sale today, and had not heard anything about it but thought it was worth the risk. It appears to be an adventure novel (mixed with espionage?), published in 1952. I think I will like it.
Actually, the title is The House of Seven Flies, which sounds so strange to me.
I've not read any Canning, altho his name oddly is very familiar. I must check him out!
Before I read about this author at another blog, I don't think I had heard of him at all. (I think the blog was Existential Ennui.) I have enjoyed everything I have read so far.
TracyK: What I remember of Bond on paper still involves fiction requiring major suspension of disbelief. As a cross with Bond I will probably not read Canning.
I should know better than to compare authors to other authors, Bill, and this particular book is probably more Alistair MacLean than James Bond-ish. However, this book may not be for you anyway. Victor Canning did write a wide range of books, and some of them might appeal to you. On the other hand, I am sure you have plenty to read already.
Hello Tracy! I have heard and read about Victor Canning, but never read any of his thrillers. I'd be keen to read his spy fiction.
How nice to hear from you, Prashant. I hope you are doing well. And I think you would like Victor Cannings spy fiction.
Never heard of him but will keep this author in mind. I'm always looking for really good spy fiction. Thanks Tracy -- Keishon
May not be for everyone, Keishon, but Canning is surely an author worth trying.
Ditto, Tracy. It's nice to be back. I may not blog very often but I will be blog-hopping, something I missed over the past nine months and more.
I have missed having you stop by, Prashant. I always love to hear your opinions.
As you know, I am another big fan of Canning. I'm never sure which one to read next, but this sounds like a good candidate.
I enjoyed it, Moira, and I wanted to read it before I read any more of the Rex Carver series. It isn't much like those but I do like his writing so much, it did not matter. I have to get more of his books. I got one at the book sale, which is a stand alone so it may be the next one I read. But I am missing the "next" book in both the Birdcage series and the Rex Carver series.
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