Jack Higgins: Solo

Click to see in Amazon

Whenever I see a Jack Higgins book on the Amazon deals page I snap it up because they are always easy reading thrillers. This one was no exception. While it was written in 1980 it doesn't show signs of age like many others and I have seen similar plot lines in several more modern thrillers.

A psychopathic but artistically gifted killer whose career sends him around the world has found a regular and satisfying source of victims. While the source is politically inspired he is not interested in political gain, only the adrenaline kick of another successful kill. Things start to go wrong when he accidentally kills an innocent young girl in a hit-and-run accident when he is getting away from the scene of another assassination. The girl is the daughter of Asa Morgan, one of England's most dangerous soldiers with a record of violent success in many dangerous flash-points around the world.

Asa vows to avenge the killing himself. Through his contacts he is able to find clues where MI5 and Scotland Yard cannot venture. But the ultimate clue is uncovered through Asa's sheer cunning.

Higgins racks up the drama with an unlikely relationship between Dr. Katherine Riley, a foremost authority on terrorist mentality, and the killer. Riley becomes part of an emotional sandwich when she slowly uncovers the truth from her friendship with Asa.

The finale is high drama and great spy-craft as the Asa, the killer, his source, the MI5, and Katherine meet in a highly charged public performance.

A page-turning and satisfying thriller - well recommended.