Thunder Point. Jack Higgins

I'm a devoted Jack Higgins reader & especially that Irish rogue Sean Dillon. At 1st I thought I'd missed this one but soon realised I hadn't but kept reading anyway. Originally an enforcer with the IRA Sean has been forced to change camps & work for British Intelligence under Sir Charles Ferguson & his untouchable team who answer only to the PM.A good friend of a retired British Naval man stumbles across a WW2 German submarine, U180, during a diving trip. He finds a water tight case that when opened has papers signed by Hitler himself ordering safe passage from Germany for Bormann just days before the end of the war. The friend rushes the case to England where his old friend translates what becomes known as the Windsor Protocol, a very dangerous document indeed. It appears there's another briefcase on the sub even more dangerous than the 1st & so the race is on between Sir Charles' team and a wealthy criminal by the name of Santiago, to locate the sub & grab the 2nd case. Santiago is rather prone to killing anyone who gets in his way & is fed up to date progress reports on Sir Charles by a Lord from 1 of Britain's oldest families, a family that stands to lose its honour should the document go public. It's up to Sean to make sure that never happens & so he puts his extensive skill base to good use, kills all the bad guys, grabs the case, saves the day & Britain's history. I'm glad I read Thunder Point. All Jack Higgins' novels are written in a way that you can go back & revisit them very easily.

Can never go wrong with Jack Reacher

great read, terrific plot line

This is quite a different sstory line to many of the Dillon books. Makes it a departure and interesting at the same time.

I've read a few of the Sean Dillon books, albiet out of sequence. However the common point is that they are all true to form as easy to read thrillers that are ideal for just relaxing with. Especially good in the window of a coffee shop where you can also watch the world go by :-)

Fantastic read!! All of the Sean Dillon books have you totally engrossed in them. Unable to put them down. This has a brilliant plot and a superb ending I can't wait for the next one!!!

Derivative.

I'm a big Jack Higgins fan and have enjoyed several Dillon novels. I tend to think the later ones, particularly 'The Judas Gate,' are amongst the best. This early entry wasn't bad. There are only two drawbacks; one, the reason for needing Dillon isn't really made clear. The British Navy must have someone as capable. Two, the novel tends to drag. I don't blame Higgins so much as publishers tend to pressure their writers to write stories with higher word counts but in my opinion, the story would have been better if it were about sixty pages shorter. Still, it's worth a read. Terror On The High Seas

Thunder PointThe second in Jack Higgins series of books featuring former IRA activist Sean Dillon. Dillon has become a ‘gun for hire’ mercenary willing to carry out any attack if the price is right. His latest endeavour in the former Yugoslavia appears to have got him into serious trouble.A former World War II U-Boat is found sunk in the Caribbean. Evidence appears to indicate that it was transporting leading Nazi Martin Bormann to Venezuela but there is no sign of Bormann’s remains on the submarine. However what may be there are documents which reveal Nazi finances, details of Nazi sympathisers in both Britain and America and, most importantly of all, a proclamation. Involving a member of the British Royal Family. The war may have ended fifty years previously but the publication of these documents could be embarrassing for all parties.British Intelligence are keen to get access to the documents and Major Charles Ferguson is soon on the case. However there are other parties who would be very happy if the documents remained at the bottom of the sea. In order to gain the necessary advantage Ferguson has no choice but to rescue and employ his former enemy Sean Dillon.In previous comments on Higgins books I have made much of his tendency to engage in stereotypes. In this particular book he remains very much on track. Dillon is the engaging Irishman with the ready quip and ruthless manner. Ferguson is the archetypal British Officer, pillar of the establishment whose life revolves round gentleman’s clubs. Each of the other characters in the book are in their own way stereotypical of different groups in society.The book is entertaining but lacks depth. Characters are superficial and show no real emotional attachment to the violent issue they instigate, commit or witness. As the body count rises it becomes apparent that the conflict is seen more as a game than a life or death struggle. Higgins will entertain his reader but if you are seeking in-depth analysis and meaningful characters then neither Dillon or Ferguson will meet your requirements.

This is the first of the series of books with Sean Dillon working for Brigadier Ferguson and British Intelligence. And it’s one of Higgins’ best, non-stop action and absolutely gripping, with enough twists and turns to satisfy anyone. Naturally completely unbelievable, but who cares about that when it’s a great read and the baddies get their come uppance in the end. Looking forward now to reading the next Sean Dillon adventure.

Dillon is a cold blooded killer, but I can't help but like him.This is the third Dillon novel I have read. I have to read them all but I think I will stay loyal to Dillon and Ferguson.Brilliant writing by Jack Higgins .Ready to start the next one.

A cracking paced novel, with some supreme villains, Nazi secrets and intrigue at the highest levels of politics. He really captures the essence of the environments about which he writes - whether London, the Caribbean, or Scuba diving on a coral reef.Lots of plot twists, and fast paced story development.Great fun.

I have to admit that I have not read many Jack Higgins' books recently but my expectations were disappointed with this one. In fact I gave up two-thirds of the way through - something I would rarely do.All the characters are too stereotyped.The book has the basics for a good plot but every bit of action, and they are sparing scattered throughout the book, is too perdictable with the good guys always being there when needed.The book was published in 1993 and perhaps the writing style is dated although under 20 years is not long for a good writer.I may go back to finish it but for the time being it is in my discard folder.