Trotsky's Run

James Burlane Thriller #1

by Richard Hoyt

Presents a comic thriller in which the Americans and Russians exchange espionage gambits and a presidential candidate thinks he's Leon Trotsky

Genres: Espionage, Fiction, Politics

262 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

The author of 27 mysteries and thrillers, I’m a former army counterintelligence agent, newspaper reporter, Newsweek writer and college professor with a PhD. in American studies. The New York Times included four of my titles on its annual notable books list. My novels include 10 John Denson Pacific Northwest mysteries and 10 James Burlane international thrillers. My John Denson mystery 30 for a Harry was nominated for a Shamus by the Private Eye Writers of America and Siege won the American Mystery Award for best espionage novel. The French publisher Gallimard published Trotsky’s Run as a Serie Noir best-of-the best title. I’ve been widely published in British commonwealth countries, France, Holland, Belgium, Finland, Japan and Germany.

Reviews

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: Kim Philby sends a message: I want to defect back, and by the way, a candidate for US President is working for the Soviets.

[Georgene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book back in the 80's. I read a number of books by Richard Hoyt back then and enjoyed them. I don't know about his other books, but I don't think this one as aged well. (Come to think about it, I'm pretty sure I haven't either.)

If you're into thrillers, give this one a try. For whatever reason, I can't read thrillers any more. So, ignore my opinion and see what you think of this one.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in the early 1980s, not everything is relevant for the current times, it is still an entertaining read. All about spy espionage and the KBG trying to infiltrate politics in the United States with undercover spies. A potential Presidential nominee is one of these undercover agents, and he believes to be someone else entirely. It is a question of who has more at risk of him coming into power, the KBG or the CIA?

[Paul Blaauw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember much about this book, which I read in my teens. I just know I loved it.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff.

James Burlane is just a lot of fun. I enjoy his skewed view of the world of espionage, and it's a kick to watch his legend grow in the next books.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#1 in the James Burlane series.

James Burlane series - Moscow-dweller Kim Philby sneaks a two-part message to the CIA: a) he wants to defect back to the West; and b) US presidential candidate Derek Townes is a KGB mole! Is the Philby message a KGB trick of some kind? That's the question for top CIA desk-man Ara Schott, who--with major assistance from ruthless field-agent James Burlane--goes to the Black Sea to arrange for the rescue of Philby from Yalta. But this nautical caper goes awry: sea-going KGB agents appear to repossess Philby. And, as election day approaches, Schott continues to be unsure about the Townes-is-a-mole story. Eventually, however, after breaking into the FBI computer-files, Schott and Burlane track down the evidence they've been looking for: a tape of Townes under hypnosis. Is Townes a KGB agent? Yes indeed. But the tape also reveals that Townes is now thoroughly bonkers: he's a split personality, half of which is none other than Leon Trotsky! So Townes must be eliminated before he becomes President--and both Russia and China are eager to help the CIA arrange for a quiet assassination.

[Timo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kiva idea, hyvin selitettyä historiallista taustaa vasten, lopputulos oli kuitenkin "meh".