Edge of Danger [Large Print] [Paperback]

Jack Higgins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

From the bestselling author Jack Higgins comes a new thriller reuniting heroic American agent Blake Johnson and ex-IRA enforcer Sean Dillon. They join forces in a desperate race to stop a fanatical clan of international warriors from taking its ultimate revenge. Its target?

The President of the United States.

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

British agent Sean Dillon, late of the IRA, is back in another heart-stopping adventure by veteran suspense writer Jack Higgins, who starts his newest with a dry recitation of the background and heritage of the villains of this piece (the half-British, half-Arab Rashid family) and then rockets them into action. The three brothers and their alluringly beautiful sister Kate aren't happy when Russian and American interests start poaching on the patch of oil-rich desert sand they consider part of the family business. Political assassination figures heavily in the Rashids' plans for revenge. Enlisting the aid of Irish terrorist Aiden Bell and his cronies, they plot the murder of the American president, and when that fails, the Russian prime minister. But Dillon and his spymaster, Brigadier General Ferguson, thwart their plans at every turn, and as the Rashid men are picked off, one by one, the stakes keep getting raised. The final showdown, between Sean and Kate, ends in the kind of draw that, combined with the oft-repeated Rashid family motto ("I always return"), presages a sequel to this brilliantly paced thriller.

Sean Dillon is a soldier's soldier, whom Higgins invests with dignity as well as derring-do; he gets more complex and interesting with every outing. Higgins has penned over 30 novels, many featuring other protagonists, but none of them has Dillon's staying power. If you've never met Sean Dillon, this is a good place to start. There are plenty of books featuring him in Higgins's extensive backlist, and by the time you've worked your way through them, you'll be eagerly anticipating the next one. --Jane Adams --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

After 31 Higgins thrillers, nearly all first-rate, fans know that this author is as reliable as a Rolls. His 32nd novel proves no letdown. Pitting returning antihero Sean Dillon, once of the IRA, now with British intelligence, against an aristocratic English-Arab family bent on vengeance that threatens world order, the story whips along. From London to the Middle East, from Ireland to the White House, it swirls with intrigue and snaps with violence. While driving drunk in England, a Russian diplomat kills the mother of Paul Rashid, Earl of Loch Dhu, one of the world's richest men. The diplomat is protected by both the Russians and the Americans, between whom he was brokering an oil deal. In retaliation, Rashid, whose Arab side stems from fierce desert "Bedu," lashes out by ordering the assassination of the American president. Rashid hires an infamous Irish terrorist to do the deed, but in a tense stalk-and-shoot at the presidential retreat at Nantucket, the attempt failsDprompting Rashid to go after other targets. Higgins's no-nonsense prose builds a tough tale peopled by menDand a few women, notably Rashid's beautiful, equally fierce sisterDwho thrive on danger and are smart enough to quote Plato in explaining why ("'the life which is unexamined is not worth living.' Which means to me: the life not put to the test"). Dillon's usual gang joins the diminutive, deadly Irishman as he tracks Rashid from one outrage to another, culminating in a showdown in an ancient Scot castle that leaves no doubt of a sequel. This is Higgins near the top of his game, hands a blur as, fast and hard, he deals another winner. Literary Guild main selection. (Feb. 19) Forecast: Like his talent, Higgins's welcome on bestseller lists never seems to wear out.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 341 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786231718
• ISBN-13: 978-0786231713
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,596,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jack Higgins is among the world's most popular authors. Since the publication of The Eagle Has Landed--one of the biggest-selling thrillers of all time--every novel he has written has become an international bestseller, including The White House Connection and Day of Reckoning. He has had simultaneous number-one bestsellers in hardcover and paperback, and has been published in thirty-eight languages worldwide. Many of his books have been made into successful movies, among them The Eagle Has Landed, To Catch A King, and The Valhalla Exchange. He lives with his wife on Jersey in the Channel Islands.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing but action, February 24, 2001

By 

Konrad Kern (OFallon, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edge of Danger (Hardcover)

See story summary above.

No doubt an action packed story that'll take you from spots in England to spots in the Mideast. Pure action all the way. If that's all your looking for, look no further. As far as details and dialogue are concerned, there is very little to sink your teeth into, which is typical for a Higgins novel. Though short and to the point, I do enjoy his books. I would match super hero Sean Dillon against any fictitious villian. Good escapist fiction and quick reading make this book enjoyable.

Recommended.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN EXPLOSIVE READING OF A SUSPENSE LADEN POWERHOUSE, February 14, 2001

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edge of Danger (Audio Cassette)

Taut and tense, an explosion of sequential thrill packed events - these are hallmarks of the popular novels springing from the pen of the seemingly inexhaustible Jack Higgins. "Edge Of Danger," his 32nd suspense laden powerhouse is no exception.

The Belfast born author now brings us a harrowing tale with former IRA member, Sean Dillon, confronted by the Rashid's, an English/Arab family sworn to avenge the killing of one of their own by a Russian diplomat who was driving drunk. When the diplomat is provided immunity by Russia and America, vengeance is sought with the life of the American president.

Action swerves throughout the world until a terrifying finale takes place in a remote castle.

Patrick Macnee, whom many will remember for his portrayal of John Steed on the hit TV series The Avengers, has the perfect voice for this reading. His control, accents, and delivery are superb, bringing a larger than life story to even more vivid realization.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Once again, Sean Dillon, March 6, 2001

By 

Frank J. Konopka (Shamokin, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Edge of Danger (Hardcover)

Let's face it; this book is not great literature, but I don't think that the author meant it to be. What he wanted to do was entertain his readers, and that is what he does, with a bang! I enjoy relaxing with an exciting, page-turning work every so often, and Mr. Higgins' Sean Dillon series is the perfect read. Yesterday was a snowy day, the office was closed, and I started this book right after lunch. The plot kept me going throughout the day, and I finished the book before turning out the light and going to bed. I will admit that, at times, Dillon's almost flawless performance becomes a tad annoying, but he is such a cheeky rascal that I can overlook that possible failing. It's just good to sink into a book, and let the author take you where he wishes. The characters are fairly engaging, and I get interested in finding out how Dillon and friends are going to make everything right in the end. As long as Mr. Higgins keeps writing these tales, I will keep reading them!