Customer Reviews

Goldmine - London W.1

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This is the first novel that Dennis Phillips (who also wrote under the more famous pen name Peter Chambers) wrote under the pseudonym Philip Daniels way back in 1979. Other than the fact that mobile phones clearly didn't exist, and a few references to prices, this great novel could easily be set today.

Goldmine London W1 (note the title's not called Goldmine London W.I., London W1 is the postal address, W1 being the postcode, where the main action takes place) is a story that once you start you won't want to put down. Basic plot is Edward Walton is released from prison for a crime he did not commit. He has spent his time in hell planning step by step what he will do upon his release. However a man who calls himself The Major, has his own plans for Walton and tails him to his hotel. The Major carries a gun which already puts him offside with Walton, he outlines a proposition for Walton to make $100 000 for a few days work but won't give him any of the main details. Walton doesn't like this game and realises he is pretty expendable once the caper is over since The Major holds all the cards. Walton has plans to turn the tables to make the Major keep his word.

This is only the second book I have read by the late Dennis Philips under any of his pen names. The first Foolproof was also under the Philip Daniels name and was also brilliant. If you're unfamiliar with this authors work its sort of similar to James Pattinson (not Patterson), Gerald Hammond, Donald E Westlake (especially under the Richard Stark penname) and other hard boiled crime authors.