The Matlock Paper [Paperback]

Robert Ludlum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1989

The name on the computer screen is James Barbous Matlock.  Vietnam veteran.  College professor.  He's Washington's choice to stop a far-reaching conspiracy, an undercover assignment destined to put Matlock's neck against the razor's edge of danger.  And the faceless men in Washington don't care if it means savaging the women Matlock loves, or trapping Matlock in a maze of unrelenting terror.  They care about just one thing: that Matlock is the perfect man for the job...for a reason that is disturbing, violent, and extremely deadly.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A sure winner...fast paced, suspenseful, and bound to keep you tuming the pages." --The Denver Post

From the Publisher

The name on the computer screen is James Barbous Matlock. Vietnam veteran. College professor. He's Washington's choice to stop a far-reaching conspiracy, an undercover assignment destined to put Matlock's neck against the razor's edge of danger. And the faceless men in Washington don't care if it means savaging the women Matlock loves, or trapping Matlock in a maze of unrelenting terror. They care about just one thing: that Matlock is the perfect man for the job...for a reason that is disturbing, violent, and extremely deadly.

"A sure winner...fast paced, suspenseful, and bound to keep you turning the pages." --The Denver Post

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (July 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553279602
• ISBN-13: 978-0553279603
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After a successful career in the theatre, Robert Ludlum launched his career as a best-selling writer with THE SCARLATTI INHERITANCE in 1971, the first of twenty-two consecutive international bestsellers. Robert sadly passed away in March 2001.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This paper gets an A!, August 24, 2000

By 

David Montgomery "Book Critic" (davidjmontgomery.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Matlock Paper (Paperback)

This book follows the prototypical Ludlum plot: take a somewhat ordinary man, throw him into a situation of international conspiracy, deceit, violence, and terrible danger, and watch him find the courage and the will to do great things. It's a plot that has worked many times, for many different writers, and Ludlum does it as well as anyone.

"The Matlock Paper" is my favorite of the early Ludlum books. It has a plot that moves swiftly and believably (as such things go), with jeopardy and intrigue that are both gripping and gratifying. I found the academic setting to be particularly interesting, as I did the main character of Matlock. (It doesn't hurt that I'm a professor myself.)

I recommend all of Ludlum's books to readers who enjoy a good thriller. This one ranks towards the top of the list.

--David Montgomery, Mystery Ink

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book!, October 13, 2000

By 

Melvin Hunt (Cleveland,, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Matlock Paper (Paperback)

After reading other reviews I didn't know if I wanted to read this book or not. I am now glad that I did. Professor James Matlock is chosen by the Justice Department to infiltrate a crime ring that is operating on the East Coast. This ring is very able being active in the world of drugs,prostitution,and gambling.Our hero has to go undercover at the risk of his own life. During his time undercover he discovers that the crime ring is far reaching and very powerful. By sheer luck Matlock survives several attempts on his life. The final ending of this book will also prove to be a shocker. Buy this book. It is a very good read.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Thin Paper, September 5, 2005

By 

AntiochAndy "antiochandy" (Antioch, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Matlock Paper (Paperback)

I've read a lot of Ludlum's other books. Some of his early works, i.e. RHINEMAN EXCHANGE, GEMINI CONTENDERS, OSTERMAN WEEKEND, are among my favorites. By comparison THE MATLOCK PAPER, another early effort, is somewhat disappointing.

The story is based around an eastern college campus. Matlock, a popular local professor, is tapped by the FBI to infiltrate a crime conspiracy. Like any Ludlum story, there's plenty of action, but the plot was predictable and some of the story elements (especially the local mafiosi and the campus black caucus group) struck me as pretty corny. As a result, despite the fast pace, I never felt the kind of tension that comes with a good Ludlum book.

THE MATLOCK PAPER will keep you turning the pages, but I don't feel it's up to the standard Ludlum usually sets. There are plenty of worse books you could read, but I can't really recommend this one. In my judgement, it's a mediocre three stars.