Amazon.com: The Matlock Paper (9780586040676): Robert Ludlum: 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

11 Reviews

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

3.4 out of 5 stars (11 customer reviews)

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars dated, but still resounds with classic good vs evil theme
I've been a long-time Robert Ludlum fan - something that started when I read The Bourne Identity: A Novel for the first time, many years ago. Read more

Published 17 months ago by Mary Chrapliwy

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Free SF Reader
Another lone man against a conspiracy, this time one of the criminal kind.

This time the setting is academic, and the law enforcement types choose a university guy to... Read more

Published on September 2, 2007 by Blue Tyson

3.0 out of 5 stars dated, though you will see signs of Ludlums future greatness
Aspects of this book are so stereotypically bad that it was difficult to get through at first. The whole drug scene that Ludlum builds up is laughably bad. Read more

Published on April 4, 2005 by clifford

5.0 out of 5 stars All Ludlum books
I have read all of Robert Ludlums books, they are all great reading. It's a shame we will have no more of his writings.

Published on March 1, 2002

1.0 out of 5 stars A great name doesn't always mean a great book
Who never heard Ludlum's name? He has big name among thriller authors. This fact was intriguing me to read his books too. Read more

Published on November 16, 2001 by MONICA LEE

4.0 out of 5 stars hohum
The book is well written and the action keeps you reading. But the plot is rather tired, having been used so often, in so many variations, before. Maybe a good book for the beach.

Published on September 26, 2001 by lvkleydorff

3.0 out of 5 stars yeah, well, not his best
It is good. The plot is developed firmly and there are some wonderfully satisfying twists. However, Matlock is sort of carbon and he doesn't seem to have a whole lot of brains... Read more

Published on July 10, 2000 by Jared Garrett

2.0 out of 5 stars "One Step Up, Two Steps Back..."
...as Springsteen once sang. With Ludlum's third book, "The Matlock Paper", he would finally develop the narrative style lacking in his previous books, most notably... Read more

Published on February 13, 1999 by jack.dawson@worldnet.att.net

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
grand old bird, oilcloth packet, tan sedan

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Robert Ludlum, Lucas Herron, Charger Three, Howard Stockton, Sam Kressel, New England, Jason Greenberg, Ralph Loring, Julian Dunois, Adrian Sealfont, East Gorge, Archer Beeson, Patricia Ballantyne, James Matlock, Brother Julian, Alan Pace, Windsor Shoals, Justice Department, Archie Beeson, Miss Ballantyne, James Barbour Matlock, New Haven, Lumumba Hall, Alex Anderson, Ginny Beeson

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