Rules of the Game [Hardcover]

Ted Allbeury (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Two different narratives run side by side in Allbeury's (Show Me a Hero) well-crafted novel, which takes place as the Cold War winds down. In the first, Robert Thornton, an internal security agent for the British SIS, must find David Fisher, an agent who has disappeared. Thornton must contend with missing files, obstructive superiors, and rival agents while trying to determine the truth. In the second narrative, the SIS, CIA, and KGB look into the possibility of using mind readers as spies. After one of its agents dies, the CIA decides to terminate its inquiries, which doesn't sit too well with Schaeffer, the man running the operation. He sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the kidnapping of a KGB operative by the SIS. The KGB's mind reader, a beautiful and naeve young woman nicknamed Ushi, finds herself in a very dangerous situation. Fisher, the consummate professional, falls for Ushi and wants to protect her, but he must decide how far to go in trying to save her. A believable and seamless tale of espionage that reads like vintage le Carre; highly recommended. Patrick Wall, University City P.L., MO

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

More good news for Allbeury's fans: this 1988 novel, originally published in Britain, is appearing in the U.S. for the first time. Like the rest of his many spy thrillers, it is well constructed and well researched (Allbeury was a lieutenant colonel in the Army Intelligence Corps). Typically, Allbeury's novels feature accurately drawn intelligence agents moving about in a world that is clearly our own, unraveling mysteries that are plausible and gripping. That is all true here, as well, except that this time Allbeury features a young girl with paranormal powers as his protagonist. The story, which revolves around a Secret Intelligence Service officer sent to find the agent who was supposed to be looking after the girl, is entirely realistic, and with recent revelations about the CIA's use of psychics, even the subject matter now seems mainstream. Although Allbeury's workmanlike prose will never win style points, his novels are always satisfying. Recommend this one to anyone who likes spy fiction from the old school. David Pitt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727857363
• ISBN-13: 978-0727857361
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,511,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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