Customer Reviews

Shadowers

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I enjoy all the Matt Helm books, but this is one of my favorites. Matt has to keep a lady scientist safe from the people who have been shadowing her and many other important people. How better to keep a watchful eye on the target than by marrying her? Meanwhile, he is faced with the "assistance" of a well-meaning but fumbling young naval officer.

The suspenseful plot is filled with adventure and twists, some of which tie back to previous books.

As always, Donald Hamilton tells a good tale.

I confess that I often don't remember each and every Matt Helm book specifically, particularly after the first three. But I will say that I have been a fan of Matt Helm since I discovered him in high school, and I own every Matt Helm novel.

When it comes to realism and grit, the Matt Helm books are the best spy fiction in the trade. Helm is tough, mean and cynical--and those are his best qualities. And yet there is just enough of the hopeful romantic in him--that his actions can help the world--that he grows on you.

You really can start anywhere with Matt Helm and not feel like you're missing anything, but I would definitely suggest beginning with Death of A Citizen.

Until I read this book, my only experience with Matt Helm was the goofy series of Dean Martin movies from the sixties. I read this book on a whim, and was pleasantly surprised. In this book, Matt has to protect a (female) scientist from a bad guy who's supposed to assassinate her at some vague point in the future. Unlike the movies, the tone is completely serious, and Hamilton has written a very suspenseful, lean book that was fun to read. It reminded me a good bit of John D. MacDonald's "Travis McGee" books. I definitely plan on picking up more Donald Hamilton.

Matt Helm has to marry the most unlikely prospect in order to keep an eye on her. This great Donald Hamilton mystery includes a complicated plot to assasinate top American people and a special twist as Matt finds out who the "shadower" really is. If you like action, mystery, terrific plots, and realistic stories -- Donald Hamilton is a must. Another great story.

Don't take the two star rating wrong, I number myself among Eric and Mac's greatest fans. I'm only comparing this book against the other works in the Matt Helm series. If I was comparing THE SHADOWERS to a Len Deighton or John Le Carre thriller it would get five stars; Berlin Game excluded, of course. THE SHADOWERS starts out great but stumbles to its knees and whimpers to an end. Even though I've read this book twice it left me nonplussed both times.

For a truly great Helm book, try DEVASTATORS, INTERLOPERS or TERMINATORS instead.

This is another classic in the Matt Helm Series. It is a great read in the spy genre. I think it is better than the James Bond series. Great book!

My father turned me on to Matt Helm a few years back and I have now completed and read the entire set. Classic counter-spy stuff that in my opinion is better than the Ian Fleming stories. Yes, it's just as male-chauvinistic and ridiculous in it's 60's sex-infused culture, but a real pulp blast, that I cannot recommend enough!

Been reading Donald Hamilton since I was a child. I love the Matt Helm series.

Another Matt Helm story. Good twists and turns. If you like James Bond you will LOVE Matt Helm.

The Russians have a diabolical plan for future assasination targets. Assign an agent to the target and give the signal when the hit is to be made. Matt Helm is assigned to protect a lady scientist, stop her shadow, and find the mastermind behind the plot. A mysterious figure keeps showing up to cause trouble for matt and his charge. Is he the target or another complication in a nasty assignment? Great Helm with several twists and turns. Enjoy!