Tool of the Trade [Paperback]

Joe Haldeman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Nicholas Foley appears to be an ordinary American psychology professor. He is, in fact, a Russian spy, inserted into the United States after World War II, joining the American army, attending American universities, falling in love and marrying an American, but always in touch with his Soviet superiors. All he ever does in the way of spying is turn in the names of people who might be "turned." But then he makes his momentous discovery. He isolates an ultrasonic frequency that causes anyone within earshot to do whatever he is told. A few demonstrations send both the Russians and the Americans after Foley with a vengeance. Eluding both, Foley uses his tool to strike a blow for world peace, as envisioned by a Sixties hippie, his wife. A carefully paced thriller. Recommended. Patricia Y. Morton, State Lib. of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (June 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380704382
• ISBN-13: 978-0380704385
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,714,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joe Haldeman has served twice as president of the Science Fiction Writers of America and is currently an adjunct professor teaching writing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great spy book with a nice sci-fi twist, May 6, 2004

By 

Jason S Robinson (Ft. Worth) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tool of the Trade (Paperback)

I picked this book up in a used bookstore as I am a fan of Haldeman's Forever books and enjoyed it immensley. The premise is a basic spy story, a KGB spy placed in America and awaiting activation who happens to end up being a sort of double agent with the CIA. Basic spy stuff and while interesting, it is nothing spectacular.

Oh, I forgot to mention this spy in question has invented a device (a watch) that can control people's minds, hypnotize them in a sense. Which mixed in with a spy book makes a great read. If you see this book in a used store or if hopefully it gets reprinted, grab it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A favorite fantasy - done in a reasonably moral way, November 11, 2000

By 

J. Bridges - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tool of the Trade (Paperback)

Ever daydream you can control other peoples minds?

Well, this isn't a porn story! (grin)

It's a fast paced delightful action thriller. Would make a very entertaining movie.... oh well, sad that it's out of print.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How to save the world with a trick watch, January 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Tool of the Trade (Paperback)

The KGB has planted Nick in the in deep cover as a professor who makes a powerful discovery. The CIA/KGB/FBI and the cast of Friends (OK, not them as well), are after the secret, but he has his own plans to sort out the mess that the world is in. A satisfying book, that works on more than one level.