I finally gave up on this one. Every time I started reading it, the hero was doing or saying something tough, and the love interest was acting like an airhead instead of the strong undercover agent she was said to be in the first chapter. I never did find out what 'The Black Shrike' was, and I just don't care.

* UPDATE *

For some reason, I picked this one up and gave it a second chance. The Black Shrike is a missile, and our hero does eventually save the day. After plenty of time to show us how brave and tough and manly he really is. I'm honestly not sure why I did finish it, but it was pretty much like I expected. Maclean can be a great storyteller, but this time there wasn't enough of an original story to tell. ( )

One of the very best Maclean novels, because of the terrific action sequences and the ending. The British ICBM now seems quant, and the love story is cringeworthy, but there are a lot of unforgettable moments in this book.

"I can be completely ruthless..."

"I left him there, a small dusty man in a small dusty roojm ...."

Eight advertisements. Eight jobs. Eight specialists in modern technology required. Applicants to be married, with no children, prepared to travel.
Highly persuasive salaries.
Eight positions filled. Eight scientists -- and their wives -- disappear. Completely.
The ninth advertisement, Sydney, Australia. Fuel specialist required. But this time the scientist is prepared for trouble..