Robert Ludlum's The Arctic Event

This book is part of a series created by Robert Ludlum but written by James Cobb. Confusing isn't it? James Patterson does a similar thing by co-authoring many of his books now, but forgive me for being old fashioned, but if it's Robert Ludlum's series, shouldn't it have been written by him alone? I don't believe writers should continue to write a book series after an author's death.

Okay, now that's off my chest, let me tell you I enjoyed this book. Recommended by a family member, I struggled with the introduction as this is the first real 'spy' book I can remember reading, (Ludlum having of course written the 'Jason Bourne' series). Once the characters were established, I was off and running/reading.

I was easily swept away by the plot show more but had to groan at the old enemy of the US, Russia, playing the bad guys. It did fit well with the plot though and the setting in the arctic had me pulling my doona right up to my chin and feeling the cold. The 'Arctic Event' was exciting enough and I could easily see it being made into a film. show less

The Arctic Event is the 7th book in the Covert-One series and I have to say what started out 16 years ago rather cornily with the Hades Factor has turned into a rather good series. When Patrick Larkin took over writing with The Lazarus Vendetta the series found it's rhythm, quality improved and he continued that with The Moscow Vector.

Now with The Arctic Event James Cobb has taken over writing and it's every bit as good the prior two books, and miles ahead in quality of the initial books by Gayle Lynds.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series where Kyle Mills, one of my favourite authors, takes the reigns. Although it is a bit disappointing to see James Cobb didn't get the gig again as this book was excellent.

A random photo taken in the wilds of the Canadian Arctic contained the image of an airplane, vintage WW II and apparently Russian. This image started a hastily arranged covert operation to seek out this airplane that had disappeared with its crew some fifty-years ago. The Russians and the United States government joined forces to find this wreckage and seek out what had happened to cause this crash and what cargo was aboard. Smith, a medical doctor with the US army is teamed with an old acquaintance, Randi Russell, a CIA operative, and Valentina (Val) Metrace, Professor of History, to become the Covert One team to go and investigate the wreckage.

The author of this is now on my list to read more. Very well done, exciting. Almost as good show more as the original Robert Ludlum books. It's almost like Ludlum is still with us. show less

Easy read, good pace, but a little too predictable.
Not a book I would want to re-read a second time.

I had high expectations about this book, since I like Ludlum's books in general.
This book however, did not really catch me. I had no urge to read the book to the end. I did that, but it is not a book that stays with me for a long time. To tell the thruth, I don't know the exact reason for that. Is it the story, is it the way of writing (or im my case, the translation) I can't tell you. It was just fairly predictable and I was disappointed by that.

Book #6 or 7 of Covert One series, starring Jon Smith. Cobb is a good action writer. Plot revolves around Russians trying to hide plans to bomb US with anthrax as last ditch effort by Stalin for Russian supremacy, with competition from ruthless arms dealer.

A fast, enjoyable bit of action and intrigue in the tradition of Ludlum. Good for an enjoyable escape.