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In this classic return we see Modesty both at her most feminine and at her toughest. Trapped in an earthquake disaster with a dying man, she makes a promise that is to lead her and her faithful friend Willie Garvin into the most perilous crisis of their careers. Their quest takes them from Tangier to Paris, from the Riviera to Corsica, and finally to a stronghold in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, their every move observed and manipulated by El Mico, the most notorious and dangerous show more criminal genius in the Mediterranean. Unknown to Modesty, she holds a secret that El Mico covets above all else, and she is brought to a final confrontation with death in the stronghold of Xanadu. As in all the Modesty Blaise stories, this book is peopled with a host of eccentric characters: the engaging Dr. Giles Pennyfeather, Modesty's devoted friend, and her opponents Little Krell, a prodigy in combat, the Silk brothers, juvenile adults who deal in death, and the astonishing Nanny Prendergast. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
A Modesty Blaise adventure that relies a little more heavily than usual on the stretch of coincidence, although this has become a stock in trade for O'Donnell. It does feature the return of one of his most interesting guest characters, Dr. Giles Pennyfeather, and an interesting and sympathetic villain, Little Krell. There is a good glimpse into Modesty's girlhood and events that shaped her, and a nice dose of humor and climactic action. Not top-notch Modesty Blaise, but highly satisfying.
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Author Information
308+ Works 5,817 Members
Some Editions
Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Xanadu Talisman
- Original title
- The Xanadu Talisman
- Original publication date
- 1981-04
- People/Characters
- Modesty Blaise; Willie Garvin; Giles Pennyfeather; Little Krell; Silk brothers; Nanny Prendergast
- Important places
- Tangier, Morocco; Paris, France; French Rivera, France; Corsica, France; Atlas Mountains; Xanadu, China
- Epigraph
- [None]
- Dedication
- For Peter, Michaela and Paul
- First words
- The Frenchman huddled beside her was unconscious again. She shifted her position on the rubble that bruised her body through the short rowelling bathrobe.
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 252
- Popularity
- 128,679
- Reviews
- 4
- Rating
- (3.86)
- Languages
- English, German, Swedish
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 15
- ASINs
- 8
