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Avenger, Frederick Forsyth
Corgi
Reviewed by Lisa Hoult (Courtesy Taranaki Daily News)

Where have all the Frederick Forsyth fans gone? Everybody has heard of The Day of the Jackal but nobody I know seems to have read anything else by him. And it's a shame because his work is simply superb. He's found a winning formula and has stuck to it without it becoming repetitive, while the research on his topics has astounding depth.

This time around sees the events from war in Serbia and Vietnam unite, even though decades have passed since one finished and the other began. The link is Cal Dexter, a veteran tunnel rat who now uses his skill and knowledge to take on assignments that have justice and morality on his side – but not the law.

His latest target is Zilic, a Serbian warlord who has set himself up in a safe haven in
South America, hidden from the world and the heinous war crimes he has committed.

Accountability and justice is what motivates Dexter's client and when money is no object, everything can be bought. The only problem is, the CIA has other plans that Dexter could put in jeopardy with his latest mission.

So the race is on to see who can reach Zilic first – the Avenger or the Government. The winner will cause serious ramifications for the other party, so neither can afford to lose – this race is to the death.

I'm always looking early on to try and to catch out the twist, and I must (smugly) say – this time I did it! But even then a surprise waited in store – damn it! Forsyth is clever as always, with characters that are so human I cannot help but care about them. This is another winner from the old master. A fascinating insight into the tunnel rats and a simply explained background to the Serbian fight add to the excitement and depth of the plot while the pace of the suspense is perfect.

Can't wait for the next one.