The Double Eagle - James Twining

I have to admit, I didn't exactly approach Double Eagle with an open mind. When I read the plot summary (international art thief forms an uneasy alliance with a disgraced FBI Agent in pursuit of a rare, valuable coin), I groaned. My initial reaction was that the last thing needed in an already overcrowded thriller market was another predictable "quest". So, it's all credit to Double Eagle that it managed to overcome my initial prejudices. Whilst the charge of predictability remains valid, it emerges as a highly readable, entertaining book. In one sense, it really is a case of plot by numbers, with all the stuff you would expect from this ...  Read the complete review

Its 6.30pm and you have been stuck in T2 at Manchester Airport for 2 hours due to snow on the runway. The announcer has just come onto the loud speaker and informed everyone that their flight to Barcelona will not take off for a further 3 hours. What do you do? Perhaps you decide to ransack the ‘Costa Coffee’ stall and wear the luncheon meat you find there as a delightful hat? Or maybe you will decide to wear your suitcases on your feet and wander the corridors as the new airport clown? Both these options would likely see you committed, arrested or shot! So why don’t you succumb like most people to a bout of retail therapy and purchase yourself a new book to while ...  Read the complete review

When a priest is killed in Paris and dumped into the river it wouldn't normally cause anyone at the FBI to batter an eyelid. When however that body contains an American coin that is believed to be secure in Fort Knox they suddenly take an interest. Agent Browne is given the case and a chance to resurrect her career after an accident during a raid years before. Her prime suspect is Tom Kirk an art thief completing one last job in New York for Cassius before he gives up the game for good. In a strange turn of events Kirk finds himself having to clear his name by trying to help the FBI discover the real mastermind behind the theft of the coins. This is Twining's ...  Read the complete review