The Double Agents (Men at War) by W.E.B. Griffin, William E. Butterworth IV Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Double Agents (Men at War)
Book Review: I finished the book
Summary: 2 Stars
To set the stage..I own every book that Griffin wrote. I am an avid fan and read all books twice ,including a lot of his books when he was a Ghost writer. I enjoyed all his books except the last one Double Agents. I finished it then had to think, what did I really read. The first ten pages are about two German soldiers in the higher echelon of the command in the higher ups . One a believer of the Fuhrer,with knowledge of a poisen gas ,the other a friend scared to speak out ,or discuss the issues only to be mentioned again in the second to last chapter. That Kappler became a chief industrialist who supplied Daimler Benz...Nothing in between to add to the first ten pages. The rest of the book dealt with new names, Mafia characters ,very little to support for all, or any of the many new characters in the book. David Niven and Peter Ustinov had a big role in the book but no history except the mentioning that they were actors. Forty years ago everyone knew Nieven and Ustinov...but for the new reader....What I am trying to say or compare the book to, it is a giant jigsaw puzzle, the pieces will fit, but by the time you find them you forgot where to place them. There are just to many Pieces. Canady and Wild Bill keeps the book moving his adventures and colorful laguage is as good as ever.Book Review: Less then satisfying
Summary: 3 Stars
Although this second effort by WEB and Jr. is an improvement on the absolutely awful "Saboteurs", the overall tone of this book is rather "flat." The plot line is an improvement, the involvement of some well-known movie stars adds a bit--just a bit--of spice to the brew.
Somehow the new Richard Canidy seems awfully shallow, lacking the depth of the characters for which WEB is well known. Only David Niven has any redeeming sparkle.
I felt that it was pretty unsatisfying to leave "Tubes" behind on Sicily, and not give some inkling of how he was captured. That bit of infomation would have made readers (ME in particular) somewhat more anxious to buy the inevitable next book.
I was charitable and gave this 3 stars, although it probably only rates 2+.
Book Review: Loss of a good friend
Summary: 1 Stars
This may not be the worst book ever written , but it's the worst book I've ever read. Hyperbole maybe, but not by much.
Having read every page WEBG has published (multiple times), I feel like I've lost a good friend. This is not the quality story telling that I've come to love.
Junior wastes a third of the book rehashing old stories, then wastes another third by introducing characters who have absolutely nothing to do with the story (Who were the two SS officers that took up the first chapter, and where did they go?). The meat of the story would have fit in a pamphlet but I guess publishers aren't paying much for short stories. I'm still waiting to find out where the "Double Agents" were. Were there any double agents in the book? Including Flemming, Niven and Ustinov was cheesiness of the highest order and their portrayal as the second coming of the Three Stooges was just too much to take.
Obviously this "collaborative" effort effort by pere et fils was in actuality WEB IV. III has been spinning great tales for over 25 years and it's plain as day that this is not his work. I feel twice cheated; once by IV for trying to pass off this garbage under his father's name and second by III for signing his name to this garbage.
After purchasing all 39 books by Griffin, I'm afraid I've purchased my last unless Junior retires.
Book Review: Lots of words and vary little action
Summary: 1 Stars
I have read all of his books and it seems that he is having trouble coming up with a good plot that has holds the reader's interest.Book Review: Loved the use of historical characters we are all familiar with
Summary: 5 Stars
In spite of some of the negative reviews I've read regarding this series, I started with the first book, thoroughly enjoyed it, and now with this second installment by the team of WEB & WEB jr., I am still captivated. What I truly got a kick out of was how adroitly the authors weaved in the true story of characters we are all familiar with, on the big screen, but had no idea about regarding their war time roles. . .David Niven and Peter Ustinov, two of my favorites, they even manage to bring in the real Ian Fleming into the story. How they are used in this story is a delight and really captures the essence of a time when EVERYONE, pitched in for the cause of freedom. . .if only we had such Hollywood types today. Also their use of the famous "Man Who Never Was" incident as a sub plot is brilliant. And finally, the authors delve into a little known aspect of WWII, the specter of weapons of mass destruction, chemical and biological, which both sides were poised to use. . .a stark conection to today's headlines, and a warning as well. I think that WEB & WEB jr. are winners and eagerly look forward to the next installment in their epic tale.