This week, Jeff Popple reviews three great books for dad this Father’s Day! More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Revenge of Odessa by Frederick Forsyth and Tony Kent
Bantam, $34.99
It has been over fifty years since the publication of Frederick Forsyth’s The Odessa File. The book, and subsequent movie, were highly acclaimed and helped cement Forsyth’s reputation as one of the leading thriller writers of his generation. Now Forsyth is back with Revenge of Odessa, which features the journalist grandson of Peter Miller from the original book, who finds himself caught up in an elaborate scheme to put the Nazis back in power in Germany and, credibly, also in America. Full of astute geo-political insight and exciting set-pieces, this is a full-blooded thriller and a fitting finale for the recently deceased Forsyth. Great present!
ANZAC Guerrillas by Edmund Goldrick
Hachette, $34.99
Dads who like military history will enjoy Edmund Goldrick’s ANZAC Guerrillas. Following the disastrous Greek campaign of 1941, thousands of Allied soldiers were captured and imprisoned. A handful of ANZACs, however, escaped from the prison trains and eventually became embroiled in the bloody civil war in Yugoslavia. Included among the escapees were Ross Sayers and Ronald Jones, who found themselves involved in British Intelligence activities and the power play between the different resistance groups and their controversial leaders. ANZAC Guerrillas is a fascinating account of this largely overlooked contribution by Australian soldiers and provides an interesting reflection on the subsequent events in Yugoslavia. Highly recommended.
Die by the Sword by Tony Park
Macmillan, $34.99
Tony Park is a terrific adventure writer, and his African-based novels are always a reading highlight. His latest, Die by the Sword, is another top-notch tale, and probably his most ambitious book so far. The novel uses dual timelines from the 1880s and the present day to tell the story about the search for the lost sword of Napoleon Bonaparte. In both time periods, there are murders and suspense, as three key characters follow a trail of blood as they look for the sword. Combining a brisk pace, an intriguing plot and vivid descriptions of Africa, this is an ideal adventure tale for dads.