Solo

I enjoyed this story and its characters very much. Lots of detail on how the villain came to be and why maybe he's not such a villain. Yet, when he and the hero go at it, I still rooted for the hero, so well done Mr. Higgins. I love reading about Mr. Higgins's English, Irish, and European characters, and this book kept that going.

Author Jack Higgins of "The Eagle Has Landed" fame delivers a fast, thrilling book. John Mikali is a famous pianist, a man of refinement, high profile, who is also a hired assassin. He enjoys this work though he has scruples about killing anyone other than the intended victim. It is therefore an unfortunate mistake when he runs down Megan Morgan while eluding pursuit after shooting another high-profile victim. Unfortunate indeed since Megan’s father, Colonel Asa Morgan, belongs to Special Section and is himself highly qualified in the arts of tracking down and killing terrorists. “A right bastard, so I’ve heard,” as one man describes him. Unfortunate that academic authority on terrorism methods, Kate Riley, happens to be Micali’s lover and Morgan’s friend. While Asa ferrets out leads to his daughter’s killer, Micali obtains information about Morgan. The two are worthy opponents, and well-matched though Asa’s desire to avenge his daughter may blind him to the dangers of taking on the brilliant and lethal Mikali. Mikali is a fascinating, almost romantic, character despite his career as a cold-blooded assassin. For some dark reason, this reader was rooting for him. “At the end of the day there isn’t really too much to choose between us,” as he tells Asa. The author tries but fails to establish Asa’s anguish over his dead child. Perhaps more personal insights into her or his relationship with her might have made him more likable and helped to side with him in his overwhelming desire for revenge.

There is a brilliance about this book because of the unique story that keeps once riveted, you move with the characters, especially Asa Morgan who sweeps you up into his own emotions which are right, and he knows only one way to resolve it.

I am an avid fan of Jack Higgins books! If you want an adventure starting with a bang for a starter and action and intrigue all the way through the book, you need to get 'Solo' for a great read. I especially like that he uses his characters in most all of his books. You really feel you get to know them and when one is hurt you feel like it happened to one of your family. I have stayed up all night to finish a book because I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.

Whenever I see a Jack Higgins book on the Amazon deals page I snap it up because they are always easy reading thrillers. This one was no exception. While it was written in 1980 it doesn't show signs of age like many others and I have seen similar plot lines in several more modern thrillers. A psychopathic but artistically gifted killer whose career sends him around the world has found a regular and satisfying source of victims. While the source is politically inspired he is not interested in political gain, only the adrenaline kick of another successful kill. Things start to go wrong when he accidentally kills an innocent young girl in a hit-and-run accident when he is getting away from the scene of another assassination. The girl is the daughter of Asa Morgan, one of England's most dangerous soldiers with a record of violent success in many dangerous flash-points around the world. Asa vows to avenge the killing himself. Through his contacts he is able to find clues where MI5 and Scotland Yard cannot venture. But the ultimate clue is uncovered through Asa's sheer cunning. Higgins racks up the drama with an unlikely relationship between Dr. Katherine Riley, a foremost authority on terrorist mentality, and the killer. Riley becomes part of an emotional sandwich when she slowly uncovers the truth from her friendship with Asa. The finale is high drama and great spy-craft as the Asa, the killer, his source, the MI5, and Katherine meet in a highly charged public performance. A page-turning and satisfying thriller - well recommended.

I enjoyed this book, and thought it was pretty well written, but I didn't LOVE this book which is why it got three starts. Would probably do 3.5 if possible. I liked the characters and the book kept a pretty good pace because it really spans the life of a Mikali and his adventures. The reader gets to see how Mikali became what he is, and I personally actually liked the character. I did not however, like the ending. I figured how it would end, and I won't ruin for anyone, but I was still disappointed. Overall it was a good book and I enjoyed it.

Hopefully there a sequel he left us hanging as she disappeared he was looking for her in the par darkness

It is a quality Jack Higgins product.

I read my Grandpa’s paperback version of this book 20 years ago and loved it. It was just as good second time round on Kindle.

As always Jack Higgins never disappoints with his books. Although I have a hard copy of "Solo" in one of my bound collections I decided to order the paperback version - easier to travel with. Gina in Alberta

My abs favorite Jack Higgins book. Sentimental touching story, embroiled in a typical Higgins turn a page thriller. Nice Easy Satisfying reading. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Much too expensive though. Wait for the price to come to a reasonable paper back level, then rush to the bookstore.

Good

THE BEST