Deadlock by Colin Forbes

This is one of the earlier novels by Colin Forbes. A very good spy thriller, with a plot laid out as if on a chess board. The moves of each side are explained very well just as you would see the moves of the chess pieces. While Paula was introduced in the earlier book called The Janus Man as the wife of one of Tweed’s sector chiefs, this is the first time she officially joins the secret service. This book also introduces another future member of the team who is crucial to smashing this plot and revealed only at the end, so I will not name the person here.

There are some vague rumours floating about some major conspiracy being plotted that will cause a catastrophe for the world. The first inkling comes when Tweed gets a call from Paula that she would like to meet him as something strange has happened. The next piece of the puzzle lies in a small village called Cockley Ford, which Tweed accidently reaches when he takes a wrong turning as he goes to visit Paula. There is also then a matter of a highly confidential matter that Tweed has been given to look into, liaising with none other than his arch enemy, a Russian General. There is a Russian agent gone rogue and of course he is the best they had and at the same time some deadly arsenal of bombs and sea mines has gone missing. On the continent a French detective intuitively follows a young English lady who seems to be photographing various ports. How does she fit in this vastly spread out plot.

Tweed is gathering information from all these strange pieces of the puzzle to try and get the picture of the whole chess board. The opponent is a worthy one albeit an evil one. The strategic planning to carry out the outrage is pivotal in bringing about the biggest blackmail the world has known. Tweed has to show equal patience and knowledge from his past experience to react to each move made by the opponent, as well as make plans for some alternative anticipated moves. For once it is quite clear from the start that the end will depend on when and if the evil man makes a mistake. A battle of wits, patience, experience and managing teams to carry out their parts is really fascinating to read.

It did capture my interest from page 1 and held it right till the last word. A good read for all who love thrillers.