Circus by Alistair MacLean

This is a good story that is set in the days of the cold war. There is a formula for making anti-matter behind the iron curtain and using it as a potential weapon. The CIA wants to get its hands on it with a view that it is better in their hands than those of hard line communists. The problem is that this formula and its creator are in a well secured castle in East Germany. The CIA decides to recruit the renowned trapeze artist Bruno. He and his brothers form the daring and brilliant trapeze troupe, the Blind Eagles, where they perform blindfolded up on a high wire.

The arrangement is to get the circus with its cream of performers to tour Europe with many shows in the countries behind the iron curtain. Sadly even before they leave for Europe tragedy strikes and warns that their plans are known to the enemy. The CIA also sends 2 operatives with the circus, one as the doctor and other as the secretary to the owner of the circus. The plan is that this young lady will be the go between the owner, the doctor and Bruno so they do not have to communicate in the open.

Why is Bruno keen to do this suicidal job? Is this is revenge for the death/disappearance of his family? The plans are half formed and pretty near impossible. While the circus gets a lot of positive publicity, the thought of what is yet to come seems to make everyone, except Bruno, edgy. The usual cloak and dagger stuff of bugging, listening devices, shadowing are all in full force right from the onset. What will happen when they actually get to see the fortified castle and realise the enormity of their task? What happened to his brothers on their way to Crau? Will they find what they have come for? Will the secret police manage to capture them and use it to denounce the West? The daring feats of the circus and showmanship are well detailed and maybe make it more glamorous than it was, but the wonder and delight at this fantastic world is evident in the writing. The action is low key but it is a nail biting finish.

What can I say? Alistair MacLean has always been one of my favourite authors as his was one of the first ‘older person’s novel’ I read as a teenager. Since then mystery and thrillers have been my escape into the fantasy world. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.