NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "First-rate suspense."-- People Twenty years ago, top agents from the CIA and KGB banded together to bring down the Matarese Circle, an international cabal of power brokers and assassins whose sole objective was to achieve worldwide economic domination. Now the bloody Matarese dynasty is back--and the only man with the power to stop it may have already run out of time. CIA case officer Cameron Pryce is hot on the trail of the new Matarese alliance. His only chance to terminate its ruthless activities is to follow the trail of blood money and stone-cold killers right to the heart of its deadly conspiracy. From the Hamptons to London's Belgrave Square, Matarese assassins have already struck with brutal efficiency, eliminating all who stand in their way. Their chain of violence is impossible to stop--until Pryce gets a rare break. One of the Matarese's victims survives long enough to whisper dying words that will blow the case wide open: the top secret code name for legendary retired CIA agent Brandon Scofield--the only man who has ever infiltrated the Matarese inner circle and lived to tell about it. "Welcome to Robert Ludlum's world . . . fast pacing, tight plotting, international intrigue."-- The Plain Dealer
This is my 1st book by Ludlum. I got the abridged book on tape. The story I found to be excellent. The reader, Stephen Lang did an excellent job in his work with the accents of the characters. But mostly his pronunciation of Materese got my attention. The story of the Materese and the agents of the CIA, Pryce and Schofield(aka Beowulf Agate) was a good one. My interest in the series stems from my late grandfathers interest in Mr. Ludlum, and needless to say my interest has grown. I look forward to more Ludlum in either book or book on tape. If you like espionage books, try this. I also recommend books on tape to travelers and others who may not have the time to read but might be able to fit in the recording. It's very convienient.
A Very Exciting Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I enjoyed the original Matarese Circle. A very good way to start the second book off. The heir to the Matarese syndicate somehow managed to survive his assasination. The new C.I.A. case man goes a get a much older agent Scofield to battle the Matarese. Agent Scofield proves he is once again up to the task. He shows very good killing skills and knowledge of doing combat with the Matarese. Bringing back Agent Scofield showed originality on Ludlum's part. Of course Scofield once again defeats the Matarese and kills the heir to the syndicate. A very interesting read.
CA
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
I prefer Ira Levin (THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL) or Craig Furnas (THE SHAPE) for political/global suspense, but this novel was a good adventure. Ludlum's stuff is a bit contrived, but he has intricate plots and action that are thrilling.
Trust...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
I havent been able to read this book but in the past i have read all books written by ludlum....and i know this would b as good as the others....I cant wait to get over with my exams and then start on it.
Thoroughly Enjoyable!! A worthy sequel to Matarese Circle!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 28 years ago
Welcome back old friend! The Matarese Countdown is one of the best of Ludlum's more recent works...much more concise and flowing than Apocalypse Watch. It was great to see Beowulf Agate back in action!! I especially enjoyed the parallel construction of the old and new guard on both the side of good and evil. Only criticism was the lack of the infamous "Per Nostro Circulo" cry and I was hoping we might have learned more of Antonia's past history with the Red Brigades. Overall, I have to say...The Master is back! Can Bourne 4 be next? The Bourne Legacy perhaps...??? HMMMMMMMMM....
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