Die Twice (David Trevellyan) by Andrew Grant
The title is very much at home and in keeping with the thriller genre and it's both eye-catching and also has a perfectly reasonable explanation which comes right at the very end of the story. I must admit to thrillers generally not being my most favourite reading material. Some can be a bit flashy, a bit trashy even. But not this novel. Right from the start I felt I was in for a good, intelligent read. There were pointers to this all over the place. For starters, David Trevellyan has a nice line in witty humour. There are numerous snazzy one-liners. It all went down very well.
| Die Twice (David Trevellyan) by Andrew Grant | |
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| Category: General Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Louise Laurie
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| Summary: This is a stylish thriller as Agent Trevellyan grapples with his latest top-secret mission. He's a Brit abroad in the windy city and throughout the novel he barely seems to pause for a breath. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 416 | Date: June 2010 |
| Publisher: Macmillan | |
| ISBN: 978-0230747586 | |
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Trevellyan is action man personified. He carries out dangerous under-cover assignments, usually operating on his own. This latest task he has been asked/ordered to complete is pitted with danger, as you might expect, but then again, David has been highly trained to do his job. He also takes a very professional approach. Grant has cleverly used the first person narrative throughout which works well. Gives a sense of immediacy. Just what you'd want in a good thriller. And this is a good thriller.
It's good for several reasons. As well as the usual dazzling action all over the place, there's a softer side as Trevellyan shares his philosophical thoughts on his past rigorous training regime. He seems to be able to use all of his sense (including his sixth sense) extremely well. And it's all to get the job done. Done and dusted. He shares with us plenty of technical 'agent' speak eg: A hard arrest. The kind that involves body bags rather than handcuffs. and then puts his own spin on things eg: Sounds like its time to break out the asbestos underwear. It's all entertaining and amusing reading.
Grant's style is fluid and street-smart. It reminded me a little bit of some of the classic detective stories but with a modern twist. I think this will go down well with readers who like their thrillers. It certainly did with me. It's also worth mentioning that Trevellyan does have a blurry 'past' which makes him even more interesting. And not to put too fine a point on it, he may not have a future if he messes up this current project. He seems to be literally a heart-beat away from some sort of gruesome injury or even death, every single waking day. Those people who he deals with are usually anonymous; they can blend into any woodwork at any time. Cracking stuff.
Agent Trevellyan is also a stickler for detail, as you may expect. So, once again, the reader is treated to plenty of descriptions in the run-up and preparation of various projects. Whether it's checking into a hotel, hiring a car, or dealing with a colleague it's all engrossing stuff. But, does he achieve his ultimate aim? And if he does, at what cost? There's also some nice mini-episodes starring the damsel in distress and the old guy down on his luck. Nice touch.
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I would now happily scour out Grant's Even to read. Just goes to show, you shouldn't judge the book by its cover. An entertaining and witty read.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.
If this book appeals then try Restless by William Boyd.
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