Rating: 
Summary: Early Ludlum book needs some refining
Review: This is one of Ludlum's earlier works (I believe it might be his earliest) and the lack of refinement clearly shows. The novel focuses on Elizabeth Scarlatti's efforts to stop her son from using his wealth and power to provide the Third Reich with incalculable resources in the period before WWII. The book can be confusing in places and it definitely helps to have an understanding of how stocks/securities work because much of the plot revolves around the manipulation of securities. The plot fits together decently, though there are some holes that ultimately left me scratching my head at the conclusion. I found the beginning half of the book to be immensely engrossing, but the pace quickened toward the end, leading to what seemed like a rushed and forced resolution. Worthy reading if you like Ludlum, but others might prefer one of his later and more refined works.
Rating: 
Summary: Mr. Conspiracy writes a melodrama
Review: This is the third book by Robert Ludlum that I have endured. Ludlum finds a conspiracy in everything, apparently, and this book is no exception. The dialogue reminds me of conversation one can hear on the late late show from '30's and '40's movies. Some of it is so bad it's funny. See the villain threaten the flawed hero (otherwise known as the "field accountant"). See the heroine mistreated by the villain. See the villain go over to the other side, become powerful and vindictive and murderous, without any motivation at all! You too can read about Snidely Whiplash and Nell, in 354 pages of melodramatic muck. And it's even worse on audio: Ludlum's flaws are magnified.
Rating:
Summary: Mr. Conspiracy writes a melodrama
Review: This is the third book by Robert Ludlum that I have endured. Ludlum finds a conspiracy in everything, apparently, and this book is no exception. The dialogue reminds me of conversation one can hear on the late late show from '30's and '40's movies. Some of it is so bad it's funny. See the villain threaten the flawed hero (otherwise known as the "field accountant"). See the heroine mistreated by the villain. See the villain go over to the other side, become powerful and vindictive and murderous, without any motivation at all! You too can read about Snidely Whiplash and Nell, in 354 pages of melodramatic muck. And it's even worse on audio: Ludlum's flaws are magnified.
Rating:
Summary: Typical Hitler tale
Review: What is it about Hitler that so intrigues many writers? It's like you're not a complete writer until you have written at least one book about the madman. Well, this is Ludlum's college try and while it is intriguing in parts, dramatic in others, it is - and I hate to use this term - utterly predictable. Who didn't know the real identity of everyone involved and the ultimate outcome? This is an OK read but kind of rough around the edges. I guess my main complaint is that it is just too conventional.
Rating:
Summary: Typical Hitler tale
Review: What is it about Hitler that so intrigues many writers? It's like you're not a complete writer until you have written at least one book about the madman. Well, this is Ludlum's college try and while it is intriguing in parts, dramatic in others, it is - and I hate to use this term - utterly predictable. Who didn't know the real identity of everyone involved and the ultimate outcome? This is an OK read but kind of rough around the edges. I guess my main complaint is that it is just too conventional.
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