Tango One

Rating:
Summary: A gripping tale with strong characterizations
Review: In London, three recruits prepare for their first day in the Metropolitan Police. However, much to their surprise, a driver picks them up and delivers them to Assistant Commissioner Peter Latham who recruits them for deep undercover work in an effort to ensnare drug dealer, Den Donovan otherwise known as Tango One meaning he is atop the most wanted list. The rest of the story belongs to Den Donovan and the personal problems in his life including the emptying of his bank accounts by his wife's lover who happens to be Den's accountant. As we wonder through Den's trials and tribulations, we wonder if and when the police operatives will make an appearance.
This gripping tale provides not only a suspense filled story but also rests on the strong characterizations. Fiction about drug dealers seemed to run rampant several years ago. This tale offers a unique take in that Stephen Leather personalizes Den Donovan into an almost sympathetic figure. We also must try to discover which of the supporting cast are the police operatives. Overall, a very well done book worthy of recognition.

Rating:
Summary: Fast-paced and gripping
Review: It's one of life's great mysteries why Stephen Leather isn't better known in the US. Until recently his books haven't even been on sale there, yet he is head and shoulders above most US thriller writers...

Tango One is gripping from the start, as it details an undercover operation to trap a big-time drugs dealer. Like most of Leather's books, the good guys aren't always good and the bad guys are several shades of grey.

It's exciting right until the end, with lots of twists and turns along the way...

Rating:
Summary: Not bad London gangster novel
Review: Three young Police recruits are put deep undercover to get close to a key target ( a 'Tango One' as they are called). The story then switches to the Tango One in question as his world starts to fall apart and eventually the characters all link up.
Actually not bad, Leather has written some good thrillers and this one moves at a fair pace and does have some unexpected twists.
Not sure if it is worth the investment of a hardback but worth a look when in paperback.