Rating: 
Summary: One of the best in the cold war espionage genre.
Review: Many novels have been written in the espionage genre using the cold war as a backdrop, but Robert Ludlum's "The Matarese Circle" is one of the best. It features two elite hit men - a Russian and an American, both regarded as the very best that their countries have produced. The Russian KGB agent Vasili Talaniekov and the American CIA agent Brandon Scofield have no love for each other because of deep grudges. But when their own countries put out execution orders for both their own men, the two arch-rivals and enemies are forced go on the run and to band together. In a remarkable alliance, they slowly uncover a global conspiracy with tentacles in Moscow and Washington. They expose the roots of this conspiracy in Corsica, where they discover the terrible secret of the Matarese: a Council of chosen ones who have power in the highest levels of government around the world, and who are unfolding their plan of world domination - starting at the very highest level in the USA. But the Matarese are faceless men, and although their dogged research imperils the lives of all they talk to, and they are constantly challenged by the hidden army of people with the secret blue Matarese circle tattooed on their chest, eventually Talaniekov and Scofield uncover the real threat and objective of the Matarese, as the identity of the Shepherd Boy who leads the Matarese is finally revealed. But how to expose this terrible truth? - for that Valienkov and Schofield have to take desperate measures, resulting in a thrilling final conclusion.Readers should expect the features that are typical of the espionage genre - there is a significant amount of blasphemy (although not much other foul language), the odd unchaste behaviour (although this is more incidental and very infrequent), and frequent deaths (although this is not described in gory detail, but more as showing the extent to which defenders of global conspiracy will go to protect their cause). Aside from this, we are treated to typical cold war espionage fare - secret phone calls between Washington and Moscow, false identities, clandestine contacts, double agents and spies, defectors, surveillance, and hitmen and men on the run. It's not always entirely believable, but who cares, it's terrifically entertaining! The twists and turns in this novel are never-ending, the excitement breath taking, and you'll find it incredibly difficult to put this book down once you've started. Ludlum is a master of suspense and intrigue. Unlike writers like Tom Clancy, it doesn't feature the techno-jargon and detailed research about fancy weapons that give more depth but bog down the plot. Don't read this book for depth of characters, espionage realism or profound literary insights, but if you want a book with an exciting and entertaining plot laden with heart-stopping tension, this is it. Many claim "The Matarese Circle" to be one of Robert Ludlum's best. But maybe it would be more accurate to say that it's one of the genre's best.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book
Review: This is a great book for those with a hint of paranoia and for normal folk also.
Rating:
Summary: Per Nostro Circolo
Review: This is the story of two men who must stop the Matarese. The Matarese are the most dangerous violent organization in the world but the most unknown. Their goal is for world domination through chaos. The two men are experts - the best in the world at their chosen profession. They work in intelligence for their respective governments and through an unlikely turn of events they are forced to work together. The story sees them visiting Corsica, Russia, Britain and America on their quest. They are followed every step of the way by the Matarese. But is it too late?
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: This book is an excellent thriller. I read it twice, the second time being this week. In my opinion this is his best book so far, the action and suspense are spellbinding and you really get into the characters. He'll climb mountains trying to better it.
Rating:
Summary: Miss the Cold War??
Review: If you're like me, then you're probably starting to miss the wonderful spy novels that came out of the Cold War in the eighties. Now that "world peace" seems around the corner, the market for these novels has dissapeared. So, being stuck with books of the past, I highly suggest Robert Ludlum for the spy junkies who can't get enough. The style of writing is better than Tom Clancy, and the plots move along with the speed of light. In this book, two sworn enemies must work together to save their country from the brink of collapse. A must read!!
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Summary: His worse book ever!
Review: Really bad writing and very disapointing from a great writer.
Rating:
Summary: Ludlum's best
Review: This is, to my mind, Robert Ludlum's best book ever. He has written some great work, most of it now about twenty years old. It still reads fresh, though. Ludlum has written some really fine books. They are, before anything else, incredibly compelling stories. Ludlum has never had to rely on the details of how to create an atomic bomb, or what the sights of a submachine gun are made of in order to create a great story. That is what sets his work apart from so many contemporary writers. The story starts 100 years ago, with the creation of a dynasty called the Matarese which is led by one incredibly insightful and equally evil man. It brings us to the a family chillingly close to the Kennedys, just a step from the White House. The protagonists are America's and the Soviet's top spies, who, hate each other and (of course) must work together to save their respective nation's interests. This is a great book to take on vactaion, when the reader has hours to devote. Don't start this unless you have time, and nothing pressing that must be done.
Rating:
Summary: Just about as good as it gets!
Review: After devouring 'The Bourne Identity' and confessing myself a die-hard Ludlum fan-for-life I picked up 'The Materese Circle' and found myself absorbed in a cold-war spy-thriller that is second to none. First we've got the order of the Materese, beginning very long ago with origins that seem to have been orchestrated by the devil himself...next we've got two spies, an American and a Russian, both with SUPREME reasons to hate one another...yet it's a classic example of two enemies who must work together in order to solve a global conspiracy that threatens much more than even those in the know fully realize. From Russia to France to America, 'The Materese Circle' is truly a masterpiece of intrigue and suspense. A novel by which ALL other spy novels SHOULD be judged by. In MY humble opinion, it tied with 'The Bourne Supremacy' as my FAVORITE Ludlum novel. Don't worry about it holding up over time, either. Many cold-war era spy-novels just break down over time and seem oddly out of place, but NOT this one. Ludlum in his prime was THE best adventure/thriller/spy novelist there was--bar none. 'The Materese Circle' showcases his amazing talent to capture your attention in a perfect way. Read it, enjoy and come back for more Ludlum stuff soon (I KNOW you will...).
Rating:
Summary: Can't fault the plot
Review: This man can write! And his imagination is a force to be reckoned with! It is true that the ending is a little cliche, but this book is well worth it! I haven't read The Matarese Countdown, but this book makes me want to. This is a classic Ludlum page turner, even though it is a little predictable at times. Ludlum draws his readers in and then takes them on quite a ride. Read it, if only to say you have read all of Ludlum's.
Rating:
Summary: A very intruiging book
Review: This was a very interesting book. The history of the Matarese in Corsica as done by Ludlum was very well done. This added to the sinister being of the Matarese. It was also interesting how Ludlum gave the Matarese credit for the assasinations of some well known government leaders. Their final and most cunning act to put one of the Matarese heirs into a position of power was very well used to make this a good story. You will not regret reading this book.
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