Frank Gardner however, whilst not resorting to Le Carre-style kitchen-sink realism, definitely wants the reader to feel they’re being shown an accurate portrayal of contemporary intelligence gathering and espionage, not a world of tricked-out Aston Martins and bikini-clad babes (the former even gets a jokey reference in the book’s dialogue, as if the author was trying to make a none-too-subtle point).

This effects the pace of the plot as well as character development and due to the underdeveloped characters and character relationships I didn't really feel connected to any of them throughout. This is the first of currently three books about Luke Carlton and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. Elise was a frustratingly annoying presence and their was little rapore between any of the main characters. What might have helped though, would have been a central character with enough charisma or complexity to let the reader overlook the inherent implausibility of the villainous conspiracy.It does seem to go on a bit longer than needs be but it is so action packed and enjoyable that you don't mind too much.

Often this is done by making Carlton ask questions, or suffer an apparent loss of memory so that someone has to explain things to him. Carlton (and his bosses) eventually discover a plan that is ingenious, cunning and poses a real threat to the UK. Readers who want a high level of realism and a modern story should find this really suits their tastes. However, I can't help but wonder why his friends and (particularly) his editor didn't have a quiet word in Frank's ear before he contemplated publishing "Crisis". It's hard to explain what I mean without giving spoilers, but if you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about.He uses jargon freely, but then realises that his readers may not understand the jargon and has to explain it. Shot 6 times at close range while on assignment in Saudi Arabia in 2004, left severely wounded and dependant on a wheelchair. The book is peppered with excessive detail, unnecessary exposition and minor characters who could be excised entirely. This is a feat that would challenge the skipper of a Trident submarine, yet these two bozos manage it with ease - without any navigation equipment more sophisticated than a compass. We got to learn a bit about his line of work being a secret agent for the London MI5, we learnt a bit about his younger years when he grew up in Colombia (the other half to the novels setting), but mostly we got to learn about his lovely girlfriend Elise and their budding relationship which was slightly hindered due to his line of work.