Only When I Laugh - Softcover

Deighton, Len

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0445406828 ISBN 13: 9780445406827

Publisher: Popular Library, 1988

Synopsis

When their plan to bilk a mineral-rich African nation misfires, Bob, the youngest of three con artists, decides that he should replace Silas as leader of the group

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

Originally published in England in 1968, this early Deighton novel is set not in his familiar espionage milieu but in the world of international con artists. As caper novels go, it is entertaining, even cute at times, but it is far less than what Deighton fans expect from the author of such bestsellers as The Ipcress File, SS-GB and Berlin Game. Told in alternating chapters by the three members of the con teamSilas, Liz and Bobthe book recounts the trio's exploits, first in New York as they bilk a pair of businessmen and later in their London home base where they launch an ill-fated scheme to sell phony arms to a small African nation. The repartee among the three is as much a part of plot as are the details of the "stings." Bob's ambition to become the ringleader, as well as to separate Liz from Silas, leads to a final operation in Beirut. Clever and not without charm, the book is nonetheless unpolished and lightweight compared to Deighton's best. 50,000 first printing; 35,000 ad/promo.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Popular Library
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0445406828
• ISBN 13: 9780445406827
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 299