Synopsis
David Baird learned to fly in the Canadian Army. Now the former career officer is an up-and-coming singer in 1962 Britain. Talented, self-assured, Baird's life is going according to plan, and he's in control. Or so he thinks.
Engaged to sing at the Soviet Embassy, British Intelligence enlist his covert assistance. He just has to keep his eyes and ears open. Or so they say.
This complex international intrigue thrusts Baird into the middle of a plot -- a Soviet attempt to sabotage Britain's development of a vertical-take-off jet fighter. A missing list of names, critical to U.S. oil negotiations and sought by both the CIA and KGB, draws Baird deeper and deeper into a quicksand of espionage, deceit and death.
A confrontation with a sadistic KGB assassin in Paris, a desperate escape across France and Belgium, a Soviet-crewed cruise ship steaming toward Odessa with a mysterious cargo, a beautiful Soviet liaison officer hiding her dark secrets -- the threads all come together in a dramatic dual in the skies over the Atlantic and in a remote, deep-cover Soviet safe-house on Britain's south coast used for interrogation and depraved sex-sting operations.
Set into authentic backgrounds in a seamless blend of fact and fiction, Debut for a Spy weaves a rich tapestry of David Baird's music into a tangled web which alters forever the course of his life.
In this sensational first novel author Harry Currie catapults into the ranks of the world's finest thriller writers. A master of high drama, he twists together parallel plots of action, romance, mystery, technology, sex, and surprise after surprise.
Review
"A walloping good read."
Intriguing plotlines, rich characterizations, exotic locales, and edge-of-chair suspense. So real it must be autobiographical. Don't pass up this wonderful novel . . . it's for anyone who enjoys ripping good yarns in the style of John Le Carré or Frederic Forsyth.
The Audacious Reviewer - Amazon.com
"Thoroughly researched, well-written, and entertaining."
Gorgeous women, state-of-the-art technology (Harrier Jump-Jet), witty repartee, and a handsome hero with charm, strength, intelligence, and courage. So much action it's like "reading a movie." No surprise if Debut were made into one.
Eva Tihyani - Books in Canada
"One of the best action thrillers I've ever read."
Meticulously researched, empathetic character portrayal, wonderfully painted scenes. The fast paced Harrier sorties were great fun for an old fighter pilot like me. What a movie this book would make.
Flight Lieutenant John Dunlop - RCAF (Ret'd), Air Canada 767 Captain (Ret'd)
"Debut for a Spy deserves superlatives."
A novel equal to Le Carré and Higgins. Fast-paced, hair-raising confrontations with the KGB, carnal scenes tastefully outstanding, handling of the Harrier right on. A first-rate, excellent novel from start to finish.
Major General Richard Rohmer - fighter pilot and best-selling author
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