Night of Error

The rather unusual title for this book comes from a quote from Jonathan Swift about loving and supporting your brother no matter what, and the theme of Brotherly Love and Hate certainly flows strongly through 'Night Of Error'. When Mike Trevelyan's estranged brother Mark is reported dead in suspicious circumstances, Mike gives up his comfortable English academic life and heads to the South Pacific to investigate. Backed by some choice ex-mercenaries, a billionaire, and a couple of Mark's casually-discarded girlfriends, Mike tries to unravel the mystery of both his brother's death and a potentially lucrative scientific discovery. Despite hating his late brother's ruthlessness and ambition, Mike is forced to think and act more and more like Mark to solve the puzzle and bring the responsible parties to justice. 'Night Of Error' was the first of two books published after Bagley's death, and I wonder whether this really was his planned next book. His second posthumous book 'Juggernaut' is much more in keeping with the style of later books such as 'Flyaway' and 'Windfall', whereas 'Night Of Error' seems more of a throwback to Bagley's earlier books such as 'The Golden Keel'. The fact that the novel is set in 1962 (before 'The Golden Keel' was written) and contains a couple of plot points similar to that book makes you wonder whether 'Night of Error' is actually one of Bagley's early, discarded attempts at his debut. Whatever the reason, 'Night Of Error' is a good book. Just keep in mind that it is far closer to Bagley's early stuff, and lacks the more epic, Hammond Innes like feel of his African-themed later books. 'Juggernaut' is much more likely to be Bagley's genuine "next novel" after 'Windfall', but if you loved Bagley's leaner, more action-focussed earlier books, you should get alot of pleasure out of 'Night Of Error'.

I started reading Desmond Bagley in my teens (in the 80s) when he and Alistair Maclean were very popular in India. And I have read almost all of his books. Loved his boks all those years ago, when I was also reading Ludlum, Craig Thomas etc. Recently I have started on a project to re-read these books. Gives me a fresh perspective. I find that I still love his writing. Very crisp, very british and never slacking. Lot of the newer writers can learn from Mr Bagley (or Alistair Maclean). You'll find that lot of their characters have come out of the 2nd world war. The books title is a bit of a mystery. Otherwise it is a fast paced engrossing book. A good plot, adventure and skulldaggery - like a really great 60s movie. read this and other Desmond Bagley books.