The Negotiator

Unlike some reviewers, I found The Negotiator to be one of my best fictional reads, and certainly my favorite Freddy Forsyth book, right up there with Day of the Jackal and Devil's Alternative. Without giving away the story, the president's only son is kidnapped in the UK while studying abroad, and so the president turns over leadership of the country to his able VP so he can attend to his stricken wife. The kidnapping occurs at critical time of Soviet negotiations around arms reduction After all the blame that can made is made, it is time to focus on recovery of the President's son. On the recommendations of the CIA, the VP chooses an outsider to help negotiate the release of the president's son: he summons "Quinn" from retirement in Spain. Quinn has a record of effectiveness, but rebelliousness that antagonizes every branch of government on both sides of the pond. Before accepting this request, Quinn has only one condition: he works for the President and the family, not the US government. The VP reluctantly agrees. And so the deception and duplicitous behaviour begins on both sides of the Atlantic...all anticipated by Quinn There are a few amazing coincidences, but I did not find they took away from the story. This is a terrific thriller with many twists and turns, and nothing is as it seems including the kidnappers and their motivation, and mysterious people behind this heinous crime I am puzzled why this story was never made into a movie thriller. It is a great read

The Day of the Jackal, despite being a superb book for it's time is starting to get just a little outdated. I mean, it remains one of the greatest intellectual thriller types but fans today like a bit more action, a bit more suprises, a bit more twists. On this aspect, I have to say than in my opinion, The Negotiator is Forsyth's best book to date. It's not as tightly plotted as Jackal or Odessa (a particular sub plot gets wrapped up too quickly in the end) but it certainly is a hell of a sizzling read with plenty of suspense and twists and action. Yes, the details may annoy some but the suspense that forsyth manages to sheath every page with is more than enough to cover any minor flaws and Quinn is simply, the best hero Forsyth has ever come up with (The Jackal was not exactly the hero). Dont get scared by the Publisher's Weekly review, while the book does take some time to delve into the main plot, the beginning too is VERY gripping with the plotting of a coup etc etc and once the story gets started this is one tremendously enjoyable thriller.

This was my personal "Best Fiction" book that I read in 2000. It is not only a fascinating look at hostage negotiation principles (that can be applied in all negotiations) but it is an amazingly creative plot that keeps you guessing and interesting to the end. If you are looking for a well-written, well-researched, multi-locale book that keeps you guessing and marveling at twists, read this book!

The first book of Forsyth that we've ever read. Catches my attention from the first page itself. Non stop thriller with riveting plot that kept building up along the story. Quinns' character is so well developed through out his adventure. The story line is so real with a clear detail of what happening around the characters environment. The story also gives emphasisation for all the characters making the book a very exciting read. After reading this book we got so hooked up with Frederick Forsyth's books and started buying all these books:- Icon, The Deceiver, Fist of God and Devil's Alternative.This is an ultimate satisfaction for both of us. Keep writting good books.

Frederick Forsyth is a master of 'spy' story telling. This book was my starter to Forsyth's other works. The story line and the facts presented in THE NEGOTIATOR is enticing by giving complete details as if I was in the story with Quinn. The plot is shocking due to many twists and exploding action along the story. The characters are well developed and carried the suspense till the end. This book is an ultimate satisfaction. Because of this book, which made me fall in love with Forsyth's work, I bought the following books:- Icon, The Deceivers and Devil's Alternative.