Three to Conquer

In 1958, when I was eight years old, my older cousin was cleaning out his bookcase as I played solitaire on his bed. "Here," He said, handing me a paperback. "you like this kind of stuff". It was an Ace double novel - "Two Complete Novels, 35 cents". One side was Doomsday Eve, by Robert Moore Williams (forgettable), and the other was Three to Conquer. What impressed me most about this novel was the character development. The hero was not your ordinary lantern-jawed he-man type prevalent at the time; Wade Harper was a squat, hirsute, ape of a man who was contrary enough to have a job developing instruments to manipulate the very small. Oh yeah, he also read minds, which is the catalyst for the story. The plot is simple Bodysnatchers fare, the good guys are good and the bad guys lethal, and you can read it in one evening. I still do. What more can you ask?

As usually, E.F. Russell has created an excellent scanario with three aliens dressed as humans and only one man who can stop them. Wade Harper, a telepath, needs all his wit, wisdom and inspiration not only to stop the conquerors from enslaving all humans but also to keep his little telepathic secret for himself. A must for every true SF lover. I've bought two copies just to be sure to find at least one if I feel the urge to read it again (every year or so).

Our Hero is able to see the surface thoughts of others. Its been more of a hassle than a gift, Who wants to know that the guy next to you wants a hamburger or has an itch? Then one day he passes a hideous (sic?) alien intelligence wearing a human body. If he goes to the government with what he knows and HOW he knows it, they're likely to disect HIM to figure out how he works!!! Killer The realistic attitude and sense of humor of the hero has to be experienced to be believed! I read this about 10 years ago and can't remember the character's name. I wish I had never loaned this one out! (ie. gone!)