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Rating: 
Summary: I am a Buckley fan
Review: I must admit that I really like WFB's fiction, and I'm delighted that his publisher challenged him to try it. The Blackford Oakes series relies on Buckley's own experience with the CIA, I'm sure. But the stories are more than depictions of black craftsmanship. Buckley has a fine ability to weave an interesting plot, and his characterizations are detailed and marvelous. He has spent time and effort bringing his characters to life, and giving them motivation and hstory. There is, of course, a cynical side to international espionage, and he has also portrayed that convincingly. In this story, for example, the Soviets and the Americans actually cut cards to see which side will murder a heroic German character whose greatest desire it is to reunify his country. I think it is amazing how well he has interwoven history and historical characters with fiction and his invented characters, and made it all hang together so convincingly. Bill Buckley, sir, you are an amazing man and one to admire. Joseph Pierre
Rating:
Summary: I am a Buckley fan
Review:
I must admit that I really like WFB's fiction, and I'm delighted that his publisher challenged him to try it. The Blackford Oakes series relies on Buckley's own experience with the CIA, I'm sure. But the stories are more than depictions of black craftsmanship. Buckley has a fine ability to weave an interesting plot, and his characterizations are detailed and marvelous. He has spent time and effort bringing his characters to life, and giving them motivation and hstory. There is, of course, a cycnical side to international espionage, and he has also portrayed that convincingly. In this story, for example, the Soviets and the Americans actually cut cards to see which side will murder a heroic German character whose greatest desire it is to reunify his country. I think it is amazing how well he has interwoven history and historical characters with fiction and his invented characters, and made it all hang together so convincingly. Bill Buckley, sir, you are an amazing man and one to admire. Joseph Pierre
Rating: 
Summary: Intelligent & Engaging
Review: Buckley brings something rarely seen to the spy novel: intelligence and moral dilemma. Stained Glass also has wonderful characterization, witty dialogue, and humor. I highly recommend this unique approach to spy novel fans.
Rating:
Summary: Buckley does it again
Review: Not quite as good as the first blackford oakes novel, but nonethless good. It really picked up at the end and made it worthwile. I really appreciate the wit in Buckley's writing as well as his ability to twist a plot right out from under you. The occasional intrusion by actual historical figures also makes the Oakes books very interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Buckley does it again
Review: Not quite as good as the first blackford oakes novel, but nonethless good. It really picked up at the end and made it worthwile. I really appreciate the wit in Buckley's writing as well as his ability to twist a plot right out from under you. The occasional intrusion by actual historical figures also makes the Oakes books very interesting.
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