The Golden Gate

Rating:
Summary: Average plot only, not that suspenseful
Review: ... or why have they not made a movie based on this book, given that so many other movies are based on MacLean's books? The reason is that this book offers nothing new compared to the other best-sellers by MacLean. Average plot, lame love story, some of the action is unbelievable. Unless you are a major MacLean buff, you might want to skip this.

Rating:
Summary: The hero is the key in all MacLean's books!
Review: I think James Bond should take a leaf from Alistair Maclean's books. His hero in this "yarn" defies description, someone who is smart, a little cynical, unwilling to give in to the momentary distractions of injury or beautiful spoiled women (who are actually great heroines in disguise!) in order to force the hand of the blackguard holding the world in thrall. My most memorable scene in this book is when the protagonist is suffering from a bullet-ridden leg, yet hanging from the side of a porthole in high wind, trying valiantly to get past the villains that have hijacked this ship which has precious lives and gold cargo. It's a real treat and an engrossing read, especially because it is so fantastic! I would rather take a hero of Maclean's stamp than Ian Fleming's any day of the week!

Rating:
Summary: Correction to another earlier review
Review: Just a comment regarding 'Mary Agnes D Faderan's' review below: Her review is not for this book (GoldenGate) but rather for another of Alistair MacLean's books known as 'The Golden Rendezvous'. Of the two books, 'Golden Rendezvous' is easily superior, though I like both.