Last Instructions

Agent 10483 has some scores to settle. Having been highly effective in this book’s sequel, Three Envelopes, our Israeli secret agent sets about exacting his revenge on those responsible for programming him and nearly making him take his own life. Although this is a cracking read in its own right, you will get a lot more out of Last Orders if you read Three Envelopes first. 

Working on information obtained from one of the nuclear scientists he was tasked in eliminating in Three Envelopes, agent 10483 tracks down a nuclear warhead and makes plans to transport it to America. Not an easy task you would imagine but this agent does not see problems; he sees objectives. In order to obtain his objectives, he draws up a list of materials required, purchases or otherwise obtains those materials, puts his plans into action and fulfils his objectives. Failure is never an option. Agent 10483 is a corporate Valhalla. No meetings required, no blue sky thinking, no road maps, just objectives identified and achieved. The writing surrounding the agent’s actions is first rate and it’s a sobering thought when you consider the author has a military background. Aside from the agent himself, two men sent to apprehend him, known as The twins, are a delightful creation. They wind each other up but clearly have a deep respect for each other whilst exchanging mundanities such as why The Netherlands make the best fries. Making a late appearance is another asset known as The Barber. One of the twins explains the story behind this soubriquet and it makes for squirm inducing reading. 

There are several insights into the workings of the Israeli secret intelligence services. One particular project involving grasshoppers is scarily simplistic in its aim and will have you asking yourself, could it happen? Of course, this is fictional but there is a very real sense here of being in the hands of someone who has walked the walk and worn the T-Shirt. 

Even more so than Three Envelopes, I found this book to be immensely enjoyable and to contain that rarified mix of strong characters, richly evoked settings and a storyline that lights the touch paper and then burns your house down. 

My thanks to Point Blank and NetGalley for providing an ARC of Last Orders in return for an honest review.