The Chancellor Manuscript

Robert Ludlum is always a good read. I had to keep my wits about me to keep up with the plot. I actually had the paperback version but when I got to page 294 the following 100 pages were a repeat of a section earlier in the book. So there was nothing for it but to download to my Kindle to enable me to finish it. Needless to say the paperback version found its way into the recycling bin.You won’t be disappointed.

A rather secretive group of high-minded and high-placed intellectuals, which names itself Inver Brass, decides to do away with J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI, in a bid to recover and shred his secret files. During execution half of the files are found to be missing. Rather unfortunate this because the files contain lots of information people would prefer to remain secret.As the new owner of the files starts using them, Inver Brass decides to bring in thriller writer Peter Chancellor and have him investigate the whole affair by way of researching a book. Mr. Chancellor of course doesn't know that he is being used, but eventually figures this out. The story culminates in him finding the culprit who stole the files.This is classic Robert Ludlum with plenty of plots and sub-plots. I picked up this book and read it in one go. I just couldn't put it down. It is a real joy to follow Peter Chancellor in his quest of unearthing the mystery surrounding the files.

This was my first Ludlum novel. Unfortunately, towards the end, I remember not really caring too much about the outcome.Too many red herrings, too many names and pseudonyms. Of the five or so protagonists, as far as I was concerned, any of them could have been the culprit/mastermind, I just didn't care.Nelson Demille or Lee Child could have delivered a more dynamic account of this story.But, I am not put off Mr Ludlum, I shall give him another go.

This book was for a friend she loved it. although she loves Robert Lublum books. A bit of a book worm

Cracking good read....typical early Ludlum, fast moving with twist and turns and always a happy ending. Well recommended

The entire concept is so well plotted you begin to wonder, like the main protagonist, if it really did haven this way. Robert Ludlum, as usual leads , us a none stop chase to reveal the truth, and the action never stops.

Did not like the book writing during the main plot , too jumbled got bored at times but had its moment

I have read thousands of books over my lifetime but this is certainly in the top ten of them. Read it