The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 52 "The UK Embassy in Paris"A Novel
27 total reviews
Comment from Pearl Edwards
They really seem to have Charles tied up in a knot that only they can undo. Plenty of dram and intrigue in this story Tony, enjoying it.
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
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They really seem to have Charles tied up in a knot that only they can undo. Plenty of dram and intrigue in this story Tony, enjoying it.
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 22-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
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Thanks, Valda. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from S.M.E.Schultz
The web tangles tighter! I guess showing some bravado didn't help Charles much. The dialogue is so civilized while the threats are so subtle but the venom is felt there! I love the small gestures that imply "class" like hiking the pants at the knee to avoid creasing them; silver teapot and good china...in such contrast to the content of the conversation.
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
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The web tangles tighter! I guess showing some bravado didn't help Charles much. The dialogue is so civilized while the threats are so subtle but the venom is felt there! I love the small gestures that imply "class" like hiking the pants at the knee to avoid creasing them; silver teapot and good china...in such contrast to the content of the conversation.
Comment Written 21-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
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Thanks, S.M.E.S. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. Thanks for your comments about the contrasts. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Good artwork and chapter, Tony.
-Charles continues to stand up for
himself as he waits for some explanations.
-The conversation between him and Bamforth
is presented quite well and is very revealing.
-At least, according to Bamforth, we learn that
Gaston was a member of ISIS;
that came as a surprise.
-Then, we learn of a few more details
about Helen and her sister.
-It sounds like Charles will
be involved with them again,
and who knows what will transpire.
-Of course, Jeanne will be brought
back into the picture so whatever
her role is will be interesting to learn.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2019
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-Good artwork and chapter, Tony.
-Charles continues to stand up for
himself as he waits for some explanations.
-The conversation between him and Bamforth
is presented quite well and is very revealing.
-At least, according to Bamforth, we learn that
Gaston was a member of ISIS;
that came as a surprise.
-Then, we learn of a few more details
about Helen and her sister.
-It sounds like Charles will
be involved with them again,
and who knows what will transpire.
-Of course, Jeanne will be brought
back into the picture so whatever
her role is will be interesting to learn.
Comment Written 17-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2019
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Thanks, Pam. A clear summary of where we are at present. Jeanne is back with us in the next chapter with a couple of surprises.
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You are welcome, Tony. I'm glad to hear that Jeanne will be back:)
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I don't trust Madame Durand. I think she's a bad person. Maybe I'm wrong but I really feel she is not a good or trustworthy person. I shall what for the rest of the novel, but that's my prediction.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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I don't trust Madame Durand. I think she's a bad person. Maybe I'm wrong but I really feel she is not a good or trustworthy person. I shall what for the rest of the novel, but that's my prediction.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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You may be right about Madame Durand. She?s certainly a tough nut!
Comment from krys123
Cheers, Tony;
> I know what you mean by the story just started going a different direction what you previously though it probably would be.
>But the direction it's going in now, is a fabulous looking Ben Hur epic of an international England/French espionage involving terrorism that roots in Pakistan. Wow! talk about a 007 Blockbuster involving a mild-mannered and nationally known food critic and entrepreneur. Food and guns. What a combination.
> I'm starting to write like you guys and I'm getting close.
> Thanks for sharing this, Tony, take care and have a good one.
Alx
PS: believe me at first, Tony, I was having problems with the French locations and names, but easily had learned French, So I'm happy as a fly in sh....., "Nevermind!"
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Cheers, Tony;
> I know what you mean by the story just started going a different direction what you previously though it probably would be.
>But the direction it's going in now, is a fabulous looking Ben Hur epic of an international England/French espionage involving terrorism that roots in Pakistan. Wow! talk about a 007 Blockbuster involving a mild-mannered and nationally known food critic and entrepreneur. Food and guns. What a combination.
> I'm starting to write like you guys and I'm getting close.
> Thanks for sharing this, Tony, take care and have a good one.
Alx
PS: believe me at first, Tony, I was having problems with the French locations and names, but easily had learned French, So I'm happy as a fly in sh....., "Nevermind!"
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Very many thanks for the sixth star, Alx, and for your entertaining comments! Best wishes to you and your family, Tony
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You almost very welcome, Tony, and I hear through the grapevine that you are well appreciated my friend.
Take care and have a good one.
Alx
Comment from estory
I thought it was a great chapter. The contrast between the luxurious surroundings and the intense espionage web growing around Charles really defines the position he is in, how he is being blackmailed into cooperating with the secret service. Kayla and her sister could be terrorists. Suddenly the whole thing that had been hiding in plain sight seems much more sinister. You're also setting this up for much more adventure and intrigue in the future, plenty of excitement to come. estory
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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I thought it was a great chapter. The contrast between the luxurious surroundings and the intense espionage web growing around Charles really defines the position he is in, how he is being blackmailed into cooperating with the secret service. Kayla and her sister could be terrorists. Suddenly the whole thing that had been hiding in plain sight seems much more sinister. You're also setting this up for much more adventure and intrigue in the future, plenty of excitement to come. estory
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Thanks for you comments about this chapter, estory. As you say, scope for a bit more adventure and intrigue to come.
Comment from rspoet
Hello Tony,
Another excellent chapter in the story with great attention to detail.
The key is to make it all seem believable. The bombing of Gaston was
right on the edge. Having him the head of an ISIS cell helps.
So we go to Pakistan, where Osama bin Laden was hiding out.
(Maybe Bamforth should call the Navy Seals in to help) lol
But first, Madame Durand, she who miraculously survived a hit and run accident and started this whole entanglement.
I do look forward to seeing Helen reappear. The banter and sparks between the two of them contrast nicely with the more serious elements.
Well done.
Robert
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Hello Tony,
Another excellent chapter in the story with great attention to detail.
The key is to make it all seem believable. The bombing of Gaston was
right on the edge. Having him the head of an ISIS cell helps.
So we go to Pakistan, where Osama bin Laden was hiding out.
(Maybe Bamforth should call the Navy Seals in to help) lol
But first, Madame Durand, she who miraculously survived a hit and run accident and started this whole entanglement.
I do look forward to seeing Helen reappear. The banter and sparks between the two of them contrast nicely with the more serious elements.
Well done.
Robert
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Thanks very much for the sixth star, Robert, and for your comments about the chapter. Navy Seals or SAS - who knows?
I suspect that Helen may be waiting in the wings for her next entry.
All the best, Tony
Comment from Pantygynt
If not James Bond, perhaps Harry Palmer. The convolutions of the intelligence world are terrifying to behold and once the have you by the short hairs, they don't let go. It's the way the goodies turn into the baddies at the drop of a hat that terrifies me.
The plot definitely thickens as it appears we are about to get dragged off to Pakistan.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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If not James Bond, perhaps Harry Palmer. The convolutions of the intelligence world are terrifying to behold and once the have you by the short hairs, they don't let go. It's the way the goodies turn into the baddies at the drop of a hat that terrifies me.
The plot definitely thickens as it appears we are about to get dragged off to Pakistan.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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It's a while since I've read any of Len Deighton's novels. I used to enjoy them. Good escapism!
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There's nothing like a bit of escapism with Brexit around to escape from.
Comment from Tootsie55
Most definitely deserving of a SIX while I still have them to offer. The plot gets thicker and thicker. I like all the analogy and mythical wanderings woven in the story. Well done, no spags.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Most definitely deserving of a SIX while I still have them to offer. The plot gets thicker and thicker. I like all the analogy and mythical wanderings woven in the story. Well done, no spags.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Very many thanks for this supportive review. I really appreciate your encouragement. Thanks, too, for the sixth star. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Bamford is extremely arrogant, but for that character it suits him well. Descriptive settings. Full of twists and turns. Several instances of strong imagery. A well crafted and interesting chapter.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Bamford is extremely arrogant, but for that character it suits him well. Descriptive settings. Full of twists and turns. Several instances of strong imagery. A well crafted and interesting chapter.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2019
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Thanks, Brett. I appreciate your kind comments. Tony
