If unlike me, you saw the film first and have since decided that the storyline is nothing to write home about then you need to pick up the book. Right from the outset you become close to Cat Shannon, a mercenary and a leader, and his rag tag army of specialists.

Its the traditonal setup with the heavy weapons guy being 7 feet tall and the silent assassin being a small withdrawn man. But you feel for them despite their existance relying on war and as your drawn into the world of backhanders and clandestine meetings you'll soon realise that several hours have passed.

Frederick Forsyth is very good with the english language, but it's the lengths that he goes to to research the book and it is evident that he knows more about the underworld than he should.

I have read this book twice and enjoyed it thoroughly both times although I wouldn't say it was as good as "The Negotiator" or "The Devil's Alternative", both by the same author.