Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
The prosecution assigns Major Eddie Golden who brutalizes opponents during the trial and afterward provides a memento baseball bat to his losing opponents including two to Sean. Though William appears overwhelmingly guilty, Bulldog Drummond investigates the case in the two Cold War capitals, but finds no counter evidence. Convinced his client is guilty, Drummond changes his mind when someone tries to kill him. With renewed vigor, Sean begins unraveling a deep conspiracy with the goal leave Eddie with a Babe Ruth bat.
Though very exciting, THE KINGMAKER is not quite at the level of Drummond's first two novels (see SECRET SANCTION and MORTAL ALLIES) as he turns more into a super physical specimen than the cerebral giant. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action, but follows the conspiracy thriller prescription with no variation to the specs. Drummond retains his attitude of combining cynical idealism with amusing one-liners that the audience will enjoy. Brian Haig has written a delightful tale that his fans and the conspiratorial buffs will enjoy just not quite attaining the Drummond quality level.