The Veteran - Softcover

Frederick Forsyth is the author of ten bestselling novels. He lives in Hertfordshire, England.

"Lucid, vivid and delightfully readable, Forsyth is a master word-spinner and a master of meticulous detail."-The Los Angeles Times

On a grimy sidewalk in a defeated neighborhood, an old man is beaten to death. When a cop investigates, he finds two killers and a startling legacy of honor ... In a prestigious London art gallery an impoverished actor is swindled out of a fortune-until an eccentric appraiser hatches a delicious scheme for revenge... On an airplane high over war-torn Afghanistan, a passenger sends a note to the plane's captain, warning of suspicious behavior. But no one can guess who is really conspiring aboard the 747, or why... From the war-torn Italy to the Little Big Horn, from soldiers of fortune to victims of fate,The Veteran is a riveting experience in crime, heroism, and the kind of mano-a-mano duels-and surprising twists of fate-that are the hallmark of Frederick Forsyth at his very best.

"Each of the stories in this volume is Forsyth in top form. The writing exceeds expectations, the stories are never less than compelling, and the suspense in each of them is nonstop. -Otto Penzler, a Penzler Pick for September 2001

"A smooth and satisfying read for anyone who likes his or her thrills in small packages." -Providence Journal

Praise for The Veteran:
"The five stories in this book...deserve to be classics themselves. Combining sharp detail, fully realized characters, and clever last minute twists, these small gems are polished to perfection....Forsyth has always been a masterful plotter, with a special affection for using elements that appear to come from out of left field but somehow work just perfectly. Fans of his novels will be utterly thrilled by this collection. Readers unfamiliar with his writings couldn't find a better introduction. Revenge, mystery, murder, deception--all the main themes of Forsyth's best novels are represented here in stories that showcase the author's ability to capture character and generate suspense in remarkably few words."-Booklist (starred review)

"A good read. What is surprising is the thematic and geographical range of these pieces, all narrated in a solid realist style with sharply observed detail and engrossing, sometimes surprising plots. Always suspenseful, the stories take us into disparate worlds."--Library Journal

Praise for No Comebacks:
"With quick, sure images, Mr. Forsyth creates indelible impressions of characters...A diverting collection of short suspense fiction that should both surprise and delight." -The New York Times

"Tense, explosive and vivid...proves that Frederick Forsyth is truly the world's reigning master of suspense. A warming bedside companion."-Los Angeles Times

"The stories vibrate with drama and the shock of the unexpected...chillingly effective." -Publishers Weekly