5 comments about The Assassin.

1. The Assasin continues the author's series on the Philadelphia Police Department. His characters come to life before your eyes and keep you turning pages until way past your bedtime.

   Griffin has a way of showing the inside information on big-time investigations, without signaling the conclusion.

   I can't wait for the next in this series.




2. This book has proven to be a real loser. Characters out the Ying-Yang with no development. A plodding story that's supposed to be about a nut-case blowing up the VP of the U.S. Well, here it is: Nobody gets close to blowing anyone up, or catching anyone doing same until the 2nd page from the end of the book and then it just ends with everyone living happlily ever after. Very dissatisfying. The entire book leads up to a "Oh-By-The-Way" ending. Schlock like this will get you a failing grade in High School Literature.



3. The Assassin, the fifth installment in Griffin's Badge of Honor Series, is in my opinion better than the first four. The character development and build-up kept me interested. Granted, the ending was definitely anticlimactic and Matt Payne is no Killer McCoy or Craig Lowell. I still found the book most enjoyable and am ready to move on to reading The Murderers.



4. I agree with one of the other reviewers, I never did find out what happened to the religious nut who wanted to kill the VP, nor did I really care, you;ll read several pages about the guy going to stores, to work, blah, blah, blah and then onto other boring stuff.
   I enjoyed his marine corps books, but after reading 3 of his men in blue books, i'm finished with WEB. Not enough action or interesting dialogue, I had to skip several pages to get to any action. Not much happens to the characters, you'll read about them hanging out at a bar but he doesn't develop the characters like he did with The Corps.



5. This whole series can be described in two words: poorly written! In The Corps or Brotherhood of War series, you have the feeling that Griffin must have been a military officer because he includes a lot of details that the average person wouldn't know if they hadn't served. With this series, I get the feeling that he never was a police officer, and didn't spend much time researching the daily lives of police officers in order to make the story seem realistic.
   
   However, while I doubt he's ever worked for the Department of Homeland Security or the Office of the President, I wouldn't let that stop you from reading his latest series, the Presidential Agent series. He is back in form with these books, so he obviously has enough contact with current or former DHS and/or White House personnel to understand how things work.

5 comments about Counterattack.

1. W.E.B. Griffin is a great writer of the historical fiction. He is able to weave historical facts with a little bit of fiction and keep the reader's interest with a great story. The whole Corps series from before WWII on in to the Korean War are connected so well that you could sit and read the whole series back to back in one sitting if you had the time.



2. I really enjoy Griffin's stories about the Marine Corps during the Second World War. This book covers the time from the bombing of Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941 to the battle of Guadalcanal in August of 1942. Griffin humanizes his characters while not being shy to show personal human courage and sacrifice as well as crushing defeats suffered by the US during the initial stages of the War in the Pacific. I am also getting to know his returning characters like Flem Pickering, his son and Killer McCoy (although we don't see much of him in this book). This is a compelling novel that just kept me turning pages. I can't wait to read more of Griffin's War and his Marine Corps.



3. Let me be up front about this series - if you are looking for combat action then go elsewhere. If you are looking for a classical (beginning, middle, conclusion) writing style then go elsewhere. This series is a chronicle of what life was like behind the scenes for both the lowly and the mighty. Griffin uses a core group of mostly likable characters (adding as needed) and a smattering of historical characters to explore the behind the scenes politics, heroism, pettiness, and foibles of various historical figures and brings to light many little known historical facts. If this is your cup of tea, well then nobody does it better than Griffin - warning, this series is addicting.
   
   Two notes:
   In my opinion this series really must be read in proper order.
   Without giving away anything I hate the way Griffon chose to conclude the series which is why I'm giving this 3 stars instead of 5.



4. I am a lover of Griffin and have begun to re-read most of the previously read books. Really liked this book the first time through but now I'm wondering why.
   
   There is absolutely no story here. What we have is a 300+ page back-story of various and sundry people, some from previous Corps novels, some new. These are great, fun people to meet.
   
   But like the Wendy's commercial of a few years back, "Where's the story???" The story in Book 1, "Semper Fi", was of the China Marine Ken McCoy being caught up and overcoming circumstances. The story in Book 2, "Call To Arms", was of Ken McCoy overcoming more obstacles and Pick Pickering learning to fly and chasing the Ice Princess. In this book (#3), NOTHING HAPPENS!



5. I think W.E.B Griffin(his real name is William E. Butterworth)is the best current day writer. I highly recommend this and all of his other books. This book is number 7 of 10 in the Corps series

5 comments about Secret Honor.

1. This book was a disappointment. While it seems like the book is relatively realistic (unless you count the fact that there are military officers that are allowed to run around, doing as they please), it lacks the story to make use of that realism. The plot is hard to follow, taking turns that end up right where they started. It seems that throughout the book, the reader is bothered with the characters' problems that simply exist and do not affect the character.
   
   This book has an somewhat interesting plot, but it is bogged down with memos between Nazi officers, which take attention away from the main plot. There is simply too much information to keep straight, especially since many of the titles of the character's are in German. A large portion of the book could have been eliminated, and the book would have made more sense and had more impact.
   When I finished the book, I was not beside myself that I would never again experience that adventure of the characters again. I was happy that I was done with the book, and I then wondered where all my time had gone. At the end of the book, I ended up having a greater knowledge of the Nazi beuracracy. This is not a book that I would recommend.



2. Griffins book Secret Honor is a big dissappointment, I would suggest he has become a troll of commercialism. No plot, no suspence, no excitement, no story line. This book reads like a soap opera, a high school student could have written a better story. It seems Griffin is relying on his name to sell this book, also his other novels in this series are somewhat dull and redundent in character. I hope he wakes up, I will not purchase or recommend any more of his books.



3. Again WEB Griffin provides information about areas of conflict not writtn about. With its polyglot population of Italian, German, and British immigrants it must have been a hotbed of intrigue. He brings it to life.



4. If you like Griffin as I do, this is another good tale. You learn a little real history along the way. If you don't know Griffin, he tells very good readable stories but they are certainly not Shakespear. Purely fun with a little true history thrown in.



5. This is one of the better books I have read about the OSS operations in a theatre that is rarely considered.It lacks the impact of the first book in the series but is also a good book.

No comments about The Fighting Agents.

5 comments about The Aviators.

1. This is a weak series of books, as far as war novels go. They're more like an ongoing soap opera than gritty war drama (think "General Hospital" as a novel, only set between 1945-1970 and revolving around the Army instead of Port Charles.) The characters are given plenty of time to evolve, and some do (Lowell, in particular.) But it all seems too phony. A good war novel should have some truth in it, but it is in short supply with these books.



2. The Aviators was my first exposure to Griffin and what a disappointment! I had been led to believe that Griffin's novels were action packed, battle filled and that Griffin was a latter day Forester or MacLean. Perhaps he is in other novels but this one proceeded like a made-for-TV prime time soap.

   The action starts in Vietnam in 1963. Our hero is wounded in a bungled operation and returns to the U.S. to become an aide-de-camp for one year. During the year and change he distinguishes himself and falls for the widow of a friend. He and his CO also must establish the viability of airmobile infantry, demonstrating that army helicopter pilots can transfer large units. There is little action and the story line is predictable. Subplots are predictable as well.

   In fairness to Griffin, I listened to an abridged audiotape and it might have been poorly abridged. However, I didn't get the sense that there was an awful lot here to begin with. Gerald McRaney's clipped reading doesn't help it either.




3. Like all WEB GRiffin's books, this one combines humor, personality studies, and adventure. I wish I had the whole series. He is great.



4. Part of a series by W E B Griffin following two main as well as many major players in their life. What I liked was being able to read out of sequence without ruining the story line, unusual for an American author isnt so gung ho on their ways.



5. WEB Griffin in his never ending tale of the US Army from World War ll until about the end of the Vietnam War continues to keep you spellbound. For a series of I don't know how many books, you want him to keep writing more. Very good read. Highly Recommend.

5 comments about The Fighting Agents (Men at War).

1. W.E.B. Griffin's books have been praised for so-called "historical accuracy." However, when he refers to branches of military service during World War Two, he repeatedly speaks of "Army Air Corps," the "Air Corps" and the "USAAC" (for Unites States Army Air Corps).

   But, there was no such branch of service during World War Two.

   It was almost six months BEFORE Pearl Harbor - and America's entry into World War Two - that the old reference of "Army Air Corps" was officially dropped, and this branch of the service became the "Army Air Force" (AAF). This happened on June 27, 1941.

   So, some six months prior to America's entry into World War Two, the old "Air Corps" ceased to be. Those who served in the Army's air arm during World War Two actually served in the Army Air FORCE, and certainly NOT in the Army Air CORPS. (Touching bases with the historical branch of the United States Air Force would have clarified this matter prior to the publication of any of Griffin's books.)

   If W.E.B. Griffin is to be praised for "historical accuracy," then he'll have to re-write his books and correct this mistake. As the publisher of his books, Penguin Putnam, Inc. should have caught this error long ago. It certainly detracts from the thread of authenticity that the author is obivously trying to impart. W.E.B. Griffin now has on the market a multitude of books of varying titles in which this glaring error continues to perpetuate itself. It's a shame that such fine stories have to be tarnished with such continued inaccuracies.




2. I started this series about 15 years ago when it was published under the nom-de -plume of "Alex Baldwin". W.E.B. Griffin's writing style was really evident at the time--too unique and "salty" to imitate. Now that the series is in print under the Griffin name I am wondering whether he plans to continue the the plot to a time-line conclusion. In this , the fourth volume of the O.S.S. saga , the major character Richard Cannidy , plans and executes the extraction of Eric Fulmar , Gisella Dyer , and Professor Dyer from Hungary. As a separate counter-plot , Captain Jim Whittaker returns to the Phillipines with aid for "General" Wendell Fertig who is attempting to conduct operations against the Japanese on the island of Mindinao. These operations are set against the background of the machinations of the O.S.S. hierarchy , the sexual/bedroom antics of the protagonists , and an episode of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". I particularly liked Commander John Dolan as a character , and the cameo of Joe Kennedy Jr. seemed correct. In this series , tho' W.E.B. tries to compress alot of subplots into far too little space to be satisfying. If this is the end of the series , then the author needs to concentrate on The Corps , which I consider to be his "Flagship" series. The Wendell Fertig story was fleshed out pretty well in "Behind the Lines".
   On the other hand , one more volume in "Men at War" could conclude this particular timeline in a satisfying manner.
   Overall this particular volume was an enjoyable read ; not one of W.E.B.'s very best , but good enough for 4 stars.



3. For those who have not tried W.E.B. Griffin because they don't wish to commit to reading 9 volumes in The Corps or Brotherhood of War series, I highly recommend trying this 4-book series (#1 Last Heroes, #2 Secret Warriors, #3 Soldier Spies, and #4 Fighting Agents). While I would love to see future installments of the Men at War Series, I thought that Griffin does a very good job of "wrapping up" with The Fighting Agents. I enjoyed it the most out of the 4 in this particular series because I felt that it was more operational and thus contained more action and suspense.



4. If you like W.E.B. Griffin, you will enjoy this book. It features two different OSS operations on opposite sides of the globe. Both stories are good and are told in classic Griffin style.
   
   I was a bit disappointed, however, because I chose this book for the story of Wendell Fertig and his guerillas in the Phillipines. Despite indications to the contrary on the book jacket, the Fertig story represented only about 20% of the book. The balance was devoted to the story of getting scientists out of Germany through Hungary. That story was good, but it was not why I chose this book.



5. This book should be selling briskly. it's a stimulating read. While i'd hardly call it Pulitzer material it is a better book than I thought, and am surprised there isn't a strong marketing campaign.
   
   I recommend this book. You'll be a better person for having read it.

5 comments about Blood and Honor cassette.

1. I get almost annoyed that I get so involved with the characters and plots of Griffin's books.I HATE it when they end,I waited for however long it takes for the sequels.I may not like killing off the good col.Frade,but that's life,and it goes on.I care about the good Germans,like Kurt,fighting their inner battles for their own souls and survival in a world filled with the deadliest of dangers.You can't put a Griffin book down and I guess that is what it was all about.Some I have read more than once.I like the WWII books best.They put me a little in touch with the world that formed my parents lives,as he helped chase the nazis across Europe and my mother worried herself sick at home,while doing her part in the effort.



2. Typical WEB Griffin. A wonderful story teller with a great backround in all things military.



3. I make a habit of reading a W.E.B. Griffin book almost every summer. I think they make the perfect beach book. They read easily, hold my attention, and are chock full of historical information. I always enjoy a fiction book where I still feel like I am picking up all sorts of historical info.
   
   This is the second book in the series about the exploits of a former Marine Corps Aviator turned OSS operative in World War II Argentina. Griffin always paints the military in a good light, but he really loves the Marine Corps. His extremely detailed knowledge of the German military makes his Nazi characters feel genuine. It was obvious Griffin spent considerable time in Buenos Aires, since the city and its culture are described in such intimate detail. While he is known as an action writer, most of the 600+ page book is extensive dialogue. The German and Argentine characters speak in a very formal and drawn out manner, which while realistic, often slowed the pace of the book down. Most of the action takes place in the final 150 pages of the book. These were all minor points. It was a great summer read and I look forward to the final book in the series.



4. This is one of the better books I have read about the OSS operations in a theatre that is rarely considered.It lacks the impact of the first book in the series but is also a good book.



5. As a retiered Marine that has married a beautiful Argentine Woman, I read about Cletus Frade as if I were him. WEB Griffen once again weaves a tale that I cant stop reading. I have just ordered the whole series from [...] and had it sent to my Army Dog Son stationed in Africa. I have visited most of the places he talks about, I was even married in the "Our Lady of Plillar" in Recoletta. I thought Griffen's Marine Corps series was his best work and perhaps it is because of how many books there are in it. I truly believe if he were to spend as much effort on this series as he has the Corps series, that this would be just as good. I am still wondering if there was any any hidden corolation drawn between el coronel Peron and the famed Evita Peron???

5 comments about The Secret Warriors: A Men at War Novel (Men at War).

1. This is not the best book W.E.B. Griffin has written but if you want to continue reading the exploits of James Whittaker and Dick Canidy from Honor Bound, Blood and Honor and The Last Heroes it would be a worthwhile read.



2. Once again, through the eyes of his fictional characters, W.E.B. Griffin allows the reader to imagine what it must have been like for 'real' people to have lived through experiences like those of Donovan, Canidy et al. I couldn't put this book down!



3. This book mostly takes place in United States It's a good book if you like reading about the goverment



4. This one by Griffin is well-worth checking out. I'm a big fan of current 90's style war novels like 'The Triumph and the Glory' and 'Going After Cacciato', I appreciate their candour and gritty reality. 'The Secret Warriors' is every bit as effective in this regard. The storytelling is first-rate, the characters memorable, and the plot keeps the reader turning the page to the end.



5. I have read a lot of Griffin's books, and found them all nicely entertaining. They are reasonably accurate in story and a good old adventure. Very much a guys writer. I really enjoyed "The Corps" series. I'm not as fond of this one but, still worth checking out. I plan to read the "Brotherhood of War" series next. If you like W.E.B. Griffin, Clancy or, Coontz you will like these well enough.

5 comments about Last Heroes (Men at War).

1. The Last Heroes' dust cover promises action, intrigue, war heroes, and a gripping story. Author W.E.B. Griffin used all of these literary commodities very sparingly. In fact, this novel dispenses itself according to the following formula:

   Dialogue. Travel. Dialogue. Sex. Travel. Dialogue. (Repeat X 5) 2 pages of wartime action. (Back to start.)

   This work of fiction was originally published "straight to paperback" and it reads like it. I would fully expect to find Fabio as the cover model, Navy uniform unbuttoned to the waist, seducing several women at once. Griffin seems almost obsessed with his characters' sex lives, as sexual encounters outnumber battle encounters somewhere around 12 scenes to 2. When his characters aren't actually HAVING sex, Griffin luridly describes how they're wishing they were.

   All sex aside, this book could have been reduced to about 20 pages of actual PLOT. The storyteller plods along, filling the pages with near useless, pointless (read: boring) fluff. Some might call this needless waste of words "character development", but I can summarize for you: The characters like dinner parties, they like to fly airplanes, and they have "itchy britches". I kid you not: our "heroes" don't even receive their first set of orders from the Navy until after page 100. The next plot turn is not revealed until page 266. Actual heroic action? It's on page 259-261 (Hardcover edition). Don't blink. You'll miss it.

   In all fairness, Griffin's dialogue is sometimes clever, and he occasionally displayed some witty repartee, which doubled The Last Heroes' star count. My recommendation to W.E.B. Griffin's fans: Stick to his other novels. My recommendation to those who would like to be W.E.B. Griffin's fans: Don't start here.




2. The last heroes is not what the back cover implies it is: a WWII action/spy book. It turns out to be the total opposite. A big bore. I agree with a previous reviewer's comments about too much intimate encounters of the main characters. Oh, and way too many characters' names to keep track of. 80% of them non-essential to plot. Affairs and adultery run amuck. The actual main mission doesn't start until around page 350 and last for about 20 pages. I also realize that setting up a mission of that sort requires a lot of preparatory work, but this was ridiculous. The book runs 384 pages and 75% of it is wasted on establishing the 2 first main characters absurd and imature personalites. As some might know, it a Men At War series of books, which I will not continue to follow. Save yourself some time and read something better and real, like To Hell And Back or Beyond Valor.



3. Griffin is the master of military fiction in my mind and this is another fine example of it!!! I love the characters in his novels. They seem like they are straight out of hollywood casting for some reason. Reading one of his novels is like watching a movie unfold right before your eyes! It is almost like the reader is right there eavesdropping on what is happening! Griffin is just simply an awesome writer!!!!



4. The Last Heroes promised to be about the OSS and the race to get the atom bomb. Unfortunately it is about sex and drinking and very little espionage with too many unanswered questions - disappointing. One star is given only because no stars is not an option.



5. Typical WB style, good story, good read. This was the first of his, though, where I had trouble keeping all the characters straight. Which, to me, is worth a 2 star deduction.

5 comments about The Soldier Spies: A Men at War Novel (Men at War).

1. This book is imaginative, and tells an exciting story of the battle for the Phippipines, and the men fighting there. I personally like it very much, more apparently than other people did.



2. You know, even when you consider the Communists under Josef Stalin, the Nazi's and the Third Reich remain to this day the ultimate Darth Vader of our memory. So any story Griffith tells, even this one early in his career, strikes a target rich environment. All the Griffith characters are emboldened with focus and fidelity, and here is no exception.
   
   
   Griffith's writing skills evolved along with his story telling, plot construction and the ability to hold a few face cards close to his chest so as not to reveal them until page three hundred or thereabout.
   
   My own journey through the prodigous Mr. Griffith was to pick up the first of the Corps series, meet China Marine Ken McCoy, and fasten my seat belt. Then I went to the Army series and started with The Lieutenants. Anyhow that was my approach.
   
   I think if you haven't read him, you ought to start with one of those to see how the plot evolves. Soldier Spies is like seeing a great athlete in stuttering, poorly focused VHS films in the Fifth Grade. You can't really appreciate the whole picture and as in this case, this Griffith novel, without knowing much else, is just average.
   
   Just my observation. 4 stars. Larry Scantlebury



3. I got sucked into another disappointing story from W.E.B. Griffin that ended abrubtly without any resolution. Too much detail on past relationships, and too much resaying the entire name, btw what is the SS/SD ? The ending was so disappointing and you never found out about Dr. Diers transfer to US or Joesph P. Kennedy and Commander Bitter destroying the Submarine docks ? What happened ? It just ends with no explanation.



4. A thoroughly gripping novel dealing with the exploits of the OSS in Central Europe. WEB Griffin writes at such a pace that it was hard to put the book down. It is good to have the same characters in the series Men at War. You feel that you know them intimately! Highly recommended.



5. My son lives in Italy and wanted this. Thanks for the speedy delivery of it so I could send it to him.