A good old 'Boy's Own' war story of behind the enemy lines action. Tom Caine of the Middle Eastern Commando (a forerunner of the SAS) leads a mission behind German lines in North Africa during the second world war to rescue a shot down allied messenger.

The author clearly knows his stuff: detailed descriptions of weapons, vehicles and other kit abound and he obviously has a fairly intimate knowledge of the area and its people.

For the most part, the characters are cardboard - The Germans are all vicious Nazis and the main character is an all round good chap. I was slightly perturbed about the authors seeming obsession with rape and sexual assault - a German spy is also a serial rapist and murderer (not really adding anything to the story) and most of the German soldiers featured seem similarly inclined.

The action however is vicious and exciting and the pace of the story is such that you want to keep turning the pages.
Overall a good read and I'll probably pick up the next in the series. ( )