Product Description

After three years deep under cover, US agent Harry Latham has penetrated the fortress-like mountain hideaway of the Brotherhood of the Watch, a neo-Nazi organisation born after the fall of the Third Reich. Then, on the eve of his most spectacular success, Harry disappears. Drew Latham, a Consular Operations officer at the American Embassy in Paris, is frantic to discover his older brother's fate. But when he receives the good news that Harry has surfaced, serious doubts arise. Has Harry's cover been blown? And if so, why has the Brotherhood of the Watch let him live? Can Drew trust his brother? The search for the truth about Harry plunges Drew into a labyrinth of deceit and death. And whoever gets out alive holds the fate of the free world in his hands . . .

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1353354 in Books
• Published on: 1996-03-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 800 pages

About the Author
After a successful career in the theatre, Robert Ludlum launched his career as a bestselling writer with THE SCARLATTI INHERITANCE in 1971, the first of 22 consecutive international bestsellers. Robert sadly passed away in March 2001.

Customer Reviews

Even good authors have their off days
I enjoy Rober Ludlum books but not this one.

It just goes to show that even with Neo Nazis, Mad German Doctors, corruption, love interest and a plot to wipe out large parts of the population, all you end up with is a dog.

Having taken this on holiday I didn't give it case room on the way back.

Twist after twist from start to finish.
After reading Ludlum's new Covert-One novels, I fancied reading one of his older ones. I have to say, i feel i made a very good choice with The Apocalypse Watch. The action is established from the very beginning and there are unexpected twists throughout the novel, both factors of course being crucial to thrillers.
Ludlum never eases up on his wonderful descriptions, and, although some parts are very technical, you find yourself much better informed about why the characters are doing what they are doing.
Speaking of the characters, once again, Ludlum has created people who you can quite naturally believe are real. I would not be surprised if there really was a Drew Latham in the world, perhaps under a different name, but nontheless, someone who acts like him. What i really like about his characters is that they are basically normal people. They are never geniuses trying to be superheroes, they're just your average John Doe.
Another thing i like about this novel is the subtle language variences. The plot is set in France and Germany, so every now and again, the characters will say something in French or German. This helps the reader comprehend the fact that they are in another country, even though the majority of the novel is written in English.
One thing i find a little difficult with Ludlum novels is that there are quite often very complex sub-plots that sometimes get lost or forgotten about. This is not a criticism, but it does sometimes get confusing in a book of 600+ pages!
I would reccomend this book to anybody who likes a thriller or a mystery. I think this novel incorporates both genres. Also, there are references to Nazi Germany, so people interested in 20th century history would probably enjoy this book.
Overall, there is not really anything bad you can say about a Robert Ludlum novel. It is just a shame that he is no longer around. One thing is certain though; The Apocalypse Watch will definitely be remembered as part of the great Robert Ludlum Legacy.

Really slow book!
I have just spent the last 6 months reading this book on and off!

It is not a bad story, and does have one or two really gripping moments... but I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would!

To start with it is FAAAAAAAAAAAR to long!!! there is just to much filler material in it that never really needed to be there and this book could have been half the size it was, and still be enjoyable!

Second, there are to many characters that come and go in it that you forget who is who! some of the more interesting characters are the ones who are in it for maybe two or three pages, then suddenly are gone.

And finally, the ending is to far-fetched! will not spoil it, but even I had to laugh when I read it!

All in all, not that bad, but do not expect to finish it in a few days!