IN the final instalment of this spy thriller set against the more recent "troubles" of Ulster, disgraced super agent Richard James is tempted to take on one last assignment - to eliminate a top-level mole who is devastating British intelligence operations in the province.

This is nitty-gritty writing, with a real feel for the danger and deception which lurk in James's twilight world.

Jack Higgins has explored this territory - Monteath is right in his footsteps.

Quill Publishing, The Haven, Eskdaleside, nr Whitby, N Yorks, YO22 5PS; tel 01947-895451; www.quillpublishing.co.uk