*Bell,
Ted. Hawke. Atria Books, June 2003. c384p. ISBN 0-7434-6669-1.
$25. Fiction.
This outstanding debut by the former chair
of the Young & Rubicam advertising agency is one of those
rare novels that more than lives up to the usual PR puffery
and author blurbs. Alexander Hawke, a descendent of pirates,
is a British billionaire, a former Royal Navy commander, and
a man frequently called on by the U.S. and British governments
to carry out covert assignments. Although he has repressed
the memory, when he was seven he witnessed the murder of his
parents aboard their yacht in the Caribbean. Now he’s
back in the region in search of two things—a boomerang-shaped
stealth sub carrying 40 long-range ballistic missiles and a
treasure buried by his legendary ancestor, Blackhawke. Before
he’s through, however, Hawke will confront the three
men who killed his parents, help lead a raid to rescue the
woman he loves, and thwart a preemptive strike against the
United States. This rip-roaring tale is made entirely believable
through convincing detail, with a grand hero in Hawke. Various
flawlessly developed story lines contribute to the high-octane
pace, and the fully developed characters are delineated through
the nuances of voice. In short, this is a commercial blockbuster
packed with pleasure. Highly recommended for all public libraries.