In Europe, the Germans are still totally unaware that the allies have broken the complicated ENIGMA code, whilst in the Far East theatre, where the Japanese are using their own version of the ENIGMA code, an intercepted communication leads Brigadier Donald Reisman, head of British Intelligence in Calcutta, to the damning conclusion that the war's most closely guarded secret is no longer secure. Can he afford to test his theory when, to do so, he must open Pandora's box? And can he afford not to? One way or the other he must act - and quickly! Lives are at stake. Future campaigns are at stake. For without the ENIGMA secret the already hard- pressed allied armies are in danger of being swept further and further westward. Reisman's eventual decision leads his team back into Japanese occupied Burma in an effort to free from a prison camp the one man who can answer the burning question.

5.0 out of 5 stars "Top of the line"
Reviewed in Australia on 8 May 2016. Click/Tap to view in Amazon
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"...Well written and a true adventure story well based in some of the most underwritten aspects of WWII. We have always known there was more to the Cambridge spies and this gives it a valid extension..."

Jackie Ryderbeit, carrying a government licence to kill, is tossed into a cauldron of International intrigue with orders to find and eliminate a double agent. With the help of a booze-sodden ex-courier and an over-the-hill trigger- man he casts for a shark only to find a whale on his line. The story reaches a shattering climax on the blue waters of the Mediterranean after a chase through the confused currents of cross and double-cross.

A dangerous double agent must be rescued from a Czechoslovakian prison. Or, failing that, he must be disposed of. In the event neither option is available, because the Black King has already "castled".

"...Second book I have read by Larry Johns and have enjoyed both. No super heroes, just believable characters in the murky world of espionage. Well worth a look..."

"...Kept me on the edge of my seat throughout..."

Burma has already fallen, and it seems certain that India must follow. The Allied armies, frantically attempting to regroup, must find a way to halt the westward advance of the Japanese, to gain a few precious hours respite. The target is Major General Tohutaro Sakurai, Commander of the Japanese Fourteenth Army, mastermind of the Japanese victories from Singapore to the Arakan. For Sakurai alone, if only for a short time, holds the key to the next advance. The method can only be the assassin's bullet or blade. But secrets are almost impossible to keep in a part of the world where fifth columnists and double agents are commonplace. For Captain Peter Lockhart the mission is doomed to failure almost before it has begun. Sakurai and Lockhart are drawn inexorably together on a tightening band of pride and circumstance, and the conclusion is one that neither man can foresee.

"...Well written enjoyable and believable tale of war which shows fears, flaws and loyalties on all sides. Feels real enough although fiction, Second book by Larry Johns I have read, both different, both excellent..."

"...very believable detail made this book a real page-turner. A really enjoyable read to the end. I would recommend this book to friends..."

"..."A Time to Die" takes us willingly on the treacherous journey of a military assassin. The World War II target is a brilliant and somewhat eccentric Japanese general. Lockhart, the intense and intensely focused protagonist, must navigate not only expected enemy obstructions, but also resistance from his own colleagues. If you enjoy bracing dialogue and unambiguous pacing, you'll enjoy "A Time to Die."..."

A group of archaeologists, sifting through burial mounds in Saudi Arabia, make a discovery that threatens to tear the Middle East apart. As the ripples of greed, intrigue and murder extend outwards to engulf the rest of the world the polyglot team of diggers vanish behind a curtain of lies and double-cross. Jackie Ryderbeit is pitched into the maelstrom in an effort to quell the rising storm. The fate of the archaeologists slowly becomes apparent, which only serves to lead Ryderbeit further and further away from the truth. Friend becomes enemy, and enemy becomes friend, as the story unfolds beneath the white-hot sun. But truth is always stranger than fiction, as Ryderbeit discovers to his cost.

"...Gilby Nash, ex military, ex special branch, now disgraced by both. A knack of being able to blow things up which people pay him well for. Taking on a job in the middle east was probably not the best idea though. I am growing to like this author, three books now and each one different in main characters, settings and time periods. The small details which are important replace padding which make stories over long. No super heroes just people with a bit of guile who sometimes do things they are not comfortable with. Some nasty types in this one as well which make our criminal main man look like a good guy..."

"...fast-paced with an interesting story and good characters. I found it a bit hard at time to understand the Cockney of one character, but understand that helped bring that character to life. Story has all the usual ingredients: terrorism, money, murder, sex and a shootout, but was still a fun read..."