Puppet on a Chain

Infobox Book
name = Puppet on a Chain
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = Cover of the 1972 U.S. paperback edition
author = Alistair MacLean
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United Kingdom
language = English
series =
genre = Thriller Novel
publisher = Collins
release_date = 1969
media_type =
pages =
isbn = NA
preceded_by = Force 10 from Navarone
followed_by = Caravan to Vaccarès

"Puppet on a Chain" is a novel by Scottish author Alistair MacLean. Originally published in 1969, it is set in the late 1960's narcotics underworld of Amsterdam and other locations in the Netherlands.

Plot Introduction

Paul Sherman is a veteran Interpol Narcotics Bureau agent, used to independent action and blunt force tactics. He is assisted by two attractive female agents, one an experienced operative, the other a rookie. Sherman is in the Netherlands to break up a vicious drug smuggling ring that will kill ruthlessly to protect its operation.

Before Sherman can even leave Schiphol Airport he has already witnessed the gunning down of his key contact, been knocked half-unconscious by an assassin, and tangled with local authorities. "Puppet on a Chain" has the standard twisting plot, local atmospherics, and sardonic dialogue that were Maclean's trademarks as a story-teller. Maclean allows his protagonist to have a bantering sarcastic relationship with his assistants that provides a streak of humor as the plot unfolds. Unfortunately, Sherman's relationship with his assistants is used against him. As his investigation is undermined by betrayal, leaving him constantly a half-step behind his adversaries, Sherman must resort to increasingly violent action to turn the tables. The story culminates in a violent struggle above the streets of Amsterdam to save the life of his surviving female operative.

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

"Puppet on a Chain" later appeared in film as a 1972 movie directed by Geoffrey Reeve.

External links

* [http://www.alistairmaclean.de/Insel_Film.htm Movie review at Alistairmaclean.de (German)]