The best-selling thriller which introduced John Craig who, in 1964, wasseriously tipped as the logical successor to James Bond following thedeath of Ian Fleming. Craig is a man hardened by war, as a decoratedofficer in the elite Special Boat Section and subsequently as agun-runner along the North African coast. Attempting to go straight hebecomes a successful businessman back in England, but his past catchesup with him, literally, with a bang as fanatical French soldiersresisting the move for independence for Algeria mark him for death. Acrack pistol shot and a karate black belt, Craig is well-equipped totake the fight to the enemy but only with the help of the sinisterLoomis, head of British Intelligence's ruthless 'Department K'. JamesMunro was the pen-name of James Mitchell, who went on to even greatersuccess with his novels, short stories and television scripts for hisiconic spyCallan.