Once a Crooked Man by David McCallum

Once a Crooked Man is David McCallum’s first novel which in and of itself is amazing for a man in his eighties.  McCallum is first and foremost an actor, best known for his role as Illya Kuryakin in the 1960’s TV show, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.  More recently he has played a forensic scientist, Ducky in the hit TV show, NCIS.  I hadn’t made the connection that the two roles where played by the same actor until I read the promos about this book.

Sal, Max, and Enzo Bruschetti, brothers and career criminals have profited well from a lifetime of illegal activities both in the U.S. and abroad when Max develops health issues and decides to retire.  But Max knows retiring will require covering their tracks to avoid repercussions from violent business partners and from the law.  While the Bruschetti brothers are discussing their plans, Harry Murphy, a young actor inadvertently overhears the brother’s scheme to murder their European partner.  Harry hops a plane from New York to London and warns the partner just as he is attacked.  Harry ends up with a suit case full of cash and the role of a lifetime.  The London police engage him as a spy to gather evidence to dismantle the Bruchetti’s international organization.  But the London police woman sent to New York with Harry to protect him, ends up siding with the Bruchetti’s. Harry must use his charm and acting skills to save his own life.

So, this book is not great literature and fails the plausibility test more than once.  I got the feeling, the elderly Mr. McCallum was acting out a fantasy of a young Mr. McCallum.  But the book was entertaining and held my interest… better than a lot of books that fall into the ‘airplane book’ category on MRB.