Donald Hamilton is the creator of the Matt Helm series. There are about 27 titles written over a 33 year period starting in 1960. He has also written westerns (The Big Country, The Violent Men) and stand alone thrillers like Night Walker and The Steel Mirror (both terrific).
In the sixties, they made a few Matt Helm movies starring Dean Martin. Like many other spy series at the time, since they couldn't match or beat James Bond, they watered it down and played it for a spoof. The novels put it back in the Jason Bourne category, and hopefully, remove the playboy image of Dean Martin in the role.
The first one I read was Murderer's Row which falls in at number 5 in the series.
Matt Helm is a US government counter-agent. Not a spy as you would usually think of, his primary job is to kill or nullify enemy agents which he goes precisely and without feeling. This is the authentic hard realism of life as a spy and (it's said) probably as close to the sordid truth of espionage as you'll get.
Matt is sent to help out an agent deep undercover in Chesapeake Bay. She's let it be known she is an agent ready to turn over to the enemies' side, portraying an alcoholic wash out. Matt's job is to go to her hotel room and beat her senseless, which she agrees to knowing it will provide undercover character the reason to switch sides. He does so, but too well - she dies. Matt takes over her investigation disguised as a two bit hoodlum.
A scientist has been kidnapped who knows the whereabouts of a device which can detect the new Polaris submarines. Matt gets involved with his daughter who is also concerned for him. She is of course always up for it, and like many women Matt meets, drops her panties as a glance.
There are also various other characters and family members who begin plotting, paying Matt off to "hit" each other. There is a lot to cover up it seems. The exciting action builds to Matt and the daughter being trapped in the bottom of a boat heading off to sea.
This was a quick read. Matt is an extremely tough character. Eliminating anyone with a bullet and leaving without asking questions. For a man of his training, just technical details. These were written in the 1960's and there are comments about girl's wearing jeans (he's against it) among many other sexist comments. This was a different time and it shows. The paperbacks published then are the kind with a picture of a sexy girl on the floor, falling out of her bra.
I did enjoy the fast pace and original characters, and if you like tough action without sentiment, try Matt Helm. About as far from Dean Martin as I can imagine.
1962 / Paperback / 226 pages
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