The last Monty Nash thriller is the first I've read and last of the series and I've got to say my thoughts on this probably reflect that of the publisThe last Monty Nash thriller is the first I've read and last of the series and I've got to say my thoughts on this probably reflect that of the publisher (circa 1962) given the series ended at the conclusion of THE SLAVERS.
While Nash is oozing pulp goodness (I love the cheesy protagonists of the pulp era and Gold Medal Book published more than most others) the story was flawed, mired in inconsistency and strange happenstance, with all directions pointing to Nash coming out on top, when, really, he didn't do all that much (aside from adding a few ladies to the proverbial notch on his belt).
THE SLAVERS could've been something great. The premise, synopsis and all pre-read material points to a dangerous tussle in the African jungle in search of slavers to free their prisoners. Unfortunately, two thirds of the book is focused on Nash and his fellow British Intelligence agents on-route to the jungle and while this would ultimately play out quite nicely in the end (think Jill Strong) this approach didn't deliver what the cover promised.
Mony Nash, as a character, isn't portrayed as his best here. A budget Bond probably best depicts this installment. The theme of a block buster hero is more accidental than A-grade. The cover is great, the story is so-so. 2.5 stars.