Mongoose, R.I.P.: A Blackford Oakes Mystery

Blackford Oakes launches a wild attempt to kill Castro on behalf of the CIA.

Ever since the botched invasion at the Bay of Pigs, Fidel Castro has run amok. He has executed thousands of his enemies, driven his countrymen to emigrate, and done everything possible to run Cuba into the ground-all in a deliberate attempt to humiliate the White House. At least, that's how the situation looks from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where hatred of Castro has grown into an obsession. Under orders from John and Bobby Kennedy, the CIA will do anything necessary to kill Castro-no matter how ridiculous.

Even-tempered CIA agent Blackford Oakes is dismayed at the agency's wild schemes, which include everything from poisoned wet suits to Mafia hit men. But the evil of Castro's regime is not a joke, and Oakes won't be laughing when he tries to knock the dictator off his throne. "Arguably, this is the best of the Blackford Oakes series. Since we first met him at a callow twenty-six, in Saving the Queen, Oakes has matured-he's become more worn around the edges, less abrasive and, as a result, more likable...This high-flying thriller is grounded in reality, thanks to Dorothy McCartney, research editor of the National Review, whose help Buckley acknowledges. Readers will enjoy the sheer exuberance of this all too plausible caper."-Publishers Weekly