They Also Serve By: Donald E. Westlake (1933-)
In "They Also Serve" by Donald E. Westlake, readers embark on a thrilling journey filled with conspiracy, loyalty, and a dash of humor. Set in a small coastal town, this novel pulls the readers into a seemingly peaceful community that hides a twisted underbelly. The story centers around the protagonist, a former military intelligence officer named John Blankenship, who is drawn back into his old life when a former comrade goes missing under suspicious circumstances. As Blankenship delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit, threatening the lives of those around him and implicating unlikely players. What sets this book apart is Westlake's ability to blend various genres seamlessly. With elements of espionage, crime, and even a touch of romantic tension, the narrative keeps readers on their toes, eagerly turning the pages to unravel the numerous layers of the story. The author's vivid descriptions of the coastal town and its characters make the setting come alive, providing a sense of place that serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. Westlake's characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own set of motivations and secrets. Blankenship's struggle to navigate through the moral gray areas and reconcile his past actions adds depth to his character. Moreover, the supporting cast, from quirky local townspeople to enigmatic government agents, injects the narrative with a range of personalities that keep readers engaged. The author's writing style is concise yet vivid, allowing the story to move swiftly without sacrificing crucial details. Westlake strikes a careful balance between action-packed sequences and introspective moments, effectively building tension and fostering a connection between the reader and the characters. While the pacing and plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats, it is Westlake's wit that adds a touch of levity to the story. The author's clever humor, often delivered through sharp dialogue and clever observations, acts as a refreshing counterbalance to the darker elements of the plot. "They Also Serve" is a gripping and captivating novel that will satisfy fans of crime fiction, espionage thrillers, and even those seeking a touch of humor. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and expertly crafted writing, Donald E. Westlake proves once again why he is a master of the genre. First Page: This etext was produced from Analog Science Fact & Fiction September 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. [Illustration] THEY ALSO SERVE By DONALD E. WESTLAKE Illustrated by Douglas Why should people hate vultures? After all, a vulture never kills anyone... The launch carrying the mail, supplies and replacements eased slowly in toward the base, keeping the bulk of the Moon between itself and Earth. Captain Ebor, seated at the controls, guided the ship to the rocky uneven ground with the easy carelessness of long practice, then cut the drive, got to his walking tentacles, and stretched. Donning his spacesuit, he left the ship to go over to the dome and meet Darquelnoy, the base commander. An open ground car was waiting for him beside the ship. The driver, encased in his spacesuit, crossed tentacles in a sloppy salute, and Ebor returned the gesture quite as sloppily. Here on the periphery, cast formalities were all but dispensed with. Ebor stood for a moment and watched the unloading. The cargo crew, used to working in spacesuits, had one truck already half full. The replacements, unused to spacesuits and, in addition, awed and a bit startled by the bleakness of this satellite, were moving awkwardly down the ramp... Continue reading book >>

They Also Serve By: Donald E. Westlake (1933-)

In "They Also Serve" by Donald E. Westlake, readers embark on a thrilling journey filled with conspiracy, loyalty, and a dash of humor. Set in a small coastal town, this novel pulls the readers into a seemingly peaceful community that hides a twisted underbelly.

The story centers around the protagonist, a former military intelligence officer named John Blankenship, who is drawn back into his old life when a former comrade goes missing under suspicious circumstances. As Blankenship delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit, threatening the lives of those around him and implicating unlikely players.

What sets this book apart is Westlake's ability to blend various genres seamlessly. With elements of espionage, crime, and even a touch of romantic tension, the narrative keeps readers on their toes, eagerly turning the pages to unravel the numerous layers of the story. The author's vivid descriptions of the coastal town and its characters make the setting come alive, providing a sense of place that serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Westlake's characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own set of motivations and secrets. Blankenship's struggle to navigate through the moral gray areas and reconcile his past actions adds depth to his character. Moreover, the supporting cast, from quirky local townspeople to enigmatic government agents, injects the narrative with a range of personalities that keep readers engaged.

The author's writing style is concise yet vivid, allowing the story to move swiftly without sacrificing crucial details. Westlake strikes a careful balance between action-packed sequences and introspective moments, effectively building tension and fostering a connection between the reader and the characters.

While the pacing and plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats, it is Westlake's wit that adds a touch of levity to the story. The author's clever humor, often delivered through sharp dialogue and clever observations, acts as a refreshing counterbalance to the darker elements of the plot.

"They Also Serve" is a gripping and captivating novel that will satisfy fans of crime fiction, espionage thrillers, and even those seeking a touch of humor. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and expertly crafted writing, Donald E. Westlake proves once again why he is a master of the genre.

First Page:

This etext was produced from Analog Science Fact & Fiction September 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

[Illustration]

THEY ALSO SERVE

By DONALD E. WESTLAKE

Illustrated by Douglas

Why should people hate vultures? After all, a vulture never kills anyone...

The launch carrying the mail, supplies and replacements eased slowly in toward the base, keeping the bulk of the Moon between itself and Earth. Captain Ebor, seated at the controls, guided the ship to the rocky uneven ground with the easy carelessness of long practice, then cut the drive, got to his walking tentacles, and stretched. Donning his spacesuit, he left the ship to go over to the dome and meet Darquelnoy, the base commander.

An open ground car was waiting for him beside the ship. The driver, encased in his spacesuit, crossed tentacles in a sloppy salute, and Ebor returned the gesture quite as sloppily. Here on the periphery, cast formalities were all but dispensed with.

Ebor stood for a moment and watched the unloading. The cargo crew, used to working in spacesuits, had one truck already half full. The replacements, unused to spacesuits and, in addition, awed and a bit startled by the bleakness of this satellite, were moving awkwardly down the ramp... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

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