Twice as long-winded as the best of Fleming's James Bond Series

Terry Hayes' I am Pilgrim is an epic espionage thriller. If this were a film, as it undoubtedly will be, it would be a summer, popcorn-munching, blockbuster of Jason Bourne proportions; and this is essentially the problem with the novel.

The cinematic structure of the story; jet-setting locations, flimsy characters and even the pre-opening credits sequence do make for a page turner but unfortunately the content is mostly mediocre melodrama. Fans of espionage fiction will lap up the international terrorism aspects but readers with less than obsessive interest in the genre may find this a schlep to get through.

Terry Hayes previous life as US Foreign correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald is evident throughout. The book is exceptionally well researched and a Bible for those interested in the inner workings of the secret service. The only trouble is that the weight of these details just gets in the way of a good core idea.

Pilgrim is the top secret code name for the World's leading authority on forensics who has been employed by the US Government for many years. The starting point for the story is when the perfect murder is committed based on the very contents of Pilgrims research and writing.  

Somewhere between the drug dealers in Greece, jihadists in Afghanistan and Turkish police there could b a far tighter story. The novel is unnecessarily twice as long-winded as the best of Fleming's James Bond series which I am Pilgrim is ultimately looking to emulate.

As the for the lead character himself, Pilgrim 'the man who doesn't exist' is no Jack Reacher. The idea of a man writing the seminal text on forensic analysis and then suddenly disappearing into anonymous retirement is a good premise but that is about the only thing we learn about Pilgrim. 

What is a success in this novel is the compelling opening chapter which grabs the reader and pulls them into a story which from this point on fails to deliver. The sun drenched locations of Greece, Turkey and Italy will also suit holiday makers all over the Mediterranean who will relish the short staccato chapters in between which a dip in the pool or visit to the bar will fit perfectly.

Those with an appetite for more secret service shenanigans should try Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, The Killing Floor by Lee Child or anything by John le Carre.