[.ca] Modesty Blaise (ISBN 0285637282)

Modesty's First Novelized Adventure:
Lots of 'firsts' in this novel. The first appearance of Sir Gerald Tarrant, the father-like head of British Intelligence, and Gabriel, a ruthless and ancient adversary of Modesty Blaise. We are also privvy to Modesty's past as a young girl and as head of the criminal organization The Network ... not to mention the origin of her friendship with Willie Garvin. Though the book is cumbersome at times with technical descriptions involving an elaborate heist, the action and excitement outweighs it. Look for a spectacular hand-to-hand battle between Modesty and Mrs. Fothergill, one of Gabriel's eccentric bodyguards. Don't believe the hype that Modesty Blaise is just another female 007. Modesty Blaise is far from an ordinary 'spy'. In fact, she's an exceptional woman way ahead of her time!