The Conduct of Major Maxim
 First edition | |
| Author | Gavin Lyall |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Harry Maxim |
| Genre | Thriller novel, Spy Novel |
| Publisher | Hodder & Stoughton |
Publication date | 1982 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback) |
| Pages | 255 pp |
| ISBN | 0-340-58865-9 |
| OCLC | 60079825 |
| Preceded by | The Secret Servant |
| Followed by | The Crocus List |
The Conduct of Major Maxim is a third person narrative novel by English author Gavin Lyall, first published in 1982, and the second of his series of novels with the character “Harry Maxim” as the protagonist.
Plot introduction
Former SAS Major Harry Maxim is assigned to Number 10 Downing Street, where he works under George Harbinger, private secretary to the Prime Minister. Maxim is asked by a former colleague to assist Corporal Ron Blagg, who has gone AWOL from the British Army after assisting MI6 in a botched undercover operation. However, Maxim soon discovers that both MI6 and a shadowy Sovbloc service are looking for Blagg, with deadly consequences. Maxim's efforts to assist Blagg are stymied by a web of deceit and suspicion among the various offices and agencies within the British government, until he uncovers a secret from the darkest days of World War II so threatening to the leadership of the German Democratic Republic that they will kill to preserve it. The various settings for most of the action, housing projects in South London, a small rural town in Germany, and a fading port town in Humberside, are described in rich detail.
The growing romance
MI5 liaison Agnes Algar warms to Harry in this book, and provides invaluable assistance, but still tries to keep her distance from his domestic life.
Reviews
The Conduct of Major Maxim was the final installment in a series of novels based on a character originally developed for a projected BBC television series.[1]
References
- ↑ Williams, John (January 21, 2003). "Gavin Lyall". The Guardian.