The Fourth Reich is waiting to arise—and the only man who can stop it is about to sign its birth certificate. In 1945 the children of the Third Reich were secretly hidden all over the world, to be concealed until they came of age in the 1970s, at which point $780 million would be waiting in a Swiss bank. But all of these elaborate plans need an unsuspecting outsider to set them in motion: Noel Holcroft, the American son of a high-ranking Nazi officer. He has just been shown an incredible document known as the Holcroft Covenant. If he signs, he will inadvertently deal a serious blow to an already fragile world—and authorize his own death warrant. Praise for Robert Ludlum and The Holcroft Covenant “Pleases and seduces . . . [Robert] Ludlum stuffs more surprises into his novels than any other six-pack of thriller writers combined. . . . I sprained my wrist turning his pages and didn’t notice until an hour later.”—John Leonard, The New York Times “Don’t ever begin a Ludlum novel if you have to go to work the next day.”—Chicago Tribune
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"One of Ludlum's earliest, and still my favorite of his novels, it is based on the premise that J. Edgar Hoover, longtime Director of the FBI, was murdered, rather than having died of natural causes. Neal Holcroft, a graduate student, wants to write a paper on the theory, which he has stumbled upon. His academic advisor, however, tells him the theory, as well as his evidence, is weak and flawed, and will never be accepted by college officials as a serious work. He recommends that Holcroft turn his thesis into a work of fiction, instead, which will still get his ideas out to the public, but will not be bound by the constraints of an academic work. Holcroft accepts the advice and begins work on his novel. Nearly as soon as he has begun, however, incidents in his life begin to mirror events he has written into the novel. It soon becomes obvious that someone has gained access to the early chapters of his manuscript, now in the possession of his publisher, and has read it. It also becomes obvious that this unknown "someone" wants to silence him, and is quite willing to kill him in order to prevent him from finishing his novel. The story ends leaving the reader wondering, "Could it have really happened that way?""
— Ed (5 out of 5 stars)
“Pleases and seduces…Mr. Ludlum stuffs more surprises into his novels than any other six-pack of thriller writers combined…I sprained my wrist turning his pages and didn’t notice until an hour later.”
— New York Times“A compelling, frightening, hair-raising cliff-hanger.”
— Chicago Sun-Times“A riveting, suspense-filled read.”
— Los Angeles Times“The pounding tension never falters.”
— Cosmopolitan“It grabs the reader by the throat and never lets go.”
— Houston Chronicle“Ludlum gets the reader hooked for the whole careening ride.”
— Pittsburgh Press“Excitement and suspense on every page.”
— Milwaukee Journal“A spellbinding tale of violence and evil.”
— Cleveland Press“A hypnotic style that lures us on, page after page after page.”
— Washington Star“Surpasses Ludlum’s earlier triumphs…A book you can’t put down, by a master plotter.”
— King Features“A roller-coaster of conflict and conspiracy…evoking the specter of a militaristic Germany reborn.”
— John Barkham Reviews" This one my 1st Robert Ludlum's creation.A rolloercoaster journey. The writer's picturization of every scene is so amazing that you feel to be witnessing every second of it. Initially its bit difficult to understand but gradually all pieces fall into place. You get so gripped as the story progresses that you won't be able to put down the book. Looking forward to read Robert's other books as well. "
— Jayashree, 1/26/2014" I liked the stories of his that I read, but his later books started having way to much bad language and I quit reading him. "
— E, 1/25/2014" An interesting, if far-fetched story that engrosses you. I was a little disappointed in the ending. Things seemed to move too fast as the climax approached. I also did not like what happened in the epilogue. I felt as thought it were left open for a sequel, but it does not appear that one was written. "
— Jim, 1/20/2014" I would say it was quite interesting. If you haven't read any other books on the topic this one I think would be the one to read. The way of writing is quite entertaining and compelling. You want to read one more page than one more to see what happens next. Really liked the book. Highly recommend it as an action book for somebody looking to feel as if watching an action movie... "
— V.paskov, 1/12/2014" story quite complicated but entertaining "
— Jan, 1/7/2014" My favorite Ludlum Book. Same old Ludlum formula, but I don't care. It was a fun read. Way better than the movie (Micheal Caine) "
— I,, 12/29/2013" I found this book very confusing, especially in the first half, but things seemed to straighten out, at least in my mind, as I went on. It is a good book and worth the read but I enjoy books that are easier to follow than this one. "
— Brian, 12/12/2013" A very good story. Ludlum is an excellent writer. "
— Faye, 12/11/2013" Great after 1st chapter, did not like the ending. Surprised by it, but felt let down. "
— Craig, 10/3/2013" I listened to this book on tape and was addicted "
— Jeanine, 7/2/2013" Enjoyed this long ago. Scion of Nazis trying to be a do- gooder. Lots of writing mirrors. Good guys are bad. Bad guys are good? This guy is an designer or builder (architect). Smart enough to survive. Not bad. "
— John, 5/19/2013" It totally does not live up to Ludlum's level. The book is extremely amateurish, conclusions too far drawn and the protagonist too naive for a thriller novel. "
— Paridhi, 5/1/2013" Read it too long ago to make a proper review. Will reread and add review later. "
— BoekenTrol, 5/1/2013" I think this was the first Ludlum book I read. It started me on a long relationship with his work. I have always enjoyed and nearly devoured each book. This title is no exception. Great story line, qood suspense and plot twists. "
— Wayne, 4/23/2013" I remember I liked this book alot. "
— Mary, 4/11/2013" Ditto Ludlum. Read them all. Pure entertainment. No socially-redeeming value. Can't remember dates. "
— Frank, 2/3/2013" i am not finished this book but still now it is suspense "
— Reader, 1/29/2013" The first - and best - Ludlum novel I read. Got to the end and had to start reading it again straight away! "
— Paula, 1/7/2013" Ludlum never makes a mistake... "
— Thomas, 12/24/2012" My favorite Ludlum novel - keeps you on your toes throughout, and you won't be disappointed at the end! As always, exciting prose. "
— Melissa, 7/15/2012Eric Van Lustbader is the author of more than twenty-five bestselling novels, including New York Times bestsellers The Ninja and The Testament. His novels have been translated into over twenty languages. He has also written several novels in Robert Ludlum’s highly successful Bourne series, including The Bourne Legacy, The Bourne Betrayal, The Bourne Sanction, and others. Before turning to writing full-time, he enjoyed a highly successful career in the New York City public school system, where he holds licenses in both elementary and early childhood education.
Rob Shapiro is a musician, writer, voice actor, and Earphones Award–winning narrator. He performed several seasons of radio comedy on Minneapolis Public Radio and voiced the titular lion in Leo the Lion. He is a musician and composer with his critically acclaimed band Populuxe. He is also a business consultant and software system designer.