The Ambushers

Matt Helm, Book 6

By: Donald Hamilton

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A quiet mission of assassination is no sweat for legendary agent Matt Helm - until a shapely foreign agent he never got around to finishing off lures him into a strange trek in the wilds of Northern Mexico. And when a Russian missile is smuggled out of Cuba, it falls into the hands of a political fanatic much too close to home.

Originally released in the era of the James Bond novels, the Matt Helm novels were considered grittier and more realistic than Bond, garnering them critical praise and an ardent audience. This sixth installment in the series is a gripping adventure that masterfully balances action and humor.

©1963, 2013 Donald Hamilton (P)2015 Skyboat Media, Inc.

Everything youve grown to love about Matt Helm

Would you listen to The Ambushers again? Why?

Yes. The narrator is that good. It is really easy to enjoy the beautifully written altercations and detective work again and again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Absolutely. The whole dynamic of allegiance and appropriate action. You've got several groups working at cross purposes. Some friends. Some enemies. Some just in the way. Everyone is doing this intricate dance in the shadows until the lights come on. Then there is blood.

What does Stefan Rudnicki bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is incredible. Hes larger than life without sounding ridiculous. He always gives the book a tone of professionalism and conditioning. Matt SOUNDS like a seasoned pragmatic agent. Not an action hero. Even as a female he doesn't sound silly.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are parts where you are built up to believe things will go a certain way or that a character will feel a certain way. The book then reminds you "No, This is real life" and things happen more abrupt and less poetically. Its like finding out your dad is santa clause. He's not magic but he did go to work every day to pay for those boxes.

Any additional comments?

A very solid entry in the series. The intricate mystery is written in such a way that you are allowed to think and grow with the characters. There isnt really any blatant omission of information to keep you in the dark. It is just suburb writing.The pacing is also fantastic. It is just fast enough to stay exciting but slow enough for you to enjoy all the little bits.

another excellent book

another excellent book, hoping to read the whole series, the narrator is still awesome. reading must go on.

Matt Helm

Love Matt Helm stories. Always fun to listen to. Interesting and exciting. This one was very good! Thank you!

Words have changed meaning

Really enjoy the series, but the word rape have changed a lot in meaning since then, any way it can be replaced with something suitable to our time, like ravage?

Muy hombre señor Helm!

Helm’s mission is to put down a rebellion by assassinating General Jorge Santos in Costa Verde, Central America (Peru or Portugal?). Two 180 grain bullets to the chest from 550 meters did the trick. Muy hombre señor Helm! A bit more recon after the fact uncovered a mobile missile launcher complete with a missile; the Rudavich 3 or 4, a miniaturized version of the larger prototype intermediate-range ballistic missile, having a range of 1200-1600 miles, nicknamed the “Moscow Mite”. Neither version can hit the U.S. but the Panama Canal is within range. “Not good,” says Helm. In his debriefing with Mac, Helm is given another kill order on a former Nazi General von Sachs, high on the list of war criminals. He has been operating in the southwestern United States from Mexico and into Latin America, Argentina; putting together the usual fascist programs. So much for the setup of the story. Helm adds a partner agent whom he brought back from Central America to help with his cover story. In his search for von Sachs, Helm encounters dangerous situations with Nazi sympathizers and other organizations that want von Sachs as well. Then there was the question of the nuclear warhead capable ballistic missile. That had always been a part of von Sachs’ plan. Where was it now?

Excellent Matt Helm Spy Adventure

The Matt Helm novels are rough and gritty, nothing at all like the silly 60s movies with Dean Martin. The Matt Helm of the novels is brutal, clever, cunning and dangerous. This story captures the essence of the character and is a great example of cold war era spy novels. The story moves briskly and has lots of twists.

While the action is slower than a modern spy novel, it still held my interest. I've read several Matt Helm novels and this is one of the best.

Exciting conclusion!

Typical Helm action and twists that we appreciate, but holds your attention from beginning to end.

whether it's Charlie Chaplin, Richard Burton,or doctor who,there really is only one claire bloom!the woman really gets around!

no mention of direction of matt helm series of audio books,in Wikipedia, but i suspect the feminist movement is up in arms against helm anyway, whether killing,or sliceng up the women!helm books do treat women rather badly, dont you know!but this book brings in my favorite female character of the whole series,and a rather strong female character at that! im rather glad that the series is directed by a woman who appears not to doing it for a political cause, but simply because she wants to ! more power to her!! my helm, rudnicki, continue on and on under first rate quality direction by Bloom! as to the book , simply one ☝!

The voice reading

I love the background of the story. It makes it more interesting and exciting. I’ve been an avid reader all my life, and because Im having vision issues I am adjusting to Audio Books. Keep Matt Helms coming. Bibby

Typical Matt Helm Book - entertaining mystery.

I've read several of the Matt Helm books, and while the plots change, they are all basically the same. I compare them to Jack Reacher books, in that Matt Helm and Jack Reacher are smart and very logical. They think things thru carefully and solve the "mystery of the book" thru guile and logic, rather than brute force or some superpower. Much of the book takes place inside Matt's head, and Stefan Rudnicki is outstanding as the narrator and Matt's inner voice.

These are not what I'd call great books, but they are enjoyable mysteries, and most of them aren't much more than 5 hours long. I got them all as free downloads thru the Audible Plus benefit to my Audible membership. (I would not purchase or spend a credit on a book that short.) I listen to a lot of audio books, and I periodically fill in between books with a light-hearted and witty Matt Helm book. I will continue to do so.