Infinity Gambit

Bernard Fallon is a former agent for British intelligence who has gone freelance. He is approached by his retired boss, Col. Marlow, who himself has joined Infinity Limited, a private group that works to liberate oppressed peoples from dictators and encourage them in the pursuit of capitalism. Fallon refuses the colonel's request that he help unseat the corrupt government of the African nation of Zugenda, until an attempt on his life convinces him otherwise. Once in Africa, he embarks on an elaborate mission of cross and double-cross, appearing to serve scheming government factions while collaborating with an idealistic band of rebels. There are hair-raising rescues and heavy-artillery battles aplently as it becomes clear that the prize at stake is greater than anyone had imagined. Techno-thriller buffs will enjoy the abundance of high-tech weaponry. In all, though, Hogan's ( Endgame Enigma ) tale would have benefited from some absorbing human interaction, more plot development and fewer skirmishes that simply lead to the next ambush, and from skilled reduction of about a quarter of its 464-page length. (Apr.)