Possibly Hunter’s most pessimistic and bleak novel ‘The Second Saladin’ is still an excellent thriller although it is hard to take any joy from a character who is abused, manipulated and betrayed by people around him -and that is just the ‘villain’ Ulu Begg!
But it is this quality that gives the novel such a haunting and gripping edge as the protagonist, Paul Chardy, struggles to find a solution to a potentially disasterous assassination. The violence cuts deep and has damaging consequences and the Cold war is fought with a chilling calculation and ruthlessness. Whereas ‘Dirty White Boys’ has an agreeable resolution ‘The Second Saladin’ shows a realistic depiction of death and destruction which leaves a vast and gaping hole in peolples lives. It is this reason why I read this novel again and again.

One final note I might add to those who feel that this is unlike Hunter’s later work is to see his work as a movie critic at this time to provide some context (i.e. his reviews in Violent Screen from 1982-1990)-his attitude towards violence is almost one of digust mixed with attraction. As his attitude evolves throughout the years it is reflected in his essays and books.