The affluent town of Saddle River, NJ seemed like an unlikely place for an international conspiracy to take place. Most residents were financially and professionally successful. John and Alice Tanner were reasonably content residents of this community, with few worries besides whether or not they were as financially well off as their neighbors.

On a hot July weekend the Tanner's were looking forward to a weekend get-together with their best friends: the Tremaynes, the Cardones, and the Ostermans. Since the Osterman's were flying in from California to join this get-together, this would be an "Osterman Weekend".

All four couples were looking forward to a weekend of wide-ranging conversations, lots of alcoholic beverages, and maybe a dip in the in-ground swimming pool. However, John Tanner's plans were upended when he was summoned to Washington D.C. on urgent business with a government official. Although annoyed he agreed to travel on short notice.

Once in Washington D.C. John Tanner met with government official Laurence Fassett. But instead of discussing business, Fassett had some bad news for Tanner: one of Tanner's friends was involved in an international conspiracy, and Tanner had to co-operate with the government in flushing out the traitor.

Upon returning home Tanner notices the police are cruising past his home and he begins to wonder about which friends are part of "Omega", the international conspiracy. As the get-together eventually begins, the conversations are awkward, full of double meanings, and tensions begin to rise. Tanner soon realizes he is in over his head, as his family and friends are all endangered by a mysterious group of men that are closing in on his home, and threatening their lives.

The book was written by Robert Ludlum in 1972. This book is one of the earliest novels in his career, which spanned more than three decades and included more than two dozen published titles. Although I enjoy the types of books that Ludlum writes (thrillers), this is the first Ludlum book that I have read.

The Osterman Weekend is best described as a political thriller. The tension in the plot is centered on a mysterious and dangerous force invading what should be a peaceful community, and sowing seeds of mistrust amongst friends. While the plot was somewhat compelling, it didn't pack much of a punch for me. Perhaps the premise is just outdated?

The book's strength is in its interwoven story lines and complex conversations amongst the characters. The various characters begin to misinterpret every word spoken, and draw false conclusions based on what they think is going on. Eventually the awkward conversations break down, as the weekend of supposed enjoyment spirals out of control.

The evenly paced writing is another strength of this book. Ludlum gradually increases the tension as mysterious people warn both John Tanner and each of his friends that the other couples are dangerous. For example, one character gets an odd warning from a taxi cab driver, while another is warned by a police officer to be careful speaking to his friends.

I have mixed feelings about the characters in The Osterman Weekend. Some, like the Tanners, are fairly well developed, while others seem like caricatures. Then there are quite a few shadowy characters who may, or may not, be part of the conspiracy. By the time the 336-page book ended I just figured most everyone was guilty of something though.

Overall I thought The Osterman Weekend was well written and had a complex plot. The author certainly put a lot of thought into the story line. But I never developed a deep interest in the plot, or much enthusiasm for any of the characters. If you are a big fan of Robert Ludlum or conspiracy thrillers from the 1970s I think you will like the book. But for most people the book's premise will seem outdated and the level of intrigue insufficient to hold their interest for long.

This review is part of the Rae's Oldies Write Off, found here:

http://www.epinions.com/content_4867465348

© trailhound. 2006.

Recommended: Yes