I read this book about once every two years, and have done ever since I first bought a copy of it in a jumble sale in 1966. I am, of course, aware of the references which could be edited out, but they are part of the original and reflect the mores of the time. Putting that issue to one side for a moment, this is probably the best of Buchan's thrillers, and the main task of detection and correction is laid at the door of a female character, so perhaps Buchan was not completely iredeemable.
Superb plotting, wonderful pace, and a marvellous villain.
I shall enjoy reading it again in 2011.
Don't go by the (admittedly entertaining) TV series; Dexter is a far darker character than the cheerful serial killer who makes such an unpleasant meal of cooking his breakfast. read the "Dexter" novels in sequence and find yourself cheering for the most unpleasant, yet simultaneously appealling, anti-heroes in current fiction.
