The Veteran by Frederick Forsyth

"The Veteran" by Frederick Forsyth.

This  book is published by RHUK in 2002 and has 464 pages.

This Book is a collection of Five short stories. It was my first time to read short stories of this author. He is known for his thriller novels.

In fittest story 'The Veteran', an unidentified man is murdered in London. There is an eye witness. It's an open and shut case. But a QC decides to defend the murderers. The case turns on its heel. What is the verdict? Will the veteran get justice?

In 'The art of the matter ' Trumpigton, an old actor who has worked as an extra all his life decides to sell a small old oil painting he inherited. Auction house evaluator identifies it as a master piece but the vice president commits a fraud and sells it cheap. Actor gets peanuts and evaluator is fired. Can these two defeated men make an art out of the matter?

In 'The miracle' an American couple visits Sienna to watch Compassi parade and Palio. They meet a stranger and he tells them an incredible story of a nun who lived 500 years ago. What's the miracle?

In 'The citizen ' an insurance clerk is traveling back with his family from Thailand after completing his vacation when he notices two suspicious characters on aeroplane. Will his being a good citizen help?

In 'Whispering wind ', Ben Craig, a mountain man, is captured by US army In 1872 when their party is attacked by Red Indians. In this massacre of Little Big Horn he is the only white survivor. He is captured by Red Indians. He falls in love with an Indian girl named Whispering Wind and elopes. The 'Holy One' asks him to return the girl and prophesies that she will become his later. He sends her back and sleeps in a cave. When He wakes up, everything has changed. Will he see her again? Will he be united with Whispering wind?

In the first story, the way QC ridicules the seemingly water right evidence is horrifying and mockery of justice. The con job, in second story for righting the wrong is very entertaining and enjoyable. There is a major twist in the third and fourth story. However, I could guess it when I got the general direction in which the stories were headed. Nevertheless, the stories were very interesting. Last story is the biggest one and occupies almost half of the book. This is a story that goes beyond logic, is interesting and is narrated with conviction. Readers are left guessing about the end. When it comes, it's completely unexpected.

Author has written the first two in languid style. He takes his own time, sometimes making the reader impatient. Credit to author for stirring emotions in the readers. 

All the stories are very interesting and entertaining. The flow keeps you interested. Author presents a bouquet of stories with a variety. It includes court room drama, art world con, ghost story, drug smuggling drama and ancient love story. All these are short stories, except the last, but they pack a punch.

I started reading this book with some apprehension but it was a pleasant experience. Enjoyable.

Why did I read this book? Frederick Forsyth. 

What I didn't like? Abrupt end of first story. 

What did I like?  Everything else. 

A  very good book. Recommend reading.