Touch the Devil' is this wild, gritty thriller novel by Jack Higgins that feels like it’s straight out of a 70s action movie. The story follows Liam Devlin, an Irish Republican Army explosives expert, and Frank Barry, a former British intelligence officer turned rogue assassin. The two team up—though 'team up' is a loose term since they’re both morally gray and constantly at each other’s throats—to pull off a heist targeting a secret Nazi treasure hidden in a sunken U-boat. The treasure isn’t just gold; it’s a stash of uncut diamonds, and the hunt for it drags them into a whirlwind of double-crosses, shootouts, and Cold War-era espionage. Higgins really nails the tension, especially with Devlin’s charm and Barry’s ruthless unpredictability.
What makes 'Touch the Devil' so gripping is how it blends historical intrigue with pure adrenaline. The setting bounces from Ireland to London to the English Channel, and the pacing never lets up. There’s this one scene where Devlin has to defuse a bomb underwater that had me holding my breath the whole time. And Barry? He’s the kind of villain you love to hate—smug, vicious, and always one step ahead. The ending, without spoiling too much, leaves you questioning who really won, if anyone. It’s a classic Higgins move, where the lines between hero and villain blur into this satisfying mess. If you’re into old-school thrillers with sharp dialogue and morally ambiguous characters, this one’s a must-read.