The Sigma Protocol

Robert Ludlum transforms "Verhuete Laerm!" idyllic Switzerland into a wild west shoot-out backdrop where bullets buzz around the peaceful citizens in the streets of Zurich. Yes, the plot moves at a breakneck pace and overdone brutality is the author's key ingredient. With political correctness, the old ... who are suckling the secret of eternal youth must meet their overdue demise. Go ahead and read it and don't say I didn't warn you! Gerborg

Poorly written??? I wouldnt say that. While Ludlum does go into very miticalous details sometime, It helps paint the picture in my head.I loved this book, It was the first book like this I ever read, (After The Broker by Grisham.) And I just got the Borne series. Ludlum is a truly gifted writed, and I wasnt bored or dissapointed for a second!

"The Sigma Protocol" VINTAGE Ludlum...A story of a man attempting to unravel the mysteries surrounding his brother's death, his father's identity, and the attempts that had been made on his own life.
Robert Ludlum's last (The Sigma Protocol) showcases his best effort to date...the height of his literary profession, in my opinion.
John Savoy
C.E.O. & Financial Advisor
Savoy International
Motion Pictures

Too many reviewers have criticized this novel stating it is "Predictable", "Slow" or not well developed, I would say these people are not Ludlum readers and are looking for a different writting style.
I would not say it is Ludlum at his finest, but it is definitely a good, fast paced and entertaining read. The Sigma Protocol contains the typical international intrigue, good looking sexy characters, conspiracy theory, chase scenes, etc. that you could expect from Ludlum.
If you want deeply developed characters and pages of profound filosophical thoughts, go read Le Carré. If you enjoy Ludlum or Forsyth and are looking for a light read, this is it.

this was my 4th ludlum book, i really enjoyed it! it was about 100 pages too long, imo, but very exciting nonetheless!

i'm looking forward to reading the rest of mr. ludlum's body of work as well as the books from the covert one series.

An outstanding read that will keep you up well into the early hours if not the morning! Looking back 15 years, there is a certain similarity to The Aquitaine Progression. But that certainly doesn't mean you shouldn't read the Sigma Protocol -- it's one of Ludlum's best!

When i first started reading it I was captivated. The plot is interesting and intriguing. The characters are fairly well developed. However, as I read on into the novel, I felt that it started to drag on and I lost most of my initial interest. It was a blessing to just be able to finish it. All in all, it is a very good idea, but it is simply too long.

Ludlum died before The Sigma Protocol was published, but the book was edited and published after his death. It is vintage Ludlum with fast paced action from the opening to the final page. Ben Hartman is the unlikely hero who is plunged into a world of deception where in true Ludlum fashion "nothing is as it seems." Fast-paced and a great read.

Overall, despite the slow pace in places, 'The Sigma Protocol' is an enjoyable read which stands above many of the other spy-conspiracy thrillers that are out there. If you have never read a Ludlum before, you could do a lot worse than to try this one, which is certainly an improvement on his previous novel, 'The Prometheus Deception'. If anyone wants to read a really good book try Paul Omeziri's Descent into Illusions.

I do not know what will replace the pleasure with which I read your books sir. . . You introduced me to the incredible universe that literature is and kindled in me a fire as yet unquenched. Once again you captivated me with your words and for that I express both my thanks for your efforts and my feelings of bereavement for your passing. Your books were a true gift and will remain on my bookshelf oft-read until I no longer have the strength to pick them up for that is the only way that I know to express the reverence that I hold for your literary prowess. You will be missed -

This is my first Ludlum novel.
Pluses:
* Exciting story.
* Good twists.
* Fast paced.

Minuses:
* A lot of characters described in great detail last just a single chapter leaving you with a feeling of lost cause and wasted time.
* Some sub-plots are unexplained in the end. (e.g. why was Ben attacked in the first place? )

Having recently seen the movie "The Bourne Identity", and never having read Ludlum before, I thought I would give him a try. I picked up "The Sigma Protocol", and was very dissapointed. I guess I expected good writing from an author whom everyone exlaims is so great. The plot lines and ideas were good, but the actual storytelling left much to be desired.

Kind of boring, appears like the plot is made intentionally lengthy..doesn't look logical.
Also, not sure why he made remakrs like 'dot-head whore', 'dot head smelling like saffron' etc. Its out of context and in my opinion racist..Lost some respect on ludlum due to this.

because they did a shotty job. For example, in the first chapter it describes a chokehold compressing the femoral artery. The problem with this is that the femoral artery is in the thigh, not the neck. When I read basic editing mistakes like this it is very disappointing to me.