"Save the last dance for me." Song lyrics

GIVEAWAY: See rules at end of review.

In a surprisingly philosophical novel with first rate substance, "Skull Dance,' tells of the time after the Berlin Wall came down. Berlin becomes a wide open city with numerous former Russian military members who are selling weapons.

Chris Ramsdorf, a former East German soldier, is now free to travel and comes to England. Having a good knowledge of the weapons of the Eastern Bloc, he is hired my M15, British Intelligence.

After he loses his position, he begins dealing with weapons on his own and is hired by a group of Russians to dismantle a warhead and extract plutonium.

Fearing the weapon might be used against England, Chris tells his superiors and is told to go along with the Russians.

He believes that a plan is in place to thwart the deal but something complicates things and he ends up in a jail in India.

In the jail, we observe his philosophy and ideas of life but when the situation becomes intolerable, Chris must attempt to gain his freedom.

There is outstanding character development as Chris evolves from a selfish, uncaring person, to someone who regards others with compassion and understanding.

The story does meander from place to place and the periods of action are followed by sections of introspection and analysis. This slows down the story but gives us a deeper understanding of Chris, and perhaps, the author.

The author, Gerd Balko, died of a heart attack and the novel was completed by Michael La Rocca.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3OZ6B2OXYC8QW/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Giveaway rules:
A-be a follower of this blog

B-follow on twitter @mikedtheauthor (only a desired step. If you're not on twitter, you can still enter the giveaway.

C-use above link and go to Amazon.com, read that review and at the end, when asked if review was helpful, please indicate "YES"

D--under comments of this review, indicate you wish to be included in the giveaway and include your name and email address, for notification

-U.S. and Canadian residents only, sorry, postage.

Giveaway ends at midnight June 25th.

Winners = Brittany Gale
Rae at Best O Books
Best wishes on winning this book.