Ludlum’s most famous character came to life in this first book, first published by Richard Marek in 1980. The title is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats, as well as at your local library and through the Libby App.

Who is Jason Bourne? Is the question leading the book, Ludlum introduces a character fished out of the Mediterranean Sea, riddled with bullets, including one to the head, his memory is blank, he has no past, and may not have a future if he can’t figure out who he is. This man walking around with amnesia has very few clues to help him. The most intriguing of all is the microfilm surgically implanted beneath his hip. This fits perfectly with the Cold War-era espionage vibe. On this microfilm, he finds a number leading to a Swiss bank containing over four million dollars and the name Jason Bourne.

A severe case of amnesia is bad enough; trying to overcome it in the best of times would be hard enough, but Ludlum doesn’t make it easy for this hero. Assassins are after him around every corner, and he can’t trust anyone except Marie St. Jacques. The two are now caught in a maddening puzzle with double and triple identities, racing for survival through layers of his past and trying to escape murderous conspirators.

The excellent storytelling, vibrant descriptions of people and places truly bring the story to life. All the characters are well-rounded, each with a unique perspective on the matters at hand and the intricate concepts the novel explores. Through their dialogue, Ludlum exposes his audience to the complexity of world banking, international diplomacy, and the roles of the NSA, CIA, and the Office of the President, from the past to the present, and how they have shaped world events.

Ludlum keeps the action fast-moving, the tension high, and the suspense tight-knit, keeping readers invested on every page, though the story dips slightly in the middle. Still, the brutality is genuine, the constant fear for your life as they evade one assassin after another is intense. Bringing the audience right back into the action, making this a 5-star read.