It’s the ultimate showdown between the world’s two deadliest spies in the third book of the series, first published by Random House in 1990. The book is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats, as well as at your local library and through the Libby App.

David Webb is a professor of Oriental studies, husband, and father, so the last thing he wants to do is assume the deadly identity of Jason Bourne. However, his nemesis, Carlos, also known as the Jackal, the world’s deadliest and most elusive terrorist, has other plans for him. He sent telegrams signed Jason Bourne to two men at a small-town carnival who witnessed a bizarre killing, and they happen to know Jason’s true identity. Therefore, they know the summons came from Carlos and that he wants to use them to lure Jason into one last confrontation.

Ludlum doesn’t disappoint. The plan for his protagonist seems simple: to have Bourne infiltrate the Medusan Group, a political and economic Organization, and use himself as bait to lure the cunning Jackal into a deadly trap from which only one of them will escape.

Sleight of hand and deception are key components of the spy games as Bourne traipses all over the map to keep his family safe and hunt the Jackal. The book is a bit overly verbose in some areas, giving it a heavy feeling. However, the classic portrait of Jason Bourne/David Webb is realistic. Although there are some discrepancies in Marie’s life in book one, she’s from a farm in Ontario, yet in book 2, she’s growing up in farming communities in Saskatchewan. It’s important to note that Marie is a Francophone, and there are only three French regions in Saskatchewan, so this is a bit far-fetched. And now, in book 3, we’re back to tossing hay in Ontario. Perhaps the different locals mean nothing, or maybe it was an oversight in book 2.

The use of numerous languages livens the book. The French is accurate; therefore, the German and Russian must be on par as well. It definitely makes the audience feel as though they’re part of the action, the discussion. Ludlum offers a mix of great nuance and excitement, plus a homage to identity’s section back in France, although beautifully done, felt rushed.

A point that came up often in this book is Bourne’s age, the mention of his getting old, and the repeated mistakes. It’s as if Ludlum is saying his hero should what, retire? This sentiment resonates even more with the book’s final sentence, which perfectly ends the trilogy.

The never-ending action, nail-biting tension, page-turning suspense, and unforgettable characters are what make this a 5-star read.