Twelve Seconds to Live (The Modern Naval Fiction Library)

Many of Reeman's earlier novels, the ones I'm most familiar with, tended to be somewhat formulaic, with the usual character mix of the heroic young officer (probably in the Reserve), the crusty, martinet career RN officer, recalled "off the beach" for war service, and The Girl, who serves primarily as the heroic young officer's love interest. These titles generally feature one particular Important Mission, along with a touch of interpersonal conflict, romance, and epic -- and always well-written -- battle scenes.

"Twelve Seconds to Live" contains characters who are similar to the three standard profiles, but quite a few others as well. In fact, this is the most densely-peopled Reeman book I can remember, with at least two (possibly three) men who could qualify as Our Heroes, two interesting and well-drawn female characters, a host of supporting officers, Wrens, and men, and several different featured boats and vessels.

Reeman's plot makes rich use of all these resources. There is an Important Mission, but it doesn't really develop until relatively late in the novel. Much of the story is a slice-of-life look at service in the Special Countermeasures unit and the taxing work of defusing unexploded mines and other enemy ordnance. Some of the characters interact with the others only tangentially, and few are involved in the final Important Mission. But the whole thing ties together well, with a good mixture of intrigue, danger, romance (one romance in particular rather unusual for a Reeman work), and action at sea.

Although some Reeman books are better than others, I've found nearly all of them a treat to read. This one was no different, and I believe any fan will probably come to the same conclusion.