'The Dogs of War' (1974) by Frederick Forsyth

'The Dogs of War' is a meticulously detailed thriller about mercenaries, political corruption, and the ruthless pursuit of wealth.

The story centers on Sir James Manson, a greedy British mining tycoon who discovers a vast platinum deposit in the fictional African nation of Zangaro, a small, impoverished dictatorship ruled by a brutal leader named Jean Kimba. To secure the platinum for himself, Manson devises a plan to orchestrate a coup d'état and install a puppet leader who will grant him exclusive mining rights.

Manson hires Cat Shannon, a professional mercenary, to lead the operation. Shannon, experienced and pragmatic, begins planning the coup with precision. Forsyth delves into meticulous details as Shannon assembles a team of hardened mercenaries, procures illegal weapons, and devises the logistics of the operation.

As the plan unfolds, the narrative explores the world of mercenaries and the arms trade, revealing the cold pragmatism and moral ambiguity of those involved. Shannon's team lands in Zangaro and executes the coup with brutal efficiency. However, in a twist of fate, Shannon chooses not to install Manson's puppet but instead supports a more honest and nationalistic leader, disrupting Manson's exploitative plans.

The Dogs of War explores themes of greed, power, and loyalty, providing a stark look at the exploitation of Africa by foreign interests. Forsyth's signature style, painstaking research, realistic details, and tight plotting, makes the novel a gripping and thought-provoking read.