Known more for his horror stories (Jaws, Beast, Island etc) this is a different side of Benchley but is just as good. I didn't realise that Benchley was a script writer in the white house before finding fame, and it is this experience he draws upon for the comedy Q Clearance.

Timothy Burnham is the president's favorite speech writer, so much so that he is soon promoted to an intimate advisor with Q clearance (this means he has access to top secret information), soon this draws attention to Russian Agents, but he always seems to come out on top... somehow.

A really warm book, full of tongue in cheek comedy that has stood the test of time over the last 4 decades, Benchley has also managed to intersperse the action scenes with the humour to a great effect. Its a real shame he didn't write many in this style, and if you did enjoy then try Rummies by the same author. ( )