The Liquidator (novel)

After publishing his autobiographical account of alcoholism Spin the Bottle, Gardner decided to write a thriller, which he later described as "a pretentious piece of rubbish about how governments went around legally killing people".

When he sent the first four chapters to his literary agent, the latter summoned him to London and told him the book was "truly dreadful"; but went on to suggest that as he had "made a hash of drama", perhaps he should try his hand at comedy.

[1] Inspired by the James Bond series of Ian Fleming novels and films, Gardner wrote his book with the character of Brian "Boysie" Oakes as an anti-Bond.

Twenty years later Mostyn's memories have transformed Oakes (who is in reality cowardly and hedonistic) into a fearless master assassin though nothing could be further from the truth.

Going for a "dirty weekend" leads to Boysie being captured by enemy agents who involve him in an assassination plot.