Book Description
A thrilling espionage story set in Paris after the First World War, full of classic Goddard double crosses and triple twists.
1919. The eyes of the world are on Paris, where statesmen, diplomats and politicians have gathered to discuss the fate of half the world's nations in the aftermath of the cataclysm that was the Great War. A horde of journalists, spies and opportunists have also gathered in the city and the last thing the British diplomatic community needs at such a time is the mysterious death of a senior member of their delegation. So, when Sir Henry Maxted falls from the roof of his mistress's apartment building in unexplained circumstances, their first instinct is to suppress all suspicious aspects of the event.
But Sir Henry's son, ex Royal Flying Corps ace James 'Max' Maxted, has other ideas. He resolves to find out how and why his father died -- even if this means disturbing the impression of harmonious calm which the negotiating teams have worked so hard to maintain. In a city where countries are jostling for position at the crossroads of history and the stakes could hardly be higher, it is difficult to tell who is a friend and who a foe. And Max will soon discover just how much he needs friends, as his search for the truth sucks him into the dark heart of a seemingly impenetrable mystery.
My Review
This is a well-written and researched book with an intriguing story line by one of my favorite authors. Lots of interesting characters with vivid descriptions are hard to keep track of at times but the plot more than enough makes up for that. As this is the first book in a trilogy, I am eager to read the next one in order to tie up all the loose ends in the murder of Max's father. I would highly recommend this series as Goddard is a great storyteller and this book confirms it and does not disappoint.
A thrilling espionage story set in Paris after the First World War, full of classic Goddard double crosses and triple twists.
1919. The eyes of the world are on Paris, where statesmen, diplomats and politicians have gathered to discuss the fate of half the world's nations in the aftermath of the cataclysm that was the Great War. A horde of journalists, spies and opportunists have also gathered in the city and the last thing the British diplomatic community needs at such a time is the mysterious death of a senior member of their delegation. So, when Sir Henry Maxted falls from the roof of his mistress's apartment building in unexplained circumstances, their first instinct is to suppress all suspicious aspects of the event.
But Sir Henry's son, ex Royal Flying Corps ace James 'Max' Maxted, has other ideas. He resolves to find out how and why his father died -- even if this means disturbing the impression of harmonious calm which the negotiating teams have worked so hard to maintain. In a city where countries are jostling for position at the crossroads of history and the stakes could hardly be higher, it is difficult to tell who is a friend and who a foe. And Max will soon discover just how much he needs friends, as his search for the truth sucks him into the dark heart of a seemingly impenetrable mystery.
My Review
This is a well-written and researched book with an intriguing story line by one of my favorite authors. Lots of interesting characters with vivid descriptions are hard to keep track of at times but the plot more than enough makes up for that. As this is the first book in a trilogy, I am eager to read the next one in order to tie up all the loose ends in the murder of Max's father. I would highly recommend this series as Goddard is a great storyteller and this book confirms it and does not disappoint.
