Janice - reviewed on 1/24/2016 + 646 more book reviews

A master suspense writer; a huge influence on Alan Furst, who is my favorite historical spy/suspense author. This is not a historical novel; Eric Ambler was writing during the time when these events would have occurred, and he knew his world well. If you want a feeling for the times and attitudes that your grandparents lived with and understood, you couldn't do better than to read Ambler. He's a terrific writer.

This particular book was the basis for the classic movie "A Mask for Dimitrios"; the English writer character Latimer of the book was changed to a Hollander called Leyden so that Peter Lorre could play him. Ambler's novel has more emphasis on the political aspect of Dimitrios's activities; he was essentially a terrorist for hire. But if you've seen the movie (which I had before I read this), you know the ending, but you don't know all the ramifications of the events that preceded it.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details