Yup, I needed a historical novel for a mystery challenge. This is a historical spy/thriller featuring an Austrian-American actor named Frederic Stahl. To all appearances Stahl is at the top of his career when his studio sends him to Paris to make a movie. He agrees in spite of the turmoil on the continent and his fear that refusal will harm his career status.
This is my first read by this author and, of course, I happened to pick up a novel in the middle of a series. However, it has a complete story that makes it a stand alone.
Most of the action occurs in Paris but the reader is moved to Berlin and a Hungarian palace for other scenes, like the movie Stahl is making. However, the Germans are working to recruit him as a spy or at least use him in a political way for their own purposes. The inducements, meals, parties and luxurious travel offered by those who are so repugnant. The menace and violence are subtle but all too real. He tries to ignore their aggressive efforts by focusing on acting for the movie. Instead, he finds himself unwittingly drawn into becoming a spy for his country. It's a good story and an interesting read that is chilling and realistic for the reader.
This is my first read by this author and, of course, I happened to pick up a novel in the middle of a series. However, it has a complete story that makes it a stand alone.
Most of the action occurs in Paris but the reader is moved to Berlin and a Hungarian palace for other scenes, like the movie Stahl is making. However, the Germans are working to recruit him as a spy or at least use him in a political way for their own purposes. The inducements, meals, parties and luxurious travel offered by those who are so repugnant. The menace and violence are subtle but all too real. He tries to ignore their aggressive efforts by focusing on acting for the movie. Instead, he finds himself unwittingly drawn into becoming a spy for his country. It's a good story and an interesting read that is chilling and realistic for the reader.
An easier and faster read than my first exposure to Alan Durst, his debut book, Night Soldiers. I enjoyed the rich history of the first book but struggled to keep the variety of characters, locations, and subplots straight. This one was much more linear and focused and made me want to read more of this series.
Primarily sited in Western Europe, it was easier to relate to cities I have visited, adding to my enjoyment. Since the central character is an American film star, albeit an emigre from Europe, it seemed more familiar. The story was credible, yet involved, and demonstrated the intricacies of propaganda and political intrigue as practiced by the Nazis in the early stages of their rape of Europe...things not so often visited in the typical WWII spy stories. I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction as well as a good spy story!
Primarily sited in Western Europe, it was easier to relate to cities I have visited, adding to my enjoyment. Since the central character is an American film star, albeit an emigre from Europe, it seemed more familiar. The story was credible, yet involved, and demonstrated the intricacies of propaganda and political intrigue as practiced by the Nazis in the early stages of their rape of Europe...things not so often visited in the typical WWII spy stories. I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction as well as a good spy story!
