"Nemesis" is an impressive thrill of a read with an unsettling core. The blackout curtains have been drawn, but this can provide little protection against the rapid darkness that has already crept onto our own little island.

So, this may be book three of the series yet it remains as fully-fuelled as the first to provide outrageous manoeuvres. These are not only politically damaging but a genuine threat to an entire nation’s survival. The plot seizes the decisive moments of a people steeling themselves to confront a known enemy and tackles the dreadful, unexpected consequences as a stealthier one emerges.

Once again the narration is superb and assuredly defines the circles inhabited by Tom Wilde, an American professor wrestling with the ugly, beautiful, and treacherous faces surrounding him. One thing’s for sure, this author has a gift for writing characters whose successes or failures are determined simply by how much they can trust the next person. 

What I found exceptional is how seamlessly the brave operatives who covertly guard an entire country (and beyond) integrate into society, and how their decisions are not black and white, as there’s often some murkier shade bleeding around the edges, patiently waiting to seep into the cracks that are starting to form. 

Sickening betrayals, conflicting truths, and formidable adversaries with highly effective tactics – "Nemesis" captures all of this, and more. Mightily convincing, as always.

I enjoyed this which was a rollicking good read. It is the third in the series and it does help to have read the previous two as there are continuing characters.

The plot is all developed and the book covers the confusing period immediately after the declaration war in 1939 where nobody is quite who they seem to be.

There is a lot of derring-do and chases and red herrings but the historical background is sound and the story finally comes round to a satisfactory conclusion.

Tom Wilde, the professor, is an interesting hero and Marcus Marfield a well-drawn sociopath.

A good read and highly recommended.