Member Review

This is a fast paced thriller set in the closing days of WW2 and moves from Washington to Europe as the story plays out.
Julius Orlinsky is an American intelligence officer who becomes involved in a complicated plot involving betrayal and double cross.
Tasked with attending a party by his superior officer, Julius narrowly avoids being killed by an assassin as he is leaving. When he starts to investigate he realises he has been blamed for an atrocity and betrayal in Prague when he was living there undercover earlier in the war.
Trying to clear his name and still harbouring feelings for a woman who may have been the traitor, Julius begins a perilous journey across the atlantic on behalf of a secret government department. However he can trust no one and he is also being pursued by the Russians who are threatening to expose him as a traitor.
This was an interesting read with many characters who were both murky and unpleasant. Julius was a likeable hero and despite his youth, well trained and able to take care of himself. I found myself hoping that all would work out for him but on several occasions this seemed extremely unlikely.
I liked the fact that the first part of the book was set in DC, a city I know well as my son lives there. It was well described and the author caught the wartime atmosphere very well. It was interesting to read a WW2 book with a setting in the USA . Julius’s journey to Europe on the Queen Mary troop ship was also well researched and added to the authenticity of the story.
This was a gripping read which held my attention from page one and I’d recommend it to those who enjoy espionage thrillers that keep you guessing till the final page!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.