The Second Traitor (Double Agent series, 2)
Europe, 1940. Persistent rumours concerning the anticipated German invasion of England prompt British Intelligence to believe there’s a Nazi-sympathising collaborationist network not only within their organisation but also out in wider society. MI5/6, while tightly guarding sensitive information, must also support their own undercover personnel, gleaning knowledge but keeping them secure from other malign forces bent on menacing the UK, primarily the Soviets, at present in a non-aggression treaty with the Nazis, and the IRA.
The air of uncertainty and angst in this newly-at-war world of secrets and spies is authentically conveyed through visually detailed writing that could easily transfer to the screen. In its craft and intricacy the story is as well mapped out as might be accomplished by a master cartographer, transporting us via planes, trains, ships, boats (fishing- and U-), cars, London buses and Shanks’ Pony to various locations in wartime Europe, again realistically and contemporarily described through local research and awash with a large cast of intriguing characters many of whom have names, codenames and aliases; so pay attention.
Gerlis’ simply structured prose permits fluid narrative advancement, increasing the menace and jeopardy as his tale progress with measured relentlessness, illustrating the traitors’ risks, rewards and brutal punishments. His true forte is the classic modus operandi of the spies themselves, such as their messages passed on via chalk marks on park benches or pickle jars in shop windows, and the variety of safe houses for clandestine meetings, his double agents mostly one step ahead of their stalkers as bluffs, double bluffs and dissembling abound; all contribute to a very fine thriller indeed.
