The summer of 1939. Richard Myles, Oxford don, and his wife Frances receive a visit from Peter Galt. Peter, a friend that works in the Foreign Office, has returned from Bucharest and needs to lie low. He has a special request for them to determine if a fellow compatriot is present at his assigned location. Richard’s infallible memory is crucial to their success. Unlike a solo agent, the couple’s typical summer vacation gives them a natural and effective cover. They begin in Paris, and each subsequent connection will provide them with the following location.

"If you find your man, then wire, 'Arriving Monday', or 'Tuesday', or whatever day you actually saw him. If you don’t find him, wire ‘Cancel reservations'."

My high school librarian introduced me to the espionage novels by Helen MacInnes, nicknamed Queen of Suspense, in high school. However, I knew I had never read this title from the description. I was fascinated that the book was the author’s first novel, published in 1941. It is essential to realize that this mission is in the period before technology conveniences of cell phones, internet connections on portable devices, and social media, instead using their intelligence with creative spontaneity if any part of a plan goes awry as commitment is independent with no option for resources and permits no failure.

The well-written story builds page-turning drama and suspense. The descriptive writing immerses the reader in the period and setting, from the pleasures of a walk on a summer day to the twist of on the fly planning an escape route. ( )

Classic, set between the wars. ( )

The majority of the story is spent describing the towns and cities of in Europe at the beginning of WWII, including lot of detail about the countryside. There are some quite suspenseful scenes, but its not consistent. This very much reminds me of several British noir films set during this time. ( )

Set in 1939, Richard and Frances Myles are preparing for their annual European summer vacation. However, they are unexpectedly visited at Oxford College by Peter Galt, an old friend, who requests a favour… Their mission is to go to Paris and meet a man at a specific place who will give them details for the next meeting point. An ordinary holiday turns into an extraordinary tale where a pre-war Europe is suspicious of everyone and everything and Richard and Francis Myles quickly realises it as they are hunted down by people trying to find out what they know. Soon the couple is forced to race across Europe ans must use all of their ingenuity to outsmart the shadowy figures that always seem to be on their tail.

Above Suspicion by Helen MacInnes is a fun book to read, though there are of course a few things about it that may seem predictable. Written exceptionally well, Helen MacInnes have often been overlooked or forgotten, because her books are somewhat dated, yet there’s something wholesome about her writing. Spy novels are often cliché and most people prefer to read established writers in the genre, such as Ian Fleming and Tom Clancy. However, long before those writers came along, Helen MacInnes was already busy entertaining readers with tales of fantastic espionage and adventure.

Above Suspicion is a blast from the past with the central plot line surrounding World War II, where secrets, cigarettes and beer seems to be in abundance. That being said, when reading Above Suspicion one has to remember that it was written in a time when the world was very different. Women weren’t supposed to be heard, merely seen and as a result we have a very intelligent and strong female character who comes across as an underachiever. For feminists this might be a problem, but in a historical sense it’s quite an accurate portrayal.

All in all, I enjoyed Above Suspicion, because it reminded me that every genre has a beginning. I liked the writing and I enjoyed the storyline, but sometimes I did find it somewhat dreary. It’s alright though, because when you push through to the end, it’s all worth it.

(Originally posted on www.killeraphrodite.com ) ( )

Fantastic! For a an older book (pub. in 1941!), it had everything you'd want in a suspense book. Danger, spies, guns, bad guys, and a believable plot. I highly recommend it.

The author nailed the skewed perspective of the Nazi's even though this book came out near the beginning of WWII. I'm looking for more of her books. ( )