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Trouble on the Thames
Owen Bradwell is a courageous naval officer who returns to England in the 1930s. He believes that his career is over because he has become colour-blind but with Nazi Germany an increasing menace, the authorities cannot do without Bradwell, and he is assigned a special mission. A former acquaintance of Bradwell’s has been trapped into betraying his country’s secrets by a Nazi agent. Bradwell is sent to spy on the spy, and travels down the Thames on a surveillance trip under cover of a fishing weekend. Things soon take an unexpected turn, and Bradwell finds himself in the company of a dead man, and a pretty young interior decorator called Sally. Will Bradwell triumph over the villains, and will he and Sally fall in love? This neglected thriller from 1945 is a pacy and entertaining read, rich with the classic twists of the genre: amnesia, blackmail, and a convict’s escape from Dartmoor.
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1945
About the author
Victor Bridges
101 books6 followersVictor Bridges (real name Victor George de Freyne, 1878–1972) was a prolific English author of detective and fantasy fiction, and also a playwright and occasional poet.
Born on 14 March 1878 at Clifton, Bristol, Victor George de Freyne may have been connected with a propertied family in County Sligo, Ireland. He was educated at Haileybury and Imperial Service College. He worked as a bank employee and as an actor in repertory theatre before becoming a full-time writer.
Bridges began to publish crime and mystery stories and novels regularly in 1909. He was an early signing by the new London publishing firm of Mills & Boon, which was initially a light fiction publisher in a wide range of genres.Many of his stories were set in Essex and East Anglia. He also had two volumes of poetry published.
He married in 1920 Margaret Lindsay Mackay, who died in 1957. He himself died on 29 November 1972.
~Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_B...
Born on 14 March 1878 at Clifton, Bristol, Victor George de Freyne may have been connected with a propertied family in County Sligo, Ireland. He was educated at Haileybury and Imperial Service College. He worked as a bank employee and as an actor in repertory theatre before becoming a full-time writer.
Bridges began to publish crime and mystery stories and novels regularly in 1909. He was an early signing by the new London publishing firm of Mills & Boon, which was initially a light fiction publisher in a wide range of genres.Many of his stories were set in Essex and East Anglia. He also had two volumes of poetry published.
He married in 1920 Margaret Lindsay Mackay, who died in 1957. He himself died on 29 November 1972.
~Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_B...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 26, 2015
Written during the Second World War, but set just before the outbreak of hostilities, this is a great war thriller by Victor Bridges (1878-1972); pen name of Victor George de Freyne. Bridges was a prolific thriller writer, who began his writing career in 1911 and continued until the 1960’s – his most popular book being, “Greensea Island”. I was delighted to see that Poisoned Pen Press are re-issuing some of the British Library Crime Classics and Spy Classics from the Golden Age of crime fiction (generally the period between the wars). This novel is not only a great example of Golden Age writing, but is an exciting and enjoyable read with a good cast of characters and lots of plot twists.
We meet the hero of this novel, Lieutenant-Commander Owen Bradwell, after he has visited a specialist in Harley Street. Bradwell has been diagnosed with colour blindness and is worried that his career in the Navy might be over. However, when he goes for a meeting at the Admiralty, he is given a new task. An acquaintance of his, Medlicot, killed himself shortly before facing arrest for treason. Having got into debt with nightclub owner, Mark Craig, he betrayed secrets to Craig; who is suspected of being in the pay of the Nazi’s. Bradwell is asked to spy on Craig’s home on the river and see whether it is visited by the man behind the scenes – Count von Manstein. Meanwhile, Craig is linked to a man who is attempting to blackmail the sister of interior designer, Sally Deane. Sally’s mission and Owen’s collide and they end by teaming up to try to uncover a spy ring.
This novel is not only an interesting spy story but has a great deal of side stories and characters to help flesh out the storyline; as well as a good sense of the historical period. There are various blackmail attempts, an escaped convict whose actions also collide with the plot, German spies, vamps, indiscreet letters, amnesia and all sorts of other sub plots and side stories; including a little romance... Owen Bradwell was an interesting character and Sally, and her business partner, Ruth Barlow, brought a sense of fun and warmth to the plot. I am not sure whether Bradwell appeared in any further novels, although the ending of this book suggests he did, but I would certainly like to read on if this became a series. Victor Bridges really deserves to be back in print and, if you enjoy spy stories, then you should like this. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
We meet the hero of this novel, Lieutenant-Commander Owen Bradwell, after he has visited a specialist in Harley Street. Bradwell has been diagnosed with colour blindness and is worried that his career in the Navy might be over. However, when he goes for a meeting at the Admiralty, he is given a new task. An acquaintance of his, Medlicot, killed himself shortly before facing arrest for treason. Having got into debt with nightclub owner, Mark Craig, he betrayed secrets to Craig; who is suspected of being in the pay of the Nazi’s. Bradwell is asked to spy on Craig’s home on the river and see whether it is visited by the man behind the scenes – Count von Manstein. Meanwhile, Craig is linked to a man who is attempting to blackmail the sister of interior designer, Sally Deane. Sally’s mission and Owen’s collide and they end by teaming up to try to uncover a spy ring.
This novel is not only an interesting spy story but has a great deal of side stories and characters to help flesh out the storyline; as well as a good sense of the historical period. There are various blackmail attempts, an escaped convict whose actions also collide with the plot, German spies, vamps, indiscreet letters, amnesia and all sorts of other sub plots and side stories; including a little romance... Owen Bradwell was an interesting character and Sally, and her business partner, Ruth Barlow, brought a sense of fun and warmth to the plot. I am not sure whether Bradwell appeared in any further novels, although the ending of this book suggests he did, but I would certainly like to read on if this became a series. Victor Bridges really deserves to be back in print and, if you enjoy spy stories, then you should like this. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
September 9, 2015
I loved this book and I am so glad Poisoned Pen Press is reissuing this novel. This was the kind of book I grew up on and adored. It was written in the "Golden Age of Crime Writing" and is set just before WWII in England. It has a sense of fun to it and really time specific writing. For instance, when they talk about going out to dinner they talk about feeding out. I loved that expression.
The novel centers around Owen Bradwell, a naval officer goes color blind. Afraid that his career is over he is sent over to a new secret department to do some spying. He is looking for a traitor who is spying for Germany. During the course he meets a delightful interior decorator, Sally, and her room-mate, Ruth. They add such humor and love to this book that it becomes so entertaining.
I don't know if Bradwell is in other novels because I had not heard of this author but I hope Poisoned Pen Press will release all his books. I kept thinking of Nero Wolfe, Rex Stout's main character. Even though they are nothing alike, they have the same of atmosphere.
If you love the old mysteries, this is a real find. I highly recommend it.
I received this from Net Galley. Thank you.
The novel centers around Owen Bradwell, a naval officer goes color blind. Afraid that his career is over he is sent over to a new secret department to do some spying. He is looking for a traitor who is spying for Germany. During the course he meets a delightful interior decorator, Sally, and her room-mate, Ruth. They add such humor and love to this book that it becomes so entertaining.
I don't know if Bradwell is in other novels because I had not heard of this author but I hope Poisoned Pen Press will release all his books. I kept thinking of Nero Wolfe, Rex Stout's main character. Even though they are nothing alike, they have the same of atmosphere.
If you love the old mysteries, this is a real find. I highly recommend it.
I received this from Net Galley. Thank you.
October 4, 2015
‘Trouble on the Thames’ is a wonderfully engaging human drama, laced with intrigue and suspense, and set in London just before the war. It was a time when many realised that war with Germany; and when some thought that would be a war that Britain couldn’t win.
Owen Bradwell was a young naval officer who had just come home after service abroad. He feared that his career was over, because it had been discovered that he was colourblind; but it seemed that the navy thought well of him, because he was offered a special mission. He was ask to carry out surveillance on Mark Craig, who was believed to be a Nazi Agent. He could set himself up as a fisherman near Craig’s house on the Thames, as he had been abroad there was no chance that Craig would recognise him, and he should be able to pick up a lot of useful information. He hoped that he would be able to uncover the kind of evidence that would lead to a criminal conviction.
Sally Deane was an interior decorator, running a successful business on the Kings Road with her friend, Ruth Barlow. Her sister came to her with a problem. She was engaged to a rising politician, but she was being blackmailed with a very indiscreet letter that she had written to a former lover. Sally had promised her mother, just before she died, that she would always look after her sister; and so she set off – in her sister’s place – to confront the blackmailer.
Mark Craig was being blackmailed by the same man.
And so four people converged by the Thames.
The blackmailer was stabbed.
Owen was coshed.
And Sally came to his rescue.
That was just the beginning; and those are just the bare bones of the story. There are lots of lovely details, the sense of place and period is lovely, and the story twists and turns very nicely.
Owen was an engaging hero; he threw himself into his new role, he was thoughtful, and he was modest. Sally was bright and resourceful heroine; she was loyal to her friends and ready to stand up for what she believed in. I liked them both, very much. I also liked the relationship that evolved between the two of them.
The villain of the piece was just as well drawn. He was one of those who thought that there would be a war and that Britain would lose, and so he was going to make sure he was on good terms with the Nazi victors.
Everything works together very well. I wasn’t quite sure how the convict who made a daring escape from Dartmoor Prison was going to fit in, but he did. The story rolls along beautifully. It’s firmly rooted in it’s period, but it doesn’t feel dated; the only thing that a contemporary author writing a period piece might do differently is leave out the odd reference to smoking.
I’d happily follow the characters from this story into a sequel, if there is one, and I’d happily try other books by the author. He had a long and successful writing career, but his books fell out of print. I know that there are an awful lot of books in the world, I know that their number is growing and growing, but that is something that happens far too often.
The British Library – in association with the Poisoned Pen Press in the USA – did very well to send this book back out into the world.
Owen Bradwell was a young naval officer who had just come home after service abroad. He feared that his career was over, because it had been discovered that he was colourblind; but it seemed that the navy thought well of him, because he was offered a special mission. He was ask to carry out surveillance on Mark Craig, who was believed to be a Nazi Agent. He could set himself up as a fisherman near Craig’s house on the Thames, as he had been abroad there was no chance that Craig would recognise him, and he should be able to pick up a lot of useful information. He hoped that he would be able to uncover the kind of evidence that would lead to a criminal conviction.
Sally Deane was an interior decorator, running a successful business on the Kings Road with her friend, Ruth Barlow. Her sister came to her with a problem. She was engaged to a rising politician, but she was being blackmailed with a very indiscreet letter that she had written to a former lover. Sally had promised her mother, just before she died, that she would always look after her sister; and so she set off – in her sister’s place – to confront the blackmailer.
Mark Craig was being blackmailed by the same man.
And so four people converged by the Thames.
The blackmailer was stabbed.
Owen was coshed.
And Sally came to his rescue.
That was just the beginning; and those are just the bare bones of the story. There are lots of lovely details, the sense of place and period is lovely, and the story twists and turns very nicely.
Owen was an engaging hero; he threw himself into his new role, he was thoughtful, and he was modest. Sally was bright and resourceful heroine; she was loyal to her friends and ready to stand up for what she believed in. I liked them both, very much. I also liked the relationship that evolved between the two of them.
The villain of the piece was just as well drawn. He was one of those who thought that there would be a war and that Britain would lose, and so he was going to make sure he was on good terms with the Nazi victors.
Everything works together very well. I wasn’t quite sure how the convict who made a daring escape from Dartmoor Prison was going to fit in, but he did. The story rolls along beautifully. It’s firmly rooted in it’s period, but it doesn’t feel dated; the only thing that a contemporary author writing a period piece might do differently is leave out the odd reference to smoking.
I’d happily follow the characters from this story into a sequel, if there is one, and I’d happily try other books by the author. He had a long and successful writing career, but his books fell out of print. I know that there are an awful lot of books in the world, I know that their number is growing and growing, but that is something that happens far too often.
The British Library – in association with the Poisoned Pen Press in the USA – did very well to send this book back out into the world.
December 9, 2015
I hadn’t heard of Victor Bridges before spotting Trouble on the Thames on the Netgalley site. I requested it because it sounded right up my street, a 1930’s spy story possibly the next best thing to a 1930’s murder mystery. I enjoyed the novel; it’s pacey, well plotted and compelling. Although it’s not the greatest suspense type novel I have read – the tension wasn’t quite there for me – I would probably read more by Victor Bridges in the future. Definitely, Trouble on the Thames is a book worth reading, despite my – only very slight – reservations. Espionage, murder, escaped prisoners, amnesia all play a part in this almost forgotten thriller from 1945.
Set towards the end of the 1930’s when war in Europe already seems like a fore gone conclusion, Owen Bradwell; a Royal Naval commander returns to London to attend a medical board. While out at sea he had suddenly discovered himself to be colour blind – he knows already his days at sea are over. An old friend gives him a room in his flat – where a Jeeves type manservant ensures everything runs smoothly and Bradwell is greeted each morning with a sumptuous breakfast. Bradwell hopes an introduction to a big cheese in Whitehall will lead to gainful employment more challenging than other shore bound jobs. Captain Greystoke tells Bradwell about one of his former colleagues, who killed himself, following an act of Treason. Greystoke wants Bradwell to spy on the spy; Mark Craig generally believed to be a Nazi agent, the man behind Bradwell’s former colleague’s betrayal. The gang are holed up in a property on a little Island on Thames Ferry, close to Playford where Bradwell had been contemplating going for a little fishing. Bradwell is able to use his little weekend away as cover for his activities.
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2015/...
Set towards the end of the 1930’s when war in Europe already seems like a fore gone conclusion, Owen Bradwell; a Royal Naval commander returns to London to attend a medical board. While out at sea he had suddenly discovered himself to be colour blind – he knows already his days at sea are over. An old friend gives him a room in his flat – where a Jeeves type manservant ensures everything runs smoothly and Bradwell is greeted each morning with a sumptuous breakfast. Bradwell hopes an introduction to a big cheese in Whitehall will lead to gainful employment more challenging than other shore bound jobs. Captain Greystoke tells Bradwell about one of his former colleagues, who killed himself, following an act of Treason. Greystoke wants Bradwell to spy on the spy; Mark Craig generally believed to be a Nazi agent, the man behind Bradwell’s former colleague’s betrayal. The gang are holed up in a property on a little Island on Thames Ferry, close to Playford where Bradwell had been contemplating going for a little fishing. Bradwell is able to use his little weekend away as cover for his activities.
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2015/...
July 26, 2015
I must confess I was quite unfamiliar with Victor Bridges before reading this story which was originally written in 1945.
This spy thriller was a quick read which contained a few twists and turns. Even though this story is only 14 chapters long the characters are well developed and likable. Most of the story was fast paced, however, there were some parts that moved a bit slow for me. Also, one must keep in mind that this was written in the 1940's so parts could also be considered a little out dated by some readers.
All in all, I did enjoy this book quite a bit and will check out any other books by this author. If you are looking for a quick suspenseful read then I recommend picking this one up.
This review can be found on Word Gurgle at www.wordgurle.blogspot.com
This spy thriller was a quick read which contained a few twists and turns. Even though this story is only 14 chapters long the characters are well developed and likable. Most of the story was fast paced, however, there were some parts that moved a bit slow for me. Also, one must keep in mind that this was written in the 1940's so parts could also be considered a little out dated by some readers.
All in all, I did enjoy this book quite a bit and will check out any other books by this author. If you are looking for a quick suspenseful read then I recommend picking this one up.
This review can be found on Word Gurgle at www.wordgurle.blogspot.com
February 19, 2024
Wirklich schöner kleiner Spionage-Roman. Nicht zu komplex, angenehme Figuren, ein schön ruhiger Spannungsbogen. Hat wirklich Spaß gemacht, auch wenn es gerade nicht "großes Kino" war. Aber genau das Richtige, um nach einem langen Tag weggeschmökert zu werden.
October 25, 2022
This was a very pleasant book! Nice time travel and fun to discover an author who was popular in his day but now forgotten.
September 29, 2015
Victor Bridges was a prolific author of mystery and thrillers, who sadly was largely forgotten after his death. Trouble on the Thames is a worthy example of his work, combining a fast-paced spy story with a dash of romance. While it is a given that the enemies will be thwarted and the courageous couple will fall in love, the novel has many surprises in store for the reader. Although it was written after WWII, Trouble on the Thames is set before the onset of war.
Becoming colorblind is a tragedy for naval officer Owen Bradwell. He fears being set to rot at a desk job for the Admiralty. When Captain Greystoke offers him a casual commission observing a club owner who appears to be in league with the Germans, Owen leaps at the chance to be of service. Sally Deane always helps when her sister is in trouble. This time, she is being blackmailed by a former paramour and Sally must remedy the situation. When Sally arrives at his home, she finds the blackmailer dead, a knife in his back and Owen unconscious nearby. Owen's first sight on awakening is a pretty young woman and a dead body. He realizes at once he has no clue who he is.
Trouble on the Thames may be a short novel, but it does contain all of the fun elements one enjoys in a spy story - amnesia, a beautiful and intelligent love interest, a kidnapping, shoot out, and more. Fast paced and fun, it makes for a thrilling escapist read.
5/5
Trouble on the Thames is available for preorder and will be released October 6, 2015.
I received a copy of Trouble on the Thames from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Be prepared for Trouble on the Thames
http://muttcafe.com/2015/09/trouble-o...
August 19, 2015
This is part of a series of reprinted/republished older mysteries or spy stories, hoping to bring them to a new, modern audience. I don't know if any editing was done, but because the last time I read an Ellery Queen mystery I found that the phrasing was... quaint and very outdated (in other words, things we no longer say but were commonly said back then), so I wondered. There wasn't anything here that surprised me in terms of language, and in terms of the plot, again, no surprises. We're in the run-up to World War II, the Nazis are trying to infiltrate England and steal military secrets and there's romance in the air. All good, if a tad quaint by John Le Carre standards.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
August 29, 2015
A classic spy thriller set in pre-war late 1930 's and written by the author at that time. Owen Bradwell a distinguished and courageous naval officer fears his career is blighted by colour blindness but is offered a chance for a career change by checking up on an acquaintance who has been betraying state secrets to the Nazis. His mission starts out as a regular surveillance operation, then bodies start to fall. Lucky to escape he is taken in by an interior decorating partnership, yes no spelling mistakes. Any more and I would reveal the plot, however the the most enjoyable part of his book is the language. As it was written pre-war it appears to give an accurate of reflection of the syntax of the day which is frightfully good and admirable. This apart it is a competent spy thriller.
August 14, 2017
This book is chiefly interesting for its insight into life in the thirties, rather than its plot, which is rather on the crude side, but is a type which was popular at that time. It's somewhere between The Thirty Nine Steps and Paul Temple. I was amazed when I found the young naval officer was only twenty-six. He's a lieutenant commander and as he goes out to dinner at his club etc he acts as though he's fifty at least. Then you have to believe he suddenly went colour blind, but if you get on with the rest of the book I don't suppose that will bother you. It's a world of bachelors living in flats with manservants, people with small (or large) private incomes and picnic baskets. Quaint, but it doesn't make up for a so-so plot.
March 20, 2016
As a rule I don't enjoy spy novels but this is well (and clearly) written and the characters are engaging and interesting. This is a republished part of Poison Pen Press Classics spy series written roughly half a century ago about Nazi agents in England just prior to the beginning of World War 2 There is also a secondary love story plot as the hero, Owen Bradwell, has amnesia after being knocked on the head and is nursed back to health by an attractive young lady. A must read for British spy story lovers.
April 12, 2023
I found this to be an interesting and well-written mystery.
It takes place in the mid 1930's in London. Owen Bradwell is on medical leave from the Royal Navy, having been diagnosed with color blindness (interestingly, this is malady never affects the storyline once he is given a new assignment, although I felt it could have been put to good use). Upon a recommendation from his superior officer, he is sent to Captain Greystoke, who works with Naval Intelligence. Things are heating up between England and Germany, and they can not afford to let a good Naval officer go over a minor issue.
Therefore, Owen becomes embroiled in a spy situation at Thames Ferry, an area where people go for weekends of relaxation, fishing, and so on. He is to keep an eye out for a man named Mark Craig, who both Naval Intelligence and the Home Office believe to be working with the Germans.
This is the basics of the storyline. There is also a brave and beautiful interior decorator named Sally, the slimy Granville Sutton, who is mixed up in everything, and the escaped convict Jom Wison, who the reader has no idea how he fits into everything until the end.
This is a tightly wound spy novel, and if it were being written today, I have no doubt it would be the beginning of a series. I am very sorry it is not.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
*occasional use of outdated derogatory language
It takes place in the mid 1930's in London. Owen Bradwell is on medical leave from the Royal Navy, having been diagnosed with color blindness (interestingly, this is malady never affects the storyline once he is given a new assignment, although I felt it could have been put to good use). Upon a recommendation from his superior officer, he is sent to Captain Greystoke, who works with Naval Intelligence. Things are heating up between England and Germany, and they can not afford to let a good Naval officer go over a minor issue.
Therefore, Owen becomes embroiled in a spy situation at Thames Ferry, an area where people go for weekends of relaxation, fishing, and so on. He is to keep an eye out for a man named Mark Craig, who both Naval Intelligence and the Home Office believe to be working with the Germans.
This is the basics of the storyline. There is also a brave and beautiful interior decorator named Sally, the slimy Granville Sutton, who is mixed up in everything, and the escaped convict Jom Wison, who the reader has no idea how he fits into everything until the end.
This is a tightly wound spy novel, and if it were being written today, I have no doubt it would be the beginning of a series. I am very sorry it is not.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
*occasional use of outdated derogatory language
June 9, 2019
An espionage thriller from WWII, with the suitably patriotic themes of courageous naval officers, plucky English girls, sinister Germans and an alluring female spy. It starts when a young naval officer suddenly goes color-blind (is that even medically possible?). Disqualified for further sea duties, he jumps at the chance to help his country in her hour of need by doing some spying on a suspected agent of the Nazis. This involves hanging about in a boat, pretending to fish, while keeping an eye on the comings and goings in a villa on a small island in the Thames river. And what comings and goings! Mixed in with the motif of betrayal and espionage, there's a second plot, one that involves a blackmail attempt by a society playboy. This all hinges on an indiscreet letter written by a once-besotted girl who is now about to marry a prominent but straight-laced politician. The girl's sister also makes tracks for the same spot of the river in an attempt to ward off the blackmailer. And finally, an prison escapee also makes his way across the country to Thames' Ferry, with an idea of revenging himself on the man who sold him out.
So soon there are nocturnal struggles, gunshots and boat chases.. All good stuff, but definitely more in the thriller or espionage style than a mystery.
So soon there are nocturnal struggles, gunshots and boat chases.. All good stuff, but definitely more in the thriller or espionage style than a mystery.
September 5, 2021
An excellent quick read. A light thriller written when WWll was being won but set in 1939 London. Owen Bradwell is ideal spy material, naval officer unable to remain at sea due to sudden onset red/green colour blindness which, considering it is a sex-linked recessive genetic disorder, by rights should have been a lifelong issue. This aside, his future is uncertain except that his commander has recommended him to an M-like figure - Greystoke - who asks him to do a little observation of some ruffians who could be working for the Nazis.
There follows a tale which is a not altogether displeasing combination of What Ho Jeeves and Enid Byton’s Five Findouters with plenty of butlers, twinkling-eyed police inspectors (I lost count of how many characters’ eyes twinkled) and heroes being coshed over the head by toughs. It’s all fairly predictable as is the love interest but there are worse ways of spending time.
There follows a tale which is a not altogether displeasing combination of What Ho Jeeves and Enid Byton’s Five Findouters with plenty of butlers, twinkling-eyed police inspectors (I lost count of how many characters’ eyes twinkled) and heroes being coshed over the head by toughs. It’s all fairly predictable as is the love interest but there are worse ways of spending time.
October 31, 2017
There really wasn't much here. An man gets inadvertently involved in spying on some Nazis in pre-WWII England, and links up (accidentally) with a pretty young woman along the way. Considering the circumstances, it is all much more pleasant and light than it deserves. Almost as much a romance as a "thriller".
February 9, 2019
A rather charming old-fashioned book which has been reissued. I enjoy reading these books, written decades before my biryabout events of the pre-World War II. A few years ago, I walked the Thames Path and that was another reason to read the book. Interesting characters and plot make this an excellent light read.
September 2, 2017
This mystery, set in the late 1930s, was an enjoyable, quick read. The characters were engaging and I liked that everything ended satisfactorily. A good solid novel and I'll be sure to read more by Mr. Bridges.
September 7, 2023
I really enjoyed Trouble on the Thames. Set in pre war England it reads like a John Buchan spy thriller or an early British Alfred Hitchcock movie. It’s a fast paced spy story. If you like the 39 steps or early Hitchcock movies I think you’ll enjoy Trouble on the Thames.
May 23, 2018
Definitely one of the best from this period, due to the super-plucky and likeable heroine.
April 18, 2020
Old style thriller that made a change after watching some gory stuff on Netflix.
February 20, 2025
I like reading older books, they are almost in a different language, the language of the time. Priceless.
August 2, 2026
A really good romp of a book. The language is from a completely different era like Jeeves and Wooster but equally as brilliant. I didn’t think I would enjoy it at first but it was a really good read and made me smile. I will definitely be finding more written by Victor.
October 7, 2023
A light and short spy story from the 1930's with amusingly outdated dialogues and postures, a nice way to go through a sleepless night.
October 2, 2015
This is a classic British mystery, first published in 1945 and republished by Poisoned Pen Press. It's great fun to read one of these old mysteries, to see what has held up with the years and what has not. This is a good, basic mystery, full of pre-WWII espionage. There are several characters introduced in few number of pages, but it doesn't take long to sort them out.
There is, of course, a murder, but it is not especially grisly or gruesome. There is a bit of romance thrown in. The characters are all pretty much very good or very bad – not much gray happening here. There are very few “bad” words, especially compared to more modern mysteries.
The expressions of the time, the dated slang, was fun but there was so much of it, it did get a bit old. Everybody smokes. Everywhere. “'Damn the doctor!' Sally puffed out a rebellious cloud of smoke.” She is certainly not the only one.
I enjoyed reading one of these old mysteries, and by an author I'd never read before. It is dated, but in a rather charming way, and while I would not want to make a constant diet of these old mysteries, I think it is going to be entertaining to occasionally dip into them. I'm delighted that Poisoned Pen Press is going to be publishing more of these classics in the U.S.
I was given an uncorrected proof for review. The quote may have changed in the finished edition.
There is, of course, a murder, but it is not especially grisly or gruesome. There is a bit of romance thrown in. The characters are all pretty much very good or very bad – not much gray happening here. There are very few “bad” words, especially compared to more modern mysteries.
The expressions of the time, the dated slang, was fun but there was so much of it, it did get a bit old. Everybody smokes. Everywhere. “'Damn the doctor!' Sally puffed out a rebellious cloud of smoke.” She is certainly not the only one.
I enjoyed reading one of these old mysteries, and by an author I'd never read before. It is dated, but in a rather charming way, and while I would not want to make a constant diet of these old mysteries, I think it is going to be entertaining to occasionally dip into them. I'm delighted that Poisoned Pen Press is going to be publishing more of these classics in the U.S.
I was given an uncorrected proof for review. The quote may have changed in the finished edition.
October 11, 2015
...punts and agent provocateurs!
1930's pre World War II and Naval Lieutenant-Commander, Owen Bradwell, freshly returned from the China station, has just been diagnosed as colour blind. A disorder apparently acquirable at a later stage of life given appropriate stimuli, and in this case, a writer's raison d'être for the commander having to resign his post. This leads to Bradwell becoming tied up with the secret service and Nazi spies.
The language is that of a bygone time, lending a certain piquant attractiveness to the story. Somehow it colours the thrill of the chase with a different brushstroke to what we are used to. I did feel like I'd fallen into The Thirty-Nine Steps or Foyle's War. Owen Bradwell's belief in his sidelined new life is given a certain cachet. His task is dangerous yet honourable, for 'King and Country.' As Bradwell refelects, he is looking forward to the 'prospect of lending a hand in this desirable and highly patriotic task.' Today the language used would not be politically correct in terms of referencing people's antecedents.
There's plenty of action, tempered by the leisurely use of punts, mysterious murders and blackmail in this 1940's thriller. Amusing and stylish complete with the requisite evil doers, traitors, Whitehall types, and a budding romance.
A NetGalley ARC
1930's pre World War II and Naval Lieutenant-Commander, Owen Bradwell, freshly returned from the China station, has just been diagnosed as colour blind. A disorder apparently acquirable at a later stage of life given appropriate stimuli, and in this case, a writer's raison d'être for the commander having to resign his post. This leads to Bradwell becoming tied up with the secret service and Nazi spies.
The language is that of a bygone time, lending a certain piquant attractiveness to the story. Somehow it colours the thrill of the chase with a different brushstroke to what we are used to. I did feel like I'd fallen into The Thirty-Nine Steps or Foyle's War. Owen Bradwell's belief in his sidelined new life is given a certain cachet. His task is dangerous yet honourable, for 'King and Country.' As Bradwell refelects, he is looking forward to the 'prospect of lending a hand in this desirable and highly patriotic task.' Today the language used would not be politically correct in terms of referencing people's antecedents.
There's plenty of action, tempered by the leisurely use of punts, mysterious murders and blackmail in this 1940's thriller. Amusing and stylish complete with the requisite evil doers, traitors, Whitehall types, and a budding romance.
A NetGalley ARC
April 29, 2016
"Trouble on the Thames", by Victor Bridges, is a reissued novel in the British Library Spy Classics series. But the question is, is "Trouble" a "classic"? It is a mystery story set in pre-WW2 times about a career naval officer, Owen Bradwell, who is about to lose his career because he is suddenly stuck down with color blindness. His worth, however, is recognised and he's offered a job with a somewhat sketchy British intelligence department. He's to become a security agent and try to track what a suspected Nazi spy ring is up to in London and out in a suburban area along the Thames.
Victor Bridges has written a spy mystery, with a heavy touch of almost immature romance as Owen Bradwell finds love along with the spy ring. I've read quite a few of British Library Spy Classics in the past few months, and they all seem to have as much "personal" as well as "professional" storylines. I find the combination of romance and action a bit incongruous.
Of course, what is most pleasing about these books is that they were written contemporaneously. We see the people and the times as they were then. In reading these books - and in particular, this one - we know what will happen next, because what happens next is history. Anyway, "Trouble on the Thames" is an enjoyable read despite - or maybe because of - the silly romance.
Victor Bridges has written a spy mystery, with a heavy touch of almost immature romance as Owen Bradwell finds love along with the spy ring. I've read quite a few of British Library Spy Classics in the past few months, and they all seem to have as much "personal" as well as "professional" storylines. I find the combination of romance and action a bit incongruous.
Of course, what is most pleasing about these books is that they were written contemporaneously. We see the people and the times as they were then. In reading these books - and in particular, this one - we know what will happen next, because what happens next is history. Anyway, "Trouble on the Thames" is an enjoyable read despite - or maybe because of - the silly romance.
September 27, 2015
"Trouble on the Thames" is a spy thriller set in the 1930's in England, and it was written in 1945. The story was well-written and has elements that give it an enduring appeal, so I was surprised it hadn't been reprinted more often.
While Owen is our main viewpoint character, we also follow several bad-guy characters. Each character had their own plans and motives, and this created twists just when you think things might be wrapping up. The characters were engaging and came across as real people, and the setting was vividly described. This brought the story to life in my imagination. Though the romance happened quickly, I could see why they liked each other and their personalities were a good fit.
There was a fair amount of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun book to fans of spy versus spy stories.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
While Owen is our main viewpoint character, we also follow several bad-guy characters. Each character had their own plans and motives, and this created twists just when you think things might be wrapping up. The characters were engaging and came across as real people, and the setting was vividly described. This brought the story to life in my imagination. Though the romance happened quickly, I could see why they liked each other and their personalities were a good fit.
There was a fair amount of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun book to fans of spy versus spy stories.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 10, 2015
A relatively unknown thriller that rocks along at a fast moving pace reminiscent of the John Buchan books.
The book features a former naval officer who returns to England in the 1930s believing his career is over because he has become colour-blind. However, he is sent to spy on a spy, and travels down the Thames on a surveillance trip under cover of a fishing weekend.
There’s lots of twists and turns along with some romance too. Written in 1945 by prolific author of crime and thriller novels, Victor Bridge this relatively unknown thriller rocks along at a fast moving pace reminiscent of the John Buchan books.
Although somewhat dated in its delivery it does capture a sense of time and place from a lost era and after reading this I’ll be looking into his some 40 odd other novels.
The book features a former naval officer who returns to England in the 1930s believing his career is over because he has become colour-blind. However, he is sent to spy on a spy, and travels down the Thames on a surveillance trip under cover of a fishing weekend.
There’s lots of twists and turns along with some romance too. Written in 1945 by prolific author of crime and thriller novels, Victor Bridge this relatively unknown thriller rocks along at a fast moving pace reminiscent of the John Buchan books.
Although somewhat dated in its delivery it does capture a sense of time and place from a lost era and after reading this I’ll be looking into his some 40 odd other novels.
November 1, 2015
The Times Owen Bradwell is a courageous naval officer who returns to England in the 1930s. A former acquaintance of Bradwell's has been trapped into betraying his country's secrets by a Nazi agent so Bradwell is sent to spy on the spy. He travels down the Thames on a surveillance trip under cover of a fishing weekend. Bradwell finds himself in the company of a dead man, and a pretty young interior decorator called Sally. Will Bradwell find love with Sally? Will Bradwell bring the villains to justice?
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