Reading the 20th Century discussion

I thought I would add a section for my recently discovered favourite Eric Ambler, writer of classic thrillers.

I’ve now read two of his classics Cause for Alarm and Journey Into Fear, and thoroughly enjoyed them.

His style is very straightforward, but he manages to create some tense, edge of the seat situations. He also captures the edgy atmosphere of 30s and 40s Europe very well.

I agree Pamela


That said, I've only read The Mask of Dimitrios (1939) which I enjoyed. I must get back to him

Here's my review

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

Nigeyb wrote: "I agree Pamela

That said, I've only read The Mask of Dimitrios (1939) which I enjoyed."

Nice review, I want to read The Mask of Dimitrios next. Colonel Haki turns up in Journey Into Fear too.

Thanks Pamela


I am interested to read that Colonel Haki is a recurring character. I always like it when that happens.

I liked Journey and have read it several times.

Jan C wrote:


"I liked Journey and have read it several times."

Thanks Jan - good to know and very encouraging

Nigeyb wrote: "Jan C wrote:


"I liked Journey and have read it several times."

Thanks Jan - good to know and very encouraging"

Once was in college and once was fairly recently. I liked it better the first time.

Just popping in to say that I have now read The Mask of Dimitrios and loved it, probably my favourite Ambler so far.

This one had an interesting background in the chaos of the 1920s as the Ottoman Empire falls (and sent me off to Google the burning of Smyrna - horrible). Ambler’s heroes are all a bit alike, naive but honourable Englishmen showing pluck in unexpected danger, but it’s a device that works well to advance his plots which I love.

Pamela wrote:


"Just popping in to say that I have now read The Mask of Dimitrios and loved it, probably my favourite Ambler so far."

Yes, I agree Pamela

I really liked The Mask of Dimitrios (1939) too. Review here...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Coincidently I am iminently going to be reading...

Epitaph for a Spy (1938)

...for my book group


Excited about it...

When Josef Vadassy arrives at the Hotel de la Reserve at the end of his Riviera holiday, he is simply looking forward to a few more days of relaxation before returning to Paris. But in St. Gatien, on the eve of World War II, everyone is suspect–the American brother and sister, the expatriate Brits, and the German gentleman traveling under at least one assumed name. When the film he drops off at the chemist reveals photographs he has not taken, Vadassy finds himself the object of intense suspicion. The result is anything but the rest he had been hoping for.

Oh I’ve got that one too, will be interested to see if you think it’s as good as Dimitrios

I've recently started...


Epitaph for a Spy (1938)

by

Eric Ambler


Early days but Eric throws the reader straight into the action.

No messing around.

I've got a good feeling about this one.

Anyone read it? Or fancies it?





Josef Vadassy, a Hungarian refugee and language teacher living in France, is enjoying his first break for years in a small hotel on the Riviera. But when he takes his holiday photographs to be developed at a local chemists, he suddenly finds himself mistaken for a Gestapo agent and a charge of espionage is levelled at him. To prove himself innocent to the French police, he must discover which one of his fellow guests at his pension is the real spy. As he desperately tries to uncover the true culprit's identity, Vadassy must risk his job, his safety and everything he holds dear.

I’ve got it waiting, his books are usually a quick and enjoyable read so I’ll try to pick it up in the next few days. Interested to see what you think.

Wonderful


I'll update this discussion as I read the book Pamela. I await your reaction with great interest too.

I've finished....



Epitaph for a Spy (1938)


I enjoyed it. Here's why....

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

I just finished Eric Ambler’s A Coffin for Dimitrios (1939; UK and movie title, The Mask of Dimitrios). Ambler is one of those authors I have been meaning to read forever. He was a specialist in what – spy fiction? But there are not always spies per se. Suspense? Thrillers? Those are pretty broad designations. I think the best descriptor is “novels of international intrigue”.

Anyway, this is perhaps Ambler’s most famous novel, partly because of the top-notch 1944 movie adaptation, directed by the underrated Jean Negulesco and featuring the legendary Peter Lorre / Sydney Greenstreet pairing. I think it is best if I say nothing about the characters or plot. But it is terrifically entertaining. There is good reason why this is a celebrated book.

I’ve read Epitaph for a Spy, and enjoyed it very much.
It’s almost a classic country house mystery turned spy novel.

A Yugoslav refugee on holiday on the French Riviera is mistakenly accused of being a spy, and must clear his name by uncovering which of the other hotel guests has a hidden agenda. Great atmosphere, with a hotel setting that reminds me of a country house mystery where everyone is a suspect. The tension builds steadily, and the pre-war setting creates a strong sense of uncertainty and unease.

Oh yes, that’s a good read. I enjoyed it too

Finished Journey into Fear and must admit to being a tad disappointed in this particular offering.

Thanks Cphe


I’ve not read that one