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Fine early spy novel

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A writer of detective fiction becomes fascinated by the sketchy details surrounding the life of a real criminal and decides to learn the truth for himself as a professional, intellectual exercise. He will learn far more than he bargained for. Though it builds slowly, lacking a real sense of danger for much of its length, Eric Ambler's fine writing and deft character work held my interest, as did his abilities as a guide through Europe on the eve of World War II.

Crime & Intrigue From the 1920's-30's

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This book was originally copyrighted in 1939. The central character was Charles Latimer,35 years of age, a college lecturer and mystery novel author. While visiting Istanbul he first heard of the mysterious criminal Dimitrios from Turkish Colonel Haki. Latimer's interest was aroused and he decided to follow the trail of Dimitrios from Turkey thru Greece,Bulgaria, Switzerland and France. Murder for money, political assasination, white slavery,drug dealing, money laundering and some interesting personalities were encountered along the way. Well written, a good read.

Simply the Best

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An average of four stars for this classic is ridiculous, although today's reading audience, saturated with blood, guts, and improbable plots, may perhaps be forgiven for not recognizing this novel for the masterpiece that it is. Nothing quite like it had been written before. It stands alone in its bleak background rendering of a Europe on the brink of war and, in its characterizations, of the juxtaposition of innocence and evil. Published in 1939 in England as The Mask of Dimitrios, here as A Coffin for Dimitrios, this book set the bar for those -- like le Carre, Deighton, and Furst -- who would follow. It has no hero; it is not a police procedural, an adventure or detective story, or a spy novel: it defies characterization, and therein lies its uniqueness. And its literacy will come as a shock to many of today's readers.

historically interesting

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OK, this is a little creaky for a modern audience- making a guy a professor-turned-mystery-writer and explaining his nosiness with this simply won't fly- but clearly this book is a direct ancestor of the modern political thriller- certainly Graham Greene must have read it before writing "The Third Man". It's very well done and its picture of 30's Balkan politics is very enjoyable. It's perfect airport reading.

Suspenseful mystery with political slant

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A well written, page turner of a mystery that will keep your attention to the end. Foreign intrigue set in the twenties provides the backdrop. It's a shame many current writers do not possess Mr. Ambler's ear for the English language.