Behind enemy lines
Being a lover of crime and psychological thrillers, I rarely read spy novels. So, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading ‘The German Messenger’ by David Malcolm.
The story revolves around Major Harry Draffen, a war-weary Military Intelligence officer whose missions behind enemy lines have exposed him to more than his fair share of danger and violence. What is more, he has the scars to prove it. Now, as he reflects on his past experiences after returning home from a mission, it is evident his work has begun to take its toll.
Harry is a good agent, and together with his two comrades, Andrzej Czapski and Corporal Alan McLeish – two men he trusts implicitly – he has managed to survive many a dangerous situation and produce results. Therefore, when his superior at the War Office, Sir Walter Bullivant, receives information concerning secret enemy meetings, pointing to the possibility of infiltration by German spies via the Scottish coast, he immediately sends for Harry to brief him on his next mission. Find out what the Germans are up to and stop them … at all costs.
‘The German Messenger’ is a dark and exciting story, depicting the equally perilous covert side of warfare. Although the plot starts out as a seemingly simple one, as the true meaning of the intelligence is gradually revealed – together with the highly sensitive political implications – the resulting intrigue, betrayal and conflicting loyalties ramp up the tension to another level.
Its protagonist, Harry Draffen – a man who likes to do things his own way – is a complex character whose often reckless actions and misplaced judgement of people eventually prove to be a dangerous flaw. Add to this a cast of unpredictable and intriguing characters and the result is a gripping and often brutal thriller.
Definitely worth the read.
The story revolves around Major Harry Draffen, a war-weary Military Intelligence officer whose missions behind enemy lines have exposed him to more than his fair share of danger and violence. What is more, he has the scars to prove it. Now, as he reflects on his past experiences after returning home from a mission, it is evident his work has begun to take its toll.
Harry is a good agent, and together with his two comrades, Andrzej Czapski and Corporal Alan McLeish – two men he trusts implicitly – he has managed to survive many a dangerous situation and produce results. Therefore, when his superior at the War Office, Sir Walter Bullivant, receives information concerning secret enemy meetings, pointing to the possibility of infiltration by German spies via the Scottish coast, he immediately sends for Harry to brief him on his next mission. Find out what the Germans are up to and stop them … at all costs.
‘The German Messenger’ is a dark and exciting story, depicting the equally perilous covert side of warfare. Although the plot starts out as a seemingly simple one, as the true meaning of the intelligence is gradually revealed – together with the highly sensitive political implications – the resulting intrigue, betrayal and conflicting loyalties ramp up the tension to another level.
Its protagonist, Harry Draffen – a man who likes to do things his own way – is a complex character whose often reckless actions and misplaced judgement of people eventually prove to be a dangerous flaw. Add to this a cast of unpredictable and intriguing characters and the result is a gripping and often brutal thriller.
Definitely worth the read.
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