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The Pipe Smoker's Cut
Daniel Turcotte Journal Entry – December 30, 1918
.
To me, he’ll always be Jeremy ‘the bastard’ Asquith. From the time we met as roomies at Cambridge, the chap was a cad. He had the looks, the attitude, and the money—at least until he blew his monthly allowance on dice or cards and had to cadge a loan off me for pipe tobacco. If he calls you Old Bean when he shakes your hand, you’d best count your fingers.
.
The Great War put an end to our college days, and we next met in the trenches: me as a journo with a camera, he as a corporal with his ever-present pipe and a dark side that even The Somme couldn’t mask. Our reunion was short-lived—I left the field hospital in time to stand at Asquith’s grave while an army padre delivered a hasty service. I returned to blighty with a small bag of personal effects for his family. A simple task, but I was soon to learn that bad things also come in small packages.
.
Since then, I’ve run across Bolsheviks, treasure, and spies, as well as murder, revenge and lies. I could be onto the scoop of my life—if Asquith’s legacy doesn’t kill me first.
.
To me, he’ll always be Jeremy ‘the bastard’ Asquith. From the time we met as roomies at Cambridge, the chap was a cad. He had the looks, the attitude, and the money—at least until he blew his monthly allowance on dice or cards and had to cadge a loan off me for pipe tobacco. If he calls you Old Bean when he shakes your hand, you’d best count your fingers.
.
The Great War put an end to our college days, and we next met in the trenches: me as a journo with a camera, he as a corporal with his ever-present pipe and a dark side that even The Somme couldn’t mask. Our reunion was short-lived—I left the field hospital in time to stand at Asquith’s grave while an army padre delivered a hasty service. I returned to blighty with a small bag of personal effects for his family. A simple task, but I was soon to learn that bad things also come in small packages.
.
Since then, I’ve run across Bolsheviks, treasure, and spies, as well as murder, revenge and lies. I could be onto the scoop of my life—if Asquith’s legacy doesn’t kill me first.
310 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2024
About the author
Glenn Muller
11 books9 followersGlenn Muller was born in New Jersey, USA, then spent his early years in England before emigrating to Canada where he would attain Canadian citizenship.
After jobs in hotel administration, driver education, computer applications, and bookkeeping, Glenn started his own successful bookkeeping business. Writing, of course, he’s always done for love, not money. Though money is always politely accepted when offered.
Chas Fenn, the protagonist in his debut novel, TORQUE, was inspired by the twelve years he spent as a driving instructor, and would appeal to fans of The Republic of Doyle. His latest novel, BOOMERANG, was influenced by a life-long interest in Space exploration and would appeal to fans of Clive Cussler, Lynwood Barclay, and Michael Connelly.
Although his genre is thrillers, Glenn natural sense of humour bubbles to the surface, prompting readers to describe his books as “fun-packed” and “just plain awesome”.
After jobs in hotel administration, driver education, computer applications, and bookkeeping, Glenn started his own successful bookkeeping business. Writing, of course, he’s always done for love, not money. Though money is always politely accepted when offered.
Chas Fenn, the protagonist in his debut novel, TORQUE, was inspired by the twelve years he spent as a driving instructor, and would appeal to fans of The Republic of Doyle. His latest novel, BOOMERANG, was influenced by a life-long interest in Space exploration and would appeal to fans of Clive Cussler, Lynwood Barclay, and Michael Connelly.
Although his genre is thrillers, Glenn natural sense of humour bubbles to the surface, prompting readers to describe his books as “fun-packed” and “just plain awesome”.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 13, 2024
The Pipe Smoker's Cut by Glenn Muller is an absolutely brilliant book, and one of the best historical mysteries I've read in a long time.
I love the lead character Daniel Turcotte; he's a relatable every man type of fellow who rises to the circumstances in which he finds himself. With seat-of-his-pants spy skills, Daniel is a believable hero - intelligent and resourceful, but not infallible; just what you want in an aspiring spy.
The story line is fast paced, intriguing, and above all, fun. The book covers a part of history that we don't see much of any longer. The social and political situation following the first world war as portrayed in this book was an eye-opener for me. I'm sure the information presented in the book will stay with me much longer than did the dry dates and facts of history classes from my school days.
This was the first full length novel that I've read of Muller's, but it definitely will not be the last.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
I love the lead character Daniel Turcotte; he's a relatable every man type of fellow who rises to the circumstances in which he finds himself. With seat-of-his-pants spy skills, Daniel is a believable hero - intelligent and resourceful, but not infallible; just what you want in an aspiring spy.
The story line is fast paced, intriguing, and above all, fun. The book covers a part of history that we don't see much of any longer. The social and political situation following the first world war as portrayed in this book was an eye-opener for me. I'm sure the information presented in the book will stay with me much longer than did the dry dates and facts of history classes from my school days.
This was the first full length novel that I've read of Muller's, but it definitely will not be the last.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
April 13, 2024
Turcotte, the book's protagonist, recovering from wounds received at the end of WW1 is tasked by the nascent MI5 to look closely at the family of Jeremy Asquith and his thoroughly modern sister Georgina (George) and note their connection to Russia's Bolsheviks.
Muller paints a post war world in a tight plot & excellent characterisation. He pays close attention to details, notably the cultural upheavals in Europe & the USA's growing influences.
brisk pacing ensures the pace doesn't lag and well worth investing your time in. Hopefully Turcotte return as the 1920s & 30s are a rich seam to mine.
recommended.
Muller paints a post war world in a tight plot & excellent characterisation. He pays close attention to details, notably the cultural upheavals in Europe & the USA's growing influences.
brisk pacing ensures the pace doesn't lag and well worth investing your time in. Hopefully Turcotte return as the 1920s & 30s are a rich seam to mine.
recommended.
March 10, 2025
Full disclosure. Mystery isn't my first choice of reading. However, I decided to give this book a shot after reading the first page. Muller's skill at writing descriptive scenes pulled me right into the story. It's clear he's done a lot of research to write this book. I learned things I never knew about the spy game, MI5 and the Russians, and he is equally adept at writing from the female perspective as he is the male. A well written and well-researched book. Well worth a read.
March 9, 2024
One wild ride.
The Pipe Smoker’s Cut by Glenn Muller is a fast-paced, action-packed historical mystery-cum-spy thriller.
The prose is dense, yet taut and propels the reader into the action from the first chapter. A generous sprinkling of historical references brings the heady jazz age of post WW1 London to life. Soon, we are plunged into the shady underworld of espionage and revolutionary plots, where nothing is as it seems and where secret agents, ex-soldiers and agitating Bolsheviks rub shoulders with glamorous heiresses, flashy tycoons and newspapermen. Among such company, who can Dan Turcotte, our hero with a conscience, really trust?
The narrative is woven into actual events and peopled with real figures from the past resulting in an entertaining and informative read. With edge-of-your-seat plot twists and a Hollywood ending, this novel really has something for everyone.
The Pipe Smoker’s Cut by Glenn Muller is a fast-paced, action-packed historical mystery-cum-spy thriller.
The prose is dense, yet taut and propels the reader into the action from the first chapter. A generous sprinkling of historical references brings the heady jazz age of post WW1 London to life. Soon, we are plunged into the shady underworld of espionage and revolutionary plots, where nothing is as it seems and where secret agents, ex-soldiers and agitating Bolsheviks rub shoulders with glamorous heiresses, flashy tycoons and newspapermen. Among such company, who can Dan Turcotte, our hero with a conscience, really trust?
The narrative is woven into actual events and peopled with real figures from the past resulting in an entertaining and informative read. With edge-of-your-seat plot twists and a Hollywood ending, this novel really has something for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews