The Spy Novel - Helen MacInnes

Another quiet day today. I read a bit, Jo and I watched Perry Mason (the 3rd last episode) and then listened to two hours of Nicolle Wallace and the latest installment of The New Abnormal podcast. Rick Wilson and Molly Jong-Fast had George Conway on as a guest; fascinating discussion. They focused on the political advert they had made (Mourning in America) for the Lincoln Project, criticizing Trump's presidency. They showed it on Fox, Tucker Carlson's show, and had Trump screaming from the rafters. It needs to be seen by everybody.

So that's been our day. We're having pizza for supper tonight. So while that's cooking, below is today's look at the Spy / Thriller genre.

The Spy / Thriller Genre - Helen Clark MacInnes

Helen Clark MacInnes

Helen MacInnes was born in Glasgow in 1907 and died in New York in 1985. Her husband worked for MI6, even after they emigrated to the US. MacInnes's first novel was published during WWII and her early works were set during that period. She had a number of books turned into movies; Above Suspicion (1943), The Venetian Affair (1966) and The Salzburg Connection (1972). Over her life she wrote over 20 novels. I discovered her late in life and have read one of her stories which was excellent. I now have another awaiting my attention and will find others.

1. The Snare of the Hunter (1974).

"I don't believe I've ever read anything by Helen MacInnes before but after The Snare of the Hunter, I know I will search for more of her work. This was such a well-written, nail-biting thriller. Basically, the premise is that, set in the Cold War period, a Czech national is smuggled out of Communist Czechoslovakia with the help of a group of amateurs. Her father, a renowned writer, had left many years ago and she wanted to be with him.

Starting in Vienna they must get her safely to Switzerland, all the while being hunted by Czech spies who don't want to leave any witnesses behind. Their plans seem to be known in advance so we must wonder if there is a traitor in their midst. I won't ruin this by telling you how it all turns out.

The characters, from Irina to her rescuers, David, Jo and Krieger and to the shadowy people following them are all well-crafted. I liked all the team and Irina very much and wanted so much for them to be successful. There is so much tension created and I readily admit as the story draws to its conclusion, I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would end. Wonderful writing and excellent story-telling. (4 stars)"

2. Pray for a Brave Heart (1955).

"William Denning is determined to leave the army and his work with the Restitution of Property division in 1952 Berlin to return home to the United States, but his terminal leave in Switzerland could turn out to be true in more than just name when he is asked to close one last file during his trip. American Intelligence has learned that the Herz diamonds, which disappeared during the war, are being smuggled out of Europe, and they want him to intercept and recover them. Denning soon finds himself fighting for survival in a ruthless world of espionage and international conspiracy where loyalty can be bought and sold."

The complete list of MacInnes novels can be found at this link. 

See you tomorrow with my Midweek Song Medley.