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About The Book

THE STUNNING NEW FIRST WORLD WAR SPY THRILLER FROM THE MASTER OF THE GENRE

In the glorious summer of 1914, Emily Grey, a young Cambridge undergraduate, is studying German in Heidelberg. While there she meets Hans, a philosopher with grey eyes and long lashes, who wins her heart and asks her to marry him. When the First World War intervenes, however, she is forced to return to England, leaving Hans behind to join the Imperial Navy.

A year later, Emily is recruited to serve in a recently established government department. Commander Cumming, head of His Majesty’s newly-formed Secret Service — sometimes also known as MI6 — is keen to make use of Emily’s language skills. Assigned to interview an informer known as ‘The Dane’, she learns of a plot so audacious it has the potential to change the entire course of the war.

At Rosyth in Scotland, the home of the British Grand Fleet, Emily must work undercover to locate the mole the heart of the British naval establishment. Who is the traitor known only by the codename ‘Heiffer’? And can she find him in time to prevent a military catastrophe that would spell disaster for the country she serves?

Blending unparalleled authenticity with literary flair and historical accuracy, Alan Judd has created a gripping thriller about the early days of MI6 that cements his reputation as a master of the historical spy novel.

About The Author

Photograph © Colin Bell

Alan Judd is the multiple award-winning author of sixteen novels, three of which have been filmed. He has also written two major biographies, Ford Madox Ford and The Quest for C, the authorised biography of the founder of MI6. Before becoming a full-time writer, he served in the Army and the Foreign Office and was subsequently a columnist for the Daily Telegraph and the Spectator. He currently writes he motoring column for The Oldie.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (March 27, 2025)
  • Length: 400 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781398520608

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