If you’ve read the previous two adventures by Rory Clements featuring Cambridge professor Tom Wilde, you will know that he has little time to bury himself in dusty archives. For this action man, who has spied for both the British and American governments, is once again caught up in the seismic events leading up to the outbreak of World War II.

This time the consequences of his decisions and actions are even more crucial, as we are right on the cusp of war in August and September 1939. He’s caught up in a plot that will determine whether America will join the Allies against the Fascists and this is at the heart of the book’s premise.

What Clements does so successfully is paint a picture of authenticity to immerse you in that world, when every citizen was in jeopardy. 

Although this spy thriller is plot-driven, this is not at the expense of a fine cast of characters with Wilde at the helm. He’s complex and always ready to act under fire, sometimes rashly, to protect those he loves and what he sees as right. 

Nemesis is right on target again. Read the full review here.