I Spy: The Constantinople Caper

Hot on the heels of The Dangerous Book for Boys and other nostalgic trips aimed at the dads of today’s readers comes a yarn that has all the ingredients of a classic ‘Victor’ or ‘Boys Own’ story. Young Trey finds himself in the Europe of 1927 and stumbles upon the intrigues of the time. The novel contains a well narrated trail of action that relies heavily on period atmosphere, and this is where I’m left pondering. It will either fall flat on a generation that hasn’t lapped up Eric Ambler and Graham Greene, or it will inspire them to go and read these forebears. The story clunks along in places and risks losing the reader, lacking the thrill and menace of the best of its genre, and leaving the reader potentially asking Why bother? However, it’s a daring blend of old motifs and, as such, I would recommend it for those able readers who have grabbed all there is off the shelf and need a new avenue to follow. This is certainly that – albeit one shrouded in mist.