Product Description

Within the precarious conditions of the Cold War, diplomats Smith and Jones are not to be trusted. But although their files demonstrate evidence of numerous indiscretions and drunkenness, they have friends in high places who ensure that this doesn't count against them, and they are sent across the Iron Curtain. However, when they defect, the threat of absolute treachery means that immediate and effective action has to be taken. At all costs and by whatever means, Smith and Jones must be silenced.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1048485 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 136 pages

Review
'In this fast-moving Secret Service story Nicholas Monsarrat has brought off a neat tour de force with a moral' Yorkshire Post 'An exciting and intriguing story' Daily Express

About the Author
Nicholas Monsarrat was born in Liverpool and educated at Cambridge University, where he studied law. His career as a solicitor encountered a swift end when he decided to leave Liverpool for London, with a half-finished manuscript under his arm and GBP40 in his pocket. With the publication of his classic, The Cruel Sea, he became one of the most successful novelists of the twentieth century, whose rich and varied collection bears the hallmarks of a truly gifted writer.

Customer Reviews

Monsarrat and the cold war
Between 1962 and 1965 four short Monsarrat novels were published under the working title 'Signs of the Times'. Each of them was succinctly dramatizing an issue, either personal or general, weighing upon men's minds in the mid-Twentieth Century.

"Smith and Jones" is the second part of the series. During the cold war two members of the foreign office defect to the other side. A secret agent is sent after them on a damage control mission. He watches as the the traitors go from being on top of the world to being betrayed to betraying each other.

Although not one of Monsarrat's main works it is still worth a read. As an added bonus: the last few sentences add a surprising twist to the story which in itself is almost worth picking up this book.