Alexander Wilson (4) (1893–1963)

Written and set in the inter-war era this is of it's time. There's rampant sexism and racism, mostly casual, It's interesting to consider how attitudes change, there's a comment about "swarthy Maltese" which wouldn't be used after World War II.

The story involves stolen documents and someone blackmailing countries for them and Wallace returning from a trip to the US. It progresses through conspiracies, clever intrigue and complex derring-do. There's not shooting unarmed bad guys, keeping women in the dark about danger and general stiff British upper lip abounding. Many of the men served in World War I and their service there influences the events.

You can see the urge to not get involved in another war, the change in attitude to the French post-World War I and the change towards Germany, though Germans are still thought to be a worthy opponent, the true hatred of Germans would wait until after World War II. The story resolution was well thought-out but still if I was Thalia I would also be plotting my revenge and using the fact that they dismissed me because of my gender to my complete advantage.

I found the inability of Wallace to admit to his wife that there was danger was somewhat dangerous, but it probably was mitigated on the concept of the honourable enemy who wouldn't attack women or children, something that is gone now.… (mehr)