Paul Mitchell quietly researches WWI with the aim of publishing his findings. When another researcher ends up dead and an attempt is made on Paul’s life the connection appears to be the location of a particular 1916 battle along the River Somme in France.

Dr. Audley of the Ministry of Defence turns up at Paul’s house and soon they’re in France with Paul in disguise, since he’s supposed to be dead. Led by Paul’s historical knowledge and Audley’s particular set of skills they follow a series of leads until the true connections between this WWI location and current events are revealed.

A fascinating historical military mystery. ( )

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SEL loved Price. ( )

A good read, with some interesting history thrown in, up until the end when the evil mastermind was asked why he went to "the other side". I will look for other works by the author, still. ( )

Overall a very interesting story about a historian specializing in the first world war who is drawn into current (to the period of this novel, published in 1974) day events. A secret from the past, which includes a missing group of men during a battle, turns out to be the cause of a series of murder.

This book had the feel of Agatha Christie, with some of the sense of an early John Le Carre. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm inspired to try more. ( )