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Paris. November 1940. The Nazis have taken over the once vibrant, preeminent French city. Stephen Metcalfe, an American with over a half-dozen aliases, is an international businessman, a reputed playboy and, most importantly, a topnotch agent of "Corky" Corcoran's Register. With the Germans rapidly expanding their empire, he will do anything to help stop their greedy advance. But trouble --- and death --- follows him everywhere. His actions are constantly scrutinized, with no small amount of suspicion. His observers, and his own agency, push him into a hasty and dramatic exit from France.
His new assignment in Moscow involves the prima ballerina Svetlana Baranova, a woman he loved many years before. The prospect of seeing her again quickens his pulse and wrenches his heart. Metcalfe despises himself for using her in his spy activities, but the world's future depends on the success of Corky's scheme. Metcalfe knows "Lana" has a new lover now, a low-level Nazi official who keeps a close eye on her, a man Metcalfe cannot believe she cares about, and a man who may be central to the plan he has formulated. In addition, Lana has "watchers," highly dedicated men delegated the task of keeping this valuable Russian asset from doing anything rash, like defecting or getting too friendly with Western foreigners. Her "Stiva" certainly has his work cut out for him.
Inexplicably, a number of Russians and Nazis from their respective police organizations turn up everywhere Metcalfe goes, despite his exceedingly involved attempts at artful evasion. He is baffled by their apparent clairvoyance. How can they know, almost before he does, where he will turn up next? He should be able to shake any tail with his elaborate methods. But nearly every time he departs the hotel, a chase scene ensues, followed by a close call and often an injury or two. There is no lack of action in this complicated tale of love and treachery.
Ludlum takes a look into some interesting quirks he attributes to both Hitler and Stalin, explores the ramifications of their enormous egos, and toys with their fatal flaws. Their war plans seem to be laid right out in front of you, pointing out the enormity of the task facing the allies. It is highly disturbing to think of a different outcome, but the possibility looks all too real on these pages.
The three years since Ludlum died have taken a toll on his stories, however. With every new thriller, his classic trademarks fade just a little more. The life he breathed into his stories weakens. While THE TRISTAN BETRAYAL is an excellent read, without Ludlum around to put his finishing touches on the end product it lacks the robustness of his earlier novels. He knew just the right way to polish the story. Here, while the ending comes as a surprise, it feels abbreviated. With so many pages devoted to the love between Metcalfe and his stunning ballerina, the wrap-up could have been drawn out with a bit more spectacle. All in all, though, Ludlum's fans will be rewarded.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
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