Customer Reviews

The Intercom Conspiracy

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you have read any Ambler at all, you MUST read this book. Everything that Ambler does well--characters, irony, suspense, world view--he does incredibly well here. I never tire of his intelligence and humor and just plain great writing style. The storyline is inspired and, according to one reviewer here, closer to the truth than we might think! Almost better than chocolate!

Many espionage novels contain details about spies who have siphoned off some of their operating budgets into Swiss bank accounts. None other than The Intercom Conspiracy (to my knowledge) involves using a spy's awareness of how espionage is committed to encourage a retirement payoff by releasing "non-secret secrets."

The narration of The Intercom Conspiracy provides part of its charm. The central figure is Theodore Carter, the hard-drinking editor of a weekly newspaper that focuses on intelligence matters. He recounts his unpleasant experiences as editor when new owners begin providing him with real classified information . . . and various parties become interested in shutting down the Intercom, either by buying it out or by eliminating its editor.

Carter is approached by Charles Latimer, the inquisitive crime writer of A Coffin for Dimitrios, for his help in completing the story of those events at the Intercom. Latimer has learned about the background plot from one of the conspirators (a neighbor in Majorca) and wants to go public. Before long, Latimer disappears while Carter goes on to flesh out the story Latimer has dug up.

Using a combination of Carter's narration and Latimer's writing, you'll uncover what really happened. It's a chilling . . . but often perversely droll . . . tale of how espionage bureaucracies operate. Thinking back to the many intelligence "failures" that have been noted in recent years with regard to terrorism, it makes one wonder who may have been running a similar little game for their own benefit.

After you finish this intriguing story, think about how your work could be misdirected to harmful ends. How can you avoid that?

As a career intelligence officer, I can say that this is my favorite piece of espionage fiction because it is so authentic. No swashes, no buckles, but like "Our Man in Havana," a real look into the real world. The two intelligence chiefs with their OSS heritage, the author's acute observations on the "big battalions" of the CIA and KGB, the role of lawyers and bankers, are all wonderfully drawn, as is the hero: a victim of a "practical joke perpetuated by strangers." A very subtle book but well worth your time. A classic and one of Ambler's best.

The Intercom Conspiracy by Eric Ambler is a tongue-in-cheek Cold War tale narrated by several different characters. One of the narrators is Charles Latimer, the protagonist of a much earlier Ambler work, A Coffin for Dimitrios, a true classic of international intrigue. Older now, but not necessarily wiser, Latimer has stumbled upon an interesting story. One that involves the CIA, the KGB, a pair of disgruntled Western European intelligence directors, as well as an unusual exchange of money.

Much of the narrative unfolds in Geneva, Switzerland where Canadian Theodore Carter edits Intercom, an obscure weekly newsletter of interest only to a few right wing kooks. After the death of the publication's founder, Intercom is purchased by a mysterious Munich based PR man who asks only that he be allowed to insert the occasional news release. When the aforementioned news releases begin to raise hackles on either side of the iron curtain, Carter starts having good reason to fear for his safety.

The plot of The Intercom Conspiracy is rather transparent and has too little in the way of surprises. However, the novel is redeemed by the considerable amount of wit found in the dialogue and Ambler's deft descriptions of both Geneva and the interesting multinational cast of characters.
A 4 star effort. Not quite up to the standard of Ambler's best work. But a fun read nonetheless.

The 'Foreword' tells of the mysterious disappearance of Charles Latimer. His temporary secretary reported this to the police. His manuscript was taken by the Security Service. But the rough draft allowed a recreation of his document and this book. [A strange beginning to this 1969 book.]

Part One consists of letters and reconstructed narratives that begin this story. Colonels Brand and Jost decide to make some extra money for their retirement. Reading these documents carries the story forward. Printing the special news items attracts attention that is both unwanted and desired. There is an offer to buy the newsletter. Various people try to get information from Carter, the editor of the weekly newsletter. There is an incident, a car crash, and Carter is arrested for drunk driving. The rest of the story is contained in these reports.

This novel is composed of reports, like what a middle manager would read about an operation. It would have to be changed a lot if they ever adapted it to a film. It does not seem to reach the standard of his earliest works. Ambler's first five novels became classics of intrigue. They followed the style of John Buchan or E. Phillip Oppenheim (both mostly out of print).

This novel was written in the form of several correspondence from various participators involved in the action. The situation is humerous and Ambler carries it off superbly. This book is good for light reading and not an intense, indepth venture into the cold war genre. I give it four stars for that reason. I will read more of his work because I liked his style and use of language.

If you have been following the WikiLeaks saga, and are fascinated or outraged by it, read The Intercom Conspiracy. You will be struck by the parallels. Ambler predicted it long ago.

I've had this book in my collection for several years and just picked it up to read last night. I read many of Ambler's books several years ago and this one is as good as any of them. There's nothing better than reading a book by a truly fine novelist.