Spies of the Balkans.

Furst, Alan. -- Library Journal, 04/12/2010

 Random. Jun. 2010. c.288p. ISBN 978-1-4000-6603-2. $26. F

In his intense yet subtle way, Furst (The Spies of Warsaw) takes the reader to the Greek city of Salonika in October 1940, just weeks before the Nazis hoist their occupying flag on the Acropolis the following April. Senior police official Costa Zannis, calm yet passionate in his lusty body and loyal soul, has insinuating ways that lead him to deep and sensitive knowledge that others covet. Just as fascist Italy starts its attack on Greece, Zannis begins working with confederates in other Balkan cities to shepherd escaping German Jews to safety in Turkey until time runs out for them all. VERDICT With ten novels already behind him, Furst has perfected a historical espionage genre that illuminates an ordinary man whom fate has picked for quiet heroism. Furst fans will argue about their favorite books, but the Balkan twists and turns in this masterly triumph of plotting, history, and character development will be a hit this summer. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/10.]—Barbara Conaty, Falls Church, VA