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Just before the dawn of WWII, out-of-work British engineer Nicky Marlow takes a position at an Italian munitions firm. But his predecessor in the position had been supplying information to foreign spies. It's not long before Marlow is deep in intrigue and counter-intrigue and scary secret police. Ends with a thrilling flight across fascist Italy. Fun, but the passive and sappy Marlow is a less satisfying protagonist than other Ambler heroes.