Those familiar with the current WWII settings of Alan Furst's thrillers like Dark Star and Red Gold will be amazed at the difference between those and his earlier works. But I found this novel to be a wonderfully enjoyable read, kind of a cross between current James Ellroy and Carl Hiaasen--yet a shade lighter than both in regards to Ellroy's darkness and Hiassen's sometimes over-the-top humor. Was leaning toward 5 stars, but alas, I am too big a fan of Furst's current novels to give this the same grade I give those. Perfect summer reading. Should be reprinted in trad paperback form(his earlier novels were well received by book critics), they would sell.