The Enigma Variations

Sir Joseph Sainsbury is a large and quiet solicitor of high repute who agrees to head the government investigation into the recent, suspicious death of the Tory defense minister. James Bergman is an American intelligence officer, recently divorced from the daughter of Brigadier Maskelyne, a leading British intelligence figure. As Sainsbury begins his inquiry, Bergman takes part in an operation in which his former wife is killed; his resulting disaffection leads him to a line of questioning that will intersect Sainsbury's, and leave them both suspicious of Maskelyne. Thurley ( The Burning Lake ) is masterful in the art of gradual revelation of character and plot. Its suspense heightened by the advance of Sainsbury's heart disease, the story moves quickly in time--from postwar England to war-torn Berlin--and in location--London men's clubs, Moscow prisons and today's Berlin. A satisfying, distinctive espionage thriller with no loose ends. (Mar.)