The Ends of the Earth

Set shortly after the action of 2016’s The Corners of the Globe, Edgar-winner Goddard’s solid third James Maxted thriller finds the former English WWI flying ace in Japan pursuing the enemies responsible for the death of his diplomat father: German spymaster Fritz Lemmer and Japanese diplomat Tomura Iwazu. A plan to expose Lemmer’s spy organization takes an unexpected deadly turn, and by the end, his companions scattered and his preparations destroyed, Max must face his greatest enemy alone. Characterization and dialogue are top-notch, but the Japanese setting stays largely unremarked, save for numerous references to the oppressive heat, and lacking in period details. Max and Lemmer make great foils, though Tomura is barely a presence even on his home turf. The tentative climax prepares the way for the next installment. Readers will look forward to seeing these characters spar again. Agent: Mel Berger, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. (May)