The Secret Vanguard — Michael Innes

A Scotland Yard detective investigates a peculiar case of murder, poetry, kidnapping, and German spies in this classic British wartime thriller.

Insp. John Appleby is puzzled by the death of Philip Ploss. Who would want to kill such a harmless, quiet man known for writing mid-level nature poetry? . . .

Poetry is what Sheila Grant overhears two men discussing on a train outside Edinburgh. Their whole conversation seems absurd to her, especially after one of them misquotes the poet Swinburne. Unfortunately, her discovery quickly places her in danger . . .

Meanwhile back in London, Appleby learns of a kidnapping on a train in Scotland and senses a connection to Ploss's murder. Locating Sheila will certainly lead Appleby to Ploss's killer, but only if he finds her alive . . .

“You'd let a cobra walk all over you before you'd put this one down to defend yourself.” -- The New Yorker

“Very exciting, full of most painstakingly described violent action.” -- The Observer

“For sheer excitement and picturesque melodrama The Secret Vanguard will delight everyone.” -- New Statesma