As Nazi Germany prepares to threaten the world, British journalist John Russell is living in Berlin, where he has spent 15 years working as a freelancer. Despite his hatred of fascism, Russell is determined to stay in the city to be near his son and his girlfriend, a German film actress. When an acquaintance from his old communist days approaches him to do some work for the Soviets, Russell is reluctant, but he is unable to resist the offer, and he becomes involved in other dangerous activities, including helping a Jewish family and a determined young American reporter. In this first adventure in the series, the British and the Nazis become interested in Russell, and he is dragged into the murky world of warring intelligence services.

"Downing distinguishes himself by eschewing the easy ways out. He doesn't shy away from portraying the cold brutality of the Third Reich, and his characters are far from stereotypes—they're flawed, confused and real."—NPR