Corpus: A gripping spy thriller

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Behind the micro detail of the plot is the macro of the wider political situation as factions manoeuvre behind the scenes to try to influence their countries’ response to Germany’s aggression. As a friend reminds Tom, ‘This is a propaganda war.’ There are tender moments as well. I don’t suppose I’ll be the only reader hoping that the prayers of one character are answered: ‘Dear God, he thought, bring this woman through, and I’ll never doubt you again’. This book sets off in the year 1939, after a short but intriguing prologue which is set in June 1931, in the month of August until November, with Europe on the brink of WWII, and the destruction, horror and the inevitable deaths that war will certainly bring. Clements spins his wheels within wheels to enjoyable, if mind-boggling, effect. Pay attention if you don't want to get lost: it works for thrillers and American Presidents alike. * South China Morning Post * This clever novel, rich in deceptions and intrigue, shows the reach of Stalin and Hitler into every class of British society, threatening violence on horrific scale. Corpus is a standout historical novel and spy thriller by an author who can turn his hand to any historical period he chooses * Daily Express *

Author Rory Clements is obviously best known for his John Shakespeare series and I will admit that, although I have meant to read those books for ages, I have not yet got around to doing so. However, when I discovered he had written a new novel, set in 1930’s Cambridge, I was keen to finally give this author a try and I was very impressed. Simply from the writing style, you can tell this is no debut novel – the author is obviously very accomplished and the writing style flows well. Drawn into investigating a suspicious death, Wilde approaches detection with the eye of an historian. As he tells his students: “Argue with me! […] Make me prove my points, demand evidence, get as near the truth as you can. Re-examine everything you have ever been told and make your own mind up on the evidence you can find. And if there is not enough evidence, then keep an open mind. Become a detective – because if you don’t, you’ll never become a historian.” In this book it is very difficult to tell the difference between fact and fiction. I did in fact google a couple of the characters to see if they really existed. OK so before I get to writing about the book, I have to compliment the author for giving his main character, the Cambridge Professor Thomas Wilde, the perfect speech to explain why I love history.The opening chapters of the book introduce a number of different characters and plot strands, including some real-life public figures. Those familiar with previous books won’t be surprised to know that the various strands are skilfully woven together with one or two surprises delivered among the way, all building to a breathless climax and some memorable closing scenes. Rory Clements has recreated the period of the 1930’s well. It was a time of political extremes and he captures that perfectly. There are academics urging young men to go and fight in the Spanish Civil War, while others openly support the Nazi party. Meanwhile, there is a little matter called the Abdication about to explode in the British press and a series of murders which seem to be linked to Nancy’s death. Continuing my recent found taste of thrillers set around WWII, I grabbed myself a copy of Nemesis, by Rory Clements. Rory Clements obviously does a lot of research before writing his historical thrillers featuring Oxford Don turned spy, Professor Tom Wilde. I’ve read all of them and they are without exception, interesting and compelling.

It is clear that Rory Clements has researched this period well and made use of the knowledge he gained to create an evocative sense of place and convincing contemporary dialogue, something which certainly added to my enjoyment of this story. His inclusion at the end of the book of excerpts from contemporary diary entries, letters etc. provided not only fascinating and moving insights into the lives of ordinary people but reinforced just how effectively he had used his research throughout all aspects of his storytelling.

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Once again the narration is superb and assuredly defines the circles inhabited by Tom Wilde, an American professor wrestling with the ugly, beautiful, and treacherous faces surrounding him. One thing’s for sure, this author has a gift for writing characters whose successes or failures are determined simply by how much they can trust the next person. As for the book, I really enjoyed it. It's my first experience with Rory Clements, who has chosen a much more modern period than usual: the 1930s. It's the perfect foil for political intrigue: Nazis, spies, Cambridge professors involved in Communist or Nazi plots, the abdication of the King, murder, drugs, Spanish gold... Clements has thrown it all in. The plot was well done, the writing good, but the winner for me was the lead, Thomas Wilde. He's intelligent and capable without being a superman. Plus, I was won over by that speech early on and thankfully never had to change my opinion of the man as the story sped along. I will certainly be around for his next adventure. Although there were times when I found it necessary to suspend disbelief about some of the plot developments, I felt enough engagement with the characters to feel able to do so with good humoured tolerance! Tom’s forays into the dark, murky world of espionage, whilst demanding more suspension of disbelief, did allow the author to explore the labyrinthine interrelationships and rivalries between MI6, MI5, Special Branch etc. However, I was able to feel much more straightforwardly engaged with the more realistic complexities of the relationship between Tom and Lydia, and the will they/won’t they ever get married question which continues to hang over it. Each of them is likeable and convincing and at the end of the story I was left wanting to know what will happen to them as the war progresses!