This is what I call forensic-type thriller. Majority of the story is after the fact detective report - target of the investigation is known and reader slowly learns about the events and people surrounding him. Because of this approach Ludlum's style (in this novel) reminds me very much of Forsyth.

Main antagonist (de facto main character of the book) is introduced at the very start. What is revealed as the story progresses is how wealthy Scarlatti family found itself on the brink of bankruptcy at the dawn of the WW2. To explain that author takes us to the very beginning - early 1900's.

So first we are introduced to the Scarlatti family and the way it became the most powerful family in the world, eclipsing all other multi-millionaires through shrewd investments and take-no-prisoner attitude. To expect that such approach to work and life wont bring the worst to the surface is a folly so all the worst in the Scarlatti family came to be embodied in form of the youngest son. His sadistic character surfaced during WW1 and prohibition era - being a member of the elite has its perks so he managed to get out of the way of problems with little effort, just by distancing from troublesome elements. And as soon everyone thought they know him he decides to change his life-style, gets married and decides to learn family business. All was well until he suddenly disappeared same day his wife gave birth to their son.

What happened to him is something nobody cannot figure out but considering his temperament they all think he is just venting out abroad. In the meantime US government gets more and more interested because of suspicious money transfers that are all linked to Scarlatti Industries. So when thread starts to unravel it becomes clear that something huge is in making - mighty financiers are on the move and concentrating their wealth in Europe for unknown reason. At the same time very dark political power starts to rise in Germany groaning under the Versailles Treaty conditions ready to accept anyone who will turn the wheel of fortune for its benefit. This will bring wayward son into conflict with his family and might even seal the fate of the most powerful financial empire of the first half of 20th century.

Author gives rather troubling picture of true people of power who are ready to do whatever is required in order to gain more power and profit. As they say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Excellent novel, I truly liked the intricacies of the plot and I find final resolution to be very elegant. These are not the people one can shoot or who dirty their hands. Only thing they react to is direct threat to their financial interests.

Highly recommended to all thriller and conspiracy theory fans. ( )

Sus armas; dinero y poder. Su objetivo: el hombre más peligroso del mundo, su hijo. Elizabeth Wyckman Scarlatti tiene un plan, una apuesta desesperada de última hora, diseñado para salvar al mundo de su propio hijo, Ulster, un hombre incalculablemente peligroso que trabaja bajo el nombre de Heinrich Kroeger: a menos que ella pueda detenerlo, él está a punto de darle al Tercer Reich de Hitler el triunfo más poderoso sobre la tierra.

408/85-Εκπληκτικό αστυνομικό θρίλερ την εποχή του Α' Παγκοσμίου πολέμου. Απλό , κατανοητό, με γρήγορη δράση και μπόλικο suspence. Αγάπησα Ελίζαμπεθ και Μάθιου . ( )

Elizabeth Scarlatti isn't your usual heroine. She's an old woman, controlling and cold. But in this suspenseful thriller she uses her considerable intelligence, determination and wealth to stop her mad son from helping the Nazis. This is Ludlum's first novel. He weaves an intricate web of intrigue. His writing is easy to read and he maintains a fast pace. This is the first bug not the last of his books I'll read. ( )

I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't an easy read, but Ludlum's book hardly ever are. What I liked best, is the information on a relatively new to me period in history (the time between WWI en WWII). This period also had links in this book to now, or the time the book was written in. Things may have happened this way, they may not have happened, but things concerning politics and finance are usually not very transparent, so, who knows.
Fact is that I enjoyed this book and that's the main thing (for me at least). ( )