Helen MacInnes, sometimes referred to as the Queen of Spy Writers, also wrote a variety of suspense novels. Horizon, published in 1945, follows the adventures of wounded British soldier Peter Lennox. Lennox was an artist in civilian life, but after enlisting in the British Army, Lennox now struggles with the injuries to his hands received during his capture at the fall of Tobruk. His dreams of returning to his artistic pursuits, now threatened by his wounds, forces Lennox to consider a future where he can never paint again.
Horizon starts with Lennox as a POW in an Italian prison camp. When the Italians surrender to the Allies, Lennox finds himself recruited to help a band of resistance fighters. Lennox has the language skills and knowledge of the local terrain to assist the resistance fighters against the Nazis.
Building a resistance movement, guarding against moles and infiltrators, dealing with a growing Nazi presence in Northern Italy all fuel the suspense in Horizon. Peter Lennox has to confront his demons and map a new direction for his life while contributing to the war effort in a different fashion. Helen MacInnes delivers a compelling war novel with credible characters in dire situations. GRADE: B+
I’ve never read any of MacInnes’ novels but, being a fan of spy novels, I’d probably enjoy them if I did. She must have been extremely popular in the Fifties during the time I was discovering SF because her books were everywhere, including my house, so I assume my mother was a fan.
Michael, I have a number of Helen MacInnes spy novels waiting to be read. You’re right about MacInnes’ popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s.
Wow, I don’t know this one at all. In the ’70s I read a few of hers and Jackie was a big fan. I remember in 1974, we had a Eurailpass and traveled around Europe for 7 weeks, and I definitely remember her bringing Helen MacInnes books to read. Just checked, and we both read her ASSIGNMENT IN BRITTANY (I later saw the movie, with Jean-Pierre Aumont). I was also reading Ross Macdonald, Earl Derr Biggers, John Wyndham, Ed McBain, P. D. James Peter Lovesey, and another MacInnes book (THE UNCONQUERABLE). I also bought Fontana paperbacks of five other MacInnes books for Jackie.
Jeff, back in the 1970s, Helen MacInnes books were everywhere. I picked them up and then…decades went by before I actually read one! It’s the story of my Life!
Haven’t read a one but Phil did.
Patti, Helen MacInnes has a sterling reputation for writing top-notch spy novels. I just didn’t get around to reading her until last week.
Suspense and spy novels have a huge overlap…MacInnes not least the cause…
Todd, most of the spy novels I’ve read are suspenseful.
Never could get into spy fiction, other than Bond.
Rick, there are many different “flavors” of spy novels. Some I like, others I don’t. I like Le Carre (especially his narration), Len Deighton’s Harry Palmer series, and lately Mick Herron.
George, your influence must be spreading. Just out of curiosity I checked my library to see what, if anything, they had by MacInnes. They have 11 of her novels, and here’s the kicker–8 of them have holds on them.
Michael, I’m not surprised by Helen MacInnes’ popularity. She tells a solid story with believable characters placed in dangerous situations. I regret I waited so long before reading her book.
I read and enjoyed a couple of her novels back in the 70s, but never adopted her as one of “my” writers. I was prepared to read more of her under the right circumstances, which apparently have not yet occurred.
Jeff, I share your inertia when it comes to some quality writers. I know their books are good, but I have to be in the Right Mood to read them!
I read a few back in the 60’s and enjoyed them. The other writer of spy fiction from that time I liked was Manning Coles who seems pretty much forgotten now.
Steve, it will not surprise you to learn that I happen to have a fistful of Manning Coles spy novels waiting to be read!
I have the first two Coles books too. I think Maggie Mason has read them.
Jeff, back in the 1970s Manning Coles paperbacks were everywhere!