Rating: 
Summary: some Griffin goodness, but also disturbing flaws
Review: This, the third in the Men at War series, takes us to the European theatre with Canidy, Whittaker, Bitter and company. Strong characters such as Fulmar, the Duchess and Canidy are back.There's a reasonable amount of action, although it's somewhat disjointed, as if certain minor gaps in the story were a little too much trouble to fill. The large amount of material on the German characters gives an interesting look at life in the black of the SS-SD. We see some of the 'military/naval moments' that Griffin does so well. On the other hand, we have the usual bodice-ripping sexual stuff, with the normal number of oversexed females practically ravishing males. At least in this book none of them seem to be virgins suddenly surrendering their 'pearl of great price', as Griffin usually describes the hymen. And, of course, we cannot get through a book without at least one character being unfaithful to a spouse. Be advised also that this is a reprint of a book first published long ago, so its current state may not reflect the evolution of Griffin's style in the intervening time. If you are new to Men at War but not to Griffin, this may catch you a bit off guard. Recommended provided you are accustomed to, or don't much mind, some of the weaknesses.
Rating:
Summary: Assault on the evil empire
Review: You know, even when you consider the Communists under Josef Stalin, the Nazi's and the Third Reich remain to this day the ultimate Darth Vader of our memory. So any story Griffith tells, even this one early in his career, strikes a target rich environment. All the Griffith characters are emboldened with focus and fidelity, and here is no exception.
Griffith's writing skills evolved along with his story telling, plot construction and the ability to hold a few face cards close to his chest so as not to reveal them until page three hundred or thereabout.
My own journey through the prodigous Mr. Griffith was to pick up the first of the Corps series, meet China Marine Ken McCoy, and fasten my seat belt. Then I went to the Army series and started with The Lieutenants. Anyhow that was my approach.
I think if you haven't read him, you ought to start with one of those to see how the plot evolves. Soldier Spies is like seeing a great athlete in stuttering, poorly focused VHS films in the Fifth Grade. You can't really appreciate the whole picture and as in this case, this Griffith novel, without knowing much else, is just average.
Just my observation. 4 stars. Larry Scantlebury
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