The first Mr Moto novel, not very long. Written by Marquand, who once had a strong reputation but seems to be little read these days. He's a good writer - a relaxed, skilled style, a little like Maugham. Very easy to read, and I like the more internationalist aspect of it.
The story is about an American pilot, a one time war hero turned drunk (so an actual decent role for a hero) who goes to Japan for a job which falls through. Secret agent Mr Moto offers him a gig basically spying on America for Japan - this book is a fascinating historical document because it's all about the rivalry between the US and Japan in the Pacific and their growing empires.
There's a mystery girl, a Russian (who I expected to die but lives), a dead body on a ship, a crisis of confidence for the hero who decides to be good, a rival force in the from of a smooth Chinese gangster who is an enemy of Moto, a hidden formula for oil as the macguffin.
Marquand has a gift for action and suspense, like the scenes on the boat - the book could have done with more of them. The drunken hero gives extra meat. Moto pops in at various intervals - it's not his story but he is a memorable character.
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