This is a modern day novel of suspense and intrigue set within the glamorous diplomatic community of Vienna, Austria. An American Embassy communicator, Alan Barr, has not returned from his scheduled vacation. The State Department is notified and the message is rerouted to CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

Johnny Collins, a CIA trouble shooter, immediately departs for Vienna. Shortly, after Collins arrives, Barr's body is discovered. With the assistance of the Embassy staff and CIA Chief-of-Station, Roy Greenly, Collins investigates the death. As they work there way through a maze of related Embassy situations, Collins uncovers the probability that Barr was a double agent for the Russians. The involvement of a Russian SVR agent and several other foreign terrorists, with their own agendas, adds to the dilemma. The death of an American courier, the kidnapping of an American school bus and the bombing at a diplomatic reception adds mystery and suspense. The Russians' overwhelming desire to outsmart an American counterpart only contributes to the intrigue.

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ISBN 0-75960-379-O (pa)
ISBN 0-7596-0380-4 (cl)