To The Last Page

Aside from the negligible thriller elements reminiscent of Le Carré and Buchan promised by the publisher and the circumstances of the novel - Baxandall's only novel being first published now after the author's death - there is an intriguing historical premise nonetheless behind A Grasp of Kaspar that seems an appropriate exploration for a renowned historian, but it's one unfortunately that comes to overwhelm any drive behind the story or genuine exploration of the characters. The mystery of former Nazis now running a textile business involved in a mysterious operation across the border to Switzerland in the immediate post-war years doesn't really establish itself as a purposeful or indeed a credible investigation. Briggs, a writer and historian, has been asked by an American friend interested in his business investments to follow up on some financial rumours and find out some information about a textile company being managed by Kasper Leinberger.  With not a great deal...