Lehrter Station

John Russell, his girlfriend, Effi and their families are in post-war London.  Six months after the war has ended, the Soviets contact Russell, expecting him to acquiesce to their demands.  They want him back in Berlin spying for them on the Germans and the Americans.  Russell's old friend from the Soviet Union, Shchepkin, is to be his contact while Russell plays the double agent role.  Shchepkin wants out, but it is going to be difficult for the two of them to manage.  Shchepkin also warns Russell that MI6 has Russian double agents working for them.

Upon returning to Berlin, Russell and Effi plan on searching for Rosa's father, the Jewish orphan Effi took under her wing during the closing phase of the war.  Russell's first task for the Soviets is to check into the allegiance of some of the German members of the party.  It also becomes quite clear that the Americans have great influence in the western zone of Berlin.

Russell finds out that one of his friends, a private investigator, has been denounced by a black marketeer, and is languishing in a French prison.  Russell hopes to get him released, but that could put himself in jeopardy.

Russel's quest leads him across war torn Europe.  He sees the devastation left and how the people are struggling to survive.  The Americans and Soviets are in charge, and are preparing for future battles between the two nations.  Caught in between are the Germans who the Americans feel must be punished for the war and the Jews who want to create a new home in Palestine.  And throughout, the black marketeers continue to profit.

Author David Downing has written a very good thriller that is hard to put down.