I first read this book at the height of the cold war, and had been intending to re-read it for some time. it held up well, even though the plot is seriously dated. it is one of the earliest “anti-war” books i ever encountered. it is set in the era of Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, and that fact turns out to be central to the core mystery. Much of the philosophy expressed in the book applies right now, especially given the conditions in the U.S. in recent years. It is a quick and worthwhile read.