Agents of Treachery, A Compendium of Spy Fiction

Containing short spy stories by authors who specialize in novel length mysteries, Agents of Treachery offers the prowess of these long length writers to develop a story within a limited number of pages. Edited by Otto Penzler, an author and bookseller, he introduces the selections with some poignant and pithy remarks. Included are authors Lee Child, James Grady, Robert Wilson and Stella Rimington to name a few.

According to Penzler: “Establishing characters and places, creating plots within plots within plot, arranging treachery and duplicity in a credible fashion within the political alliances and betrayals of the time, all take subtlety and explanation – and a lot of pages.” Although no specifications other than a limit of twenty to thirty pages were given, that limitation alone can be quite daunting.

Each author was allowed to choose their own backgrounds and plots. Writing an original story that holds the interest of the reader yet becomes plausible does not lend itself to many short stories. These authors have done a terrific job of not only giving the reader an intelligible plot; they make it interesting.

Agents of Treachery edited by Otto Penzler, published by Vintage Books will hold you interest.