Robert Harris creates a crisp and compelling based-on-true-events thriller about British Prime Minister Asquith's obsession with Venetia Stanley, an aristocrat who is half his age, just as the Great War begins. It's hard to fathom a prime minister so neglectful of his duties and risk so much out of vanity and romantic obsession. Venetia is an engaging character, and the reader can't help but feel for the dilemma she's plunged into. A good read. Classic Robert Harris.

Robert Harris knows how to write. I have never been disappointed in any of his books and this one did not break the winning streak. At first I thought the title referred to the dangerous situation just before the outset of WWI. Asquith, the PM, wanted to avoid a war but it was inevitable that with the various agreements and treaties, Britain would be sucked into the maelstrom.

It turns out that I now think the precipice was more of the PM’s making as he acts like a besotted teenager and does things that are both shocking and treasonous. The fact is that he is so obsessed with his mistress that all reason and common sense seem to elude him. What makes this book even scarier is the fact that these are real people who wielded real power and much of the story comes from letters that were sent back and forth before and during the war. Much of what he shares is top secret including documents and telegrams that could have blown up in his face. Venetia, the woman, tries to advise Asquith in an intelligent way as she balances between propriety and shame as the PM is anything but subtle in his ardour.

Well paced and written, it is a book that will draw you down the rabbit hole in which these two protagonists find themselves. Five purrs and two paws up.

I love how Robert Harris restores my faith in historical fiction. Just when I think I'm done with it, I read one of his and wish more authors could write like he does. I wasn't aware of this part of Britain's WWI history and thoroughly enjoyed the cast of real people. He truly is one of the best!